Japandi Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know
One of the upcoming Interior design trends and probably the most timeless one, Japandi Interior Design style is all about simplicity and authenticity.
So, what is Japandi style? And why is it becoming the most talked about Interior Design style?
Well, I personally love the whole concept of Japandi and can’t wait to receive inquiries about this style from my clients so I can create more Japandi wonders!
Japandi Interior Design is a perfect blend of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian Minimalism.
A mix of two styles – modern and rustic, that go hand-in-hand to create a comfortable and cozy aura!
BTW, I have a project from my portfolio to share with you all! Have a look at this residence in Tokyo designed in pure Japandi Interior Design Style (Photo Below)! (Thank you, Vincent!)
What is Japandi style?
So, moving on to talk about Japandi design and décor, it is REALLY the BEST of both worlds! Amalgamating the two contemporary design styles, a perfect balance of Wabi-Sabi Japanese ethics with Nordic countries’ minimal and simple living could be very well seen!
This interior design style introduces warm and earthy palettes to clean lines, geometries, and rustic touches!
There is a major emphasis on functionality and creating a soothing experience for the users!
Hence, you wouldn’t find a lot of extravagant decoration or flamboyant patterns and motifs here! Just some simple and sleek lines and décor make their way!
And since Japandi Interior Design style incorporates the concept of Wabi-Sabi (and that is something I personally LOVE too), there is a major focus on finding PERFECTION in IMPERFECTION!
I mean, that is what Wabi-Sabi offers, right?
Or should I now say, JAPANDI too!
Japanese and Scandinavian designs are perfect roommates!
Yes, they are – but you know why?
Because they have a similar philosophy!
Both the cultures – Japanese and Scandinavian find beauty in imperfections! They have a similar approach to life that is filled with serenity, coziness, and functionality.
Let’s read ahead to know more about the design elements of Japandi Interior Design Style!
Japandi Interior Design: Color Palette
Now here comes a major difference between the Japanese and Scandinavian design styles!
The Scandinavian color palette is all about neutrals and light-toned shades (of course, because of the challenging weather in the Nordic countries!). You will observe tons of soft pastels, whites, off-whites, pale pink, green, and light blues.
Whereas Japanese like to incorporate nature and earthy tones in their palette! There is an abundant use of black, charcoal grey, natural woods, and daring browns!
Aren’t they so opposite in this case?
Well, maybe that’s why opposites attract?
Okay getting back to Japandi color schemes – there is a perfect blend of daring colors of Japanese style into the airy palette of Scandinavia!
After all, it was very much required, indeed!
A pro tip: Make sure that you don’t highlight a specific accent in Japandi style!
Instead, go for neutralizing and creating a sense of harmony in the space by balancing the use of darker and lighter hues!
Think of beige, terracotta, taupe, and oatmeal and never let go of walnut woods and browns!
For a tint of accent, you could introduce gold-tinted lighting fixtures as well (but remember, in very small amounts)!
Monochromes too prove an authentic Japandi feel!
Have a look at these insights from my latest JAPANDI project! Also, don’t forget to check this Japandi style color palette sample!
Biophilia
Japandi is simply incomplete without a touch of nature indoors!
Both Scandinavian and Japanese style have incorporated nature in their homes – and now is the time for their SON ‘Japandi’!
Unlike the bohemian style which favors tons of hanging planters and indoor plants indoors, Japandi likes to have an upper hand on quality over quantity.
Just a large piece of fig-tree, bonsai, or a succulent in the corner is more than enough for Japandi style. A cost-effective technique, these plants help in imbibing a fresh and wholesome vibe to your homes.
The main idea is to pay tribute to Mother Nature that one or two plants and natural woods can do!
Sustainable materials are a major element of Japandi interior design style.
The use of rattan, bamboo, and wicker is something I would DEFINITELY recommend.
However, say a NO-NO to fancy paints and everything GLAM!
Japandi Interior Design Style: Furniture
A hallmark of Japandi Interior Design style – make sure to mix and match the furniture from both the parent design styles!
Scandinavian furniture is usually lighter in shade with subtle use of creams, beiges, greiges, and off-whites!
Japanese furniture introduces dark and daring tones into the furniture with elegant and functional shapes.
So, for Japandi, try to infuse both these shades!
Some of your furniture could be darker meanwhile, some could be lighter. Using contrasting shapes – clean and curved is another way to add a sense of character in the homes!
Also, don’t forget to use natural wood stains in the furniture.
Japandi furniture is usually very low-heighted! They believe in simplicity and staying close to the Earth and that is why there is a great opportunity in playing with the scale and proportion of the room.
Japandi furniture is marked by simplicity and functionality. There aren’t any extravagant motifs, decoratives, or simply, features that won’t come into use by the users!
A simple daybed, traditional Japanese style mattress, low-lying armchairs and coffee tables are what defines the authenticity of Japandi.
Accessories
The main ideology behind Japandi style is “LESS IS MORE”!
Just like minimalism!
In a perfect Japandi setting, it is quite likely for you to observe minimal furniture and items that are extremely very essential!
You wouldn’t find a lot of accessories in Nordic style – just some basic decorative pieces that define functionality.
Add a huge piece of artwork that best describes the mood of your space or simply some rattan décor pieces or plants to define your minimal belief.
Pampas grass and dried leaves are other accent accessories of your space.
Maybe add some pieces of neutral throw pillows, throw blankets, antiques, bowls, trays, vases, ceramic ornaments, and lamps to create a homey feel!
Use rattan baskets and lampshades, rustic stools, floor mats, and handwoven décor and accents!
Use ‘Shoji’ panels for doors and windows as they are light and airy – well! Perfect for Japandi beliefs!
While using plants, do take care of the planter designs!
Yes, all these little details matter in a JAPANDI space.
Japandi Interior Design Style: Materials and Fabrics
When Japandi comes, there is no moving back from natural materials!
Cork, hardwood, concrete, linen, cotton, jute, rattan, terracotta, bamboo, and wicker are all perfect examples of Japandi materials and fabrics.
Japanese and Scandinavian styles align their principles with ‘Wabi-Sabi’ and ‘hygge’ which means finding beauty in imperfections and creating a space that is cozy and warm!
Hence, to introduce warmth and coziness, there has to be plenty of soft fabrics in the form of pillows, blankets, and mattresses.
You could also add traditional Japanese motifs, handmade ‘urushi’, paper lamps, ceramics, and handwoven fabrics.
I wouldn’t recommend a lot of velvet and shiny fabrics as they oppose the beliefs of Japandi!
Going clean and minimal with comfort is the key!
At the End, Declutter
Well yes! That’s the key behind minimalism!
Also for a better flow of Feng Shui, it is important to declutter and make the surroundings absolutely spick and span!
Get rid of all the items you feel are of no use and keep only the ones that might be usually utilized!
After all, that’s what JAPANDI says – living a simple life with only the necessities!
And due to this feature, Japandi spaces feel so bright, welcoming, positive, and airy!
Well-being is utterly important here.
All the decorative items you owe or put on the display should have a meaning and somehow should reflect your beliefs and lifestyle!
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Japandi is not just an interior design style, instead, it is a LIFESTYLE!
A perfect blend of beliefs from the East and West, this trend is bound to become a mere NORM in the coming future!
From simplicity to an “at-ease” aura, Japandi Interior Design style is the secret to a comfortable and cozy space!
Japandi is a perfect fusion of tradition and modernism, nature, and craftsmanship, subtle and daring, and aesthetic and philosophy!
So, are you excited to incorporate this sophisticated and elegant design style in your homes and also, LIFE? Well, do let me know in the comments below about your experiences as I would LOVE to know more about them or check out my Interior Decoration packages for a one-on-one design discussion about your space!
[…] sure that more and more homebuyers are admiring this style. Like I mentioned in my article about Japandi Interior Design Style, it is a given that this style is all about finding beauty in imperfections while adding a cozy […]