You’ve heard the word, you’ve read the headlines, now it’s time to see if Japandi design is right for you.
If you’ve got your finger on the pulse of the interior design world, odds are you’ve heard the word “Japandi” thrown around a time or two — or two hundred. Japandi design began its rise to global popularity about four years ago and the heat around it is still yet to cool off, even a little bit.
Japandi is a style of design that fuses Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics to form a modern yet warm aura. While that Scandinavian-Japanese relationship may seem unlikely, its emergence is not as random as it may seem. Take it from Linda Hasselbalch, the Owner of Norlii, a Scandinavian lifestyle company and subscription box provider.
According to her, “Japan and Scandinavia have always been closely connected in expression, and many of the Danish mid-century designers are greatly inspired by Japanese artistry. The style is perfect for people worldwide who want to create tranquility and balance in their homes.”
She explains this is the case because “Japandi combines Scandinavian minimalism with the Japanese preference for nature’s organic materials. Just think of bamboo, reed mats and paper lamps. Mixed with the clean-lined, stringent Scandinavian tradition, Japandi becomes soft, clean-lined and very pleasant.”
What is the Japandi style?
Japandi is a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. This combination results in a clean, modern aesthetic that exudes a satisfying simplicity. Japandi style is also referred to as Scandi-Japanese style and it’s found in all corners of the world today.
As Emily Bishop, the owner and curator of Japandi Supply House put it, “Japandi is a blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian cozy. Based on the principles of Wabi-Sabi and Hygge, Japandi focuses on minimalism, simplicity, a neutral color palette, comfort, greenery and natural materials.”
She sums it all up simply by stating, “The Japandi design aesthetic creates calm, serene, clutter-free spaces where you want to cozy up and enjoy the moment.”
One of the main reasons the Japandi aesthetic has become popular in so many parts of the world is because of its calming effect. There’s just something about the fusion of natural materials like wood, stone and plants with a minimalist approach that creates a laid-back ambiance that’s both pleasing to the eye and nurturing to the soul.
What materials are used in Japandi design?
As mentioned above, Japandi design embraces the use of natural materials wherever possible. Listed below are some of the most common materials you can expect to find in a Japandi-inspired home:
- Wood: walnut, acorn and teak
- Plants: rattan, bamboo and cane
- Fabrics: organic linen, organic muslin and velvet
Aside from natural and organic materials, Japandi design also utilizes a muted palette with solid colors.
“Japandi is all about bringing a sense of peace and calm into your home,” explains the Designer Tile Company team.
“Because of this, Japandi color schemes heavily feature neutral colors, such as white, cream, taupe, beige, olive, muted red, brown and black. We recommend choosing warm tones and earthy hues that remind you of nature.”
No aggressive patterns or loud colors. Japandi-style interior design only utilizes clean modern muted colors that enhance the space as opposed to taking it over. The idea here is that all of the elements work in harmony to create one comfortable and cohesive environment. This approach avoids placing the focus on an accent wall or statement piece.
How can I Japandi my apartment?
Turning your apartment into a Japandi-inspired oasis is not as simple as buying some plants and throwing a muted organic linen blanket on the sofa. That being said, there are some simple things that you can do to add a Japandi vibe to your abode.
- Make sure everything has a place and a purpose. Even if that purpose is as simple as making you smile when you look at it. You should be able to justify the existence of nearly everything in your home
- Choose a warm white as your base color. Sheets, walls, utensils, decor — do your best to use white as much as possible. Pair that approach with neutral colors and you’re well on your way.
- Use organic and natural materials whenever possible. Whether that’s furniture, frames, plants or anything in between, if it’s natural, it belongs.
“What I really love about Japandi design,” explains Erin Penney, the writer behind girly geek Blog + Media, “is that, while it is its own unique thing, it’s built on the best of two worlds; the comfort and functionality of Scandi with the natural calmness of Japanese design. It’s like a home-cooked meal that way. It may not have many ingredients, but everyone loves it anyway.”
“Plus, because it focuses so heavily on clean lines, natural materials, and minimalism, it’s really easy to give it your own twist of flavor. You can really be as bold (or not!) as you’d like with other features like texture and contrast.”
Is Japandi design just a trend?
You may think to yourself, “I’ve seen a hundred of these design trends come and go. What’s different about this one?” And that’s a perfectly reasonable question to ask. But Japandi style is here to stay. That’s because it taps into principles of design that are centuries old and beyond proven in their broad appeal.
Vanja Barbul, the Founder & Creative Director at Barbulianno Design has some interesting ideas about the staying power of Japandi design. Her take is that “Homes in urban places are getting smaller and smaller, requiring more creativity to create a stylish and functional home.”
“What’s unique about Japandi style is that it can be implemented in any space. With its focus on simplicity, functionality and nature, no wonder it has become one of the leading trends in the interior design industry. Featuring well-made pieces, clean lines and subtle colors, Japandi is perfect for creating a calm, uncluttered home where you can unwind after a long day.”
Is Japandi design right for you?
“Many people are drawn to Japandi design due to its eclectic mix of cultures that showcase a minimal, modern aesthetic,” says Tia Clarida, owner of Creative Culture Marketing.
She goes on to explain that the Japandi aesthetic is evolving to include some more mainstream ideas by noting, “Recently, we are seeing an integration of deeper paint colors alongside soothing neutrals that present a warm, grounding palette. Another Japandi trend we are seeing is the introduction of whimsical elements like murals and wallpapers that nod to nature.”
If you’re a traditionalist when it comes to Japandi, though, don’t fret. Tia went on to quell those worries by strongly stating that “The universal theme of Japandi — which is its focus on intentional living, sustainability, authenticity and balance — will never be outshined by any trend.”
Japandi design encourages a clutter-free life defined by clean design and calming colors. It’s an approach to design that combines some of the most sought-after elements of eastern and western philosophies. This cohesive approach ultimately creates an environment where people from all over the globe can feel comfortable. If that’s not timeless, what is?
Source: rent.com