As its name so subtly suggests, the Japandi interior design style is a simple combination of Japanese and Scandinavian elements. While these two styles might not seem to be so similar at first, they both incorporate plenty of clean, simple, and natural aspects, while putting an emphasis on functionality, minimalism, and the aesthetic value of modesty. Such a fusion doesn’t only make for a clean, elegant, and modern design, but also evokes a sense of calmness and serenity that’s ideal for any living space. If you want to incorporate the Japandi style into your home as well, here are some brilliant tips that might help:
image © Davide Cantelli
Opt for a neutral color palette
One of the most prominent aspects these design styles have in common is a muted and neutral color palette that creates quite a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere in any space. If you want to evoke the peaceful nature of Japandi in your own home, stick to shades such as white, cream, beige, and oatmeal, particularly when it comes to the walls.
To avoid the bland and almost sterile look of your space, you could add some deeper hues to contrast these bright and airy colors. However, instead of going too dark with paints, it might be a better idea to introduce some balance and richness into the design through organic elements that are naturally deeper in color, such as tan bamboo furniture or chocolate wood flooring.
Choose varying furniture styles
Even though both the Japanese and the Scandinavian furniture designs offer clean and simple lines, they aren’t exactly the same in style. Nordic furniture tends to be lighter, brighter, and more modern, focusing mainly on minimalism and functionality, while the Japanese style tends to incorporate deeper hues, as well as more elegant and refined shapes.
In an effort to master the Japandi style in your home, feel free to mix these two design aspects for the best possible results. For example, you can incorporate the straight lines of the Scandi style into your light fixtures and minimal storage solutions, and combine them with the curved shape of low Japanese tables and dark stained woods. This will add more interest and dimension to your space, while perfectly embodying the nature of Japandi.
image © Paul Hanaoka
Become a master of layering rugs
The Japandi design doesn’t only value the aesthetic beauty of a simplistic style; it encourages you to experience this calmness and comfort with your other senses as well. For that reason, incorporating different-textured rugs into your space, and combining them through the art of layering, might be the smartest way to master this cozy yet peaceful atmosphere.
Choose a couple of natural fibre rugs from NZ, for instance, as they tend to offer the highest quality, as well as a minimalist design ideal for the Japandi style. Stick to bright and neutral shades, but don’t be afraid to combine different fibers and patterns when layering your rugs. That way, you will be able to include more texture and dimension into your interior, while still adhering to this simplistic design approach.
Make a statement with accessories
Considering the fact that such minimalism might feel too bland and boring for many, you might want to add some interest to your space through carefully chosen accessories as well. However, as both the Japanese and Scandinavian styles focus on functionality and simplicity, it would be advised not to go overboard with the accessories in your home either.
For example, you can opt for a large statement painting on one wall and leave the rest empty. Decorate your seating area with a throw blanket and a couple of soft pillows to add a Hygge element, without overdoing the coziness aspect. When it comes to smaller accessories for shelves and coffee tables, opt for natural-looking materials as well, but opt for something new such as cork, stone, or even concrete, for added dimension and cohesion.
image © 五玄土 ORIENTO
Bring some natural elements indoors
When a space is decorated with natural elements, it will truly bring the Japandi style to life. However, this doesn’t only mean incorporating organic materials like wood, cork, and bamboo into your home, but also bringing in plenty of greenery in the form of houseplants that will produce fresh, crisp air, and evoke a naturally calming atmosphere.
Another simple way to include more natural elements indoors, while highlighting the simplistic Japandi design, is to bring in as much natural light as possible, through large windows or glass doors. But, considering the fact that this might not actually be doable in all interiors, a good alternative could also be enhanced indoor lighting solutions, as well as large mirrors to bounce off the available natural light.
Evidently, the simplistic and calm nature of the Japandi style, as well as the ease of design it brings, might explain its growing popularity around the world. If you want to incorporate this minimalism and peacefulness into your living space as well, use the handy tips above to turn your home into a true sanctuary with Japandi.
