Many design philosophies aim to turn homes into captivating havens, but there’s one that’s taking the world over these days: Japandi. It’s a thoughtful fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian cosiness that speaks to our innate desire for tranquillity and comfort.
But how can you combine such style frameworks? Let’s explore the essential elements of the Japandi design and how you can bring its understated elegance into your own space.
Element #1: Natural Materials
Japandi celebrates the inherent beauty of natural materials, including its flaws. Unfinished wood, raw concrete, linen, ceramic, wool, and rattan are your best friends. Use them to create an interior design style that resonates with you now and in the future.
Don’t shy away from imperfections when choosing fixtures. A knot in a reclaimed solid French oak wood, for example, adds character. Those made from light, natural wood like oak, bamboo, and Scots pine also work like magic.
You can also introduce natural fibres and textiles made from linen, cotton, or wool to maintain an organic feel, and use them sparingly to create texture and depth in certain sections. A concrete-finish accent wall, meanwhile, embodies a neo-industrial design that many UK homeowners prefer.
Element #2: Functional Pieces With Clean Lines
When embracing Japandi, choose furniture pieces that look good and serve a clear purpose. Every item in the room should earn its place and contribute to the overall sense of calm and order.
The bedroom, for instance, can be transformed by this design philosophy. A 2024 UK study discovered that around 24.7% of Britons aged 40 to 69 are sleeping below the recommended hours. Although there are several factors to consider, embracing the Japandi approach of clutter-free and tranquil living can help.Sleep better with a good mattress on top of a low-slung bed frame perfectly embodying Japanese design principles that celebrate our close ties with nature.
Similarly, opt for furniture pieces with graceful silhouettes and minimal decorations. Use discreet storage solutions like built-in shelves and drawers to keep essentials out of sight but within reach. You don’t have to fill your living space with décor, though. In Japandi, an empty space is a feature, not a flaw, as it helps rest the eye and mind. 
Element #3: A Pared-Down Palette
This design fusion emphasises using neutral colour palettes. Think beige, soft charcoal, sage green, and other earthy colours inspired by nature. Doing so creates a serene backdrop and minimises visual distractions. It promotes a sense of calm and spaciousness.
Many people associate colours with certain emotions. For example, participants of a 2020 study link white (43%) and blue (35%) with feelings of relief and green (39%) with contentment. Such hues carry different meanings among the general population, though. Green symbolises nature and growth, white means purity and truth, and blue means wisdom and serenity. (2)
Element #4: Textures and Tactile Warmth
Your colour palettes may be subdued, but it doesn’t mean you can’t introduce rich sensory delights and tactile experiences. Make your home more comfortable by combining elements that ease your mind and body.
Layered Textures
Stacking different textures adds depth and invites touch. Chunky knit or woollen throws draped over a linen sofa, a sheepskin rug under your foot, and hand-thrown ceramic tableware are additions to consider.
Lighting
Maximising natural light is a core aspect of this design, so it pays to keep windows uncluttered and use sheer curtains. When incorporating artificial lighting, opt for warm and ambient sources for a soft glow. Dimmers are your friends, too, as they can help adjust your mood.
Handcrafted Touches
Scandinavian interiors are known for their minimalist aesthetic and clean lines. Even so, handcrafted touches like imperfect pottery give Japandi its ‘soul.’ Minimally processed objects provide warmth and history as you inject your style preferences into your space.
Nature-Inspired Accents
Houseplants like snake plants or bonsai, along with stone or wood accessories, breathe life into the room. Materials like weathered wood and reclaimed wood have their place, particularly when aiming for a rustic and eco-friendly farmhouse design.
Altogether, these elements help you create a sanctuary that brings a sense of calmness that nourishes your soul. They’re also great for refreshing a property’s look without resorting to costly remodelling activities.
Only over two million of 15.8 million owner-occupied houses in England were built after 2002. If yours has been standing since the previous millennium, touches of nature here and there can be the simple, soothing updates your home badly needs.
Pro Tips
It’s easy to adapt Japandi into your living spaces. Start small by doing it in one section and see how it speaks to you.
- Bedroom: Keep it airy with minimal furniture, calming textiles, and a plant or two.
- Living room: If you love movie marathons and bingeing on the latest series, consider a sleeper sofa or modular couch in neutral colours. Insert oak wood furniture or a low-profile teak table and textured throws.
- Kitchen: Pick matte finishes and Nordic design-inspired open wood shelving to store simple ceramic ware. Place an oval wood table and chairs with sleek designs for ergonomic support.
- Bathroom: Introduce natural stone basins, light wood accents, and soft ambient lighting.
You can further infuse Japandi with other aesthetics, including traditional or mid-century modern design. Just make sure to stick to its core principles to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatively, you can ask an interior designer to help you out.
The Heart of Japandi
The magic of the Japandi style lies in finding the sweet spot between two seemingly disparate aesthetics. On one side, there’s the wabi-sabi principle from Japan, which encourages simplicity, imperfection, and a preference for natural elements. From Scandinavia comes hygge, a concept combining comfort, cosiness, and well-being.
Japandi is more a lifestyle than a design concept. It encourages us to slow down and find joy no matter how tough life can get. These tips can help you achieve that by creating a space that feels peaceful and inviting.
