Japandi – A Neoteric Style in Interior Design

What is Japandi Style?

The word “Japandi” is a portmanteau of Japan and Scandinavia, thus evidently suggesting that this type of interior design is a hybrid of aesthetic elements from both of these countries. Even though the two nations may not seem to have many similarities prima facie, both styles propagate a common set of principles such as minimalism, functionality, and artistic values of modesty, along with an emphasis on incorporating simple, clean, and natural components.

Japandi design is an ideal fusion of the two regional styles that share a profound respect for nature and high-quality craftsmanship while accentuating upon maintaining a low-profile yet sophisticated look.

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Although a relatively new trend, the Japandi style of interior design is rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. A perfect blend of Japan’s rustic minimalism and Scandivanian Hygge (a term that refers to comfort and well-being in soothing atmospheres), this style redefines elegance and modernity whilst evoking a sense of serenity in a unique way with clean lines, toned-down colors, yet bright spaces.

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Elements of Japandi Design for Sanctuary-Like Home

1) Warm and Muted Color Palette

Essentially inspired by nature, the Japandi color palette typically includes calming neutral colors like white, ivory, cream, grey, pastels (Scandinavian shades) in combination with earthy tones such as beige, oatmeal, tan, blues, and greens (Japanese hues).

Source : Ward5design

This style focuses on creating a balance and symmetry rather than contrast amongst the colors. Hence, when it comes to incorporating the dark and brighter colors, it should be done so in a subtle and meaningful way so as to retain the relaxed and harmonious atmosphere of the space that Japandi design aims at.

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2) Natural Textures and Materials

Wood, jute, linen, stone, sisal, bamboo, cork are some of the best choices for application on large surfaces like floors, walls, and windows. Their inherent rustic texture adds warmth and depth into a space that accounts for the homespun vibe of Japandi, while exuding sophistication, simplicity and eco-friendliness altogether.

Source : Ward5design

Some other materials in coherence to this style are ceramic, terracotta, paper and other natural fibers. Using houseplants to induce greenery and natural warmth is another way of adding a sense of outdoor living in the interiors.

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Busy patterns and heavily embellished surfaces should be kept at bay in Japandi design.

3) Mindful Accessorization

The design languages of both the regions give precedence to functionality and simplicity over decoration, thereby dictating the curation of meaningful accessories in accordance to that philosophy.

Source : Anthology

For instance – a few books, vases along with ceramic crockery on a table. A statement wall painting of significant size on a wall and leaving rest of it empty. Combining Scandi’s Hygge elements like soft pillows with Japanese imperfections through rugs and throws for decorating the seating area.

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Some more accessories that serve a purpose while also reinforcing the natural elements of the Japandi design are unglazed clay pottery, grass plumes, baskets, macramé, and woven canisters.

Metal finishes like chrome should be avoided in Japandi interiors.

4) Low-Profile Furniture

The Japanese, as well as the Scandinavian design, celebrate the natural warmth and aesthetics of wood, a material that undeniably wins when it comes to choosing furniture, especially in the Japandi style. It can be very well paired with other accent elements of the room. However, it is advisable to opt for the wood pieces that have a coating of oil, instead of polyurethane.

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The furniture pieces of Japandi interiors should have elegant and refined shapes with clear and simple lines that reflect minimalism, and essentially be devoid of any complex curves or ornate details.

Source: Ward5design

Another common feature of Japandi style is skinny-legged furniture.

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Speaking of sofa upholstery, full-grain leather, durable linen and denim cotton are some of the excellent choices for a luxurious yet comfortable look.

Source:Ward5design

5) Unobtrusive Floor Plans

The floor plans of Japandi interiors focus on easy and seamless movement throughout a room, therefore purposeful arrangements and obstacle-less layouts are vital parts of the hybrid design.  De-cluttering is the key to achieving the desirable free-flowing spaces that also ameliorate flow of natural light, ventilation and provision of views throughout the different areas of your home.

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Furthermore, the under-utilized spaces in your home can be transformed into storage areas to maximize functionality and reduce obstructions, thus increasing the efficacy level of adherence to the Japandi concept.

Source : Ward5design

Japandi style is an inspired synthesis, imbued with the restraint and functionality of Scandinavian laconicism and the inviting charm of the Japanese way of life. A rising trend, this design oozes peacefulness and simplicity, while following the ideology of “quality over quantity”. You can easily practice the aforementioned tips to inculcate the elegant Japandi style into your home interiors.

 

 

The word “Japandi” is a portmanteau of Japan and Scandinavia, thus evidently suggesting that this type of interior design is a hybrid of aesthetic elements from both of these countries. Even though the two nations may not seem to have many similarities prima facie, both styles propagate a common set of principles such as minimalism, functionality, and artistic values of modesty…

28 Comments

  1. This was quite new thing for me, but kudos to the author…indeed an informative one

  2. I’ll just go japandi on my room , getting some imports from northeast for it ….

  3. Very new thing n informative… concept
    Looks serene clean light cozy too..

  4. After looking around, I find this article the most informative of all. Looking forward to reading more

  5. Thank you for your thoughts, Ishan. Indeed, the Japandi style exudes rawness and simplicity in a wonderful way.

  6. Apoorve, absolutely, Japandi is a beautiful style to incorporate. Let me know where you are sourcing the pieces for your room from.

  7. Thank you for your feedback, Miss Mayuri. Indeed, Japandi reflects serenity and simplicity in a sophisticated way.

  8. Poonam, thank you for your feedback. Glad to serve the purpose of spreading informative knowledge.

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