Japandi design is a modern fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian. Don’t Call Me Penny writer, Catherine Collins, has investigated this calm and dynamic design duo.

Ready for a new trend in interior design? Then meet Japandi design. Japandi is a fusion of Japanese philosophy and Scandinavian design. It blends Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy of embracing imperfection.

Many designers say that the future will belong to Japandi interiors and for all the good reasons. It’s clean and minimalist, warm and cosy, and not to mention utterly beautiful. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect Japandi design interior.

Warm and neutral colours

The base and background of every Japandi interior are warm and neutral colours. This style blends together the whiteness of Scandi with muted colours and natural shades, such as brown, beige and dark green. If you want to go for a more dramatic look, implement some grey and black, but don’t let it overbear the space.

Japandi design is the perfect common ground between the bright and bold colour scheme of Scandinavian style and the warm and natural style of Japan. Splashes of colour can be introduced but always without exaggerating and breaking the minimalistic harmony of the space.

 

Minimalism is the new black

It’s not a surprise that minimalism is strong with the Japandi design because it’s one of the defining traits of both Scandinavian and Japanese styles. It’s the backbone of this new style and it breathes simplicity, airiness, and focuses on functionality rather than aesthetics.

Japandi design has no space for clutter and too much useless decor. Even furniture is chosen to have clean and minimalistic lines that reinforce the whole philosophy. It’s positioned low on the ground encouraging the connection between people and the Earth, which is especially strong in the Japanese culture.

 

Natural materials

Wabi-sabi, a Japanese worldview, is based on the imperfection of both nature and humans. So, the presence of furniture with simple and natural materials with imperfections, such as exposed grain and irregular tones, is quite common.

The furniture is often matched with natural and textured fabrics that have no decor and pattern. Many designers choose to make a contrast between dark and light colours for an extra aesthetic effect.

This can be achieved by combining different materials such as wooden bathroom flooring and white designer baths. Japandi design can also be made more interesting by adding Japanese fixtures such as handmade ceramics and textured paper lamps.

 

Bring nature inside

Japandi design doesn’t support many accessories and strictly decorative pieces, and it mostly uses plants to add some life to the space. Also, one of the basics of this style is blurring the indoors and outdoors, and bringing greenery inside is the best way to achieve this.

However, always think quality over quantity, even with plants. Avoid jungle greenery, and opt for just one or two plants for a bold yet simple decor. Tall plants with elegant and sleek leaves placed in simple handmade pots will enhance the Zen in your space.

Japandi design

Kit Haselden Photography – www.kithaselden.com

Choose the right accessories

Many people dismiss Japandi because it’s too empty and austere for their taste. Japandi can also be spiced up with a few accessories which originate from Japanese and Scandinavian designs, such as tatami mats,

Oriental tapestries, ceramic pots, animal hides and knitted throws. Leather can also look great in Japandi homes if used with moderation. Glassware, books and a few industrial pieces can also enhance the distinct atmosphere and style of Japandi.

Japandi design is just starting to gain momentum in the world of interior design, but it will probably stay trendy for many more years to come. So, if you’re looking for a style that has all the best characteristics of the North and East, make sure to give Japandi a shot and feel the peace and order that minimalism brings into your life.

 

About The Author, Catherine Collins

Catherine is a passionate home design consultant from Melbourne. She loves making homes beautiful and buildings sustainable, but she also likes sharing her advice and knowledge with people. That is why she is also a regular contributor to the Smoothdecorator blog. Besides all this, she loves reading and enjoys a superhero movie from time to time.

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Header image courtesy of Blue Tea Kitchens