Minimalist beauty meets cosy design
With the modern world moving at breakneck speed, we turn to our interiors to find peace, quiet and comfort. And there’s one interior design trend that’s serving as the perfect antidote to fast living...
Japandi is a style that takes a meditative approach to interior design, stripping away the unnecessary and leaving only the objects and pieces that add tranquillity to our lives. Simplicity, functionality and comfort is everything in this look. When the world is desperately trying to grab your attention, Japandi encourages you to slow down and take a breath.
If you want a calming retreat away from your hectic workday, our handy Japandi style guide will give you hints and tips on how to achieve this stunning look.
What is Japandi style?
‘Japandi’ is a portmanteau word blending ‘Japanese’ and ‘Scandi’ interior design styles. It combines the Danish concept of ‘hygge’, which promotes a feeling of wellbeing, cosiness and calm alongside the Japanese principle of ‘wabi-sabi’, an aesthetic based on the beauty of imperfection, simplicity and the natural world.
Though the two styles come from different parts of the globe, their roots draw from very similar concepts. Both Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics cherish craftsmanship, simplicity and function above all else, but with a pleasing form that feels organic and elemental.
Japandi brings the clean lines and harmonious balance of Japanese design but is tempered by the informal, slightly rough-around-the-edges style of Scandi. Two concepts that complement each other perfectly.
How is Japandi different to Scandi style?
Scandi style is shaped by its cultural background. Countries in Northern Europe have historically dealt with harsh winters and the long, dark days that come with them. That’s why cosy textures dominate in Scandi. Faux fur rugs, chunky-knit throws or patterned woven blankets… no Scandinavian interior would be without those soft, homey touches.
Bright neutrals are also a staple of Scandi interiors because they need to reflect as much light as possible during months when the sunshine fades quickly. Another way they help interiors to feel welcoming is with the addition of layered lighting. You’ll often see candles, accent lamps and statement lampshades to complement natural lighting.
Though both Japanese and Scandinavian designs tend towards unfussy, practical and minimalist interiors, you’ll find that Scandi style furniture has a more rustic feel. Whereas in Japandi, you’ll see eastern design elements enter the frame, such as low-slung furniture with ultra-crisp lines to give these interiors a zen feel.
Japandi has the sleek sophistication of a wabi-sabi interior and also brings in the warmer wood tones of Japanese style, which nicely offsets the cooler tones of Scandi.
Key style points of Japandi
To achieve the subtle style of Japandi, it’s all about finding the harmonious mid-point between these two design philosophies. And there’s actually a lot of crossover. When designing your space, here are the main features to keep in mind.
Natural materials
Organic materials like wood, paper, stone and clay are all essential parts of creating the Japandi look. Wood in particular is normally the main element. Select furniture with rich, warming tones and captivating grain patterns to add interest.
Finishes like our new Nordic Oak in our Manhattan or Milan ranges, or our Rustic Oak in our Fusion range are perfect for creating a Japandi look. You can also create gorgeous aesthetics with our sliding door range using a plain or wood finish combined with mirror or glass. They’re perfect for Japandi style and great no matter if you’re short on space or simply prefer the simplicity of sliding doors.
Darker tones contrasted by neutrals
While the look predominantly uses soft neutrals as a backdrop, Japanese decor often makes excellent use of darker tones to create focal points. Look for furniture with black metallic accents or use dark ceramics to add a dash of contrast.
Clean, crisp lines
Simplicity is key. Style your spaces with furniture that offers a clean-cut silhouette. But that doesn’t mean everything has to be boxy - organic curves are very welcome. Just make sure that all of your lines are clear, crisp and defined.
Natural fabrics
A Japandi interior is no place for synthetics! Here, everything should be natural. Choose fabrics like linens, cotton, muslin and hemp. Preferably unbleached and organic.
Limited touches of colour
One unifying theme of Japandi interiors is that they always use a neutral as the main colour. It should be as calming as possible, so absolutely no vivid hues to distract from the composition.
If you do want to use accent colours to focus attention on a certain area of your space, make sure it’s something you would find in nature. Slate greys, greens, earth tones and deep blues all work well. But be sparing.
Sustainable decor
Choose sustainably-made room accents over anything mass produced. Forget cheap and flimsy materials and instead opt for ceramics, rattan, terracotta, earthenware pots, as well as plenty of plants.
Soft, cosy highlights
Bringing in some of that Scandinavian style, don’t forget to add cosy touches to your space like pillows, bedspreads and soft seating.
How to style a Japandi room
Now you’ve got a better idea of what to put into your dream Japandi space, we’re going to take a look at how to make it all come together. Follow this process and you won’t go too far wrong.
1. Begin with a soft neutral for walls
First of all, choose your base colour. For a Japandi interior, you’ll want to choose a soft neutral. Think cream, beige, almond, mushroom and stone rather than brash and brilliant whites.
Your space shouldn’t feel blinding. What you’re aiming for is an interior that’s harmonious and relaxing.
Then, if you want to add in some delicate notes of colour, you can blend them in, little by little through your choice of accessories.
2. Choose furniture that brings in natural textures
Wood is often the principal texture in a Japandi space and the easiest way to work this into your space is through your furniture.
Fitted wardrobes, dressers and display cabinets are all fantastic ways to incorporate natural textures into your space.
However, for smaller pieces like end tables or casual seating, don’t be afraid to work in other materials like rattan and seagrass.
3. Keep your furniture at a low visual line
Taking its cues from eastern design, a common theme in Japandi is to bring in low-profile furniture so that it opens out the rest of the space.
Low-backed sofas, benches and upholstered ottoman stools work wonders for this effect.
In bedrooms, bring in a lowline bed base to keep you grounded and close to the floor.
4. Strip back the unnecessary
This is the hardest but most rewarding part. Make sure to remove anything in your space that’s superfluous to requirements. If it’s not genuinely adding value to your life - whether that’s through practicality, necessity or because it balances the look of your room - either hide it or get rid of it.
Japandi is all about sleek and sophisticated minimalism. Anything on show should have its place. And if you are getting rid of any old knick-knacks, don’t throw them in the bin! Embrace the sustainable ethos of Japandi and find them a new home.
5. Add in statement features
None of your space should feel overwhelming to look at so choose your statement pieces wisely. In living rooms, adding wall-to-wall shelving can give you space to artfully arrange your books and accessories. Or, if you want to lean further into the Japanese style of things, why not add a dividing paper screen?
Another fantastic idea for bedrooms is to add sliding wardrobe doors, which blend beautifully into Japandi style. They’re highly customisable too, letting you discover the best combination of finishes to suit your space.
6. Maximise your light levels
Natural light is so important for this look. When styling your windows, go for wooden blinds or for lightweight curtains that won’t block out the sunshine. For the evening, make sure you’ve got plenty of layered lighting to play around with, whether it’s integrated into your furniture or using extra lamps to create a cosy mood.
Paper and fabric lampshades look so good in a Japandi scheme and this is also true for more industrial-style lights with black metal finishes.
7. Bring in the greenery
Plant life is another important part of Japandi style and little touches of greenery can really help to bring your design together.
But if you don’t like the sound of running around trying to maintain fussy houseplants, you can also bring a sense of the natural world into your rooms by adding ornamental dried branches or grasses.
8. Less is more
Don’t overload your space with room accents.
Pick and choose carefully, making sure they offer a pleasing balance of texture, colour and shape.
Sometimes just a few choice pieces are all you need. Have fun with the process, rearrange and see what works best.
9. Embrace slow living
We know it’s exciting to discover a new style but try to resist the temptation to buy lots of new trinkets and accessories.
Japandi isn’t about fast furniture - its philosophy is one of sustainable choices. Choose items and furniture that is built to last.
And take your time finalising the smaller details, letting the finishing touches fall into place organically.
Begin your transformation with Sharps
Like the sound of Japandi style? We can help you achieve the space of your dreams at Sharps with elegant fitted furniture that brings a tranquil feel to your home. Whether you want to style our new Nordic Oak finish into your bedroom, dressing room, walk-in wardrobe or make your living spaces or home office a place for contemplation, our experts will give you all the advice you need.
Just book a Free Design Visit today to get started!
