What is Japandi?
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go. However, there is one style that has managed to stay in vogue for quite some time – Japandi. Combining the elegance of Japanese minimalism with the cosiness of Scandinavian design, Japandi has become the must-have trend for interior decorators. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Japandi style, exploring its core elements and offering tips on how to incorporate it into your home.
The Basics of Japandi Style
Japandi is a design style that harmoniously fuses the best of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. It is all about achieving a balanced, clutter-free and serene living space that oozes both simplicity and warmth. This design style places a strong emphasis on minimalism, where clean lines and uncluttered spaces are fundamental principles. If you are looking to add the Japandi style to your home, consider starting with the below basics:
Minimalism
At the heart of Japandi lies a commitment to minimalism. This means stripping away excess and embracing uncluttered spaces. Start by sorting through your home and cleanse your spaces of unwanted and unnecessary items. Each element in your home should serve a purpose.
Natural Materials
Japandi design draws its strength from the use of natural materials. Think of bamboo, wood and stone elements. These materials are a celebration of nature and help us to connect to the natural world. Incorporating these materials, whether through a bamboo plant pot or a House Doctor Concrete Planter/Vase, will create a deep sense of harmony and authenticity in your home.
Texture and Layers
To add additional depth and warmth, consider adding various textures and layers to your Japandi home design. There are various ways in which you can include more texture around your home. You may want to incorporate natural linen napkins into your dining table set up for when you entertain guests. You can add natural cotton bedding to your bedroom along with a jute lampshade on your bedside table. These will contribute to a cosy ambience that is both comfortable and visually engaging.
What Colour Palette is Japandi?
Japandi style thrives on a subdued colour palette, predominantly featuring neutral hues such as white, beige and grey. These colours play a huge role in establishing the minimalist and balanced essence of Japandi design. Neutrals have a unique ability to create a calm and welcoming home. When you step into a Japandi-inspired room decorated with neutral tones, you immediately sense a soothing atmosphere. Moreover, neutral colours also create an illusion of spaciousness and openness, especially when using lighter shades. The tones reflect natural light making even smaller or dimly lit spaces feel more expansive.
To fully embrace the Japandi vibe, consider using clay paint on your walls. This type of paint, made from natural clay, chalk and mineral pigments, brings a tactile and earthy texture to your space, adding a subtle depth and warmth. It also complements the natural materials aspect of Japandi style beautifully. When choosing complementary colours throughout the room opt for soft pastels like pale pinks and gentle greens. These can introduce a hint of colour without overwhelming the neutrality of clay paint. Earthy tones such as terracotta and warm browns also harmonise well with clay paint, enhancing the natural aesthetic of Japandi. Incorporating these complementary tones will bring depth and character to your Japandi-inspired space.
Japandi Design Furniture
The foundation of Japandi design is built on functional yet stylish furniture. Look for pieces that embrace simplicity and have clean lines. Wooden furniture is a great base to start with when designing your Japandi home. Oak or walnut items are excellent choices as these materials offer more than just aesthetics; they bring warmth, durability and a timeless style. Wooden furniture aligns perfectly with the Japandi philosophy. The rich, earthy tones of oak or the dark, luxurious hues of walnut infuse your space with a natural and grounding element. You may opt for a streamlined oak dining table for family gatherings, a walnut sideboard for storage and display or a simple wooden bed frame for restful nights.
The Art of Balance
One of the key elements of the Japandi style is achieving a sense of balance. This means that while your space should be minimalist and uncluttered, it should also feel warm and welcoming. Choose a few high-quality, eye-catching items to serve as focal points in your room. These can be unique art pieces, a handcrafted coffee table or a striking pendant light. Use soft furnishings like cushions, throws and rugs to create a sense of cosiness and warmth. Make sure you mix and match both Japanese and Scandinavian design elements to create a unique, balanced look. For example, combine the simplicity of Japanese tea ceremonies with the cosy aesthetics of Scandinavian hygge by adding a white teapot or a stoneware espresso cup to your morning routine.
Where to Find Japandi-inspired Decor
Incorporating Japandi style into your home does not have to be a daunting task. Many online homeware and physical home stores offer a wide range of Japandi-inspired décor items. Look for pieces that align with the principles of minimalism, natural materials and neutral colours. Easy additions to your home can be a bamboo plant pot, painting your walls in a clay paint colour or adding texture with a jute lampshade. All of these small changes can be excellent additions to your Japandi-inspired space.
When shopping for Japandi-inspired decor, keep in mind the importance of cohesion and balance. While individual pieces may align with the style’s principles, they should also harmonise with your overall design scheme. By carefully selecting items that resonate with the spirit of Japandi, you can craft a living space that captures the essence of this style fusion.
Is Japandi Stylish?
Japandi is more than just a design trend; it is a philosophy that encourages a simplified and balanced way of living. The fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics offers a calm and stylish approach to interior design. By incorporating natural materials, neutral colours and handcrafted items, you can effortlessly create a Japandi-inspired space that is both calming and inviting.