Japandi

Although it seems the Japandi trend just popped-up, it has been around for a long time, when Japan opened it’s borders to Scandinavian artists and designers in the 1850’s.

If you’re on Instagram, you have seen examples of this design style which is one of my favorites.

The basics: Japandi is a mash-up of design elements from Japan and Scandinavia. It blends the wabi-sabi culture of Japan, which embraces imperfections in the world at large, and the ethos of Hygge, a Scandinavian way of life that focuses on simplicity and health living.

Japanese interior design*

Though not exhaustive, Japanese interiors often make use of the following.

Emphasis on organic and natural materials like 

• Wood 

• Stone 

• Paper

• Cotton 

• Rattan

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement with height, sleek vases and sculptural composition.

• A neutral color palette with an emphasis on darker and earthy tones like 

  • Brown 

  • Green 

• Intentional and often functional decor like

  • Teapots 

  • Books 

  • Ceramic cups 

  • Vases 

  • Uncluttered spaces 

  • Natural light 

• Scandinavian-style design 

  In Scandi home design, you’ll often see the following.

• Emphasis on natural materials, particularly light wood 

• A neutral color palette with a focus on lighter colors such as 

  • White

  • Cream 

  • Light brown from woods such as birch or white oak 

• Clean lines 

• Uncluttered spaces

• Natural light

A mix of textures blending woods, natural fibers and stoneware give a minimalist yet warm feeling for this space

It’s easy to see the intersectionality between these two styles that both gravitate towards minimalism and natural elements from nature. What I love about this design vein is that it pairs well with other styles such as Mid Century Modern.

To achieve the Japandi cocktail successfully takes a bit of patience and a good eye for balance. This designer can help ! Here is ow to get started:

• Declutter. Declutter. Declutter. This is a tranquil and understated style and requires a lot of negative space

• The concept of Japandi means embracing life’s imperfections, and using materials that have had a prior life or come from nature and therefore are not all identical or “perfect”. Mass production should be used sparingly as this is a great way to do a sustainable project.

• Incorporate as much of Japanese or Scandinavian style as you like, there is no rule about leaning one way or the other.

• Call on local artisans and their expertise to make reclaimed pieces or custom furniture or cabinetry.

• Combine natural textures in textile, wall and floor coverings. It’s all about subtlety and delicate layers

• Curate over time. Japandi style is a long haul endeavor and is always being refined and honed

* Courtesy of Architectural Digest