If you’re looking for a design style that marries the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian interiors with the elegance and minimalism of Japanese design, Japandi might be just what you need. As the name suggests, Japandi is a fusion of two cultures, and it has become increasingly popular over the last few years. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Japandi design, its history, key elements, and how you can incorporate it into your home.
The History of Japandi Design
Japandi design emerged as a response to the fast-paced and consumerist lifestyle of the modern world. People were looking for a design style that was not only beautiful but also sustainable, functional, and calming. The fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design appreciates functionality, minimalism and respect for nature and craftsmanship. Most people are inspired by Japandi because it is a kind of perfect hybrid version of Nordic concepts and cosiness of hygge. Which is a feeling of being at home in a warm and safe space when outside is rainy and uninviting with the Japanese culture of low furniture, fewer boundaries between home and nature. Worth to mention acceptance of imperfection and organic materials such as wood and bamboo, neutral colours.
Japanese design has been around for centuries, and it is known for its timeless elegance, attention to detail, and respect for nature. Scandinavian design, on the other hand, emerged in the 20th century as a response to the harsh Nordic climate and the need for practical and affordable furniture. Both styles share a love for natural materials, such as wood and stone, and a preference for muted colours, such as white, black, and grey.
Japandi inspires most people because it is a perfect hybrid version of Nordic concepts of the cosiness and Japanese culture.
A lot of readers are always wondering how to combine different styles; well, Japandi is a perfect example of a fusion of design styles. Even though Scandinavian and Japanese are such different cultures and distant geographically, they share many of the same core design elements and principles. This post will go through colour palettes, materials, and furniture styles. Keep on reading!
The Key Colour palettes of Japandi Design
Japandi design embraces neutral colours, and It is something in between bright whites cold Scandinavian colours and traditional Japanese colour platelets. Which feature richer, darker and earthy tones. Additionally, Japandi’s key focus is neutral minimalism, so try to stick to a maximum three-colour concept in your space. Dark colours such as grey or black are used as an accent to the interior. If you want to bring more Scandinavian design, use whites and pastels. Your space will look clean; if you prefer more Japanese esthetics, bring darker natural colour tones.
Walls in Japandi design
Black colour in Japandi design – it is a very powerful colour, so it needs to be carefully considered in your space. You need to think that the space is canvas and black is Japanese ink or a single stroke of a sign.
Another piece of advice for Japandi design homes is to avoid pop of colours. Furniture, wall and floor colours should look from same tones. If you love bright – happy colours, that is fine go with it and do it, but in general, I would recommend carefully choosing pop colours or keeping them as minimal as possible. If you still want to introduce bright colours, introduce them into design objects and elements which are basic shapes and simple lines. Don’t forget that house plants and vibrant green would be the perfect choice to bring bright popping colour to japandi design spaces.
Walls in Japandi are usually white; it might seem too dull and boring; however, in Japandi, the key concept is minimalism. The Scandinavian style uses white paint to embrace the light in the room, and white walls in Japanese design is to complement all the wood they use.
Some designers recommend going with white walls if you want more Scandinavian vibes, or if you want to embrace Japanese style, go with black, dark colour wall paint. Either way, it is a matter of personal preference; if you decide to go with dark, try to choose colours which are naturally muted tones. And if you use very dark wall paint, think of how to brighten the space with another light element in the room and use black as an accent. Use warm white tones for a more Scandinavian style, but don’t go with light cold; it makes your space look sterile. Then add more contrast and various colours of warmer furniture and accessories; warm could also be translated through the wood. .
Neutral Colors: Japandi design favours neutral colours, such as white, black, and grey. These colours create a sense of calm and serenity, and they allow the natural materials to shine.
Wall textures are a trendy option to embrace Japandi design to use subtle lime-washed walls, sometimes more sculptural with the use of wood or exposed concrete. A simple and very effective option is vertical wood strips laid across the wall which gives a very architectural feeling. Creating a wood accent wall very well complements Japandi design. You can DIY or buy prefabricated pieces; both options look high-end and can easily elevate your space. Moreover, exposed wood beams look very interesting but require more work.
Natural Materials: Japandi design favours
Natural Materials: Japandi design tends to be natural materials, such as wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials are not only beautiful but also sustainable and long-lasting.
With Japandi style, embracing quality over quantity with the items you place at your home is essential. To achieve a minimalistic and clean Japandi style, materials are vital.
Timber stools, paper, linen, and hemp are excellent materials to integrate into your Japandi design. Essential materials will be wood. Scandinavian interiors use light colour woods, and Japanese interiors use darker, mid-tone wood. You can also integrate both tones, creating a beautiful contrast. However, try to limit to maximum tree types of wood. This will give a cohesive look to your interior.
Furniture
Low-profile furniture and being close to the earth inspire peace and provide a cosy and comfortable feeling to your Japandi design. When picking furniture, look for pieces made from wood with clean lines. We stay away from ornament pieces.
Blur the line between indoor and outdoor.
Nature is a central element in both Scandinavian and Japanese culture. It would be ideal to have a terrace or veranda that can connect the interior with the exterior via a sliding glass door. You can have a vertical bamboo fence, o plant wall. The important thing is that you are trying to create harmony between indoors and outdoors. If you do not have an outside garden, implement in your space indoor plants, such as Bonzai. Japanese interiors don’t go with several or many plants inside.
Choose Simple Shapes: Japandi's design is characterised by clean lines and simple shapes. Choose furniture and accessories that are elegant and understated, and avoid anything that is overly ornate or fussy.
Japandi design is a beautiful and harmonious fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design. It values simplicity, natural materials, and functionality, and creates a sense of calm and serenity in the home. If you’re looking for a design style that is both beautiful and sustainable, Japandi might be just what you need. By incorporating natural materials, neutral colors, clean lines, and minimalistic elements into your home, you can create a Japandi-inspired space that is both stylish and practical.