What is Japandi Design Style? Everything You Need to Know - Design to Build (2024)

As a DIY and interior design blogger, I am always looking for new and exciting design styles to share with my readers. Today, I want to discuss one of my favorite design styles – Japandi. Japandi design style blends the simplicity and minimalism of Scandinavian design with the warmth and elegance of Japanese design.

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This fusion creates a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics, making it a perfect choice for a peaceful and serene living space.

In this article, I’ll share with you some tips on achieving the Japandi interior design style in your home, including focal points, a neutral palette, and using natural materials. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Japandi Design Style

To truly appreciate and embrace the Japandi design style, it’s essential to understand its origins and key features.

“The Japandi aesthetic is all about simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. It’s about creating a space that is both beautiful and useful, without any unnecessary clutter or distractions.” – Nate Berkus, Interior Designer and TV personality.

The Origins and Key Features of Japandi Style

Japandi style originated from a desire to combine Japanese design’s simplicity and elegance with Scandinavian interiors’ warmth and coziness.

The key features of this style include:

  • neutral color palette
  • natural organic materials
  • clean lines
  • a focus on functionality.

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What is Japandi Style?

This design style combines the best of both worlds, blending the simple elegance of Japanese style with the cozy and welcoming aesthetic of Scandinavian styles.

As I shared above, Japandi style is characterized by a neutral color palette, clean, simple lines, and a focus on functionality. It features a minimalist approach to decor, focusing on natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone.

Japandi design style uses large windows and skylights to allow maximum natural light into the room. The Japandi style also often uses light-colored walls and floors to reflect light and create a brighter space.

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Where did Japandi Style come from?

Japandi style is the stunning fusion of two beloved Japanese and Scandinavian design styles.

Scandinavian interior design styles is known for its minimalism, functionality, and use of natural materials. While Japanese interiors emphasize natural materials and creates a peaceful atmosphere with simple and elegant minimalistic designs.

Japandi’s design style combines simplicity, functionality, and elegance, creating a trendy option for individuals looking for a harmonious and peaceful living space.

“The Japandi style emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and craftsmanship. It’s a timeless aesthetic that will never go out of style.” -Laila Rietbergen

The style has gained traction worldwide and continues to influence modern interior design….

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What are the key features of the Japandi Style?

Japandi style is characterized by a minimalist approach to decor, which focuses on clean lines and simple shapes.

This design style uses a neutral color palette, such as:

  • whites
  • grays
  • and earth tones

to create a calming and serene atmosphere.

Natural materials such as light wood, bamboo, and stone are also important features of the Japandi style, adding warmth and texture to the space.

Japandi style emphasizes functionality and practicality, with every piece of furniture and decor serving a purpose.It is perfect for small spaces, creating a calming and uncluttered atmosphere.

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Color Palette and Materials in Japandi Style

To achieve the Japandi style in your own home, it’s important to pay attention to the color palette and materials used in your decor.

What are the typical colors used in Japandi Style?

The Japandi style is characterized by a neutral color palette that includes shades of white, black, gray, and beige. These colors help generate a peaceful and comfortable environment suitable for establishing a warm and welcoming home.

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What kind of materials are commonly used in Japandi decor?

Natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone are commonly used in Japandi decor to create a warm and welcoming environment.

“Japandi is a celebration of the beauty of imperfection. It’s about embracing the natural textures and materials of the world around us, and finding harmony in their raw, organic forms.” – Joanna Gaines, interior designer and TV personality.

How do you incorporate natural materials in Japanese decor?

To incorporate natural materials in Japandi decor, focus on furniture and decor made of light wood, bamboo, or stone. This will add texture and warmth to your space and create a calming and inviting atmosphere.

You can incorporate natural materials through textiles such as woven rugs, curtains, or cushion covers made of natural fibers like jute, cotton, or linen.

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Plants are another great way to add natural elements to your Japandi decor.Choose plants with simple shapes and clean lines, such as fiddle leaf figs or snakes, and display them in simple terracotta or ceramic pots.

Add other natural elements like a wooden tray or cutting board to your space to complete the look.

Creating a Japandi-Inspired Home

Now that you understand the key features of the Japandi style let’s explore how to create a Japandi-inspired home.

Focus on Natural Materials: Natural materials such as light wood, bamboo, and rattan should be used in furniture and decor to create an organic and earthy feel.

Keep It Simple: The Japandi style emphasizes simplicity and minimalism, so avoid clutter and unnecessary decorations.

Neutral Colors and Earthy Tones: Japandi style uses neutral colors such as beige, white, and grey. Emphasizing these neutral tones in the design will help create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

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Utilize Light: Natural light should be maximized as much as possible. Windows should be unobstructed, and sheer curtains should allow for as much light as possible.

Create a Focal Point: A piece of furniture or decor can be used as a focal point. It should be simple and elegant and made of natural materials.

“Japandi is not just a trend, it’s a way of life. It’s about creating a space that is functional, calming, and deeply connected to nature.” – Kelly Wearstler, interior designer.

Japandi Furniture and Decor

The right furniture and decor are essential to creating a Japandi-inspired home. This section will explore the different aspects of Japandi furniture and decor.

What kind of furniture is used in Japandi decor?

Japandi furniture is typically minimalistic, with clean lines and a focus on functionality. Look for pieces with a light wood, natural finish. Such as oak or ash.

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How do you choose Japandi decor?

When choosing Japandi decor, look for simple, functional pieces made of natural materials. Avoid anything that is overly ornate or has too much detail.

What kind of lighting works best for Japandi style?

Lighting is an essential component of the Japandi style. Look for floor lamps or table lamps that are simple in design and made of natural materials.

Japandi Interior Design Tips

In addition to furniture and decor, there are a few key interior design tips to remember when creating a Japandi-inspired home.

How do you create a minimalist Japandi-style home?

To create a minimalist Japandi-style home, focus on simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Stick to a neutral color palette and choose furniture and decor with clean lines and minimal detail.

Avoid clutter and unnecessary items, and prioritize functional pieces that serve a purpose.

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What kind of plants work well in Japanese-style decor?

Plants are an important part of Japandi-style decor, adding a natural and calming element to the space.

Look for plants with simple shapes and clean lines, such as snakes or rubber plants. Display them in simple pots made of natural materials like terracotta or ceramic.

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How do you balance Japanese and Scandinavian design elements in a Japanese-inspired space?

To balance Japanese and Scandinavian design elements in a Japandi space, focus on creating a harmonious blend of form and function. Keep the color palette neutral, use natural materials, and choose furniture and decor with clean lines and minimal detail.

Japandi-Inspired Room Ideas

Let’s explore some Japandi-inspired room ideas to help you create a beautiful and functional home.

Japandi Living Room Ideas

The living room is the heart of any home, and a Japandi-inspired living room can be cozy and elegant.

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How do you create a Japandi-inspired living room?

If you want to make a living room inspired by Japandi design, prioritize clean lines, natural materials, and neutral colors in your interior decoration.

Here are some Japandi living room ideas to help you create a harmonious and peaceful space:

Keep It Minimal: Japandi style emphasizes minimalism, so keep furniture and decor at a minimum. A few key pieces, such as a simple sofa, coffee table, and floor lamp, can create a calming and uncluttered living space.

Natural Materials: Natural materials such as light wood, bamboo, and rattan are essential to the Japandi design style. Incorporating these materials into furniture and decor can enhance the natural and organic feel of the space.

Neutral Color Palettes: Japandi living rooms often use neutral color palettes such as beige, white, and grey. These colors help to create a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

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Use of Natural Light: Japandi living rooms should maximize natural light. Unobstructed windows and sheer curtains can help to bring in as much light as possible.

Simple Designs: Keep furniture and decor simple and elegant. Avoid clutter and unnecessary decorations. Instead opt for simple designs that enhance the natural and organic feel of the space.

“Japandi is about finding that perfect balance between two seemingly opposite design philosophies, and creating a space that feels harmonious and peaceful.” – Emily Henderson, interior designer and stylist.

What kind of furniture works well in a Japandi living room?

In a Japandi living room, look for simple, functional low furniture made of natural materials. A light wood coffee table, a neutral-colored sofa with clean lines, and a floor lamp made of bamboo or wood are all excellent choices.

How do you incorporate natural elements into a Japandi living room?

To incorporate natural elements into a Japandi living room, consider adding a few plants or a vase of fresh flowers. You could add texture with a jute rug or a woven throw pillow.

Japandi Bedroom Ideas

A Japandi-inspired bedroom is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day.

How do you create a Japandi-inspired bedroom?

To create a Japandi-inspired bedroom, focus on creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Keep the color palette neutral, and choose light wood furniture with clean lines. Add texture with a cozy throw blanket or a woven rug.

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What kind of bedding works well in a Japandi bedroom?

In a Japandi bedroom, look for simple and elegant bedding, such as white or neutral-colored linen sheets. Add texture with a chunky knit throw or a soft cotton blanket.

How do you create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in a Japandi bedroom?

To create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in a Japandi bedroom, focus on natural materials and a minimalist design. Choose light wood furniture, add texture with cozy textiles, and keep the color palette neutral.

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Japandi Kitchen and Dining Room Ideas

The kitchen and dining area are vital parts of a home where people gather to eat and spend time together. A Japandi-inspired design can help to establish a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.

How do you create a Japandi-inspired kitchen?

If you want to create a Japandi-inspired kitchen, prioritize clean lines, natural materials, and neutral colors in your interior design.

Choose light wood cabinets and shelves, add texture with a woven rug or basket, and incorporate natural elements such as bamboo cutting boards or a wooden fruit bowl.

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What kind of dinnerware works well in a Japandi dining room?

In a Japandi dining room, look for simple and elegant dinnerware, such as white or neutral-colored ceramic plates and bowls. Add texture with natural materials such as wooden or bamboo serving trays.

How do you incorporate natural materials into a Japandi kitchen and dining room?

To incorporate natural materials into a Japandi kitchen and dining room, focus on using light wood, bamboo, and other natural materials for furniture, decor, and serving ware. Add texture with woven textiles such as placemats or table runners.

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Japanese interior design is a beautiful fusion of Japanese and Scandi design emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and natural materials.

By learning about the essential aspects of this design style and applying them to your home, you can establish an attractive and practical area that represents your unique taste and principles.

With these Japandi-inspired room ideas and tips, you can start creating a warm and inviting home that will stand the test of time. Have you tried incorporating the Japandi style into your home? What are some of your favorite Japandi-inspired design ideas? Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!

Be sure to Pin This Post to your Pinterest Board for later…

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Until the next one,

Nicole

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What is Japandi Design Style? Everything You Need to Know - Design to Build (2024)

FAQs

What is Japandi Design Style? Everything You Need to Know - Design to Build? ›

In the most basic sense, Japandi style is a mixture of Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design
Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Scandinavian_design
and Japanese design. “It is the East-meets-West design movement. It blends Japanese artistic elements and wabi-sabi
wabi-sabi
In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘び寂び) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Wabi-sabi
philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth or hygge,” Wijaya explains.

What is the concept of Japandi design? ›

What Is Japandi? Japandi is an interior design style that is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalist design. The word “Japandi” is a portmanteau of “Japanese” and “Scandi.” Japandi design focuses on clean lines, natural elements, bright spaces, and neutral colors to create calming and welcoming living spaces.

What is the difference between wabi-sabi and Japandi? ›

Japandi fuses minimalism and functionality while wabi-sabi embraces natural imperfection, while both promote connection with nature. Other differences include: Approach to Space and Clutter: Japandi design focuses to create a sense of spaciousness by minimizing visual clutter and simplifying the design.

What wood is used in Japandi style? ›

Both hard woods and soft woods can be used for furniture. Examples of hard woods include Oak, Beech, Mahogany. Examples of soft woods are Pine, Redwood and Fir. In addition to furniture, incorporate wood into your scent and decor.

Is Japandi style expensive? ›

Is the Japandi style expensive? Japandi style can be tailored to various budgets. While authentic and high-end materials may incur costs, budget-friendly alternatives and smart choices in decor can create a cost-effective Japandi look.

Is Japandi still in style? ›

Because of its deep-seated roots in Scandi style and Japanese design schemes, Japandi is a classic expression of minimalist decor that's unlikely to go out of style.

What style is similar to Japandi? ›

Although Japandi style and Scandinavian style share many similarities, such as their focus on minimalism and use of natural materials, they also have some key differences in their aesthetics.

What is the difference between Scandi and Japandi? ›

While both styles incorporate natural materials such as wood, Japandi design often includes a warmer, more muted colour palette, compared to Scandi which often features lighter, cooler tones.

What are the colors of Japandi? ›

The Japandi color palette is characterized by its neutral tones, earthy hues, and subtle pops of green from nature. It draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating shades of beige, gray, brown, and green.

What materials are used in Japandi furniture? ›

Japandi style emphasizes the use of high-quality, natural materials such as wood, cotton and linen. We offer high quality fabics, leathers and tabletops, to ensure your Japandi funiture will last you a long time.

How do I get the Japandi look? ›

Japandi wall colour play a crucial role in setting the mood. Colours like gentle greys, warm whites, and subtle greens complement minimalist furniture and up the serene vibes. Perfect for Japandi designs. For a well-rounded Japandi colour palette, stick with muted tones like creams, taupes, beige, and stone.

What is the concept of Japandi style? ›

Japandi, as the name suggests, is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian styles. It is influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a way of life which values slow-living, contentment and simplicity, as well as the Scandinavian practice of hygge, which embraces comfort, cosiness and wellbeing.

What are the three principles of wabi-sabi? ›

Yes, wabi-sabi has influenced many contemporary designers and architects, who seek to incorporate its principles of imperfection, transience, and naturalness into their work.

What is hygge interior design? ›

Hygge design focuses on creating welcoming and serene spaces where you can spend time with loved ones. With a balance of minimalism, soft textures, and nature, hygge style makes your home feel cozy and lived-in. Warmth is another key part of hygge design.

What are the Japanese design principles in architecture? ›

Minimalistic design, austere construction methods, use of lightweight materials (like wood, bamboo, straw, and paper), and porous boundaries between the interiors and exteriors are all hallmarks of traditional Japanese architecture.

What's the golden rule most interior designers follow? ›

The golden ratio or 60/30/10 rule is a great guiding principle to check your designs for appropriate proportion and scale.

What is the golden rule in interior design? ›

In theory, a room should be 1.6 times wider and 2.6 times longer than it is taller to achieve perfection... but of course, this is not always practical or possible. Often, however, great room proportions are just something we get a feeling for when we enter them for the first time.

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