Japandi – the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian style has intrigued many. This light and breezy interior design style combines the best of both – touch of Asian wisdom with the stark coziness of the Scandinavia. Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more!

What Is Japandi Design?

Japandi design blends two similar but slightly different design styles – Japanese traditional aesthetic, also called Wabi-sabi, and Scandinavian concept of coziness and comfort – hygge. These styles blend together seamlessly because they both favor minimalism, functionality, natural materials, and warmth.

The history of Japandi Design – how it came to be

For almost 200 years (1639–1853) Japan was closed off to Western influences. And vice versa – the Western world didn’t have any Japanese influence. However, in 1853, U.S. representatives arrived in Japan with a fleet of warships and demanded that Japan open its borders. Japan had no choice.

After the borders were opened, not only U.S. traders and citizens could visit Japan. It also opened up Japan to Europe and Scandinavia.

Scandinavian artists and designers were particularly interested in the Japanese design styles and principles. They adored the culture and all the amazing items they could find in shops and workshops. Japan was a true place of inspiration.

Already then, the Scandinavian style shared many similarities with Japanese traditional design principles. They both value simplicity, high-quality, natural materials, and longevity. And that made a great starting point for a new interior design style – Japandi.

The Core Elements of Japandi Interiors

Japandi interior truly looks like a happy love child of the neutral and practical Scandinavian style and delicate and detailed Japanese interiors. Here are the core elements of Japandi style that include something from both.

Organic and natural materials

This is an influence from both Scandinavian and Japanese styles. These are materials that are found in nature and haven’t been processed much. They often are not painted, colored, or varnished. You will not find many (if any) plastic decor and furniture items in Japandi interiors. 

Organic and natural materials can include wood and stone for furniture; different textiles like cotton and linen for pillowcases, bed covers and rugs, and simple ceramic vases, cups and pots.

Wood furniture and other elements

Wood is a favorite item in both Japanese and Scandinavian interior design. The difference is that in Japanese interior design, you will find dark woods alongside light woods, while in Scandinavian design, it’s usually just light wood.

Japandi design is more focused on lighter woods, but it can also incorporate some dark shades for some furniture pieces or other small interior details like a side table.

Paper

Paper is a very popular decor item in Japanese interiors. It is used for Shoji screens, origami decorations, decorative fans, paper lamps, and so on. In Japandi interiors, paper is usually used in reduced capacity as an accent and hint to its Japanese roots.

Ratan

Ratan is a materials often used in Japanese interior design. However, because of its light tone, it perfectly fits into Scandinavian style as well, making it a great addition to Japandi style. Ratan is used for furniture, decorative elements and more.

Teapots

Since Japanese love tea and have a strong tea culture, teapots are a must in a Japanese interior. For Japandi, it is a nice addition especially if the home owner is a tea lover as well. But it is definitely not a must have item for Japandi design style.

Vases

Ceramic vases are a great decor elements that is simple yet functional. Vases are mostly used in Japanese interior, but because of their natural material and light, earthtoned colors they work very well with Japandi interior design.

White, cream, and light gray color

Scandinavian design style favors the light tones. If a piece is not naturally light colored, it has to be painted white, cream, or light gray. The color choice also applies to fabrics and textiles in interior design. Compared to Japanese, Japandi has much more of these light colors.

Natural lighting

Both Japanese and Scandinavian interior designs favor natural lighting as much as possible. And of course, Japandi style as well. It means big windows, open space and sheer curtains.

Greenery

Indoor plants and greenery are important parts of Japandi style. For both Japanese and Scandinavians, nature is an important part of their culture. They value and respect nature, and they love bringing some outdoor elements indoors – like live plants.

Minimalism

Both Scandinavians and Japanese value clean and uncluttered spaces. They are both the major driving forces of minimalism and organizing in the world. Japanese have the world-famous Konmari organizing method, while Scandinavians can be proud of the Swedish Death Clean method.

Therefore it is no surprise that minimalism is also a part of Japandi interior design. It means lots of space, great organizing, surfaces are clean and mostly free of items, and there is lots of breathing space for decor items and furniture.

How to bring Japandi interior design into a home

Japandi design is perfect for those who love a calm and inspiring environment. It is a great addition to a slow-living lifestyle and perfect for those who want a clear mind and an unobtrusive interior.

Japandi style furniture

For Japandi interior design choose furniture with sleek, clean lines. Choose natural materials and colors – white, beige, earth tones, grays. Look for lower-rise furniture that feels grounded. Avoid any extra additions – go for minimal but functional pieces. When choosing Japandi style furniture, pay attention to sustainability, quality and logentivity. You want your furniture pieces to serve you for many years.

For example:

• For the living room, it can be a large sofa that comfortably seats your family and friends, accompanied by a light-colored coffee table.

• For bedroom, it can be a low rise bed in light or dark wood with matching side tables.

• Dining room could feature natural wood table with matching wood chairs.

• However, kitchen might have natural stone surfaces and light wood cabinets.

Japandi Wallpaper

In Japandi interior you can easily leave the walls white or cream but if you crave some pop of color or texture, wallpaper can be a great addition.

Here are some amazing options for Japandi Wallpaper!

• Old Sport Japandi Wallpaper – Featuring a repetitive spiral/circle pattern this wallpaper is a nice backdrop to Japandi interior. It has a gold detail that adds a little bit of glamorous touch to the interior for those who like the Japandi but also wants a little sparkle.

• Poly Lines Japandi Wallpaper – Simple, geometric pattern on a cream colored background. It is a great print to use to add texture to your Japandi interior.

• White Brick Japandi Wallpaper – Non-intrusive white wallpaper that mimics a brick wall. Perfect for a natural-looking wallpaper to add a little bit of interest to the walls!

• Prismatic Grid Japandi Wallpaper – Narrow lines creating a captivating yet simple pattern on a white background. It has a very clean and organized vibe.

Japandi decor

For Japandi decor you want to choose items that are functional and are made of natural materials, for example, wooden fruit plates or ceramic vases. Add beautiful branches to the vases or some simple flowers.

The hanging decor can feature modern posters or art work or Japanese inspired designs. 

Don’t be afraid to use paper as a decor element. Add origamis to the wall or hang an oversize fan over the bed.

And remember that you can freely decorate with different indoor plants. In Japanese style a bonsai tree would be a great addition. But other indoor plants are a great choice as well.

Books are also a great decor element for Japandi style. Just make sure they are light-colored and don’t over clutter the space!

Japandi vibe

Japandi vibe is very soft, light and breezy. You want your home to be your relaxation station. It promotes quality time with your family and friends focusing on the relationships rather than external inputs. Japandi interior invites you to appreciate the beauty in everyday – either through decor or time for yourself.

Here are some points to remember, if you want to create a true Japandi vibe at your home!

• When decorating keep in mind minimalisms principles – less is more.

• Better choose one really high-quality piece than 10 cheap.

• Leave a lot of open space and let furniture as well as decor elements to breath.

• Keep the surfaces as clean you can, adding just one or two decor pieces. 

• Make sure you are very well organized and everything has a place.

• Choose items that are function but also look very elegant. 

• Remove all distractions and if possible even TV.

• Fresh air and natural light will give the room the right mood.

Embracing Japandi – a lifestyle, not just a design

Whether you're starting fresh or making small changes to incorporate Japandi elements into your home, remember that this style thrives on intention. Thoughtfully chosen furniture, natural materials, and a clutter-free environment will transform your space into a haven of tranquility and functionality.

So, if you're drawn to the harmony of Japandi design, take your time curating a space that reflects its essence. Surround yourself with beauty, purpose, and a sense of calm – because a well-designed home is not just about how it looks, but how it makes you feel.