In the constantly evolving world of interior design, one trend that has been gaining wide attention is the ‘Japandi’ style. Japandi is a unique mashup of the much beloved Japanese and Scandinavian interior design styles- blending the most sought-after elements from both aesthetics. Japan and Scandinavia, whole worlds apart, share common design thinking. Both are regions with rich cultural histories and emphasize simplicity, sustainability, and neutral colors in their designs. While Scandinavian design has become well-known worldwide through the Swedish design company IKEA, design enthusiasts love the minimalism, craftsmanship, and philosophies of traditional Japanese design. A combination of both these styles was bound to happen.
Origins and Characteristics of Japandi Style
The origins of this trending East-meets-West style can be traced back to the mid-1850s when Japan finally opened its borders, ending the closed-border policy that lasted over 200 years. Scandinavian artists and designers began visiting Japan and became quickly attracted to and enthralled by the Japanese style and craftsmanship, leaving them inspired. Many designers state that this ‘marriage’ of two styles happened partly because they were very similar and very easy to blend, with the styles working together harmoniously, elevating each other to the next level.
Given that both Japan and Scandinavia are surrounded by lush forests, these cultures share a rich tradition of wooden crafts, using the finest available wood. This marks the importance of fine carpentry in the style. Japandi also features the Japanese wabi-sabi concept (embracing the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity), Zen-like minimalism, and the Scandinavian hygge (a lifestyle concept that emphasizes creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, and encouraging togetherness). Also, if observed, the core of both Japanese and Scandinavian design styles lies in simplicity and functionality. That is Japandi in a nutshell.
However, though incorporating traditional concepts like wabi-sabi, or sometimes Fusui (Japanese adaptation of the Chinese Feng-shui), which has strict rules regarding the placement of furniture, etc., Japandi doesn’t strictly adhere to such rules.
Key Elements
Calming colors
Furnishings are based on a warm and neutral color palette. Darker, warmer tones from the Japanese style are combined with the typically cool Scandinavian colors, resulting in a neutral palette with brown, warm grey, or black to set contrasting accents. Pops of color can be introduced through artwork, textiles, or accent pieces, but not affecting the muted and calming palette.
Natural materials
Since both styles have rich craftsmanship, there is an inherent love for natural and handmade imperfection. Thus, furniture and accessories in Japandi homes are made of simple, natural, but high-quality materials. Wood, stone, bamboo, and woven textures like rattan or sea-grass wickerwork reign supreme in these spaces. The textiles used are minimal and free of décor or rich patterns but are made of beautiful natural fabrics such as structured cotton or linen.
Furniture
Functionality being the core, furniture pieces in Japandi spaces are characterized by minimal, clean lines and geometric shapes, and are generally low, as it is supposed to promote people’s connection with the earth in Japanese philosophy. Often multifunctional, each piece is carefully selected, serving a specific purpose, and adding to the spatial harmony. The uncluttered space also creates a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.
White and pastel-colored furniture is selected if one wants to highlight the Nordic character of the space, and darker, earthy tones are preferred to allow the Japanese character of the space to stand out.
Accessories and Plants
Used in a very minimalist way- a few grouped glassware, ceramics or books, statement art pieces instead of gallery walls with many pictures, calligraphy murals, and sparsely placed green plants characterize a Japandi space.
Lastly, bright and airy spaces with lots of natural light and the influence of wabi-sabi- appreciating the rawness and imperfections of furniture and objects are the tenet features of the minimal yet warm style of Japandi.
Why Japandi style
One of the biggest advantages of the Japandi design style is that it fosters a sense of serenity and calmness. Makes the space feel like a warm embrace after a long day. With the focus on minimalism, you can kiss clutter goodbye and focus on what you really want. Open spaces, clean lines, and a tranquil home atmosphere can be achieved, making your home your sanctuary.
Why Japandi Design is Trending
As designers step away from regional design and focus on clean and sleek interior design styles with a neutral color palette, claimed by many as ‘bland’, the Japandi style is highly embraced for its sleek spaces and calm, while also incorporating the love for nature and traditional craftsmanship. As more and more consumers develop an appreciation for imperfect, handmade pieces and the natural beauty of wood in interiors, the popularity of the Japandi style is destined to increase. Japandi style is bound to flourish in the coming years.
References:
Maniotakis, B. (2023, December 16). A Beginners Guide to Japandi Style. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from Minimal Goods: https://www.minimalgoods.co/article/japandi-design
McLaughlin, K. (2023, February 13). Japandi Style: Everything You Need to Know About These East-Meets-West Interiors. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from Architectural Digest: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/japandi-style-101?redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.architecturaldigest.com%2Fstory%2Fjapandi-style-101
Saint-Elien, M. (2023, November 22). Everything You Need to Know About Japandi Style Interior Design. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from House Beautiful: https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/a45851530/japandi-interior-design-style/
Trend Japandi- Japanese Furnishing Meets Scandinavian Design. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2024, from IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/ch/en/ideas/trend-japandi-japanese-furnishing-meets-skandi-design-pubee150140
Images:
- the clean aesthetic of the Japandi style_© Justin Chung
- An interior featuring Japan’s traditional Gifu Paper lanterns- one of the many objects of fine Japanese craftsmanship_© store.jtbusa.com
- A Japandi living room designed by Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch with styling by Colin King- simplicity and functionality are the core elements_© Gentl & Hyers
- The grey, stone-like walls in the kitchen resemble the Japanese style and the entryway embraces the natural comfort of Scandinavian design_© Jenna Peffley/ AD
- everything is minimal and radiates warmth in a Japandi home_© Monika Lundholm/ IKEA
- Multifunctional and minimal furniture_© Monika Lundholm/ IKEA
- statement art piece and plant_© Monika Lundholm/ IKEA
- A Japandi bedroom_© Black & Milk London
- Serene and calm- Japandi design_© minimalgoods.co
