A Beginners Guide to Japandi Style

What is the Japandi design style?

Japandi design combines influences from both Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics. Soft, neutral colors mixed with timeless pieces of design are key components to both styles, and when mixed, you get the best of both worlds.

It's often minimalistic, and it can be used to create both contemporary and traditional looks in both small and large spaces.

The origins of Japandi style

The origins of this design style can be traced back to the 19th century when Danish designers started traveling outside their country for more inspiration, taking advantage of Japans recently opened border policy that lasted over 200 years.

It was a pairing that was bound to happen since both cultures have a mutual love for minimalism and natural materials.

Since regions are surrounded by lush forests, it's giving craftsmen the opportunity to build furniture with some of the finest wood available.

The key elements of this style

Japandi design is all about clean lines and simple forms.

This aesthetic is achieved through the use of natural materials like wood and stone, as well as by incorporating elements from nature into the design.

For example, Japandi homes often feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer views of the outdoors.

Another key element of this styledesign is functionality. This comes from the Japanese influence and focuses on simplicity and efficient use of space.

How to create your Japandi-inspired interior

Start with simplicity

A vital element of a Japandi interior is centered around minimalism. Keep your space organized and decluttered, and make sure your room is designed with intention.

Use soft, muted colors

Another cornerstone of Japandi design is its simple color palette.

Stick with light earth tones and white for most of the space, but feel free to use little splashes of color here and there to direct attention to specific pieces.

Focus on clean lines and simple geometry

While the furniture in both Scandinavian and Japanese design usually revolves around simple geometry, you can add some slight contrast with a carpet that has some simple muted patterns or some artwork with organic shapes.

Accent with textures

Contrast is a big part of making a space feel well-designed.

Do you have a couch with sharp lines that need to be broken up? Some textured pillows or blankets are usually an easy fix.

Add a bit of nature

To create a Japandi styled interior, start with a clean, minimal base.

Then add in natural materials like wood and stone, as well as simple, geometric shapes.

Make sure to include both low-profile furniture and plenty of storage to keep the space looking clutter-free. Finally, add in some greenery to bring in a touch of nature.

Purchase timeless pieces

While a Japandi-styled room can be put together on a budget if needed, the typical approach is to pick furniture that has a timeless look and won’t look out of place over the next 10 or 20 years. 

Where to buy Japandi design

There are so many options out there, and they are all going to depend on your budget, and personal preference.

To start, I would recommend taking a look at my recommendations for the best Scandinavian furniture, which is going to get you about 90% of the way there for the majority of the items.

For accent pieces, I like to use the inspiration finder on Finnish Design shop because they have a ton of items you won't be able to find anywhere else.

As someone that owns them, I can strongly recommend some String Shelving to nail the look.

The benefits of Japandi design

One of the biggest advantages of this design style is that it can help to create a more serene and calming environment.

Both Japanese and Scandinavian cultures place an emphasis on minimalism, which can lead to a more tranquil home atmosphere.

If you're looking to declutter your space and live with less stuff, Japandi design may be the perfect solution.