What is Japandi Design?

If you appreciate simplicity, minimalism, and genuinely appreciate the beauty of imperfections, Japandi Design decor style may particularly suit your taste.

Japandi is a blend of minimalist design styles from Japan and Scandinavia, resulting in a unique interior design approach. The term “Japandi” combines the words “Japanese” and “Scandi.” This design style emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, natural elements, open spaces, and neutral color palette to create serene living environments.

The exchange of goods between Japan and the West in the 1850s served as an inspiration for designers. As sustainability gains more prominence in home decor, Japandi design is experiencing a surge in popularity.

When did it start and is it relevant?

The term “Japandi” is derived from the combination of “Japanese” and “Scandi” (referring to Scandinavian). The origins of this style can be traced back to the period when Danish designers and creatives started venturing to Japan, coinciding with the lifting of Japan’s long-standing closed-border policies that lasted for 220 years. During this time, the alluring and captivating new oriental aesthetic they encountered began to influence their designs.

Despite its longstanding existence, Japandi remains a relevant and popular design style, with some arguing that its popularity has even increased over time. It firmly established itself in the design lexicon in early 2022, making it particularly noteworthy.

Japandi boasts a rich history among various interior design styles, and its continued relevance and desirability indicate that it is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. However, even if it were to fall out of fashion, it is crucial to prioritize your personal preferences and create a home that reflects your own tastes and desires.

How to Decorate in the Japandi Style?

Here are the 10 key elements of Japandi design

1. Embrace Minimalism: Minimalism is a fundamental aspect of Japandi design. Choose furniture and decor that is simple, functional, and free from excessive ornamentation. The focus is on creating a clean and uncluttered environment.
2. Emphasize Natural Elements: This design highlights the importance of nature. Incorporate natural materials like wood, particularly in its untreated form, for furniture, walls, and floors. Additionally, bring in the beauty of nature by incorporating plants and greenery into the space.
3. Select Thoughtful Decorative Elements: Both Japanese and Scandinavian philosophies emphasize the concept of “less is more,” and Japandi follows suit. Opt for a minimalist approach to decoration, with a few carefully chosen works of art, zen-inspired decor, and select vases or ceramic ornaments. Pay attention to craft decorations that align with the overall style.
4. Use Clean, Warm Materials: In addition to furniture, attention should be given to the textures of cushions and auxiliary furniture. Natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, paper, ceramics and light woods are ideal for this style.
5. Add an Earthy Colour Palette: To truly adhere to the rules of Japandi, think of colours that are present in nature. But note, this is also where the Japandi concept is slightly divided—those who identify most with the Scandinavian design will prefer lighter and more luminous colours (think white or light grey), and those who prefer the Japanese aesthetic will prefer earthy tones (think brown, olive green). Overall though, all these hues adhere to Japandi.
6. Functional Furniture: Japandi design favors furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Japandi interiors commonly feature clean-lined, low-profile furniture with a minimalist design aesthetic.
7. Uncluttered Spaces: Japandi design values open and uncluttered spaces. It promotes organization and storage solutions that help maintain a clean and tidy environment.
8. Balance and Harmony: This design seeks balance and harmony in every aspect, from the layout and placement of furniture to the overall composition of the space. It creates a sense of equilibrium and tranquility.
9. Contrast: This design emphasizes the interplay of light and dark elements. It often incorporates contrasting colors, textures, or finishes to add visual interest and depth to the space.
10. Japanese Influence: Japandi design draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics, such as wabi-sabi (the acceptance of imperfections) and the concept of ma (the use of space). These influences contribute to the unique character of Japandi design.

Conclusion

Japandi design combines the simplicity and functionality of Japanese design with the warmth and rustic elements of Scandinavian design. Start implementing the design principles today! with The Black Touch.