East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (2024)

Understand what is Japandi interior design, what are its features and how to get the look right

In This Article

  • What Is Japandi Interior Design?
  • History of Japandi Style Interior Design
  • Elements of Japandi Interior Design
  • 8 Japandi Interior Design Tips
  • Japandi vs Wabi-Sabi Design Styles
  • How Can Livspace Help You?

So what’s new in the world of interior design? It’s Japandi interior design! Considering the hectic lifestyles most of us lead, everyone craves for some peace. In fact, homeowners are turning to zen and relaxing designs for their homes. Thus, Japandi design, based on principles of simplicity, is the perfect choice.

What Is Japandi Interior Design?

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (1)

Japandi interior design is the fusion of design styles from two opposite parts of the world – Japan and Scandinavia.

It’s the marriage between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. So, when we say Japandi interiors, we’re talking about art, wabi-sabi aesthetics, warmth, hygge philosophy, comfort and natural elements.

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (2)

Wabi Sabi Interior Design – A design style that focuses on natural dwellings, imperfections and simple aesthetics

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (3)

Scandinavian Hygge -An interior style that emphasises cosy togetherness, comfort and warmth

History of Japandi Style Interior Design

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (4)

First of all, it’s important to note that both Japanese and Nordic styles have certain similarities as they feature simplicity and minimalism.

Japan had a closed border policy for more than 200 years. Once they opened their borders, artists and designers from Scandinavia started visiting Japan. They were inspired by the oriental design style that had so many similarities with their own homes. And thus began a new design style, the Japandi design.

Elements of Japandi Interior Design

So how can you recognise this interior design style? Look out for the following elements:

ElementsDescription
Organic and
natural materials
— Wood
— Stone
— Rattan
Neutral colours and
earthy tones
— Brown
— Green
— Beige
Uncluttered spacesRooms with
only basics
Craftsmanship— Ceramic vases
— Teapots
— Books
Hints of greenPlants
Functional decorDecor pieces that
serve some purpose

8 Japandi Interior Design Tips

Now that you understand what’s japandi design, let’s look at some examples and design ideas.

#1: Japandi Living Room With Natural Furniture

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (5)
  • Layer natural materials like wood with neutral colours like white
  • Additionally, opt for sustainable materials as per Japanese aesthetics
  • Also, don’t forget to choose comfortable furnishings to maintain the comfort of Scandinavian hygge

#2: Go Zen in a Japandi Bedroom

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (6)
  • Swap curtains for bamboo blinds as a nod to sustainability
  • Moreover, blinds will allow more natural light to flow in
  • In fact, choose a low-legged bed and a tatami mat for your floor

#3: A Japandi Style Living Room With Sustainable Materials

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (7)
  • Choose materials like wood and bamboo for your flooring and furniture
  • Additionally, try to reuse and recycle as much as possible

#4: Welcome Nature Into Your Home With Japandi Interior Design

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (8)
  • You can also mix up the neutrals by introducing indoor plants in your home
  • Hanging planters, bonsai and bamboo are good options to match the Japandi decor style. Moreover, you can also opt for artificial plants

#5: Japandi Interiors With Bare Walls

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (9)
  • For a soothing vibe, opt for neutral colours like white and bare walls
  • In addition, look for sleek and functional furniture

#6: The Right Art for Your Home

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (10)
  • To add texture and personality, opt for artwork by local artists
  • Additionally, remember to focus on local craftsmanship as that’s important for Japanese styles

#7: Declutter to Create Space

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (11)
  • Both Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics focus on decluttering
  • Only keep the basics and get rid of anything that you don’t need. Moreover, avoid hoarding

#8: Contrasting Colours in Japandi Interior Design

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (12)
  • Mix up neutral colours like white, grey and black for a striking look
  • In addition, Shoji window screens instead of curtains will let in natural light

Japandi vs Wabi-Sabi Design Styles

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (13)

One of the interior design styles that originated in Japan is wabi-sabi. However, is it the same as Japandi interior design? While Japandi home decor does draw inspiration from wabi-sabi, they’re not the same.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese interior design style that focuses on imperfection, nostalgia and designing with things that hold some special meaning for you. Japandi style interiors, on the other hand, is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian designs.

So, while wabi-sabi is more traditional, Japandi focuses on combining modernity with minimalism.

How Can Livspace Help You?

  • Our experienced designers can help you get this design style right
  • With 146 quality checks, we also promise high-quality and durable materials
  • In fact, we have delivered over 50,000+ happy homes in different design styles and aesthetics

If you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. Also, have any thoughts or suggestions you’d like to share with us? We’re all ears! Drop us a line at editor@livspace.com.

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Moreover, mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability.

East Meets West: What Is Japandi Interior Design? 5+ Easy Tips to Style It Right (2024)

FAQs

What is Japandi interior design style? ›

Japandi style is a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design ethos that blends Japanese art (think wabi-sabi and feng shui) and Scandinavian hygge (creating a cozy and warm atmosphere that encourages harmony and gratitude) for a tranquil space.

What are the rules for Japandi design? ›

What are the rules for Japandi design? Japandi focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. It's all about using natural materials, muted color palettes, clean lines, and creating a balance between comfort and practicality.

What is the Japandi design movement? ›

Japandi is a sleek, hybrid trend that merges the homey, cosy feeling of Scandinavian design with timeless silhouettes of Japanese aesthetics. The look exudes function and form with touches of wabi-sabi infused imperfection. You may wonder why these two major design movements work together so effortlessly.

Will Japandi go out of style? ›

Artem adds that Japandi's emphasis on wellness and serenity guarantees it's here to stay in 2024. Because it prioritizes a clean, clutter-free space and integrates eco-friendly elements, the minimalistic aesthetic will continue to adapt with our lifestyles.

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 materials are used in Japandi style? ›

Japandi style embraces craftsmanship with a focus on handmade pieces made from sustainable materials. Choose materials such as wood, rattan, linen, and paper over cheap plastic options in bright colours to keep this look cohesive.

What is the theme of the Japandi house? ›

Generally, Japandi interior design makes use of neutral colors, high-quality and natural materials, and an emphasis on greenery and nature. “In both Japan and Scandinavia, people love to spend time in nature and bring nature into their home,” Rietbergen says.

Why is Japandi popular? ›

One of the key features of Japandi style is the use of natural materials. Both Scandinavian and Japanese design place a strong emphasis on using natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials not only add warmth and texture to a space but also create a connection to nature.

What are the colors for Japandi style? ›

Think warm white, cream, brown, beige, as your base colors. You can add in more color with shades of blush pink, muted blues and greens, and gray and black for a hint of drama. (Darker colors should be used more sparingly, of course!)

How do I get the Japandi look? ›

Japandi style is created using calming, tranquil, and peaceful colour palettes, but allows the use of contrasting darker hues in a subtle and meaningful way. Adding a mix of tones can create different moods throughout the room. Use browns and neutrals for the foundation, then add greys and blacks for drama.

Is Japandi style expensive? ›

While authentic and high-end materials may incur costs, budget-friendly alternatives and smart choices in decor can create a cost-effective Japandi look. The emphasis on minimalism often means fewer but well-selected pieces, contributing to an affordable yet stylish aesthetic.

What is the difference between Scandinavian and Japandi? ›

Japandi design incorporates more elements of traditional Japanese design and a warmer, more muted colour palette, while a Scandinavian design has a lighter, cooler colour palette and a more minimalist aesthetic.

What is the difference between Japandi and organic modern? ›

Organic Modern emphasizes the integration of natural elements in modern living spaces. Japandi combines Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese aesthetics. Both styles prioritize functionality and simplicity. Organic Modern celebrates nature-inspired forms and materials.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5325

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: The Hon. Margery Christiansen

Birthday: 2000-07-07

Address: 5050 Breitenberg Knoll, New Robert, MI 45409

Phone: +2556892639372

Job: Investor Mining Engineer

Hobby: Sketching, Cosplaying, Glassblowing, Genealogy, Crocheting, Archery, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.