Nowadays, more and more people seem to be rediscovering the beauty of simplicity, especially when it comes to interior design. Fuss-free, streamlined decor not only makes for less clutter, but it creates a calming, serene atmosphere that many homeowners crave in their living spaces. Luckily, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Japandi is the perfect solution to those seeking minimalist, eco-friendly interior design. If you’re wondering what is Japandi style, let’s explore its origins and how you can incorporate it into your home’s décor.
What is Japandi Style?
Japandi style is the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian interior design, and the name is a portmanteau of the two. Both cultures prioritize minimalism, clean lines, and functionality. The Japanese bring with it a notion of wabi-sabi which means beauty in imperfection, and the Scandinavian lend the concept of hygge, which celebrates coziness. Together, the two aesthetics create a style that is simple, tidy, and refined yet comfortable. And while minimalism can often come off as cold and stark, the incorporation of natural woods and handcrafted textiles add warmth. Other prominent elements in Japandi design are:
- Neutral palette
- Natural materials
- Minimalism
- Sustainability
Scandinavian style is more rustic while Japanese is sophisticated. The juxtaposition of these two contrasting design styles creates an inspiring East-meets-West blend that’s inviting and peaceful. Since both cultures share many similar values, including an emphasis on light woods, craftsmanship, and bringing elements of nature inside, a home decorated in Japandi style feels harmonious and peaceful, even when decorated with sparse, clean-lined furnishings.
Expert Insight: Architect Marcus Gleysteen, who designed a Scandinavian modern home for TOH’s Lexington project, describes the style’s essence: “This space embodies everything that we really care about in Scandinavian design. It’s big, open, and organic.” That openness and organic quality is exactly the Scandinavian half of the Japandi equation — paired with Japanese wabi-sabi, it creates spaces that feel both expansive and grounded.
History of Japandi Style
Japandi has become more popular in recent years as more people bring in sustainable, natural elements into their interior design. However, this design style has been around for 150 years. Once diplomatic relations between Japan and Scandinavia were established in the mid-19th century, the styles started to blend.
Tips on Decorating in Japandi Style
Decorating your home in the Japandi style should follow the theme of comfort and simplicity inherent in the design. Here are some ways to decorate your home in the Japandi style.
Minimize Clutter
Japandi style is all about calm surroundings, so reducing the amount of stuff clogging up your space plays a big part in creating that serene atmosphere. Functionality is also an important tenet of the style, so concentrate on keeping those items that are both useful and beautiful.
Look for Clean Lines
Both Japanese and Scanidinavian interiors favor unfussy furniture that emphasize the beautiful shapes of clean lines. Another principle of Japandi style is that each piece should be entirely functional and serve a purpose. It is this blend of elegance and utility that is core to the look.
Embrace Muted Colors
Instead of bold colors or a playful mix of different tones, Japandi achieves its sense of tranquility by sticking with a limited palette of soft neutrals, such as beige, taupe, off-white, or tan. This allows the quality craftsmanship and structural designs of other pieces to be the focus of the room.
Pro Tip: Interior designer Stephanie King, who restored a 1700s saltbox in Bedford, New York, explains the power of a restrained palette: “Because the rooms were small and the ceilings were low, I knew it had to be almost monochromatic to create a sense of flow.” That same principle drives Japandi design — limiting your color range lets architectural details and craftsmanship take center stage.
Bring in Nature
Steer clear of plastic or anything overly slick and instead lean into natural, rough-hewn materials such as warm woods, textured stone, and woven textiles like linen to fufill that Japandi aesthetic. Adding plants throughout your home, or even a couple of sprigs of eucalyptus in an earthenware vase, can be a simple way to incorporate greenery and natural elements.
Let in Light
Another aspect of nature that’s key to Japandi style is sunlight, which will emphasize open spaces. Swap heavy blackout drapes for sheer panels or light-filtering shades to infuse your home with bright natural light. This also helps to warm up minimalist décor.
Prioritize Quality over Quantity
Japandi is the opposite of maximalism, so choose what you fill your space with wisely. Choose only those items that you need and love and opt for high-quality craftsmanship and pieces made with sustainable materials. You may be making more of investment, pricewise, but you’ll be buying less stuff overall, plus the items will likely last a lifetime or even several generations.
Japandi in the Home
Decorating your home in the Japandi style should follow the theme of comfort and simplicity inherent in the design. Here are some ways to decorate various rooms of your home in the Japandi style.
Japandi Living Room
Of all the rooms in the home, this one certainly should be clutter free. It should also include high quality, unique items that display a dedication to craftsmanship which is inherent in both cultures. Focus on natural materials such as wood and stone in these areas, particularly in the flooring type. In terms of the upholstery and other decor, focus on rattan, wood, and cotton. Beautiful yet subtle art from Japan or Scandinavia can also be ideal in this area of the home.
Japandi Kitchen and Dining
The theme of simplicity and comfort should be evident in this room just as much as other rooms in the home. However, since this is traditionally a gathering area of the home to indulge in the pleasure of food, such areas should be comfortable but interactive. Bring into these areas furniture made of high quality wood and textiles. As with other rooms with Japendi style, ensure that you keep this area clutter free.
Designer Insight: Kim Clements, creative director of Seattle-based J.A.S. Design Build, captures the philosophy behind blending traditional and modern in a dining space: “We love modern, beautifully designed things, and we also love old buildings. It’s all about authenticity and function.” A Japandi kitchen or dining room follows this same principle — pairing a solid wood trestle table with clean-lined Danish pendant lights or sculptural chairs, so that classic craftsmanship and modern simplicity enhance each other.
Japandi Bathroom
Bathrooms should be a place of wellness and rejuvenation. Relaxation should dominate this area. Incorporate neutral colors and comforting textures in this room to achieve Japandi style. Also, this is the perfect place to include greenery to create a biophilic atmosphere. If your bathroom has windows, draw the natural light in as best as possible. If privacy is an issue, obscure the windows with treatments such as frost or blinds.
Designer Insight: Interior designer Suzanne Kasler, featured in This Old House Magazine, emphasizes that a bedroom should feel both timeless and personal: “You want a space that’s classic but can evolve. That’s where special details come into play.” In a Japandi bedroom, those details might be a handcrafted ceramic vessel on the nightstand or a textured wool throw that adds warmth without visual clutter.
Japandi Bedroom
As with the bathroom, the emphasis should be on wellness and rejuvenation. One of the core principles of Japandi design is comfort. So ensure that you choose a top-notch bed and bedding that reflects this. Also, choose furniture that is well-built, sophisticated, and made of natural materials. Bring in some natural light into this area also ensuring that you maintain privacy. Earthy tones and soft textures can really create the illusion of comfort in this room.
Japandi Furniture
As you look for Japandi-style furniture to include in your decor, remember to focus on quality, preferably ones that are made using sustainable materials and practices. Since Japandi is a fusion of both Japanese design and Scandinavian design, you can pick one style over the other. Or you can blend both perfectly together, keeping in mind that Japanese furniture is sophisticated while Scandinavian is rustic. Whichever you choose, both should be natural, have clean lines, and incorporate quality textures.
