What Are The Rules Of The Japandi Aesthetic?

Scandi Goes East

When Japanese interior design meets Scandi (Scandinavian) home styles, We get: Japandi

These two aesthetics might be geographically a world apart, but in essence they have a lot in common.

Both are focussed on functional minimalism, neutral colours and natural materials.

You have heard about the Japanese principle of Wabi-Sabi (perfection isn’t the point) and we have spoken here before of the lovely and comforting Scandinavian ideal of Hygge (all about getting cosy).

Japandi in a nutshell.

“Hygge is about creating warm spaces that bring people together, with neutral decor and comfortable textures such as blankets and soft pillows. Wabi-sabi is about appreciating the imperfection of things – think rustic furnishings that are original or handmade, and lots of natural plants,” according to the Grain and Frame lifestyle blog. Japandi is a wonderful blend of these two elements.

Although Japandi can feature many of the more stark, modern design elements of Scandi-décor, the softer, warmer colour pallets of classic Japanese interiors. Japandi is all out warming up a home with rich darker wood types and colours. (Not just the beech, ash and white oak of Scandi fame…) It is also about beautiful, imperfectly handmade ceramics, woven materials, minimalist furniture and lots and lots of real, healthy, leafy plants.

Even more so than Scandi, Japandi is all about clutter-free, open and flowing living spaces. Minimalist furniture designs, minimal furniture as a whole, and a focus on well designed, beautifully made functional items. Japandi is not about showcasing all your possessions, but rather living with the functional basics. Instead of cluttering your space with your newest Temu – haul, rather focus on items of exceptional quality or that have significant meaning to you.

A whole different level. (Get down to it!)

Japandi is about being grounded. A strong Japanese influence can be felt in Japandi furniture designs. Choose furniture that is low to the ground with minimalist clean lines and neutral colours. Sitting on the floor, or at least close to it is a very traditional way of life in Japan.

As we have mentioned, plants and nature play an important role in Japandi style,  but keep them minimalistic and healthy. Steer clear from the overgrown Jungalow/Cottage Core types of houseplants with trailing vines and garish, bright flowers.

Next level comfort.

Comfort is another key factor and especially in winter a crackling fireplace or even just a few colour-coordinated throws and luxurious woven blankets, as well as the best possible quality of bedding. Functional floor pillows for comfortable lounging on the floor is also a great way of embracing the low-furniture trend.

Get the light right.

Hygge requires a lot of thought when it comes to lighting and the same can be said for Japandi. Work with natural lighting, painting walls light, off-white colours to reflect sunlight. When it comes to electric lighting work with warm tones and adjustable brightness.

Where Japandi differs from Scandi and traditional Japanese décor, can be seen most clearly in the colour pallet of this aesthetic.

“Keep your palette subdued and accessorise with complementary natural hues such as sky blue, green, browns and other earth tones. You don’t need to be afraid of adding colour, but make sure they are muted tones and invoke a sense of calm and tranquillity. Accents of black can also be used to bring the look together,” continues Grain and Frame.

Texturise your world.

Japandi is anything but spartan. The goal is to achieve a comforting, luxurious, and welcoming space. Rich textures like silk, velvet and cashmere. The key is to keep to the minimalist rules of the style. Do not crowd your space and rather choose a few focal points. Bringing in the luxurious textures in bedding, soft furnishings and table ware is a wonderful way to create texture while keeping your décor functional.

According to Architectural Digest, the elements of Japandi that are key for achieving this aesthetic in your home are:

• An emphasis on organic and natural materials like wood, stone, paper and cotton.
• A neutral colour palette with an emphasis on darker and earthy tones like brown and green.
• Intentional and often functional decor like teapots, books, ceramic cups, and vases.
• Uncluttered spaces.
• Natural light.

We loved Scandi, but we love Japandi even more.

With its softer and warmer colour and textures, we feel this is a more liveable and sustainable trend. Even if a whole home revamp isn’t possible, get yourself a pretty, natural clay or metal teapot and sip some herbal tea – if the clutter in your house can’t be sorted out right now, at least try to declutter your mind!