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Home décor trends come and go, but it looks like Japandi Style is here to stay. According to Sourcing Journal’s report on home decor in 2022, searches for Japandi style were up to 256%, and the interest seems to continue a stable growth.
At its core, the Japandi style is all about simplicity and functionality. This philosophy of life resonates with people from all walks of life. In today’s fast-paced world, we are all looking for ways to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. If you are looking to embrace this Japandi lifestyle, this guide will help you create a beautiful Japandi home that reflects your philosophy of life.
What is Japandi Style?
Japandi Style Home Design
Japandi style is a unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. It combines the minimalism and functionality of Scandinavian design with the simplicity and nature-inspired aesthetic of Japanese design.
Japandi is a perfect fusion of Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavian minimalism.
Scandinavian style vs. Japanese Style
Even though the Scandinavian and Japanese styles are different types of interior designs, the two styles have a lot in common. Because of the common denominator of both styles, it allows for a fusion of styles, presenting a new style of Japandi.
Commonalities between Scandi and Japanese Style
- Both design styles involve minimalism, emphasizing the importance of functionality rather than the accumulation of ornamentation.
- They both value simplicity, practicality, the use of natural materials, and a high level of craftsmanship.
- Both Scandinavian and Japanese furniture has clean lines and is functional.
- Both celebrate natural elements.
The differences between Scandi style and Japanese style
- Scandinavian style features clean lines, a bright color scheme, and minimalist decorations and focuses on comfort (Hgyee)
- Japanese style is characterized by “low to the ground furniture,” indoor greenery, natural warm colors, and the concept of “imperfect beauty” (Wabi-Sabi)
Japandi style’s key elements
Japandi style best illustrates both the Scandi style and the Japanese style and brings the balance of both. They always present the following elements:
Furniture
Japandi furniture aims for balance, borrowing the simple lines of Scandinavian furniture and adding the darker wood tones of Japanese furniture design, which add more interest and dimension to the living space.
Natural material
Japandi places great emphasis on the use of natural and sustainable materials. Woods like walnut and oak are preferred, while rattan and bamboo are also the keys. Textiles such as linen, cotton, and high-pile carpets reflect Japandi’s desire for laziness and comfort, adding texture layers to the space. In addition, using stone and concrete creates the perfect earthy tones. By highlighting natural weathering and antique colors and introducing antique textures, the Japandi style fully presents the Wabi Sabi design and Hygge philosophy.
Color scheme
In Japandi style, large areas of white, cream, and oatmeal are used with the warmth of wood to make the living space calm and comfortable. Adding black mixed with low-saturated greens or blues to contrast the neutral primary colors introduces some richness to the design and prevents the area from becoming barren. However, instead of painting too dark, Japandi’s back-to-nature design intent is better reflected through darker organic elements such as tan bamboo furniture or greenery and flowers.
Layout
The Japandi style creates a gentle and comfortable living space using simple lines, natural woods, neutral tones, and an open layout.
Japandi interior design layout emphasizes dimension. Each line is carefully outlined, and each decoration is used to its fullest extent, leaving enough space to ensure a visual continuity to create a sense of space and simplicity.
Decorative Items
Japandi style inherits the Scandi and Japanese styles, both of which conjure up natural materials. You can find many decorative items in Japandi style bearing the emblem from the natural world, such as terracotta vases and indoor greenery. The blurring of indoor-outdoor boundaries is one of the elements of the Japandi decorating style.
Lighting
Lighting in Japandi Style is about mimicking natural light’s effect as much as possible. This can be achieved by using lighting fixtures that emit a soft, warm light and large windows and skylights. In addition to providing functional lighting, Japandi lighting should also create a feeling of peace and relaxation. The goal is to create a space that feels like an extension of nature where you can unwind and recharge.
With its focus on simplicity and harmony, Japandi lighting is the perfect way to bring a bit of nature into your home.
Coziness (Hygge and wabi-sabi)
Japandi style reflects the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi, which embraces imperfection, and the Scandinavian concept of Hygge, which emphasizes coziness and contentment.
How to mix and match in Japandi style
Finding the best balance between all elements of the Japandi style is no easy task. Herewith are some ideas on how to create a Japandi-style home decor:
- Match an eye-catching wooden coffee table with a chair sofa.
- Then add accents of natural materials such as cork and wood.
- Please don’t set the furniture too high, but try placing them at different heights to break the monotony of the layout.
- Install wood floors and use light colors with neutral colors for the walls.
- Add fabrics such as plain linen blanket throws or small pile rugs to make the space more comfortable.
- Choose a striking neutral-toned art wall and beautiful plantings as the room’s focal point.
Conclusion
Japandi is not just an interior style; it also reflects a philosophy of life that blends Scandinavian simplicity with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, the beauty of traditional handcrafted decorations with the simple elements of natural raw materials, thus completing the design. It is a static appreciation of beauty and a calm and tranquil way of life-based on simplicity. Still, it also reflects a transcendent state of mind of simplifying the complexity and returning to the basics.
With Japandi, you can have a beautiful and practical space, making it the perfect choice for those who value comfort and simplicity.
