The Japandi style - harmonious fusion from Japan and Scandinavia

The Japandi style may appear as a trendy catchphrase indoors, but this aesthetics a long history. The fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design goes far back.

Laila Rietbergen , author of "Japandi Living" (Lannoo Publishers 2022) and operator of the popular Instagram-Kontos @japandi.interior , emphasizes:

The connection between Japan and Scandinavia has been in existence for a long time. ”

According to the young interior design author, the focus is on calm, minimalist and functional interiors, whereby the aesthetics often go far beyond the external appearance of a house.

Shanty Wijaya , interior designer and owner of Allprace , said in an interview with Architectural Digest:

This design style and these principles promote a healthy and sensible lifestyle. They teach us to discover beauty in imperfection, establish a deep connection to the earth and nature and appreciate the simple joys of life. ”

But what exactly makes Japandi so popular and special? The Japandi style is characterized by its simple elegance and functionality. Furniture and decorative elements are often made of wood, bamboo or linen and convince with their simplicity and quality. These materials give the room a natural warmth and create a harmonious ambience.

What is the Japandi style?

The Japandi style is essentially a successful fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese design . This exciting East-West design movement combines tasteful Japanese elements and the philosophical of wabi-sabi with Scandinavian comfort and coziness, also known as hygge .

Both aesthetics rely on simplicity, natural materials, comfort and sustainability .

Japandi, as an interior design philosophy , is a fusion of the minimalist aesthetics of Japan and the cozy comfort of Scandinavia , focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and a calming color palette. It combines the best of both worlds.

accessories such as carpets also play a crucial role in this style . They not only give the room warmth and texture, but also round off the entire aesthetics.

The Dutchman Rietbergen discovered her love for Japandi style after an inspiring Japan trip in 2018. She particularly appreciates the adaptability of this furnishing style. Japandi captivates with its reserved colors, high -quality natural materials and the emphasis on green and nature in interior design .

In both Japan and Scandinavia, people appreciate spending time in nature and like to integrate it into their living spaces. This is reflected not only in the use of wood and linen, but also in organic forms and the skillful combination of different stylistic elements.

A short history of the design fusion

Japandi houses are widespread these days, but their history goes far back. In the 19th century, Japan opened his limits after centuries -long isolation and inspired Scandinavian designers and artists.

The similarities between Japanese and Scandinavian design made it easier to combine the two styles. Both value simplicity, high -quality materials and craftsmanship, which led to a harmonious synthesis and both raised to a new level.

At this time, the designs of Danish designers and creatives began to be influenced by this enigmatic and fascinating new oriental aesthetic.

Early traces of this design style can be found in ceramics, architecture, and Danish furniture. As mentioned earlier, both design philosophies—Wabi-Sabi from Japan and Hygge from Denmark —value simplicity, minimalism, and natural materials. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before the two were blended in design.

Danish designer Nina Tolstrup went back to the 1950s in an interview with BBC and compared the classic modernist pieces from her region with pieces from Japanese designers, such as the bamboo wicker chair by Japanese-American sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi and Japanese industrial designer Isamu Kenmochi .

The Danish designer Lars Vejen emphasized the importance of joint focus on the craft compared to BBC. During his first visit to Japan in 1995, he was impressed by the country's amazing craftsmanship. The Japanese pay their traditions respect and are perfectionists in many ways. When presenting his designs to Japanese customers, Vejen recognizes a perfect harmony between the simple idea and the manual implementation.

Many other remarkable collaborations followed over the 8,000 km, which both countries separated from each other. This narrow integration of both design philosophies continues to this day.

Japandi is a timeless furnishing style that is still popular and was anchored in the design lexicon in early 2022. Despite his long history, Japandi will not get out of fashion as quickly due to his continuing relevance and attractiveness.

What are the rules, elements and characteristics of the Japandi style?

The Japandi design cleverly combines Japanese and Scandinavian styles, focusing on minimalist designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The focus is on subtlety ”,

Julee Wray , founder of Truss Interiors explained to the interior design magazine The Spruce : Japandi styles are characterized by high-quality craftsmanship, with quality and handwork taking center stage.

Neutral colors dominate the furniture and accessories of the Japandi style, with a preference for calm and soothing color palettes. Sustainability also plays a significant role, as natural materials and simple designs characterize the green interior design style.

In view of the growing environmental awareness of consumers, the popularity of the Japandi style is not surprising.

Elements and characteristics of the Japandi style at a glance

In order to better understand the Japandi style, we include determining elements of the two styles from which it emerges:

Japanese interior design

Although this list is not complete, Japanese interiors often use the following elements.

The focus is on organic and natural materials such as:

• Wood
• Stone
• Paper
• Cotton
• rattan

A neutral color palette with a focus on darker and earthy tones

• Brown
• Beige
• Green

Supplementary and often functional decoration :

• Teapot
• Books
• Ceramic cup
• Vases
• Carpet
• textiles
• Tidy rooms
• Natural light

Interior design in Scandinavian style

Certain features are often observed in Scandinavian home design

Focus on natural materials , especially light wood .

A neutral color palette with a focus on lighter colors such as:

• White
• cream
• Light brown from woods like birch or white oak

Design principles:

• Clear lines
• Tidy rooms
• Natural light

The rules and characteristics in detail

Minimalism and functionality

The core of the Japandi style lies in principle of less-actual . Unnecessary decorations and pieces of furniture are frowned upon. Instead, a few, carefully selected elements are used, which are both functional and aesthetic. Everything has its place and purpose, which contributes to the harmonious room atmosphere.

Tip: Remove unnecessary objects from your rooms and concentrate on the essentials. Each piece of furniture and decoration object should fulfill a clear function and contribute to the overall harmony.

Natural materials and colors

Another central element of the Japandi style is the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, linen and ceramics. These materials bring a warm and authentic note into the room and create a connection to nature. The color palette is also inspired by nature and ranges from earth tones to gentle neutral.

Tip: Place on natural materials and colors to create an earthy and soothing atmosphere. Combine light wood with darker accents to create depth and contrast.

Handicraft perfection and Wabi-Sabi

The Japanese aesthetics of the Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of the imperfect, plays a central role in Japandi style. Small irregularities and handmade details give the rooms character and authenticity. This uniqueness is the perfect opposite pole to the often sterile perfection of modern design.

Tip: Choose handmade pieces with small imperfections to highlight the human touch and authentic beauty in your home.

The elements of the Japandi style

Simple furniture with clear lines

Japandi furniture is characterized by their simple shape and clear lines. Comfort and aesthetics go hand in hand. The furniture is functional, but never overloaded or pompous.

Tip: Choose furniture that convince with your simplicity and functionality. Pay attention to a harmonious combination of Japanese and Scandinavian influences.

Subtle decoration and plants

Decoration in Japandi style is reserved and well thought out. Few, selected pieces adorn the rooms. Plants play an important role and bring liveliness and freshness into the minimalist ambience.

Tip: Place on simple decorative objects and integrate plants to promote naturalness and calm in your rooms.

The role of Japandi-style carpets

Rugs play a key role in the Japandi style, making a room feel more cozy and inviting. Particularly popular are the Japandi rugs , which impress with their understated color scheme and natural materials. These rugs are often in subtle tones such as beige, gray, or earth tones and help emphasize the minimalist design.

In addition, great importance is placed on natural materials. Carpets made of wool, jute or cotton are particularly popular because they are not only environmentally friendly, but also durable and easy to care for. These materials help to underline the natural and cozy ambience.

Materials and patterns play a major role

As already mentioned, both the colors and the patterns of the Japandi carpets are usually simple and reserved. The patterns can represent geometric shapes, simple lines and subtle textures. These complement the minimalist design and nevertheless bring structure to the room to give it a personal and lively note.

The neutral colors can be combined in many ways and can be easily integrated into different rooms and styles. Beige carpets are an excellent choice for the Japandi style. They fit harmoniously into the natural color palette and at the same time bring a warm note into the room. A beige carpet can visually enlarge the room and convey a feeling of calm and serenity.

The right place for a Japandi carpet

Carpets in Japandi style can be used in different rooms and furnishing styles. In the living room you can serve as a central decoration element and visually bring the seating area together. A large, beige carpet in the Japandi style under the couch and the coffee table can make the room look more comfortable and inviting.

Japandi carpets are also a popular choice in the bedroom. A soft, natural -colored carpet next to the bed ensures a warm and pleasant start to the day. He can also help to divide the room visually and create a relaxing and cozy sleeping environment.

In the kitchen or in the dining area, smaller Japandi carpets can help separate the areas visually from each other and at the same time create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Particularly carpets made of robust materials such as jute or cotton are particularly suitable here, which are easy to clean and are resistant to wear.

Tip: With the right choice of Japandi carpets, any home can be transformed into an oasis of calm and serenity. Your simple beauty and functionality make you an indispensable element for everyone who wants to implement the Japandi style in your home. This creates a living space that is not only aesthetically appealing, but also cozy and inviting.

Is Japandi out of fashion? - Current trends and reports

In 2023 the Japandi style experienced a new thrust in the design world. Sustainability and manual perfection are the focus of many furnishing trends. Large furniture stores and designers have also included the style in their collections and increasingly offer furniture and decorations in Japandi style.

This trend is favored by the increased turning towards health and well -being in your own four walls.

Practical tips: How to bring the Japandi style to your home

If you want to integrate the Japandi facility trend into your own four walls, it is best to start with consistent use and emphasis on minimalism and "less is more".

Then you can decide for yourself whether you want to choose the Scandinavian, the Japanese style or your own mix. The color palette can vary - from dark wood for a Japanese touch to lighter colors for Scandinavian flair.

But in turn ...

End with the disorder

The central idea of ​​the Japandi style is to minimize disorder . This design approach relies on clear lines and generous interior design.

"clever minimalism" is advisable , through which natural containers such as baskets or integrations are used to discretely stow out unnecessary objects and ensure an tidy atmosphere.

Integrate natural materials

Focus on natural materials such as untreated wood or bamboo pieces that radiate a feeling of nature and simple beauty.

Leni Calas , the founder of Ward 5 Design , recommends subdued colors with a touch of light green or the integration of plants and green into her home to give him an outdoor atmosphere.

Pieces of wood also fit well into rooms in the Japandi style, according to Eilla Adi , the founder of Eilla Adi Design , which particularly recommends oak furniture.

Use different textures

In order to combine the best of both design styles, it is advisable to combine the cosiness of the Scandinavian design with warm textures and soft furniture and to maintain the elegance of the Japanese decor.

Place on Bouclé fabrics and ceramic accents for decoration. Functionality is in the foreground in both Scandinavian and Japanese style, but it is crucial to create a zen-like atmosphere of calm in your room. The Japandi style attaches particular importance to a cozy and harmonious environment.

An earthy and homogeneous color palette

In order to follow the principles of Japandi, we should always keep an eye on the use of natural colors. However, it should be noted that the Japandi concept is to a certain extent divided into two: lovers of the Scandinavian design prefer bright and lively colors such as white or light gray, while those who appreciate the Japanese aesthetics tend to tend to earthy tones such as brown or olive green. Nevertheless, all of these colors fit harmoniously into the Japandi style.

In any case, limit color deviations to a minimum. It is not the appropriate style of living to test different color combinations. The reduction to a mainly monochrome palette is essential. It is recommended to determine a main color and an accent color and to limit yourself to these two shades and shades.

Invest in quality and craftsmanship

The Japandi design focuses on craftsmanship , so that the pieces of furniture are not viewed as disposable goods. Discover timeless furnishings that will fit perfectly into your home in many years.

A clear statement against today's disposable culture. Choose sustainable pieces of furniture that are good for both your home and our planet.

Natural, warm materials

When designing a room, it is crucial to pay attention not only to the selection of furniture, but also to the finishes of cushions, rugs and occasional furniture.

Natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, paper, ceramics and bright woods are particularly suitable for giving the room an appealing style.

Decorative elements

Both Japanese and Scandinavian style embody the philosophy of minimalism , which is also expressed in Japandi.

A reserved wall design with only a few selected works of art, a subtle decoration in Zen style , vases or ceramic ornaments is sparingly placed and handmade decorations carefully selected for a harmoniously designed home.