Embracing Harmony: How to Create the Japandi Style in Your Home
- Studio Jeandré
- Feb 1, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
In recent years, Japandi interiors have taken the design world by storm, merging the serene minimalism of Japanese aesthetics with the cosy functionality of Scandinavian decor. This organic modern trend is perfect for homeowners seeking a harmonious, clutter-free, and nature-inspired living space.
Whether you're designing a Japandi living room, Japandi kitchen, or Japandi bedroom, this guide will help you master the art of Japandi style—where simplicity meets warmth.
Japandi is more than just a style;
it is a philosophy of life, a way of living.
What is Japandi Style?
Japandi Scandinavian interior design is a seamless fusion of two beloved aesthetics:
Japanese design – Rooted in Zen philosophy, focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and mindful simplicity.
Scandinavian design – Emphasises functionality, light, and cosy textures for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Together, they create a Japandi home that is both tranquil and practical—a perfect balance of minimalism and comfort.
Japanese interiors have a traditional Zen philosophy that inspires simplistic and minimalist architecture and design.
A show home interior is shunned for a more lived-in look, resulting is a sense of peace and tranquility through simplicity
Key Elements of Japandi Interiors
1. Minimalism & Clean Lines
Japandi decoration thrives on simplicity. Avoid clutter and opt for functional furniture with sleek, organic shapes. Open spaces and clean lines create a calming environment.
2. Natural Materials
Wood, bamboo, linen, and stone are staples in Japandi style. Scandinavian light woods (like oak and pine) blend beautifully with Japanese dark woods (such as walnut and teak) for a balanced look.
3. Neutral & Earthy Colour Palette
A Japandi interior uses soft, muted tones:
Warm neutrals (beige, taupe, oatmeal)
Cool tones (soft greys, pale blues)
Earthy accents (sage green, dusty pink, charcoal)
Avoid bold, dominating colours—opt for subtle contrasts instead.
4. Functional & Thoughtful Design
Every piece in a Japandi home should serve a purpose. Look for multifunctional furniture, hidden storage, and handcrafted decor that enhances both beauty and utility.
5. Connection to Nature
Large windows, indoor plants, and natural light are essential in Japandi living rooms and Japandi bedrooms. Incorporate greenery like bonsai trees, bamboo, or minimalist floral arrangements.
6. Warm Textures & Layering
To prevent a Japandi Scandinavian interior from feeling too stark, add soft textiles:
Wool throws
Linen curtains
Handwoven rugs
Velvet or silk cushions
These textures create depth while maintaining a minimalist vibe.
Japandi Style Room by Room
Japandi Living Room
Low-profile sofas in neutral fabrics
Wooden coffee tables with clean lines
Wabi-sabi ceramics and woven baskets
Soft, layered lighting (paper lanterns, pendant lights)
Japandi Kitchen
Light wood cabinetry with minimalist handles
Open shelving for curated dishware
Stone or wood countertops
Functional yet stylish storage solutions
Japandi Bedroom
Platform beds with organic linens
Neutral walls with subtle texture (woven wall hangings, matte finishes)
Blackout linen curtains for a serene sleep space
A single statement plant (like a fiddle-leaf fig)
Japandi Bathroom
Wooden vanities with stone sinks
Bamboo or rattan storage
Earthy-toned tiles
Minimalist fixtures with a spa-like feel
Japandi Dining Room
A sleek wooden dining table
Handcrafted tableware (stoneware, ceramic)
Neutral table linens with subtle texture
A single sculptural centrepiece (like a dried floral arrangement)
POSTS RELATED TO JAPANDI STYLE OF INTERIORS:
The Japandi Philosophy: Mindful & Sustainable Living
Beyond aesthetics, Japandi style promotes:
Mindfulness – A clutter-free space fosters mental clarity.
Sustainability – Choosing handmade, eco-friendly materials over mass-produced items.
Timelessness – Unlike fleeting trends, Japandi interiors remain elegant for years.
Japandi style is not merely an aesthetic choice but a way of life. It embodies a philosophy of mindfulness, balance, and simplicity.
Final Tips for Achieving Japandi Decor
✔ Less is more – Keep only what you love and need.
✔ Mix light & dark woods – Balance Scandinavian lightness with Japanese depth.
✔ Embrace imperfections – Wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate natural flaws.
✔ Prioritise quality – Invest in durable, handcrafted pieces.
Japandi style is more than just a design trend—it’s a lifestyle that blends simplicity, warmth, and nature. Whether you're redesigning a Japandi kitchen, Japandi bathroom, or an entire home, this harmonious aesthetic will create a peaceful, functional, and timeless space.
Ready to embrace Japandi Scandinavian interior design? Start with decluttering, incorporate natural materials, and let the serene beauty of Japandi decoration transform your home into a sanctuary.
For further reading, have a look at Niki Brantmark and her brilliant book called
The Scandinavian Home. Niki is a Londoner now living in Sweden and has a popular blog entitled My Scandinavian Home.
Another good read is Goodbye, Things; The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki.
It describes how the author got rid of items in his life he didn't absolutely need and how this lead him to live a more enriched, happy life.
(links not affiliate)
