If you're looking for inspiration to spruce up your home, why not consider the Japandi design style? Here's everything you need to know!
While, at first glance, Japan and Scandinavia seem to have little in common, you'd be surprised at how similar their aesthetics really are. Both styles emphasize minimalism, organic materials, and relaxation. Given they're a perfect match, it's not a surprise many designers all over the globe are successfully combining them and calling this phenomenon Japandi design style.
So whether you just bought a new home you can't wait to decorate, or you're looking for inspiration to spruce up your current living space, here's everything you need to know about this design concept. We're positive that you'll fall in love with this style before you even finish reading and start looking for amazing home decor and furniture to elevate your space.
Everything you need to know about Japandi design style
The term "Japandi" refers to a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. It takes cues from both the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which emphasizes togetherness, warmth, and well-being, and the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which promotes a more relaxed pace of life, inner peace, and acceptance of one's lot in life.
Japandi design style got its name by combining Japanese and Scandi.
Japandi combines the minimalism and functionality of Japanese design with the clean lines and modern style of Scandinavian style. It is uncluttered and warm because of the prevalence of neutral tones, various textural elements, and organic materials. Nowadays, Japandi design style is quite popular, and indications are that this trend will continue to thrive for the foreseeable future.
Materials used in Japandi design style
Japandi design is all about inviting nature into your home. Natural fabrics, furniture created from natural materials, handcrafted pottery, and unique decor are all essential elements of the Japandi aesthetic. For a contemporary vibe, rooms designed in the Japanese style strike a mix between rustic elements and sleek, minimal design.
To create a Japandi-inspired space, focus on adding furniture made of wicker, rattan, cane, wood (walnut, acorn, teak), and bamboo. Also, the emphasis is on buying high-quality furniture pieces that will serve you well for years to come. When it comes to textiles, untreated linen, organic cotton, muslin cotton, and velvet are all great options.
House plants are an indispensable element of Japandi-style homes.
Japandi-style homes are filled with natural décor pieces: terra cotta, clay, glass, concrete, wood, and, of course, plants are all common elements. However, pay attention because it's easy to go overboard. Remember, Japandi is all about simplicity. So if you have a lot of décor pieces, perhaps it's time for home decluttering. You'll surely find some things to get rid of, and you can simply move anything you want to keep to your storage.
These are just a few examples of possible materials; of course, your own Japandi style can be more Japanese or Scandinavian, depending on your chosen components.
Japanese and Scandinavian styles – how do they work together?
At the beginning of this article, we've mentioned "hygge". This Scandinavian design concept has become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. The idea behind this concept is to create a cozy space that will evoke a sense of peace and relaxation the second you step foot in it.
This concept combined the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi" to produce the Japandi style. This Japanese philosophy relies on the belief that there is beauty in transience and imperfection. Because of their shared commitment to minimalism and coziness, Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics are a natural fit. Both have a casual elegance that complements each other well in design, and their aesthetics mesh well.
Even in those areas where the two methods differ, they can be said to complement one another. The Scandinavian style is more rustic than the Japanese one. On the other hand, Japanese interiors are often less clinical and more welcoming than their Scandinavian counterparts because they use richer (but still neutral) colors. Japandi style basically means combining the two in a way that suits your personality the best.
How to decorate your home in Japandi style?
If you're already a fan of simplicity, you've likely dabbled in Japandi style before. However, if you're a Japandi beginner, the following tips will help you implement them into your home design. First of all, achieving the Japandi aesthetic requires decluttering your space. This style favors simple forms and uncluttered layouts.
However, if you have a busy household and can't seem to achieve that minimalist aesthetic, you can try adopting "fake minimalism". By this, we mean using built-ins, folding screens, and natural containers like boxes and baskets to hide superfluous material and keep the space uncluttered. An even better option is to listen to the word of advice from pros from Mod Movers CA and rent a storage unit where you can keep all of the things you don't use regularly.
Also, remember that the Japandi concept revolves a lot around sustainability and emphasizes the quality of construction. Therefore, you should try to find furniture and accessories that will last for many years and complement your current aesthetic. It's an excellent remedy for the disposable mentality that has taken hold in recent decades. Select instead ecologically responsible and harmless items.
Mix colors and textures
The greatest way to add warmth and interest to your Japandi home is to utilize different textures and textiles. The Japanese are renowned for employing gorgeous designs. Invest in cushions, pillows and throws, curtains, rugs, and dinnerware. Indulgent textures will help to produce hygge, and patterns will offer liveliness. This is how you make the style feel friendly, not frigid.
: Cozy rugs are an essential element of the Japandi design style.
Rugs are highly significant, too. Find a huge, warm, subtly patterned rug from natural materials to lay next to your bed when you slip your feet out in the morning. Make sure your bed is sumptuously cozy, too, by adding wool blend throws.
Choose sleek lighting
Sleek and lovely lighting fixtures are the cherry on top of your minimalist cake. Just like you would with any other decorative element or piece of furniture, you should choose the lights in your home with care to maximize both their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Be sure to keep the lights low in each room so guests can relax.
Try installing some industrial lighting to create a more Scandinavian atmosphere in a room with a darker Japanese color scheme. Or, hang some hand-made, retro pendants in pewter or copper for a touch of contrast, warmth, and elegance.
Final thoughts on Japandi design style
We hope you enjoyed reading and that we helped you find inspiration to update your home decor and elevate your living space. So if you enjoy the simplicity and crave nature, the Japandi design style could be just the right option for breathing new life into your living space.
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/japandi-style-home-decor-with-a-gray-vase-and-beige-picture-8251592/
https://unsplash.com/photos/77JACslA8G0
https://unsplash.com/photos/enQ7lRYW-uU
https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-brown-sofa-chair-near-white-window-curtain-6480707/
