The Japandi trend has been taking the interior design world by storm over the past few years. As forecast in this year's interior trends, the fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese styles is making it's mark in 2021. Designers and homeowners are looking for ways to add this casual and minimalist aesthetic into their rooms and projects. But, just what is Japandi style? Keep reading to discover why this trend is one of the hottest of 2021 and find out how to infuse Japandi design into your own home.
What is Japandi Style?
Scandinavian Japanese Design
To get a true understanding of Japandi, it is useful to break it down into its key design elements. The term 'Japandi' is a fusion of Scandinavian style - which draws of aspects of minimalism - and Japanese interior design - which focusses on open, intentional style. Bring these two styles together and you will discover Japandi. Now that we know what makes up Japandi design, we can envision what might be expected from its style. The light and neutral colours of scandi spaces paired with the warm rustic woods of Japanese interiors. Open, uncluttered spaces with a few carefully chosen home accessories. Low seating upholstered in soft, light-coloured linens and clean-lined, casual tables. Japandi style is about creating a balance of minimalism and intention.
How to Japandi Your Home
With Our Simple Style Swaps
You don't need to be an interior designer to decorate your home Japandi style. If you're keen to infuse this trend into your home, this can easily be done in a few simple steps - and without spending a fortune. From quick home decor swaps in your bedroom to updating furniture in your living room, we've made incorporating Japandi style simple with our tips below...
Accessorise with...
Japandi Decor
If you're looking to infuse a space with Japandi style in an instant, then start with home decor. Look for vases, ornaments and decorations in simple shapes and neutral colours to meet the minimalist part of the trend. Avoid overly intricate pattens, keeping things simple with block colours and simple details. Japandi home decor is one of the easiest ways to incorporate this style into your home as overhauling your entire interior scheme is not required. Plus, home decor is very affordable, with many Japandi vases coming in at less than £30.
Keep It Uncluttered
Avoid over-cluttering. After all, the essence of Japandi style is quality, not quantity. If you're struggling to decide which home accessories to display and which to put away, consider intention. What will the item be used for? Is it a defining part of your scheme? Creating an open, uncluttered space is a huge part of Japandi interior design so really think about what your decor and home accessories will bring to a room.
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Decorate Walls with...
Japandi Wall Art
Japandi artwork can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could be a beautiful painting of Japanese scenery or some simple line drawings or block colours on a canvas. Whatever the design, Japandi wall art is connected by a one key feature: simplicity. Light backdrops and washed watercolour styles add to the neutral palette of a Japandi style space, creating a calm and tranquil feel. To complement, we'd recommend light wood or neutral frames. However, slender black frames can also be used in the right setting for a contemporary touch.
Don't Focus on Japanese Details
Japandi style doesn't do statement. So if your artwork draws attention away from the rest of the room, then best to use this piece in a different space. However, if you're set on your Japandi decor being more detailed, look for signature Japanese artwork. The Motosu Morning Wall Art (pictured) is an excellent example. It works from a neutral palette but adds in a real essence of Japanese flair. Only use 1 or 2 pieces like this in a scheme to avoid falling into cliche styles.
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Cover Bare Floors with...
A Japandi Rug
Neutral rugs are perfect for Japandi spaces. Depending on the size of a room, they can set the colour palette, bringing softness and warmth to bare wood or concrete floors. Pattern is not high on the list of features in Japandi interior design so stick with plain rugs. If you do want a touch of pattern, look for something subtle such as a light wash or ombre finish, nothing too pronounced or striking.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Natural materials are a key element of Japandi style. Jute, seagrass and hemp rugs are great for defining a Japandi space. These organic colours add warmth to a room, offsetting light upholstery and layering up the neutral aesthetic. Use a round Japandi style rug to draw attention and add softness to a particular area such as the centre of a living room or hallway. Alternatively, use a large rectangular rug to add widespread texture to tired and marked wooden floors.
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Illuminate Your Home with...
Japandi Lighting
Natural light works wonders within Japandi interior design. It complements that feeling of openness and connects a room to the natural colours of the outside world. However, we know that we cannot depend solely on natural light. When selecting Japandi style lighting, keep things simple with neutral colours and minimalist designs. Don't go too bold or select lighting that is too harsh for the space. Your Japandi lighting should sit seamlessly in a space, not stand out.
Look for Understated, Simple Style
Japandi lamps and pendant lights made from materials such as wood and rattan have a rustic Japanese feel. Go for simple openwork styles that make a feature of your lighting without overwhelming the space. If you'd prefer something more enclosed, white drop pendants with rounded shades create a softer ambience above dining tables and kitchen islands.
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Sit Back & Relax with...
Japandi Sofas & Chairs
Casual, low-profile seating is ideal for Japandi living rooms. Armless designs like the Buckingham Chair (pictured) create a relaxed and serene feel. Sofas with platform feet nod to the low profile that has become synonymous with Japanese aesthetic. Storage benches are also great for Japandi interiors. Serving as both seating and storage, they are a functional and streamline addition to a Japandi style space. Plus, the storage is ideal for hiding away clutter and everyday items that you don't want to use as part of your scheme.
Light Linen Upholstery
In line with the neutral aesthetic, Japandi chairs and sofas that pair light-coloured linen upholstery with warm wood finishes are the essence of Japandi style. Look for slender frames and relaxed lounging styles with simple forms. Avoid large designs that will overwhelm your room as well as luxurious fabrics such as velvet or chenille. Supple linens and rustic cane seats are perfect for infusing Japandi style, adding softness and rusticity that's simple and understated.
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Re-design Your Interior with...
Japandi Furniture
If you're seeking a complete interior re-design, then you'll be needing Japandi style furniture. Go-to Japandi furniture is made from light wood with simple straight lines and functional details. The Okinawa collection (console table pictured) is a great example of this aesthetic. However, edge closer towards the Japanese style of the trend by looking for particular details. Consider the functionality of the furniture as well as subtle decorative features such a linear inlays and straight woodgrain textures that are inspired by Japanese design.
Don't Dismiss Dark Colours
While the overall message of Japandi is neutral, don't be afraid to add some depth with darker shades. There are various Japandi style furniture pieces on the market that celebrate darker shades such as black. Just be sure to avoid overwhelming a space. We'd recommend selecting just one or two impactful pieces of furniture and counterbalancing these with more neutral aspects in other areas of the room. It could be a dining table, coffee table or a bed - whichever darker Japandi furniture pieces you choose, create balance by retaining the light and minimalist presence elsewhere.
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