Japandi Design: Our Guide to Organic & Functional Interiors

Japandi Design: Our Guide to Organic & Functional Interiors

If you're looking to add a touch of minimalism and functionality to your home, you may want to explore the Japandi design style. Characterised by its organic shapes and muted colours, Japandi interiors strike a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and comfortable living spaces. In this blog post, we'll give you a breakdown of everything you need to know about Japandi design, from its origins to its key features. Keep reading for inspiration on how to create an idyllic Japandi-inspired space in your own home!

What is Japandi style

Japandi style is a unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. This hybrid blends characteristics of both styles and is hallmarked by simple, clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on functionality.

Japandi furniture is often made of wood or bamboo and features sleek, minimalist designs. Textiles are typically lightweight and neutral in colour, with geometric patterns. Japandi homes often make use of small spaces and include ample storage to keep the space uncluttered. This style can create a calm, serene atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests. Thanks to its popularity in recent years, the Japandi style has become more accessible than ever before. With a few carefully chosen pieces, it's easy to bring a touch of Japandi style into your home.

9 Key Features of Japandi

1. Japandi focuses on simplicity

Japandi is a design style that combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. The result is a clean and minimalist look that is both elegant and functional. Japandi interiors are typically clutter-free, with a focus on natural materials and neutral tones. Furnishings are sparse, and every element has a purpose.
This aesthetic often includes elements of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the imperfections of nature. Japandi design is becoming increasingly popular as people seek to create tranquil spaces that promote wellness and relaxation. By combining two of the most popular design styles in the world, Japandi offers a unique and beautiful way to bring simplicity into your home.

2. Embrace earth tones

Some of the most beautiful homes are those that embrace earth tones and Japandi design is one style that does this beautifully. Earth tones include shades of brown, green, beige, and cream. These colours are inspired by the natural world and can create a calming atmosphere in your home.
Japandi interiors often make use of wood furniture and floors as well as earthy tones in fabrics and textiles. Stone walls are a popular incorporation of this style, and they can add a lot of character to a space. They can be used to create an accent wall, or used as a base for other design elements. Stone walls can also be used to create a feeling of closeness and intimacy in a space. This is especially important in smaller rooms, like bathrooms and bedrooms. If you're looking for a way to add some warmth and personality to your home, consider using stone walls.

3. Use light woods like pine

Japandi design is an aesthetic that combines the best of both Japanese and Scandinavian designs. One of the key elements of this style is the use of light woods, like pine. Pine furniture is often simple and minimalist, with clean lines and a natural finish. This type of furniture is perfect for creating a calming and serene environment. In addition to being visually pleasing, pine furniture is also durable and sturdy. This makes it ideal for areas that see a lot of traffic, like entryways and Mudrooms. When shopping for pine furniture, be sure to look for pieces that have been constructed using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. This will give your furniture a truly authentic Japandi look.

4. Use organic glass shapes for vases or planters

Characterised by simple lines, natural materials, and a focus on functionality, Japandi designs are both stylish and practical. One way to incorporate Japandi style into your home is to use organic glass shapes for vases or planters. Glass is a quintessential Japandi material, and its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic will complement any Japandi-inspired space. Plus, glass is an extremely versatile material, so you can use it to create a wide range of looks.
For example, you could opt for clear glass vases to let your plants take centre stage, or choose coloured or patterned glass for a more eye-catching look. However you choose to style them, organic glass shapes are a great way to add a touch of Japandi design to your home.

5. Opt for dried flowers or stems

Dried flowers and stems are a beautiful, natural way to add interest to any space. Unlike fresh flowers, which can be expensive and require frequent replacement, dried flowers and stems can be enjoyed for months or even years. And because they're often more fragile than fresh flowers, they can lend an air of delicate sophistication to a room. Popular choices for dried flowers include baby's breath, lavender, and eucalyptus.

6. Play with textured rugs, cushions and throws

In interior design, texture is just as important as colour and pattern. Textured surfaces can add depth and interest to a room, and can be used to create a variety of different effects. Japandi design is an aesthetic that combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian styles, and this approach can be applied to the use of texture in the home.
By mixing textured rugs, cushions and throws, you can create a layered look that is both stylish and inviting. Textured fabrics are also a great way to add visual interest to a room without overwhelming it with colour. So if you're looking to add some Japanese flair to your home, don't forget to experiment with texture.

7. Less is more: focus on minimalism

Minimalism is a style that emphasises simplicity and the lack of superfluous decoration. It is often associated with clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on function over form. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards minimalism in interior design. This is partly because minimalist design can be very sleek and sophisticated. But it's also because minimalism can help to create a sense of calm in a busy world.

Japandi design is a hybrid style that combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. Like minimalism, Japandi emphasises simplicity and functionality. But it also incorporates natural materials and organic elements, resulting in a warm and inviting aesthetic. Japandi design is therefore the perfect way to achieve a minimalistic look that doesn't feel sterile or cold.

8. Find handmade ceramics that add character

For centuries, ceramic pots and tiles have been used to add visual interest and durability to homes around the world. Today, handmade ceramics are enjoying a renaissance as homeowners seek out unique ways to personalise their spaces. Japandi design is one of the hottest trends in home décor, and it relies heavily on ceramic pots and tiles to create a cohesive look.

If you’re looking for Japandi-inspired ceramics, look for pieces that combine natural materials with minimalist lines. Earthy tones and organic shapes are also key, as they help to create a sense of calm and serenity. Whether you’re shopping for a new vase or a set of dinner plates, handmade ceramics can help you achieve the perfect Japandi look.

9. Pair wooden floors with tufted rugs

Japandi design is a trending interior style that combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian design. One of the key elements of this style is wooden floors. Tufted rugs are the perfect complement to wooden floors, as they add texture and visual interest while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. Tufted rugs are also extremely versatile, as they can be used in a variety of ways to create different looks.
For example, they can be layered over larger area rugs for a cosy feel, or placed in front of a fireplace for a warm and inviting look. No matter how you choose to use them, tufted rugs are an essential part of creating a stylish and cohesive Japandi-inspired space.

Conclusion

Japandi design is a trending interior style that combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian design. This style is marked by minimalism, earth tones, wooden furniture, clean lines, and a focus on functionality and form. If you’re looking to add a bit of Japandi flair to your home décor, there are a few key elements you can focus on. Start by mixing and matching different textures, focusing on minimalism, and incorporating handmade ceramics into your space. Wooden floors and tufted rugs are also key to achieving the perfect Japandi look.

Intrigued by interior design styles? Read more of our design guides here:

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Georgian Interior Design

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Industrial Interior Design

Scandinavian Style Interiors

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