The Japandi trend is on everyone’s lips and fis one of the most popular trends of 2023, but the name might not tell us much. The Japandi style has taken over almost every space, and rightly so. Its minimalism, practicality, and respect for clean lines and nature are its main attractions. Especially after coming out of a state of alarm. It was at that moment that we realized the importance of our homes and the possibilities they could offer us if we put in a little more effort.
We had no choice but to turn our dining rooms into offices and our living rooms into gyms or meditation areas. The Japandi style, which merges Japan with Scandinavia, proposes simplifying spaces and endowing them with warmth and relaxation. If you want your home to be up to date and also take advantage of all the benefits that these two distant styles offer, keep reading, because today we are going to give you all the keys.
Where does this fusion come from?
Despite being so far apart geographically, it is surprising how much they resemble each other and the values they have in common, hence their fusion has been so positive. The trait that both Japanese and Scandinavian decoration styles share the most is undoubtedly simplicity. To this is added the cult of Japan’s imperfect nature and the appreciation of simple Scandinavian lines, among other things.
To understand where the Japandi style comes from, we have to travel to the past. About 150 years ago, a group of Danish architects and artists traveled to Japan to observe and learn from the interior design trends of that country. They observed that the Japanese did not struggle against what other nations, from a design point of view, considered flaws or mistakes. The wabi-sabi trend, in which objects gain value over time even if they are damaged, had a significant impact on the Danes. The appreciation for natural materials and neutral tones began to merge due to their similarity to the Danish Hygge lifestyle.
This trend focuses on how the space makes its inhabitants feel, so it seeks their happiness through cozy, warm, and comforting environments. Little by little, Nordic practicality and appreciation for Japanese imperfection began to fit together more and more.
In addition to the characteristics of each trend, the Japandi style combines the importance and concern that both cultures give to spaces from a human point of view. They seek to create spaces where inhabitants are comfortable and want to spend time, creating memories. Therefore, there is always a tendency on both sides towards warmth and the cozy feeling of wood, earth tones that do not interrupt that state of relaxation and communion with nature, etc.
It has become a trend because it follows completely opposite guidelines to what we usually have at home; the more objects we have, the better. However, the Japandi style shies away from quantity and opts for quality and open, minimalist spaces, where only the necessary items are present. The pandemic forced us to observe and spend much more time at home, and we began to find defects or an excess of elements in the spaces. Hence the trend has shifted towards this fusion.
Calm, warmth, nature, and simplicity are some of the keywords of the Japandi style. However, if you want to make your home overflow with this type of interior design, let’s take a closer look at the keys to creating it.
Recreate the Japandi style
We have analyzed the Japandi style and divided it into key points so that you can build your own half-Japanese, half-Scandinavian space at home. Simply follow these formulas to achieve it without going crazy.
Natural materials
Some Japanese trends, such as wabi-sabi or kintsugi, emphasize the importance of old objects, for which time has passed. Observing them reminds us that we also age, the ephemeral nature of our lives, something that should not be thrown away but cared for and repaired. Therefore, the Japandi style seeks to get as close as possible to the natural. Untreated woods, natural fibers, ornaments repaired by hand… Without a doubt, if you want to recreate this style, you should choose light wood and decorative elements that have value for you, because they are yours, not because they are fashionable.
Nature indoors
The presence of nature in the Japandi style is essential because we are part of it; we have to let it into our space because it also belongs to it. You can choose indoor plants (ivy, ficus…), always without excess, and place them in a way that fits best in the space. However, do not choose very showy plants or ones with striking colors because it will disrupt the sense of harmony. Nature seeks to attract attention; it simply exists; that’s how our space should be.
Neutral colors
The key to achieving Scandinavian minimalism is the color palette we will choose for our home. We summarize it for you. Neutral colors. Beige, white, or gray will be your eternal allies to recreate the Japandi style. They will serve as a base, but also to generate a simple and warm atmosphere. When we refer to the entire space, we mean everything. Walls, furniture, fabrics, lighting… You can add some decorative object of color, but not too flashy.
You can choose a darker color for the furniture, seeking to imitate the decoration of traditional Japanese houses and even place a more colorful painting. As long as it doesn’t disturb the sense of simplicity we’re looking for.
Unique and handmade objects
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the style. Although it does seek to reduce the visual load of objects, it doesn’t mean that we can’t decorate. What happens is that things are chosen better and we look for them to last. You can decorate with natural elements, glass vases, ceramic bowls, etc. And use kintsugi, the Japanese technique that repairs fractured objects, to continue observing it and see how time, although it has damaged it, has also created a new beauty.
Remember to pay close attention, for a complete Japandi-style look, to craftsmanship, to handmade pieces with flaws, which differ from the rest. It can be anything. Vases, mirrors, sculptures…
Create contrasts
Although we emphasize that one of the key points of the Japandi style is simplicity. It doesn’t mean that, like in nature, contrasts don’t exist. You can create different neutral tones in a decoration. Dark woods with lighter pieces, for example. Always without departing from the palette of neutral tones, those that you frequently see in nature.
Open spaces
The key to understanding space from the point of view of the 2 cultures that make up this style is to see it as something that flows. There can’t be obstacles that hinder the view, or at least as few as possible. You can differentiate areas if you want. But you may have to remove some furniture that hinders that panoramic vision we are looking for in the rooms.
It’s about balancing so that there’s neither too much nor too little. In addition to giving a sense of spaciousness, this trend will also help make the space more comfortable functionally. If you need to separate spaces at some point, you can use paper screens, vegetal materials, fabrics, or dividers with slats.
Tend towards simplicity
Both Japanese and Scandinavian decoration are characterized by order, hence the simplicity they always seek. The key is to avoid adding objects or elements that will not be used much or that are there ‘just to have them.’ Learn to distinguish what you need from what you don’t, to have a more orderly space with meaning.
Choosing symmetrical pieces and aligning objects and heights will also help you create a certain visual order.
Daytime natural light and nighttime contrast
Light is a fundamental element in creating the Japandi style and plays a significant role in creating atmospheres and environments. Natural light will always be prioritized over artificial light. Hence the materials of the curtains or blinds are lightweight and neutral in color. This way, we prevent modifying the color of the light as much as possible and let it pass without bothering us.
At night, ambient light points can be placed throughout the house to create an intimate and warm space. It is very common in this style to use ceiling or table lamps focused not on a point where something will be done, but on a corner.
As you can see, the Japandi style has quite specific decoration keys. But it is not necessary to follow them to the letter. If you are inclined towards this type of decoration. Surely, little by little and by reading the room, you will realize how to decorate to prioritize simplicity, naturalness, and craftsmanship. And if you’re not sure, you can always count on Manuel Torres Design studio.
We carry out projects and services (interior design and comprehensive renovations) for both individuals and entrepreneurs and companies. Anticipating your needs and offer you the best result. We become your travel companions, always providing differential value and standing out from the competition. If you want to talk about your renovation or decoration project, you just have to contact the team. We will get down to work (literally) to help you materialize that dream.
The images used in this post do not belong to Manuel Torres Design, unless otherwise indicated. Credits for these images belong to other companies, photographers, and professionals. We appreciate their contribution in inspiring our content and recognise their work.
