Japandi- A perfect mix of Japanese and Scandinavian Style

Japan and Scandinavia may be 8000km apart, but they have so much in common in terms of design that their shared attributes have literally produces a term- JAPANDI. Japandi is an interior style that’s becoming a fav amongst the interior designers who absolutely adore minimalism. 

This hybrid aesthetic combines the modern-rustic vibe of Scandinavian designs with the traditional elegance that’s associated with minimal Japanese styles. A fusion of the Japanese style and Scandinavian style, Japandi values simplicity and functionality, a love of natural materials, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Not only this but their shared love for the simplicity of clean lines and quality craftsmanship is also reflected in Japandi.

Both the Japanese and the Scandinavian styles lean towards more practical, uncluttered spaces, enhanced by a just handful of well-considered statement pieces and accessories, rather than too much decorative detail. Japandi is a good fit with hectic modern and fast lifestyles, because a Japandi interior with pieces reflecting the style allow people to create a clean, calm environment in which they can truly unwind.

While having so many similarities, there are also some differences and the Japandi trend combines the best of both worlds and balance out the excesses of each style.

The philosophy of ‘wabi-sabi’ – of finding beauty in the imperfect – is central to Japan’s design culture. Whereas in Scandinavian the notion of hygge – creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort – is very important.

Japanese interiors tend to exhibit more sleekness and elegance, while the rustic details of Nordic design add more variety and texture. Where the neutrality of Scandinavian interiors can verge on being too clinical, the richer colour palette of Japanese design can help give a room more warmth.

So ideally, a Japandi style interior will include the best of both the Japanese and Scandinavian styles by keeping things simple, authentic and scaled back.

If this hybrid style sounds like something you’d go for, here are some interior inspiration for your inner minimalist:

1. Keeping it simple is the most essential element of Japandi. Accessories and decorative items are not abundant in either Japanese or Scandi design philosophy – so think more quality than quantity and choose just a handful of well-considered statement pieces to accessorise.
2. In Japandi style an essential element for materials is wood. This can be in the form of a centre wooden dining table or even wooden artworks acting as the protagonists in your drawing room.
3. Natural materials all the way. Apart from wood, other materials or natural fibres used in Japandi are bamboo, rattan and paper, so try to incorporate these in your interior if you’re feeling a little playful.
4. A tip to recreate a Japandi style is to play in neutral and pastel colours. The colour tones come from the current Scandi trend, with shades of blue and grey that tend to blue. However, the differences consist of the introduction of shades like mint, emerald green, pink and ivory for a subtle difference in accent colours.
5. A minimalist decor does not rule out the use of accessories to beautify the environment, but they are rather resized than usual. Play with the minimal accessories to glam up the room and still be minimal.