ℹ Notice: In a previous post of this interior design styles series, we've analyzed and compared Scandinavian and Minimalist interior design. You can read it here.
In recent years, Japandi interior design has emerged as one of the most beloved styles among design-savvy homeowners and professionals. It offers a serene, balanced, and functional aesthetic that blends the best of two different worlds.
However, some questions come to mind: What exactly is the Japandi design style? What are its roots? And how can you bring this peaceful style into your home without pitfalls? Below, we explore in depth what Japandi design is, how it emerged, its key characteristics, and practical guidance (DIY) for implementing it properly in your living space.
Defining Japandi Design
Japandi is a mixed interior design style that combines the clean, minimalist, and practical lines of Scandinavian design with the refined simplicity, natural materials, and mindful aesthetic of Japanese design. (See Img-1 below)
It emphasizes minimalist aesthetics, natural textures, neutral color palettes, functional living spaces, craftsmanship, and an overall atmosphere of calm and harmony. The name “Japandi” itself is a portmanteau of Japan + Scandi(anavia).
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| HeaderImg.- A calm, serene, and minimalist Japandi-style open living room. Photo credit: home-designing.com/ |
❓ ... But, what is the purpose of creating a Japandi interior Design?
The purpose of creating the Japandi style is to combine the best of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality into one harmonious and balanced style. It’s designed to promote calm, simplicity, and comfort while maintaining a sense of elegant sophistication.
Here’s a breakdown of its main purposes and goals:
- Create a Peaceful and Calming Environment: Japandi design emphasizes serenity and mindfulness. By reducing clutter and using natural materials, it aims to create a space that feels calm and restorative — almost like a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life.
- Blend Functionality with Aesthetics: It combines Scandinavian design’s focus on practicality and functionality with Japanese attention to detail and craftsmanship, resulting in spaces that are both beautiful and highly livable.
- Embrace Nature and Sustainability: Both Japanese and Scandinavian philosophies value a connection with nature. Japandi spaces utilize organic materials (such as wood, bamboo, linen, and stone) and neutral, earthy colors to create warmth and promote sustainable living.
- Encourage “Less is More” Living: The design encourages minimalism, not as emptiness but as intentional simplicity — keeping only what adds value and joy. It promotes mindful consumption and appreciation for quality over quantity.
- Promote Harmony and Balance: Japandi seeks to balance contrast and complementarity — clean Scandinavian lines meet the rustic imperfections of Japanese wabi-sabi, resulting in interiors that feel both orderly and soulful.
Explanation of the Fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian Design Philosophies
To understand Japandi, one must understand what each tradition brings to the table:
- Japanese design philosophies often draw from principles like wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence), ma (the space or negative space between elements), Zen aesthetics, and a deep respect for the natural world. Japanese interiors tend to favor low furniture, natural wood, sliding screens (e.g., shoji), muted tones, and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. (See image below)
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| Img. 1- A typical Japanese traditional interior. Photo credits: workinjapan.today/ |
- Scandinavian design philosophies (from Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland) emphasize functionality, simplicity, light, hygge (coziness and well-being), clean lines, democratic design (good design accessible to all), and often brightness (lots of light, white-washed surfaces) to combat long dark winters. Read more »
The fusion works because there is philosophical overlap: both value simplicity, quality craftsmanship, natural materials, functional living, and a connection to nature. Japandi pulls in the softness, texture, and “warm minimalism” of Scandinavian style, combining it with the refined, contemplative, nature-oriented simplicity of Japanese interior design. It’s less austere than some pure minimalism, but cleaner and more restrained than many maximalist trends.
Importance of Minimalist Aesthetics and Functional Living Spaces
Minimalism isn’t about emptiness—it is about intentionality. In Japandi design, every object, piece of furniture, or décor item should serve a purpose or bring meaning (practical, visual, or emotional). Clutter is reduced, priority is given to functionality, flow, and breathing space.
Functional living spaces in Japandi:
- Ensure that furniture is not only beautiful but useful: storage built in, low-profile, multipurpose. Read more »
- Layouts are open or flowing, letting light in, allowing movement, not cramming rooms.
- Emphasis on well-chosen lighting (natural light is ideal, supplemented with warm artificial light) to enhance calm and clarity.
These aspects not only contribute to a pleasing aesthetic but also help reduce stress, make cleaning easier, improve day-to-day usability, and generally suit modern lifestyles. More people are valuing mindfulness, well-being, and sustainability – and Japandi style speaks to all these.
Historical Background
Understanding how Japandi came to be means tracing both Japanese and Scandinavian design histories, and seeing how global trends set the stage for their fusion.
- Japanese design history: Rooted in centuries of tradition such as Shinto and Buddhist ideals, tea ceremony architecture (chashitsu), and the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Japanese interiors have long placed emphasis on natural materials, modesty in ornamentation, and integration with nature. Sliding screens, tatami mats, natural wood, and paper are traditional elements. Over time, modern Japanese architects adapted these ideas to minimalism.
- Scandinavian design history: A movement that especially bloomed in the early to mid-20th century. Post-World War I and WWII, there was a push in Nordic countries for functional, affordable, democratic design. Designers such as Alvar Aalto (Finland), Arne Jacobsen (Denmark), Hans Wegener (Denmark), and others produced furniture and interiors that were simple, elegant, and well-crafted. Light woods (birch, beech, pine), natural textiles, and clean forms became signature.
- The emergence of blending: Although the term “Japandi” is relatively new (around mid-2010s) to describe the style explicitly, cross-cultural influences have existed for decades. Scandinavian designers have long admired Japanese craftsmanship, minimalism, and philosophy. The rising interest in global minimalism, sustainability, and slower living gave fertile ground for a formal recognition of the fusion. The rise in social media, home décor influencers, and a shift in consumer values (toward calm, wellness, fewer but better possessions) amplified Japandi.
Overview of Scandinavian Design Principles
To apply Japandi wisely, one must understand the Scandinavian side well. Key Scandinavian design principles include:
- Functionality & practical design: Form follows function. Furniture and interiors are built so that every element is useful. No fragile showpieces that are impractical.
- Light & brightness: Use of large windows, light-colored walls, minimal heavy drapery, reflective surfaces to maximize natural light, especially important in Nordic climates with long shadows.
- Simplicity and clean lines: Ornamentation is modest; design tends to be sleek, elegant, and uncluttered. Read more »
- Use of natural materials and textures: Woods (often lighter tones), textiles (wool, linen), stone; craftsmanship matters; surfaces that age well.
- Well-being, coziness (hygge), and connection to nature: Spaces that feel comfortable, warm, and welcoming, not cold or austere. Soft textiles, cosy corners, natural touches. (Img. below)
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| Img. 2- The Typical Scandinavian style combines simplicity and charm to create beautifully balanced spaces. Photo credits: rowabi.com/ |
The Emergence of Japandi as a Design Trend
The Japandi style became a formally recognised trend around the mid-2010s, but its popularity spiked globally over the last 5 years (late 2010s through early 2020s). Several forces contributed:
- Growing global awareness of minimalism, mindfulness, and sustainable living. People began valuing calm, simplicity, and environments that reduce stress.
- The COVID-19 pandemic increased time spent at home; many rethought interiors, wanting spaces that support mental well-being. Japandi, with its serene vibe, was well-suited.
- Social media: images of beautifully curated spaces that feel both luxe and simple resonate. Japandi visuals (muted palettes, textures, natural materials) photograph well and feel timeless.
- Designers and manufacturers responded: producing furniture, décor, and lighting consistent with Japandi aesthetics. More availability of artisan or handmade pieces, natural fibres, sustainable woods, etc. Read more »
As identified in designer commentary and trend forecasting, Japandi isn’t merely a fad—it seems to have staying power because it centres values (simplicity, quality, sustainability) that many consumers are now demanding and requiring.
Key Characteristics of Japandi Design
To identify Japandi, here are the most essential features:
- Neutral, muted color palette: Whites, off-whites, warm grey, beige, earth tones; sometimes richer accents (deep greens, charcoal, lack) for contrast.
- Natural materials: Wood (often oak, ash, walnut), bamboo, stone, clay, paper, linen, wool. Texture matters: rough or imperfection embraced.
- Clean, simple lines & low-profile furniture: Furniture tends to be minimal, often low to the ground; no ornate decoration, emphasis on geometry with soft curves.
- Minimal ornamentation and clutter: Spaces are decluttered. Decorative objects are few and intentional; every accessory should have a reason or emotional resonance.
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| Img. 3- Minimalist living room in a calm Japandi design style with natural wood tones and soft lighting. Photo credits: interiordesign.net/ |
- Balance, harmony & flow: The arrangement of space gives breathing room; negative space is as important as the filled. Harmony in the mix of materials, colors, and textures.
- Contrast between warm and cool: While many tones are warm and neutral, contrast may be added via dark accents, metal, or richer hues.
- Cozy, inviting elements: Despite its minimalist approach, Japandi avoids feeling cold. Soft textiles, cozy corners, ambient lighting, natural light, and indoor plants help humanize the space. Hygge and wabi-sabi combine here.
- Craftsmanship & quality over quantity: High-quality, often handmade or artisanal items, durable materials. Pieces should age well and acquire character.
DIY: 10 Practical Tips for Japandi Interior Design (Video Included)
If you’re thinking of applying Japandi design in your home, here are actionable steps and considerations:
1- Start with decluttering: Remove unnecessary items. Assess what you use, what you love. Keep only what’s necessary or that brings you joy. The space matters.
2- Choose your color palette carefully: Stick to muted neutrals for large surfaces (walls, flooring). Use contrast or accent color sparingly (e.g., a deep green cushion, black lamp base, etc.). This helps maintain calm while giving depth.
3- Select furniture wisely:
- Furniture should be simple, low, or moderate height.
- Prioritize natural materials (wood frames, linen upholstery, hand-finished surfaces).
- Mix Japanese-style low furniture with Scandinavian functionality.
- Ensure comfort (don’t sacrifice this for aesthetics).
4- Layer textures: Japandi is not entirely flat or cold. Use rugs, throws, and cushions with different natural fabrics. Textured ceramics, stone, and woven baskets help add richness without clutter.
5- Let in natural light & manage artificial light: Maximize windows, use sheer curtains. Use warm lighting (not harsh fluorescents). Lamps with soft shades, indirect lighting help maintain ambience.
6- Bring nature in: Plants, wood finishes, stone, and possibly views to the outside. Use greenery not just as decoration, but as part of a calm environment. Read more »
7- Incorporate Japanese details: Sliding screens, shoji-style panels, tatami mats, maybe items that show wabi-sabi influence—handmade ceramics with slight imperfections.
8- Balance with Scandinavian warmth: Add cozy textiles, soft cushions, throws, perhaps a fireplace or similar focal point. Scandinavian comfort (hygge) is what prevents the space from feeling austere.
9- Focus on quality & artisanship: Invest in furniture and décor that lasts. Seek pieces with integrity, good build, and sustainable sources.
10- Maintain flow and spaciousness: Avoid overcrowding. Let furniture breathe. Think about negative space. Layouts should feel open and calm.
- Welcome to today’s DIY design session! In addition to what precedes, I'm also sharing a video from the channel ArchiVinci, concerning this topic, which will guide you through implementing Japandi interior design into your home — the perfect blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian coziness.
You’ll learn how to choose the right colors, furniture, and natural textures to create a space that feels both "serene and functional." Whether you’re redesigning an entire room or just adding slight touches, these easy tips will help you achieve the calm, balanced beauty of Japandi style. So, what are you waiting for? 👇 Enjoy our selection of tutorial videos.
Common Japandi Design Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best intentions can result in a space that looks like Japandi but feels off. Here are pitfalls to watch out for:
- Over-minimalism leading to coldness: If you remove too much texture and warmth, the space may feel sterile. Balance is key.
- Ignoring comfort: Design that looks great but is uncomfortable defeats part of Japandi’s purpose (a home that supports well-being).
- Poor quality materials or cheap imitations: Synthetic materials that mimic wood poorly, or low-grade linens that wear badly, can cheapen the aesthetic.
- Mixing too many styles without cohesion: Adding too many decorative or ornate elements from disparate styles can dilute the calm Japandi feel.
- Wrong scale or proportions: Furniture that’s too large, too high—visually heavy pieces—can overwhelm the sense of openness.
- Overuse of accent colors: While contrast is good, too many strong colors distract and disrupt the palette’s serenity.
- Neglecting lighting: Harsh, overhead lighting or insufficient natural light can compromise ambiance.
- Forgetting sustainability: Since natural materials and craftsmanship are central, using non-sustainable woods or fast décor with short life undermines Japandi’s values.
In Short
Japandi interior design offers a harmonious, serene, and functional approach to modern living. It is the marriage of Japanese calm, elegance, and respect for natural imperfection, together with Scandinavian warmth, simplicity, and livability. The style is minimal but meaningful. It privileges quality over quantity, nature over flashy ornamentation, and balance over chaos.
If done well, a Japandi interior brings peace to your home, supports mindful and functional living, and stands the test of time. It is more than just a trend—it reflects changing values toward simplicity, well-being, sustainability, and authenticity.
