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Scandinavian rustic calm and traditional elegance of Japan
For those of you that enjoy the minimal, but are looking for a little more soul; by pairing the best of Scandinavian and Japanese designs this look might just be the peak of inviting simplicity
Ahybrid of two styles from different sides of the globe where both share similar principles in exercising minimalism, Japandi brings together the clean lines and rustic calm of Scandinavian minimalism and the traditional elegance of Japan. Combining the best of both worlds it draws on the Japanese notion of wabisabi - finding beauty in the imperfect, and hygge - a Scandinavian word for ‘intentional intimacy,’ a style that focuses on creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Each element is carefully placed and has its own purpose in order to create tranquillity and spaciousness in the room.
Dark, cool and delicate warm and neutral colours, beautifully combined, are what tell the story of the Japandi trend. Where the Scandinavian and minimalist style is often dominated by white and other cool colours, Japandi is characterised by the use of muted, dark colours interacting with bright, natural tones, which together create a warm and cosy ambience in the room like navy blues, bottle greens and burnt oranges. As colour helps warm up the generally cool tones of Scandi style, the rustic, eclectic nature of Scandinavian pieces helps to soften the hard, polished and darker tones of traditional Japanese furniture. The woods used have stepped away from ash and white pine into darker, warmer finishes like walnut and maple,
juxtaposed with black accents and the compulsory pop of green from 70s inspired house plants, resulting in a minimal, lived in, visually interesting interior that warms the soul.
Think walnut-brown kitchen cabinets and black slate tiles, contrasted by white, beige and light grey furniture. In
the living room, oak panelling highlights white sofas and rugs in natural textures like jute. In bedrooms, washed cotton brings in the wabi-sabi trend from Japan. Opt for accessories like lamps in matte black or wood, and keep surfaces free of clutter. If you’re designing your kitchen, you may choose to decorate the space with trays or minimalistic pieces such as bowls and vases. Small, quirky decor elements and other decorative accessories play a minimal role in the interior design, where it is primarily houseplants, glass, books and handmade ceramics that are allowed to stand alone and come into their own. Monotone design patterns are the best (for upholstery). Remember less is more!