A rough guide to Japandi
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS FINDS OUT HOW TO BRING THE JAPANDI TREND INTO YOUR HOME
decor is one of the most popular interior trends right now – racking up no less than 56.5 million mentions across Instagram and Tiktok, according to industrial inspired home accessories and lighting brand, Industville.
Not yet familiar? As the name suggests, Japandi is a mix of Japanese and Scandi style – a combination with endless appeal.
“While geographically, Japan and Scandinavia may be worlds apart, when it comes to design, the two countries are synonymous with creating interiors rooted in simplicity, comfort, neutral colours and natural materials,” says Alysha Alli, who heads up the interior design team at Redrow homebuilders.
“Together, the two cultures have led to the recent creation of the now universally loved interior trend, Japandi.”
Scandinavian homes, she says, tend to prioritise comfortable interiors that are warm and inviting while Japanese design adopts the country’s ‘wabi-sabi’ philosophy, which originates from Zen Buddhism.
“The term refers to embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the natural, unpolished world,” notes Alysha.
So, how can you get the Japandi look?
Neutral colour palette
“Earthy tones and muted colours are key to recreating the Japandi look,” says Alysha. “Sage and muted greens, paired with watered-down greys, pale ochres, beiges and sandy tones should be top of your Japandi colour palette.”
“While Nordic design favours lighter colours, Japanese interiors can often appear more daring by introducing richer colours through accessories.”
“For a truly Japandi look, take note from Japan’s approach to colour by adding a contrasting colour to your neutral palette, such as pale pink or charcoal grey, either through soft furnishings such as cushion covers or throws, artwork or lighting,” she suggests.
Sustainable furnishings
“Both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors use wood as their dominant interior material – but do so in very different ways,” observes Alysha. “Scandinavian-influenced interiors favour a rustic approach, where the wood is often left pale and untreated. Whereas in Japaneseinspired interiors, the wood is more likely to be stained and darker, creating a much richer effect.”
Don’t be afraid of opting for both, she says.
“Other authentic, natural materials, such as bamboo, rattan, cotton or hemp, offer an easy way to introduce texture and a natural element into your interior,” Alysha adds.
“Assorted warm metals also work beautifully with these natural materials and provide a contrast in texture.”
Where both Scandi and Japanese interiors share a love of house plants, as Alysha points out, Japandi leans towards fewer but bigger plants, using them as a focal point.
Minimalist cosiness
To ensure you strike the balance between Japan’s minimalism and Scandi’s cosiness, Alysha says: “Adopting a minimalist approach by decluttering will allow your home’s architectural features and clean lines to shine.
“Decluttering is an easy way to create the illusion of a minimalist interior – and can quickly transform forgotten or previously hidden elements, such as antique statement vases or ornaments, into focal pieces,” she adds.