Two countries, one design
An intercontinental combination of simple styles from Scandinavia and Japan, known as Japandi, brings out the best in both cultures’ design trends, Homes & Gardens magazine says.
Keeping your home finished with styles that aren’t going to clash can be difficult when decorating each room, but this blending of designs can ensure your space remains stylish and comfortable while not overwhelming the eye.
Scandinavian design is known for its curves and soft edges, while the Japanese utilize a more rigid and straight approach, so mixing elements of both styles is key. In the bathroom, a tub that curves around on the ends while being supported by a straight metal frame is the perfect stylistic compromise between the two.
Unfinished, exposed wood is one thing both culture’s designs implement regularly. Use the untreated colour of light wood and complement it with similarly shaded surrounding pieces.
For a more Japanese theme, bamboo shelves can serve as a great starting point. Plus bamboo is incredibly light and strong, so when it’s time to move out, the shelf will be fine in the back of a U-haul.
When picking the surrounding furniture, go for something more pale and muted with one accent piece thrown in for a visually interesting pop. For finishing touches like wall art or shelving decor, you can be a bit more eccentric, but be careful not to distract from the bigger pieces.
For an extra-minimal approach, you could forego hanging decor and focus on a piece of furniture with a pattern while letting windows and curtains take up wall real estate.
In the kitchen and bathroom, shelves and cabinets made of woven wood will add a pop of texture. Wood that’s been cut extremely thin is able to bend and weave and can form some truly unique pieces of furniture you’re not likely to see anywhere else. The woven effect will work on lampshades, letting some light through so it can speckle the wall each time it’s turned on.
When it’s time to change things up, dark wood is the way to go. Mixing Scandinavian light and Japanese dark will create a treat for the eye in any room where the contrasting collection is curated. A light table with dark chairs can be just what a kitchen needs to take it up a notch visually.