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Japandi Style 

The Japandi style has made waves in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing down. Fusing a harmonious blend of functionality and style, Japandi interior design creates the restful home that we all crave. But what exactly is Japandi and how can you ensure you get it right? We share our top tips for perfecting this timeless trend in our latest guide to Japandi style. 

WHAT IS JAPANDI STYLE? 

Japandi, as the name suggests, is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian styles. It is influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a way of life which values slow-living, contentment and simplicity, as well as the Scandinavian practice of hygge, which embraces comfort, cosiness and wellbeing. 

Japandi blends the smooth, modern lines of Scandinavian design with the sleek, functional, elegance of the Japanese aesthetic. It is minimalist yet welcoming, and is all about using Furniture and Home Accessories that have neutral tones, lots of textures and natural materials. So far, this trend is standing the test of time. Here are our top tips for getting it right. 

KEEP IT NATURAL 

When it comes to choosing your colours, opt for neutral, muted tones. Think beige, sand, cream, taupe, oatmeal and stone. Avoid anything too white or bright. Nothing should jar, grate or dominate. You are aiming to create a calm, harmonious atmosphere. 

If you find these shades a bit bland, you can add a contrasting colour. For this, choose soft Scandi shades – pale pink, blue, green or grey – or add some richness with a darker accent colour, such as black or a charcoal grey. Light-coloured natural fibres and sustainable materials – such as rattan, bamboo, cotton, hemp and paper – are a key component of Japandi style. For visual interest, you can add in some cool metals too. 

Curved boucle bench with a plaid throw beside a black and natural rattan room divider, adding texture and warmth to a cosy room.Curved boucle bench with a plaid throw beside a black and natural rattan room divider, adding texture and warmth to a cosy room.
Black and Natural Rattan Screen
Luxurious ivory sheepskin beanbag with a soft, plush texture, perfect for adding warmth and comfort to any cosy space.Luxurious ivory sheepskin beanbag with a soft, plush texture, perfect for adding warmth and comfort to any cosy space.
Ivory Sheepskin Beanbag
Hand-knotted cream rug with black geometric diamond pattern and fringed edges, adding a cosy, artisanal touch to any room.Hand-knotted cream rug with black geometric diamond pattern and fringed edges, adding a cosy, artisanal touch to any room.
Adaliz Hand-knotted Rug
Light wood sideboard with intricate carved doors, topped with a black lamp, greenery, and books, adding texture to a warm interior.Light wood sideboard with intricate carved doors, topped with a black lamp, greenery, and books, adding texture to a warm interior.
Azalea Four Door Sideboard

MIX AND MATCH 

Alongside bamboo and rattan, wood is an obvious choice for furniture. Scandinavian pieces typically feature clean, simple lines. Meanwhile, in Japan, it’s more common to have stained or painted woods and curved shaped furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the two styles to increase visual interest. 

Make sure the pieces you choose are top quality. Both light and dark coloured woods work. However, try to make the colour of your wood match as much as possible. This really helps bring a room together and creates a modern, harmonious feel. 

MINIMAL ACCESSORIES 

Keep your accessories minimal. Japandi is all about having zero clutter. Less is more. Invest in a few stunning pieces you love that will stand the test of time. Carefully curated mirrors, picture frames, artwork, wall hangings, table lamps, vases and rugs can transform the feel of a room to make it feel cosier without adding clutter. 

Plants are a great, natural accessory to use. They are an important element of Japandi design and an easy way to bring nature indoors. They feel welcoming and will soften minimalist interiors. The added benefit is that they improve air quality – perfect for emulating all that healthy Scandinavian air. If you want to reference the Japanese influence more, you can include a bonsai tree. 

A modern table lamp with a sculptural white ceramic base and a sleek black drum shade, placed on a rustic wooden surface.A modern table lamp with a sculptural white ceramic base and a sleek black drum shade, placed on a rustic wooden surface.
White Cyrus Ceramic Lamps
Bold abstract print with concentric black and natural rectangles, displayed above a dark fireplace on a textured, neutral wall.Bold abstract print with concentric black and natural rectangles, displayed above a dark fireplace on a textured, neutral wall.
Natural and Black Abstract Print
Minimalist bedroom with a cosy bed adorned with neutral bedding, a bedside table, and a dog lounging on the bed.Minimalist bedroom with a cosy bed adorned with neutral bedding, a bedside table, and a dog lounging on the bed.
Carina Natural Linen Beds
A textured white cushion with an abstract tufted pattern, resting on an olive green velvet sofa for a cozy and modern touch.A textured white cushion with an abstract tufted pattern, resting on an olive green velvet sofa for a cozy and modern touch.
Samson Square Abstract Cushion

SUMPTUOUS TEXTURES 

The best way to add some warmth and interest to your Japandi interior is to use different textures and fabrics. The Japanese are renowned for using exquisite patterns. Invest in your cushions, curtains, throws and tableware. Indulgent textures will help to create hygge and patterns will add vibrancy. This is how you make the style feel welcoming, not cold. 

Rugs are hugely important. Find a big, cosy, subtly-patterned rug made from natural materials to lay beside your bed for that moment you slip your feet out in the morning. Make sure your bed is sumptuously cosy too by adding wool mix throws. 

LOW KEY LIGHTING 

The perfect complement to your minimalistic interior is some sleek and beautiful lighting. Just as every accessory or piece of furniture should be carefully chosen for function and beauty, so should your lighting. Make sure your rooms are softly lit to encourage a peaceful feeling. 
Incorporate industrial lights to add a Scandinavian vibe to a darker Japanese-inspired colour scheme. Or bring in some handcrafted, retro pendants in pewter or copper colours, to add contrast, warmth and elegance. 

Natural bamboo pendant light with an intricate, open-weave design, suspended against a warm, earthy-toned background.Natural bamboo pendant light with an intricate, open-weave design, suspended against a warm, earthy-toned background.
Kira Bamboo Pendant
A bamboo pendant light with winged panels, featuring an exposed bulb design for a natural, airy, and modern aesthetic.A bamboo pendant light with winged panels, featuring an exposed bulb design for a natural, airy, and modern aesthetic.
Bamboo Winged Pendant
Square seat pad with subtle striped linen fabric and tufted design, adding comfort and style to a wooden chair.Square seat pad with subtle striped linen fabric and tufted design, adding comfort and style to a wooden chair.
Striped Linen Square Seat Pad with Linen Border
Grey willow lantern with an open-weave design, softly illuminating a wooden surface, creating a cosy and rustic ambiance.Grey willow lantern with an open-weave design, softly illuminating a wooden surface, creating a cosy and rustic ambiance.
Grey Willow Lantern

TAKE IT OUTSIDE 

Japandi works outside too. Follow all the same principles as we’ve just listed. Just add some Japanese-style lamps, clean-lined Scandinavian-inspired furniture and stick to the colours of nature. You’ll soon have your own little peace garden. 

Above all though, we want you to have fun creating your own bedroom sanctuary, filling it with all the things that bring you a sense of joy and tranquillity. So, to spark more ideas on how you can create a restful retreat, visit our full bedroom collection.