Japandi Interior Design: Achieve Japandi Style

Scandinese design – sometimes known as Japandi-style or minimalist Zen - is about the delicate fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian cultures, embracing honest authenticity, craftsmanship and pure living. It celebrates form with function and centers on simplicity, subtlety and restrained natural beauty.

The key to this minimalist trend is to keep interiors simple but functional. It's derived from a philosophy that turns organisation into a way of thinking and living by clearing the mind, cleaning up, and rearranging the home. This interior design style creates extra space for being creative and enjoying a calm environment.

Japanese Design: Clean and Minimal 

Japanese interior design is known for its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and the use of natural materials. It incorporates traditional Japanese design principles and aesthetics to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

One of the key aspects of Japanese interior design is the use of natural materials such as hardwood flooring, bamboo, and stone. These materials are often left in their natural state or are lightly treated to enhance their natural beauty. This gives the space a warm and organic feel and creates a connection to nature.

Another important feature of Japanese interior design is the use of simple, clean lines. Furniture is often low to the ground and streamlined, with a focus on function and practicality. Spaces are uncluttered and designed to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Japanese interior design also incorporates traditional Japanese art and culture. This can be seen in the use of shoji screens, which are sliding doors made of paper and wood that are used to divide spaces and create a sense of privacy. Tatami mats, which are made of woven straw and are soft to the touch, are often used as flooring in traditional Japanese homes.

Colour is used sparingly in Japanese interior design, with a preference for neutral colours such as white, beige, and gray. However, accents of bold colour may be used sparingly to create contrast and visual interest.

Finally, lighting is an important element in Japanese interior design, with a focus on creating a soft, warm glow that enhances the natural materials used in the space. Paper lanterns and other traditional Japanese lighting fixtures are often used to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Overall, Japanese interior design is a unique and beautiful style that is known for its simplicity, use of natural materials, and emphasis on creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere

Scandinavian Design: Simplistic and Functional  


Scandinavian interior design is a design style that originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and emphasis on natural materials.

One of the hallmarks of Scandinavian interior design is the use of a light colour palette. This includes white, grey, and light pastel colours that help to create a bright and airy feel in a space. This is particularly important in the Nordic countries where there are long, dark winters.

Another key feature of Scandinavian interior design is the use of natural materials such as wood, leather, and wool. These materials create a warm and cosy feel in a space and help to connect the indoors to the natural world outside.

Scandinavian interior design also emphasses functionality and practicality. Furniture is designed to be simple and functional, with a focus on clean lines and minimal decoration. This creates a sense of order and calms in a space.

Lighting is also an important aspect of Scandinavian interior design. Large windows are often used to let in natural light, and light fixtures are designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Candles are also often used to add warmth and coziness to a space.

In terms of decor, Scandinavian interior design favours simple and minimalist pieces. The use of geometric patterns and textures is common, and artwork is often simple and understated.

Overall, Scandinavian interior design is a style that emphasises simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. It creates a warm and cosy atmosphere that is perfect for the long winters in the Nordic countries and has become popular around the world for its timeless and elegant aesthetic.

How to achieve this look 

RECREATE NATURE

Consider how to bring nature indoors. Add greenery or create designs which can cater to small or large spaces, increasing the benefits of wellness.

EXPERIMENT WITH LIGHT

Make use of bright surfaces and natural light to provide powerful, curated statements that captivate people within the space.

THINK SIMPLIFIED

Embrace clean lines and simple silhouettes. Play with decluttered surfaces and use a material's natural beauty for statement pieces.

PLAY WITH CONTRAST

Explore varying colour tones from light to dark woods, to demonstrate how using contrasting hues can add depth to interior spaces and create unexpected juxtapositions

Japandi Interior Design: Achieve Japandi Style
 
 
 
 
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How to create a Japandi Bedroom

  • Colour Palette: The Japandi style often features a muted colour palette with shades of white, grey, beige, and other neutral colours. Consider using these colours on your walls, bedding, and other decor items.
  • Furniture: The furniture in a Japandi style bedroom should be simple, functional, and made of natural materials like wood. Choose a low platform bed with a simple headboard, and add a wooden bedside table or dresser for storage.
  • Textures: Adding textures is essential in the Japandi style. Consider adding a woven rug, a chunky knit throw blanket, and some linen or cotton curtains to create a cosy and warm atmosphere.
  • Lighting: Lighting is an important element in Japanese design, so be sure to include warm and soft lighting options such as paper lanterns or warm LED light bulbs. Also, consider adding natural light through large windows or skylights.
  • Decor: Choose minimalist decor items such as simple artwork, ceramics, and plants to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in the room. Decorate with items that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Nature: Japandi style often incorporates natural elements such as plants, rocks, and water features. Adding a small indoor plant or a simple vase with flowers can help bring in natural elements to the space.
  • Decluttering: Keep the room uncluttered and free of unnecessary items. The Japandi style is all about simplicity and minimalism, so only include the essentials in the space.

How to create a Japandi Style Bathroom 

  • Colour Palette: The colour palette for a Japandi style bathroom is typically neutral tones and muted, with shades of white, grey, and beige. You can incorporate small pops of colour through bathroom accessories or plants.
  • Natural Materials: Natural materials are an essential part of the Japandi style. Incorporate materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo into the bathroom design. This can be achieved through wooden cabinets, stone countertops, or bamboo bathroom accessories.
  • Simple and Functional Design: Japandi style emphasises simplicity and functionality. Keep the design of the bathroom minimal, with clean lines and little decoration. Use open shelving or glass-front cabinets to display simple and functional bathroom items.
  • Lighting: Lighting is an important element in Japanese design. Natural light should be maximized, so consider adding large windows or skylights. Artificial lighting should be warm and soft, with the use of warm LED light bulbs or paper lanterns.
  • Minimal Decor: Decorate the bathroom with minimalist decor items, such as simple ceramics, vases, or small plants. Avoid cluttering the space with unnecessary items.
  • Plants: Plants are an important element in the Japandi style, as they bring a natural and calming feel to the space. Consider adding small potted plants, such as bamboo or bonsai, to the bathroom.
  • Textures: Adding textures to the bathroom can help create a cosy and warm atmosphere. Use textured materials, such as woven towels or rugs, to add interest to the space.
  • Japanese Bath: If you have the space and budget, consider adding a Japanese-style bathtub to the bathroom. These deep soaking tubs are typically made of wood and can create a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom

How to create a Japandi Style Kitchen

  • Choose a neutral colour palette: A Japandi kitchen typically features a neutral colour palette with earthy tones and muted colours. Think of colours like white, black, grey, beige, and light wood tones.
  • Incorporate natural materials: Japandi design emphasises the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo. Consider using these materials for flooring, countertops, cabinets, and kitchen accessories.
  • Keep it simple and functional: Both Japanese and Scandinavian design styles value simplicity and functionality. To create a Japandi kitchen, choose simple and functional kitchen cabinets and furniture.
  • Use minimalist lighting: Japandi design uses simple, minimalist lighting fixtures to create a calming atmosphere. Consider using pendant lights or minimalist track lighting to light up your kitchen.
  • Add greenery: Plants are an essential part of Japandi design. Consider adding a few indoor plants to your kitchen to bring in some natural elements and create a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Add personal touches: Finally, to make your Japandi kitchen feel like home, add personal touches like artwork or decorative pieces that reflect your personality and style.

Key Japandi furniture pieces 

Japandi style furniture typically combines the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design with the elegance and minimalism of Japanese design. Here are some key furniture items that are commonly found in Japandi style interiors:

  • Low Platform Beds: Low platform beds with simple lines and natural wood finishes are commonly used in Japandi style bedrooms. These beds create a minimalist and relaxed atmosphere in the space.
  • Tatami Mats: Tatami mats are traditional Japanese mats made of rice straw and woven rush grass. They are often used as flooring in Japandi style interiors, adding a natural and organic feel to the space.
  • Minimalist Dining Tables: Japandi style dining tables are typically simple, with clean lines and natural wood finishes. They are often paired with minimalist chairs or benches.
  • Shoji Screens: Shoji screens are sliding screens made of paper and wood that are commonly used in Japanese interiors. They can be used to divide a space or as a decorative element in Japandi style interiors.
  • Minimalist Cabinets: Japandi style cabinets are typically simple and functional, with clean lines and natural wood finishes. They often feature open shelving or glass-front doors to display simple and functional items.
  • Woven Chairs: Woven chairs made of natural materials, such as rattan or bamboo, are commonly found in Japandi style interiors. They add a natural and organic feel to the space.
  • Low Coffee Tables: Low coffee tables with simple lines and natural wood finishes are commonly used in Japandi style living rooms. They create a minimalist and relaxed atmosphere in the space.

Complete the Japandi Look with Jacobsen

Round out your Japandi-style home with the clean and elegant look of Jacobsen's NZ flooring solutions. Contact the team today, and we can help lay the right foundation to build your interior design.