Have you felt lately like your home is a bit...much? Most of us have accumulated more stuff over the years than Marie Kondo would approve of. But fear not, friends. The sleek, serene Japandi trend could be the soothing style oasis you’ve been seeking.
Japandi is the peaceful marriage of Scandinavian and Japanese interior aesthetics blending clean lines, light woods, and neutral colours with natural textures and subtle warmth. According to leading design experts, “Japandi’s calming, less-is-more approach will resonate now more than ever as people continue nesting at home." (HousingWire)
So how can the UK’s savvy homeowners harness Japandi’s zen interiors? Glad you asked!
Out with the Old School
First, try this. Stand in the centre of any room in your home, close your eyes, take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do you smell last night’s takeaway or the dog? Alright, now open your eyes. What do you see? Is every surface cluttered with piles of mail, toys, media equipment cords? Hmm, sounds stressful!
The Japandi vibe is the polar opposite. This pared-back style “creates more breathing room” (Architectural Digest) thanks to tidy organisation, multifunctional furniture, and few distracting accessories. Who wouldn’t want a living space that feels spacious and airy rather than chaotic? So edit out anything extraneous that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. Yes, even that drawer of old mobile phones, we see it!
Lighten and Brighten
Next, consider the mood you want your interior to inspire. Do the colours make you feel energised yet peaceful? Japandi spaces incorporate light, neutral base tones like white, beige, gray and wood which “radiate calm and encourage introspection” (Elle Decor).
Paint or dye darker walls and wood finishes in lighter hues. Source furniture and fabrics with blonde finishes too. And bring in airy natural textures like woven rattan, seagrass, jute and linen rather than heavy materials.
Of course, adopting a strict all-white scheme can end up harsh and boring if done incorrectly. Which brings us to...
Warm It Up
The Scandinavian influence contributes that white-washed openness while Japanese elements introduce organic texture and subtle pops of colour for visual interest. This grounded warmth ties it all together. How, you query?
Perhaps drape maple wood shelving with cosy woollen throws, or top a pale oak coffee table with rustic ceramic tableware. Float dried pampas grass in a glass vase on bleached pine sideboard.
“In the world of Japandi...nature always has a presence” declares Domino magazine. So, bring the outdoors in with natural materials and living greenery to further soften the minimalism. Finally arrange simple linear furniture shapes and repeating patterns to unify and achieve that instagrammable modern harmony.
Still craving more Japandi inspo? Check out our edit of curated Japandi-style furniture and accessories to breathe new minimalist air into your abode!