A style guide to getting Japandi interiors right

If you have a penchant for interior design and spend your free time on the Internet looking for decor inspiration, then you would have definitely chanced upon Japandi style, which is the perfect harmony of Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. Minimalism, functionality, and natural craftsmanship are the holy trinity of the aesthetic, which is bare-bones yet inviting. 
Love the look but don’t know where to start? Here are five easy ways that will help you incorporate Japandi into your home.

Neutrals are your best friend

Japandi style is all about muted tones that have a soothing effect. If you’re going for this particular aesthetic, now is not the time to bring home that neon pink chair you’ve been eyeing or take up that project of painting a wall of your room mint green. Pick a subtle colour palette, like beige, cream, and white. If darker colours are your thing, then pair darker greys, blues and browns with lighter shades for a less clinical look. 

Bring the outdoors in through natural elements 

If you’re trying to make an effort to be more responsible with your interior choices, then Japandi is the way to go. Conscious decor lies at the heart of its design—the focus is on picking pieces of furniture made from natural materials like wood, and if it’s repurposed or recycled, even better! Think unfinished oak tables, rattan chairs, bamboo blinds, and marble countertops. Japandi also takes inspiration from the “wabi-sabi” of Japanese interior, meaning imperfections, that are present in organically-crafted and rustic pieces are appreciated and even given centre stage. Finally, bring some plants from your garden inside your house to seamlessly connect the two. 

Free your home of clutter

Both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors, which Japandi is a combo of, rely heavily on minimalism for their aesthetic. Your best bet is to keep only the essentials and get rid of clutter, since we’re looking for clean lines and open spaces in our look. If this seems unattainable, opt for clever storage (baskets, boxes, built-in niches) that hides away excess stuff. 

Pick functionality over style

While making your home aesthetically pleasing is a part of Japandi, it’s not the only aspect. Do not compromise style or functionality—pick pieces that serve a purpose and are striking to boot. We suggest furniture and decor that can do double duty, like rugs that you can use as throws or a movable cabinet that can transform into a bar cart when you play the host. 

A few statement pieces will do the trick

Since Japandi is all about being minimal, the elements that you choose will need to stand out to bring the whole style together. Paying homage to craftsmanship is one of the foundations of Japandi, so invest in high-quality and bold furniture pieces that will stand the test of time. 

Lead image: @japandi.interior/Instagram