How to Style Japandi

Are you looking to re-decorate your home? The first thing first, you need to figure out what style you want to go with. Forget about trends; they can come and go, this is your home, what style do you believe would suit you, your tastes, and lifestyle? Choose a style that is timeless and that you know you will continue to love as the years go by. Do you like mid-century modern, contemporary, industrial, bohemian, farmhouse, shabby chic? or are you more of a minimalist who understands less is more and prefers to buy quality practical pieces full of character over an abundance of okay pieces?. If the answer is yes, you might want to consider one of the newest interior styles, and our favourite, Japandi, a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian style. 

We love Japandi because it combines the elegant timelessness of Japanese design with the rustic-modern cosiness and comfort qualities of Scandinavian style. One aspect they have in common is their minimalistic nature—both styles value restraint, and selecting quality pieces that are handcrafted out of natural materials. The Japandi style provides a calm, comfortable, warm and stress-free environment for those with busy lifestyles. Want to know more and how to achieve the Japandi look? Read further to discover how. 

Natural Colour Pallette, with a Twist

Scandinavian style typically follows a light and natural colour palette; walls are often white with grey undertones, and rooms feature sleek timber furniture. The Japanese design is not so much different, as it also looks to nature for inspiration, with neutrals and timber. This style also encourages experimentation with rich, moody colours. Dark hues of green, grey, black and red are slightly used as accents to create character and interest. 

To achieve the ultimate Japandi look, use a combination of muted neutrals like beige, grey and cream, timber furniture and warmth evoking textures such as sheepskin rugs and cushions. Introduce touches of colour, by adding accents of pastel green, pale greys, or deep rich accents, like charcoal black, emerald or steel grey to create interest. Makes you want to get started planning right now, doesn’t it? 

Combine Sleek with Curvy Furniture, and Play with Textures

The Japanese and Scandinavian style are designed for those who are sustainability-conscious and appreciate the beauty in nature and natural products. It’s a given that the Japandi style features furniture and decor pieces made out of natural fibres and sustainable materials. Where they are different, is the shapes of furniture and homewares. Scandinavian furniture has straight and simple lines, while Japanese furniture is curved and unrestricted. 

Combine curved and straight-lined wooden, rattan and bamboo low-lying furniture to create the interest and the perfect combination of elegance and calmness. Don’t be afraid of mixing light and dark wood, and make sure major furniture pieces have plenty of space around them, to ensure rooms feel as open and uncluttered as possible. 

Add textures to soften interiors and enable a space to feel inviting, warm and comfortable; one way you can do this is by adding a Huxford Grove Hepburn or Hawkesbury Cushion to a wooden chair. 

Quality over Quantity

Remember that both Japanese and Scandinavian style reflects a less is more approach when it comes to styling, so carefully select a few quality pieces that will be used day after day or complement living spaces. Perhaps invest in textured sheepskin rugs and cushions, to bring in a handcrafted, natural, imperfectly perfect cosiness to your interiors. For throws, rugs and cushions, check out our bed and floor ranges here. 

Bring Nature Indoors

Japandi is all about nature and using natural pieces to style a space. Plants bring in vibrancy and life to the Japandi style, soften minimalist interiors, and as a bonus, improve air quality and promote a healthy mindset. Whether in pots or up high off the ground, experiment. Great indoor plants that you may or may not have heard of include; Peace Lily, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus Elastic, Dumb Cane, Snake Plant, Bromeliads and Chinese Evergreen.