Japandi Style: Get the Look
Why pick one when you can have both? Japandi is a decor style that brings together the best of Scandinavian and Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics. The goal? A space that feels comfortable, natural and inviting. In this guide we’ll explore the core principles of Japandi design and how it compares to its origins. We’ll also leave you with some inspiration and direction to bring your new Japandi kitchen, living room, bedroom or bathroom to life.
What is Japandi interior design?
Japandi is a fusion of the words ‘Japan’ and ‘Scandi’ — it refers to the mesh of key decor elements from Japanese and Scandinavian culture.
Scandinavian design is known for its focus on clean lines, functionality and light. Japan, on the other hand, brings the influence of wabi-sabi, a philosophy that celebrates imperfection and finds beauty in the natural world.
Japandi is the best of both worlds. It takes the light and openness of Scandinavian design and merges it with Japanese natural materials like wood, stone and bamboo. The result? A balanced space that promotes wellbeing and a connection to the outdoors.
What are the elements of Japandi style?
Let’s start with the basics of Japandi style. Make decor choices based on the foundations of the style, which are:
Neutral colours
Japandi relies heavily on neutrals, with whites, beiges and greys forming the foundation. Pops of colour are used sparingly, with muted blues and greens a favourite pick. The idea is to replicate the colours you see in nature.
Nature connection
The connection to nature doesn’t stop at colour — bring the outdoors in with light woods, stone, natural fibres and indoor plants. Large windows and strategically placed mirrors also help maximise light flow.
Simple forms
Furniture and decor in Japandi style should have clean lines and simple forms. Think low-profile sofas, sleek tables and simple lamps. The space should work together harmoniously, with no single element standing out.
Functional space
While not strictly necessary, Japandi design favours open floor plans to promote flow and connection between different areas. This doesn't mean every square metre needs to be occupied by furniture — consider negative space as functional, allowing for ease of movement.
Imperfection
Japandi plays off the ideas of hygge and wabi-sabi. Hygge is the Danish philosophy of cosiness and comfort; and wabi-sabi is all about embracing character. Think imperfect textures, natural variations in wood grain and handcrafted pieces with a lived-in feel.
Scandinavian vs wabi-sabi vs Japanese
Scandinavian, wabi-sabi and Japandi styles share design elements, but that doesn’t make them the same. Let's take a look at what differentiates them, and what makes each one special:
Scandi: Light and liveable
Scandi decor ditches the frills and goes for homely minimalism. Scandi-inspired spaces are usually bathed in natural light and uncluttered. Think comfy couches, books as decor and bright white walls. It's all about keeping it simple and functional, but still feeling like a place you want to hang out.
Wabi-sabi: The beauty of imperfection
This Japanese philosophy is all about embracing the beauty of things that aren't perfect. Don't worry if you've got a distressed rug or marks on your table — that's part of the charm! Wabi-sabi celebrates the natural world and the way things change over time. Like Scandi, wabi-sabi favours natural materials, but it also uses earthy tones like browns, beiges and greens.
Japandi: A blend of cultures
Japandi is a mesh of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese wabi-sabi. It takes the clean lines and functionality of Scandi design and brings in organic warmth. Japandi avoids the extremes of both Scandinavian minimalism and wabi-sabi's embrace of imperfection. It strikes a balance, creating a look that represents both cultures.
6 steps to decorate in Japandi style
We’ve covered the theory, which means we’re up to the practical. Here’s how to nail Japandi style at home:
- Start with a neutral base: Choose light-coloured flooring, like light oak or ash, or light-coloured tiles; white, off white and beige tiles work best here. Walls offer more freedom for play — classic white or off-white is a safe bet, but consider adding pops of a muted colour like sage green with tiles. For wabi-sabi influence, consider tiles with subtle variations in colour or texture.
- Invest in key furniture pieces: Low-profile pieces are a favourite amongst Japandi design lovers — we’re talking couches, beds and coffee tables. A solid wood dining table and comfortable light timber chairs are also a good pick. Look for pieces that show off the natural materials and craftsmanship.
- Incorporate natural textures: Use a woven rug, a chunky knit throw blanket or textured linen curtains to add warmth to your space. Add a fern or fiddle-leaf fig to bring the outside in.
- Storage with a purpose: Choose storage solutions that work with the overall aesthetic. Opt for built-in storage units for a more spacious, organic feel. Less is more here, so try to tactfully use the storage to keep clutter to a minimum.
- Minimalist decor: Keep decor tasteful. Display a few well-chosen pieces like a ceramic vase, framed art or a bamboo ladder. Focus on pieces with clean lines and natural materials that complement the overall look.
- Quality over quantity: Invest in a few high-quality pieces rather than a collection of trinkets. Choose decor and furniture made with care. This approach ensures your Japandi space looks timeless and sophisticated.
Get the Japandi look with tiles
Japandi kitchens
While this kitchen takes inspiration from many decor styles, many elements work under the Japandi umbrella. Travertine look subway tiles, a light oak kitchen island and bright stone countertops stand out in this space. Clean, crisp lines make the kitchen feel simple and modern, and the pops of timber, ceramic and greenery add character. Our Seaforth Travertine Look Beige Matte Tiles on the floor is a favourite for Japandi-inspired kitchens.
Japandi bathrooms
This warm and light bathroom is a minimalist’s dream. Clean lines define the space, from the curved glass shower walls to the built-in shower nook and shelf. Our Thirroul Travertine Matte Subway Tiles glow under the skylight and bring a lightness and richness to this bathroom. Free from clutter, the space allows natural light to take centre stage, leaning into the Japandi vibe.
Japandi laundries
Albert Park Matte Vanilla Squares and Travertine subway tiles feature once again in this Japandi-feeling laundry renovation. Sleek, built-in white cabinetry keeps everything tucked away and a light emperador marble benchtop brings warmth to the space. A single vase filled with greenery injects a touch of life. This Japandi laundry is a great example of how hidden storage creates simplicity.
Live the Japandi dream
Japandi is more than just an aesthetic trend; it's a philosophy of living that prioritises peace and connection with nature. By incorporating its core principles you can create a calming space in your own home.
Ready to commit? Explore our Japandi tile and tapware hub or book a free design appointment. Our experts will help you find the perfect tiles to begin your home renovation.
Layla Sawyer
Layla is a creative at heart, with an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and being the Senior Marketing and Ecommerce Coordinator here at TileCloud she has a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends within the industry. Known for going down a rabbit hole on Pinterest and being a sucker for a good mood board to kick off any project.