Unite Japanese elegance and Scandinavian sophistication. The result? Japandi. A lived-in look that’s timeless and minimalistic. Anyone can step into this space and feel at home. This trend ensures that every room is utilized with purpose by fusing every item in that space. Follow below for five ways to embody Japandi in your home.

Select Intentionally

Both Japanese and Scandinavian styles are minimalistic yet intentional. Japandi spaces are clutter-free, presentable, and organized. A nice place to begin could be cleaning up! Reorganizing or tossing clutter sets a foundation to evaluate what is worth keeping or releasing. In an interview with Aaron Hicklin for The Guardian titled “Don’t mess with Marie: tidying up with author and Netflix star Marie Kondo”, she reminds us that “it’s about understanding what needs to go versus what’s important to you.” Every item that is displayed should have a purpose. Bonus points if it has more than one! You don’t always have to purchase new items whenever you decide to recreate your space. Take a second look at pieces that are quality and have good craftsmanship that could be repurposed.

Neutral Colors

Using warm and neutral colors is key to achieving a Japandi look. Perhaps the easiest task to tackle could be your walls! Clean white walls and lots of natural light can immediately transform your space and make it feel much bigger. In her article, “What Does Scandinavian Style Really Mean?” for Apartment Theory, Bridget Mallon writes that “many Scandinavian colors rely heavily on neutrals, most notably, bright whites with pops of black and tan.” Although a neutral color palette is recommended, don’t entirely dismiss adding your most beloved colors. Pastel pops of color like a muted pink, dusty blue, or sage green can be worked in subtly without overpowering your room’s color scheme.

Wabi-Sabi

The Japanese term “wabi-sabi” seeks to appreciate the perfection in imperfection. In her August 2021 article “11 Ways to Incorporate Wabi-Sabi Design in Your Home” for The Spruce, Kaitlyn McInnis defines the term wabi-sabi, “wabi refers to living with humility and simplicity while being at one with nature, while sabi is defined as the ability to accept the lifecycle of anything as it is—flaws and all.” We advise you to keep this in mind when curating your look and comparing different items. Asymmetry, cracks in wood, and leather patina are all-natural occurrences to be embraced when selecting pieces to furnish your home.

Plants

Not only do plants naturally improve your air quality, but they can also liven up your home! Using plants to style empty areas creates an earthy and natural environment. In the article “Modern Living Room Ideas: design trends and layouts to style a modern living space” for Ideal Home, Tamara Kelly advises to “choose plants that make a statement, placing them at different heights to fill the space from floor to ceiling.” We suggest arranging plants near natural light so they can soak in vitamin D. On the flip side, if you appreciate adding plants but lack the time or energy to take care of them (or you just have a black thumb), consider investing in faux ones!

The Preserved Spring Meadow Wreath - discontinued could be styled on doorways to create a welcoming entrance for any home. Place the Protea & Stoebe Mixed Floral Bouquet - discontinued in a vase to brighten up a console table or decorate on shelves. The stunning Grecian Bust Pot adds a fun twist and easily collects compliments. The 14” Neutral Textured Orb Pot - discontinued can be used both inside and outside your home to store your greenery. Stay bug-free with this House Plants on Pink Art Print by Ambers Textiles.

Mixing elements & textures

It’s very common, encouraged even, to blend different fabrics and materials within each room. Whether it’s using different colors of wood for your chairs and tables or mismatching leather and linen throw pillows, you can find an unlimited amount of ways to play with textures. “Even though the color choices were mainly natural and muted, we mixed and used lots of different textures and materials to add the interest and complexity to the look,” says designer Shanty Wijaya about her newly renovated LA home in an interview with Kristen Bateman in the article “A Japandi-Style Home Transforms Into a Zen Paradise” found on Clever for Architectural Digest. Use your creativity and don’t be wary to mix in your favorite elements.

Want some help with Japandi?

At Studio Shaolin we work with clients in Hawaii and across the United States to create timeless spaces that reflect the individual needs of each project. Learn more about how we can help with your home renovation project by booking a discovery call.

Five Ways to Incorporate Japandi in Your Home