Japandi Style in the Interior: When East Meets West
Japan and Scandinavian countries are separated by a distance of more than 8,000 kilometers, and seemingly, they have little in common. However, if we consider their approaches to design and architecture, we can see they are closer than we might think. The aesthetic categories of Japan and Scandinavian countries are based on simplicity, functionality, a love for natural materials, and applied arts. It’s no surprise that many architects and designers have begun to incorporate elements from both cultures into modern interpretations.
As a result, the Japandi style has emerged in interior design: the name comes from the combination of the English words “Japan” and “Scandi.” In Japan, there is the concept of “wabi-sabi,” which represents a philosophy and worldview that values and embraces the impermanence and imperfections of the surrounding world. In Northern European countries, especially Denmark, the term “hygge” is popular; it best describes the warm, cozy interior of a small, well-kept home in nature. The combination of these approaches defines Japandi—a style that balances the shortcomings of its predecessors. Japanese-style interiors are often seen as refined and elegant, yet some find them overly sterile. In contrast, pure Scandinavian style may seem too stark and rustic.
The term “Japandi” first appeared in 2016 but has been gaining popularity each year. For example, the number of search queries related to Japandi style in interior design has increased by more than 100% over the past year. The blend of two cultures offers a wealth of interesting ideas for interiors, which is why more people are becoming fans of this style.
The Main Elements of Japandi Style
What are the characteristics of Japandi interiors?
First and foremost, it is naturalness. The natural warmth of wood is highly valued in both Japan and Scandinavia. Well-crafted wooden furniture fits perfectly into Japandi-style interiors. Both geometric and more curved forms are acceptable. Ideally, some furniture pieces should be handmade or made from recycled materials; for instance, an old dining table can be restored, or a shelf made from an old fishing boat can be acquired. The philosophy of Japandi encourages valuing items as they age, repairing rather than discarding them, which aligns beautifully with the trend of conscious consumption.
The Japandi style in living rooms and other spaces is also expressed through a specific color palette. The color scheme includes neutral, muted tones: beige, gray, dark brown, and black. The main idea is to create a serene, harmonious atmosphere, so warmth can be added through the use of various textures and materials. Light shades of pink, blue, and green, or deeper “Japanese” colors like dark blue, purple, or rich burgundy can serve as color accents.
In kitchen interiors, the Japandi style emphasizes not only functionality but also the associations that food evokes—coziness, warmth, and communication. Glossy metal or glass surfaces have no place in such kitchens; the simplest wooden furniture, copper, oxidized brass, and other materials that reflect wabi-sabi—the charm of imperfection—are most suitable.
Many years ago, Jun’ichirō Tanizaki wrote about the differences between European and Japanese bathrooms. The Japandi style in bathroom interiors would undoubtedly appeal to this Japanese writer. There are no chrome fixtures, shiny mirrors, or neon lights here. Brass, dark gold, natural stone, and thick cotton towels add warmth to even the most austere spaces. Wooden accessories can evoke memories of Japanese hot springs. A bath clad in hinoki wood immediately transports you to the atmosphere of a Japanese spa.
Principles of Japandi Interior Design
- Acceptance of Imperfection
For each person, home is a quiet haven where they can find peace and protection from the aggressive outside world. The space within a home should be cozy rather than perfect, providing comfort. The wabi-sabi philosophy helps in this, encouraging us to see beauty in small imperfections and flaws. - Decluttering
Minimalism is a key concept of the Japandi style. This is why it is well-suited for both private homes and small spaces. It is not a call to rid oneself of all belongings—one should consider what is most valuable to them and eliminate what is unnecessary, lightening the space. It is better to stick to a minimal number of decorative items on open surfaces, avoiding excess details and elements. - Respect for Nature
The Japandi style is more eco-friendly than others, as it emphasizes not just the use of natural materials, but also the preference for recycled or reused ones. Owning an item for a long time gives it character, so the Japandi style encourages us to cherish items and appreciate their changes over the years. Additionally, Japandi design values craftsmanship and handmade items, as they possess a special charm in their roughness and uniqueness.
