Design • 25 June, 2020 • 8 min read

Japandi Decor: Your New Favorite Take on Interior Minimalism

Heard of Japandi decor? This soothing interior style is a blissful friendship between Japanese elegance and Scandinavian minimalism, which has created a whole new interior philosophy. Here’s why you need it in your life.

By Edvin Brobeck

Meet Japandi Decor

When are two styles better than one? Meet Japandi interior design! More than just a design trend, Japandi decor represents a soothing interior style that is a blissful friendship between Japanese elegance and Scandinavian minimalism. This has in turn created a whole new interior philosophy.

Here’s why you need to welcome it into your home this year.

GET ACQUAINTED

Why do they make such good roomies?

Japandi interior decor

Scandinavian and Japanese interior design might not seem to have too much in common at first glance. Japanese interiors are elegant, Nordic ones are rustic. So, why do two different interior styles from opposite sides of the globe make such perfect pals?  

Well, both styles share a focus on aesthetics and functionality. They revere craftsmanship and finding beauty in simplistic or ordinary pieces, working seamlessly together to create a striking and practical space that never seems to go out of fashion.

Both also share an emphasis on minimalism. This lends itself well to creating clean and uncluttered spaces where nothing is out of place.

Finally, they both take design inspiration from nature, and both maintain a focus on sustainability.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

What makes Japandi interior design more than just a trend?

Customizable Japandi print next to a Japandi vase in an aesthetic decor setup
Custom Japandi Print – Classic Mapiful in the style Nära

The philosophy of ‘Hygge‘ is a key element behind Scandinavian design. In case you haven’t heard of it, it refers to the philosophy of coziness and homeyness in design, and making your home into your very own comforting sanctuary. Think being able to replicate the feeling of sitting down in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee and being with friends and family, just through your decor! 

In Japandi styling, this blends with the Japanese concept of ‘Wabi-sabi(侘寂), or the idea that there is beauty to be found in imperfection. Wabi-sabi can sometimes come off a little cold, so matching this with the rustic warmth of Scandinavian styling creates the perfect match of coziness and harmony.

This customizable Japandi print lets you design a Japandi poster that is a perfect mix of Scandi warmth and Japanese minimalism. Truly the best of both worlds, we think! 

BRING IT HOME

How can you bring Japandi decor into your home?

Japandi interior design living room

Japandi interior design is actually one of the easiest styles to replicate through your own home decor, and if you’re already in love with Scandinavian styling, you’re probably halfway there. If not, we’re here to help!

Color is key

The key to creating a knockout Japandi interior starts with your choice of color. 

Scandinavian design favours a humble, monochrome pallet to create a simple and peaceful environment, incorporating different shades of cream, grey and natural warm wood shades to create an uncomplicated feel. Alternatively, Japanese style is defined by its richer tones; think stained woods, elegant black, and striking red.

Try starting with a saturated, neutral shade, and creating contrast by adding a mix of light woods and rich black tones. Keep it monochrome for a calm feel, but don’t be afraid to use natural hues like reds and greens through incorporating houseplants or small vases.

‘Ikebana’ (生け花), or the Japanese art of flower arranging, actually encourages you to spend time arranging plants to give yourself time to reflect and learn from nature. It’s a pretty mindful way to ground yourself whilst linking your own interior practices with nature and the world around you.


Can’t get enough of Scandi styling? Dive into Issue 2 of The Scandinavian Edit and read our guide to different Scandi color palettes here.

FURNISH FRUGALLY

Some more rules for stunning Japandi decor

Japandi decor in a bedroom

A focus on clean lines and functionality defines the Scandinavian interior, think simple storage, modern furnishings, and minimal light fittings. Marry this with the more refined Japanese style and with its elegant curves, low chairs and tables, and painted or stained wood, and you’ll have created a harmonious vibe in no time!

It’s totally okay to mix and match curved and straight lines, as well as choosing contrasting wood tones when picking your furnishings, as this will give a subtle suggestion of texture to your space. Take care not to overdo it with furnishings and accessories though. Japandi styling avoids clutter as a rule.

Now you’re ready to take the first step on your journey towards welcoming Japandi interior design into your home. Change up your decor, and before long, you’ll feel able to reap the benefits of this soothing interior style.

Easily create a Japandi print

Make your home more you with a Japandi print! Mapiful’s Japandi-style wall art for your home is the perfect way to kickstart your home makeover.

Additional reading