When it comes to designing your home, creating a space that's both warm and cozy whilst staying minimal is a popular route that you might love the sound of. there are a few different ways you can do this, but two interior styles stand out when it comes to this. These are Scandinavian and Japanese.
What is Japandi?
The Japandi interior design style takes the core elements of both the Scandinavian style and the Japanese style, fusing the warmth and functionality the two styles are best at in their own way.
Both of these styles are better at different elements when it comes to minimal warmth, so why not combine the two? If you're looking to create a peaceful, minimal, functional space, the Japandi style is perfect for you. In this post, we'll cover the essential elements for capturing the Japandi Essence:
Set the Tone with your Colour Scheme
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One of the core elements of the Japandi style is the colour palette. The colours are the best at setting the mood for your space; in this case it's opting for a muted, neutral colour palette. Japandi is all about using earthy, natural, soothing colours such as beige, grey white and black.
You can also use warmer colours like brown, mustard and shades of green as accent colours throughout the space. These colours match perfectly with the muted colours, allowing them to stand out whilst not removing the calmness of beiges, whites and blacks.
The idea is to create a calm, peaceful, inviting atmosphere for you to feel relaxed in and unwind. Using these colours throughout your space will no doubt give you that Japandi feel.
Utilise Natural Materials
One way to use the Japandi colour palette in the most effective way can come through the use of natural materials. Both styles individually emphasise the use of these materials, including wood, bamboo and linen mainly.
Using these materials throughout your space can add warmth, texture and character to your space, perfectly encapsulating the Japandi style. If you can, be sure to choose high quality products using these materials so they keep the essence of the style for a long time.
The best ways to use these materials are through the flooring, furniture like your table, and through pillows and blankets. All of these can become focal points of your space using these materials, which is great as they are super functional in any room they're used.
Incorporate Japanese Ceramic Pieces
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Using Japanese Ceramics throughout your space is the perfect way to add an extra touch of the Japanese interior style. Known for their high quality and timeless aesthetics, they come in various shapes, sizes and colours, all of which add interest and texture to your space.
These ceramic pieces are super versatile; they can be used for both decorations and multiple functions. You can display them on open shelving, a sideboard or anywhere you see fit whilst using them in your dining/entertaining routine. They are also perfect for storing your everyday items in an aesthetic way, whilst making sure you don't forget where they are.
Soften Your Space through the Lighting
Image Credit: Dezeen
Lighting is another key element to consider when creating a Japandi style space. Paired with the colour palette, the lighting can really help determine the overall feel of the space. With Japandi, the aim is to create a cozy, inviting space, and this can be done through a few ways when it comes to lighting.
Natural light is super important in a Japandi space, so make sure to maximise the amount you get into your space. Keep your windows clear, and use lighter fabrics for your curtains/blinds for privacy, whilst preventing the loss of the light. The natural light will bounce of your colour palette, amplifying the warmth they already give off.
When it comes to artificial lighting, be sure to keep it soft and warm through the use of table lamps, floor lamps and pendant lights. Avoid bright and harsh lights that can disrupt the ambience of the space. Akari sculptures are perfect for this, also capturing the essence of Japan like no other fixture.
Liven Up Your Walls with Organic Decor
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The Japandi style emphasises the use of natural and organic elements, and this extents to wall decor. There are so many options that you can look in to, including prints of nature, abstract paintings or minimalist photographs to add the perfect amount of interest to your walls without removing any of the ambience already created.
If you're thinking of making more of a statement with your wall decor, try contrasting the colour of your decor with your paint, but be sure to not sway from the Japandi colours. Another way to make a statement is through a dimensional piece of decor, whether that be a curved piece or more geometric, that's completely down to your personal style.
Don't Forget About The Plants
Including plants is another great way to create a Japandi space, adding so much serenity through a touch of nature. There are alot of different types of plants that work well in different spots, but always aim for ones that don't require too much care when inside.
Plants such as snake plants, peace lillies and smaller succulents will always work well in a Japandi space. For more aesthetics, consider displaying them in simple, elegant planters made from materials such as ceramic, concrete or terracotta.
Embrace Culture with Shoji Screens
A focal element of the Japanese design that blends perfectly with the Scandi style is Shoji boards. Usually made from neutral-coloured materials such as wood/bamboo and transulcent paper or fabric, these screens can help divide a space in a light, cozy way.
Natural light can also easily pass through these screens, meaning you won't loose any light wherever you put them. The paper can actually difuse the light that hits it, creating a warm, soft glow that can create an even more relaxing environment.
Add Texture through Wooden Slatwall Panelling
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Wood panelling can be the perfect way to add texture and warmth to any space. When it comes to the Japandi style, slatwall panelling is an amazing way to give you this warmth, whilst blending the Japanese and Scandi styles seamlessly.
You have quite a lot of options when it comes to the finish of the panels; you can get the lightest finish all the way down to the darkest. Lighter finishes tend to blend in better, whereas the darker finishes become more of a focal point, leaning further towards the Japanese style.
This type of panelling is also super versatile, as it can be used in almost any room in your home. Wherever you do choose to use it, it'll bring an abundance of Japandi warmth inside.
Keep it Minimal
Minimalist is at the heart of the Japandi design. Making sure your space isn't too clutter will determine whether your space is a effective as it can be. Consider the layout of your space and what things are essential rather than filling every gap with decor.
When it comes to the decor you choose, be sure to carefully balance them throughout the space, especially if they contrast the main colour palette. When thought out, these pieces can add so much benefit to your space through warmth and overall visual interest.
The Japandi design style is the ideal choice if you're looking for minimal functionality, filled with warmth and coziness. When carefully designing, you can transform your space into the most inviting space for both yourself and anyone who comes over.