If wellness-inspired interiors and sustainable design elements is your thing, then Japandi is the style that fits you. Read on to be inspired.

Though it may seem like a trendy buzzword, Japandi style in interiors is anything but a new aesthetic.

 

Combining elements from Japanese and Scandinavian interiors, both rich in centuries-old tradition, the roots of this fusion run deep. Although some may view Japandi as a recent phenomenon, the ties between Japan and Scandinavia date back centuries, according to Laila Rietbergen, author of "Japandi Living." Although focused on functional, minimalist, and tranquil design, Japandi style extends beyond mere aesthetics.

Founder of AllPrace and interior designer, Shanty Wijaya, claims that this design principle truly promotes a meaningful, healthy lifestyle; and it encourages us to see beauty in imperfections, connect deepky with earth and nature, and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

What is Japandi Style?

In its essence, Japandi style merges Scandinavian and Japanese approaches to design. As Wijaya describes it, it's the East-meets-West aesthetics, which combines Japanese artistic elements and the wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth, often referred to as "hygge." Both Japanese and Scandinavian design revolve around natural elements, comfort, simplicity, and sustainability.

And so, when considering living room ideas, making a cozy and welcoming space is important, but Japandi design takes it a notch higher. Certain design elements are critical: organic materials, natural wood tones, and incorporating nature. All these are all vital for successfully putting together a Japandi living room.

Read related:

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Talk to the interior design experts of JarvisInteriors if you want to adopt a Japandi interior design style for your home.

How to Create a Japandi Living Room?

With countless interior design styles available, understanding the key elements of each can be challenging. When broken down, however, Japandi design emerges as a basic design and lifestyle framework.

Despite having a distinct aesthetic, it's important to see that Japandi style goes beyond just being an interior design trend. According to Norm Architects team, Japandi is more about creating well-being through architecture and design rather than following a passing fad.

Both Scandinavian and traditional Japanese design share core values of functionality, refinement, simplicity, and attention to detail. There's a mutual appreciation in both cultures for using natural materials, favoring muted color palettes, and embracing genuine craftsmanship as a means of expression.

Here are tips that will suit every living room using Japandi approach:

1- Go for a soft, neutral color palette.

Japandi style focuses on creating a calming, minimalist space that favors a neutral color scheme. Designer Cinzia Moretti suggests starting with neutral, muted tones like beige, oatmeal, taupe, and stone for walls and large furniture pieces, such as sofas.

However, injecting subtle hints of more vibrant colors also fits perfectly within this style, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design elements.

To add depth, Cinzia recommends introducing contrasting colors such as soft Scandi shades of pale pink, green, blue, or grey, or even darker accent colors like black or charcoal grey --which are also commonly found in Japanese interiors, to enhance the minimalist décor.

2- Maximize the use of natural light.

To enhance the peaceful ambiance of a Japandi living room, focus on maximizing natural light, which is essential for promoting well-being as well.

Interior designer Nareg Taimoorian suggests using minimal window treatments or sheer curtains to allow sunlight to filter through, as natural light not only brightens the space but also strengthens the connection to nature, a central theme in both Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies.

If your living room lacks natural light, consider using mirrors to reflect light or investing in daylight or SAD lamps to mimic the effect.

3- Bring in natural materials.

When thinking about Japandi design elements, focus on incorporating natural wood tones to infuse your living space with an organic ambiance. Tiina Vahtola, Interior Designer/Founder at Talo Studios, describes Japandi as a fusion of two complementary styles characterized by a shared ethos of natural minimalism that promote a calm and comfortable atmosphere.

After deciding on paint colors, enhance your space by introducing elements that add balance and interest. Tiina suggests combining a neutral backdrop with natural outdoor elements and artisanal touches to create an authentic feel emphasizing quality craftsmanship. Wood accents can be introduced through various furnishings or simple décor pieces like wooden bowls on coffee tables.

When choosing wood for your living room, consider both its finish and environmental impact. Cinzia Moretti emphasizes the importance of natural fibers and sustainable materials in Japandi style, highlighting wood, bamboo, rattan, wool, and cotton as key elements for achieving the desired look.

4- Introduce furniture with organic shapes and materials.

Your choice of furniture is vital in achieving the desired look for your Japandi living room, as much as your choice of paint colors. While other interior design styles may favor casual, oversized sofas, Japandi style leans towards pieces that give off a sense of natural elegance and thoughtfulness.

Deigner Nareg Taimoorian advises opting for minimalist furniture with clean lines and organic shapes, such as sleek Scandinavian armchairs or low-profile wooden sofas made from natural wood. Keeping the furnishings minimal and functional while avoiding clutter is key to maintaining the Japandi aesthetic.

Tiina Vahtola recommends continuing the organic theme in upholstery materials, favoring natural textiles like cotton, linen, or wool for drapery, cushions, furniture, and rugs. Despite their minimalist appearance, these elements still offer comfortable seating options, adding to the overall calm of the space.

5- Add variety with delicate furnishings and décor pieces.

To enhance visual appeal in your living room, incorporate soft furnishings and decorative accents. With the prevalence of sleek wood tones and neutral colors in Japandi style, it's still important to introduce elements that add depth and interest to prevent the space from feeling monotonous.

In a Japandi living room, subtle pops of color and appropriate patterns can be introduced through items like decorative pieces, cushions, and throws.

Cinzia Moretti suggests incorporating traditional Japanese patterns into cushions and curtains to infuse the space with a touch of Japanese style. Additionally, she recommends incorporating Japanese-style accessories such as vases, mirrors, table lamps, picture frames, and thoughtfully curated artwork to further enhance the overall look of the room.

6- Use additional lighting to create an atmosphere of comfort.

To create a cozy atmosphere in your Japandi living room, incorporate additional lighting alongside the natural and organic elements of which the aesthetic is know for. It's essential to maintain a relaxing ambiance in this space while staying true to the minimalist and nature-inspired principles of Japandi style.

Nareg Taimoorian suggests choosing statement lighting fixtures with minimalist designs, such as pendant lamps or sculptural floor lamps, to enhance warmth and draw attention in the room. Opt for sleek designs rather than bulky ones and stick to a neutral color palette for lamp shades. This is an opportunity to introduce patterns often featured in Japanese design, further enriching the overall aesthetic of the space.

7- Bring in abundant greenery and plants.

Designer Nareg Taimoorian emphasizes the importance of introducing nature by using potted plants or fresh flowers to infuse vitality and freshness into the space. And to make it easier, go for low-maintenance plants like bamboo, succulents, and bonsai trees which are common in both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors.

Alternatively, if you don't have a green thumb, Tiina Vahtola suggests using dried branches and pressed flowers in handcrafted ceramic vases or hand-painted floral prints to evoke a sense of well-being and connection to nature.

This approach allows for a focused intoduction of decorative elements, such as subtle hints of color from decorative pots filled with plants to eye-catching prints that depict nature.

8- Enhance the room’s personality with ceramics.

 Cermics are a quintessential feature of Japandi design. Renowned for their craftsmanship, beautifully crafted ceramic pieces are a staple of this style, adding depth and interest to the space.

Nareg Taimoorian advises incorporating imperfect pottery, handmade ceramics, or vintage objects with a weathered patina to infuse the room with a lived-in style and promotes a sense of treasured belongings. These items not only contribute to visual appeal but also emphasize the beauty of imperfection, aligning with the ethos of incorporating organic materials and shapes into your living space.

Embracing this ideology of purposeful simplicity, Japandi schemes feature organic elements and purposeful additions. A weathered pot or inherited ceramic decor piece holds more significance in your living room than something brand new and shiny.

A Japandi living room inspires relaxation, wellness, and appreciation for nature. Creating a scheme in this design style is simpler than you may think, with warm neutrals, natural, organic forms, and abundance of plants at its center. So, create a balance of beloved possessions, clear away unneeded clutter, and strive to live more sustainably - it's all about slowing down and creating a calming sanctuary in your living room.

Read related:

What is Japandi style? Interior designers on why this soothing and chic design style has endured

A Japandi-inspired living room promotes relaxation, well-being, and a deep connection with nature. Creating a decor scheme in this style is simpler than you thought – it revolves around warm neutrals, natural flowing shapes, and an abundance of greenery. So, go for a harmonious mix of treasured items, declutter your space, and live more sustainably. The essence lies in living a bit slower and transforming your living room into a calming sanctuary.

Is Japandi out of style?

Japandi has been popular for a while and is not out of style, especially since it became well-known in early 2022. Despite its long history, it is still relevant and desired in interior design. Even if it were out of style, it's important to decorate your home in a way that makes you happy. The way you style your interiors should feel good for you.

Thinking of turning your living room into a calming Japandi space? The experts from JarvisInteriors can help!

For creative concepts on creating a living kitchen, read these tips from JarvisInteriors: HOW TO CREATE A LIVING KITCHEN: Transforming Your Cook Area into a Sociable Space.

 

 

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9 Japandi Living Room Ideas to Add This Calming Design Style to Your Interiors

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