Styled Spaces Co
Japandi interior design
Design Style

Japandi Interior Design

Japanese-Scandinavian fusion of calm simplicity

What is Japandi Design?

Japandi is the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies, blending the minimalism and wabi-sabi (embracing imperfection) of Japan with the functionality and hygge (cosiness) of Scandinavia. The result is a warm, minimalist aesthetic that's deeply calming, grounded, and connected to nature.

Core Characteristics

The defining features of this style

Minimalist but Warm: Restrained like Japanese design, cosy like Scandi

Wabi-Sabi: Embraces imperfection, natural materials, and ageing

Low, Grounded Furniture: Japanese influence with low profiles

Natural Materials: Wood, stone, linen, bamboo dominate

Neutral, Earthy Palette: Warm neutrals with muted accent colours

Handcrafted Quality: Artisan objects and craftsmanship valued

Functional Serenity: Every item serves purpose while creating peace

Personally selected

My Japandi Picks

Four pieces chosen to capture this look. Prices may change at the retailer.

Shop all 9 picks

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Colour Palette

The colours that define this aesthetic

Primary Colours

  • Warm Neutrals: Beige, taupe, sand, oatmeal
  • Warm Whites: Cream, ivory, off-white
  • Soft Greys: Greige, warm grey, charcoal
  • Natural Wood Tones: Warm oak, walnut, teak
  • Muted Earth Tones: Clay, mushroom, stone

Accent Colours

  • Muted Greens: Sage, olive, moss (most common accent)
  • Soft Blacks: Charcoal, graphite, matte black
  • Terracotta: Used sparingly in ceramics or textiles
  • Deep Navy: Occasional accent

Colour Application

walls:Warm white, beige, soft grey, or greige
floors:Medium to warm wood tones (oak, walnut)
furniture:Natural wood (dominant), black accents, warm neutrals
textiles:Linen in natural tones, muted greens, soft greys
accents:Black pottery, sage green cushions, terracotta planters

Materials & Textures

The building blocks of this style

Primary Materials

  • Wood: Oak, walnut, teak, bamboo - warm tones with visible grain
  • Linen: Bedding, cushions, curtains in natural tones
  • Stone: Limestone, slate, river rock
  • Clay/Ceramic: Handmade pottery, matte finishes
  • Bamboo: Furniture, screens, blinds
  • Cotton: Natural, undyed textiles
  • Paper: Shoji screens, paper lamps (Japanese influence)
  • Rattan/Cane: Chairs, baskets (minimal use compared to boho)

Texture Strategy

  • Natural and Tactile: Embrace raw, unfinished textures
  • Layer soft linen with rough stone
  • Combine smooth wood with woven rattan
  • Include handmade ceramics with visible imperfections
  • 3-5 natural textures per room

Flooring Options

  • Warm wood (oak, walnut)
  • Tatami mats (in Japanese-influenced spaces)
  • Stone or concrete (soft-edged)
  • Natural fibre rugs (jute, sisal, wool in neutral tones)

Furniture Selection

Choosing the right pieces for this style

Key Furniture Pieces

seating

Low-profile sofas in neutral linen; Japanese-style low chairs; Scandi chairs in wood

tables

Low coffee tables (Japanese influence); simple wood dining tables

storage

Minimalist cabinets with clean lines; open shelving with limited display

beds

Low platform beds (Japanese style) or simple wood frames

Furniture Characteristics

  • Low and Grounded: Japanese influence keeps furniture close to floor
  • Clean Lines: Scandinavian simplicity
  • Natural Wood: Warm tones, visible grain, matte or oiled finish
  • Minimal Ornamentation: Functional beauty
  • Quality Craftsmanship: Handmade or artisan pieces valued
  • Rounded Edges: Softer than sharp Scandinavian angles

Recommended Brands & Retailers

Muji (Japanese minimalism)Nitori (Japanese furniture)HAY (Scandinavian with Japandi crossover)Article (some Japandi collections)Ethnicraft (wood furniture)Custom Japanese carpenters or artisans

Lighting Design

Illuminate your space the right way

Lighting Approach

  • Soft, Warm Lighting: 2700-3000K; avoid harsh overhead lights
  • Paper Lanterns: Japanese influence (akari lamps, shoji-style)
  • Natural Light: Maximise with sheer curtains or bamboo blinds
  • Minimal Fixtures: Simple, sculptural, or hidden lighting

Recommended Fixtures

pendants

Paper lanterns (Isamu Noguchi akari lamps), simple ceramic pendants

floor

Simple wood or black metal with paper or linen shade

table

Ceramic or wood base with natural shade

candles

Minimal use (more Scandi than Japanese)

recessed

Hidden, soft ambient lighting

Room by Room Application

How to apply this style throughout your home

Living Room

  • Low-profile sofa in natural linen (beige or grey)
  • Low coffee table in walnut or oak
  • 1-2 simple wooden or low chairs
  • Minimal cushions (2-3 in muted tones)
  • Jute or wool rug in natural colour
  • One large plant (or 2-3 smaller) in ceramic pots
  • Paper lantern or simple pendant light
  • Minimal art (one large piece or empty wall)
  • Shoji screen or bamboo blinds for windows

Bedroom

  • Low platform bed (Japanese style) or simple wood frame
  • Linen bedding in natural tones (beige, grey, white)
  • Low wooden nightstands (minimal design)
  • Ceramic lamp with soft light
  • Minimal decor (one stone object, one plant)
  • Bamboo blinds or sheer linen curtains
  • Tatami mat or natural fibre rug

Dining Room

  • Simple wooden dining table (oak or walnut)
  • Mix of simple wood chairs (Scandi influence)
  • Paper lantern pendant or simple black pendant
  • Minimal table decor (ceramic bowl, single plant)
  • Open shelving with limited, beautiful dishware
  • Natural linen placemats or table runner

How to Implement

A step-by-step guide to achieving this look

1

Declutter to Essentials

  • Remove 80% of decorative items
  • Keep only functional, beautiful pieces
  • Embrace negative space
  • Store items out of sight
2

Choose Warm Neutral Base

  • Paint walls in warm white, beige, or greige
  • Select warm wood flooring (oak or walnut)
  • Avoid cool-toned greys or stark whites
3

Select Low, Simple Furniture

  • Choose low-profile sofa or platform bed
  • Select simple wood furniture in warm tones
  • Prioritise quality and craftsmanship
  • Keep furniture minimal (fewer pieces than Scandi)
4

Layer Natural Textiles

  • Use linen bedding, cushions, and curtains
  • Add jute or wool rug
  • Include one handwoven throw or cushion
  • Keep colours in natural, muted palette
5

Add Handmade Objects

  • Select 1-3 ceramic pieces (bowls, vases, cups)
  • Choose handmade or artisan objects
  • Display imperfect, wabi-sabi items
  • Include stone or wood sculptural objects
6

Incorporate Plants

  • Add 2-4 plants in simple ceramic or clay pots
  • Choose plants with simple, clean lines
  • Place near natural light sources
  • Avoid overly abundant plants (not as many as boho)
7

Create Soft Lighting

  • Add paper lantern or simple pendant
  • Use table lamps with warm bulbs
  • Install bamboo blinds or sheer linen curtains
  • Maximise natural light during day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pitfalls that can derail your design

Too Cold: Need warmth from wood tones and textiles; avoid stark white and cool greys

Too Cluttered: Japandi is minimal; limit decorative objects to 2-3 per room

Wrong Wood Tones: Use warm woods (oak, walnut); avoid cool-toned or painted woods

Over-Decorating with Japanese Items: Subtle Japanese influence; avoid overly "themed" look

Sharp Edges: Japandi prefers softer, rounded edges over stark angles

Bright Colours: Stick to muted, earthy palette; no bright or bold colours

Budget Considerations

Achieve this look at any price point

High-End Approach

  • Custom low platform bed from Japanese carpenter
  • Designer Scandinavian-Japanese furniture (Muji, HAY)
  • Authentic Isamu Noguchi akari lamps
  • Handmade Japanese ceramics from artisans
  • Solid wood furniture (walnut, oak)

Mid-Range Approach

  • Muji furniture (affordable Japanese minimalism)
  • Article or West Elm Japandi-style pieces
  • Affordable paper lanterns
  • Ceramics from Etsy or local potters
  • Quality linen from Etsy or mid-range brands

Budget-Friendly

  • Low DIY platform bed
  • IKEA furniture in natural wood tones
  • Affordable paper lanterns from Amazon
  • Thrifted ceramics and pottery
  • DIY linen cushion covers
  • Declutter and simplify (free)

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Is this style right for you?

Daily Habits

  • Maintain minimal surfaces; put everything away
  • Dust natural wood and ceramics
  • Care for plants regularly
  • Embrace imperfection in materials (wabi-sabi)

Potential Challenges

  • Requires extreme discipline to maintain minimalism
  • Can feel too restrained for those who love colour or abundance
  • Natural materials may require specific care
  • Low furniture may be difficult for some people

Best For

  • Those who love both Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics
  • People seeking ultimate calm and serenity
  • Minimalists who want warmth
  • Anyone practising mindfulness or meditation
  • Small spaces (low furniture makes rooms feel larger)

Styles That Pair Well with Japandi

Scandinavian

Increase cosy textiles and hygge elements

Warm Minimalism

Very similar; add more texture

Organic Modern

Increase curves and natural imperfections

Zen/Wabi-Sabi

Deepen Japanese influences

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