How to Bring Japandi Interior Design into Your Space

The core philosophy of Japandi design

At the heart of Japandi design is the concept of “wabi-sabi,” a Japanese philosophy that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, and “hygge”, the Scandinavian concept of comfort and cosiness. This design style focuses on creating spaces that feel calm, balanced, and functional, using natural materials and simple, thoughtful designs.

Japandi encourages a sense of mindfulness in the home, with every element having a purpose and contributing to the overall aesthetic. It’s about stripping back the unnecessary and embracing the beauty in clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and organic textures.

Choose a neutral, earthy colour palette

One of the key aspects of Japandi interior design is the use of a muted and natural colour palette. Earthy tones dominate, creating a sense of peace and tranquillity within a room.

• Neutral shades: Start with soft, neutral hues like beige, off-white, and light grey as the foundation for your walls and larger pieces of furniture. These colours provide a clean backdrop and evoke the minimalist aesthetic of both Japanese and Scandinavian design.
• Natural hues: Incorporate natural colours like light browns, soft greens, and clay tones to bring warmth and a sense of nature indoors.
• Accents: You can introduce darker shades such as charcoal, forest green, or deep blue sparingly, often through smaller accent pieces or artwork to add depth and contrast without overwhelming the space.

The overall aim is to maintain a serene and harmonious environment, so avoid overly bright or bold colours that could disrupt the calm atmosphere.

Use natural materials

Japandi interiors heavily emphasise the use of natural materials, celebrating craftsmanship and sustainability. Timber is a primary feature in Japandi spaces, but it’s also essential to blend other natural textures to create depth and interest.

• Timber flooring: Incorporate high-quality timber flooring, such as engineered oak, to add warmth and an organic feel to your home. Opt for light or mid-tone finishes that complement the neutral colour scheme and create an open, airy atmosphere. Flooring plays a pivotal role in Japandi interiors by grounding the space and connecting the design to nature.
• Wooden furniture: Simple, clean-lined wooden furniture should be the focal point in a Japandi-inspired room. Pieces made from oak, ash, or walnut add an authentic, handcrafted feel, while Scandinavian-inspired designs ensure functionality and comfort.
• Organic textures: Mix timber with other natural materials like rattan, bamboo, linen, and stone. These materials work together to create a textured, multi-dimensional space that feels warm and inviting.

By using sustainable and organic materials, you create a home that not only looks beautiful but is also environmentally conscious—a core value in both Japanese and Scandinavian design.

Minimalist yet functional furniture

The Japandi style embraces minimalism, but it’s also about creating spaces that are highly functional and liveable. Each piece of furniture should serve a purpose and fit seamlessly into the room.

• Low-profile furniture: In keeping with traditional Japanese interiors, low-profile furniture like platform beds or low-slung sofas helps to create a sense of openness. This style evokes simplicity while providing a grounded, peaceful aesthetic.
• Streamlined design: Scandinavian-inspired furniture tends to be functional with clean lines and practical design. Look for pieces that are simple and unadorned, focusing on high-quality craftsmanship rather than embellishment.
• Multi-purpose: Opt for multi-functional furniture to keep the space practical. Think of storage solutions that double as seating or extendable dining tables that allow for flexibility while maintaining the uncluttered look.

The goal is to have a few well-chosen pieces that are beautifully crafted and functional, contributing to the space without overwhelming it.

Bring in greenery and natural light

Nature plays a significant role in Japandi design. To echo this connection to the outdoors, introduce plants and make the most of natural light.

• Indoor plants: Incorporate a variety of indoor plants to add life and vibrancy to the room. Consider minimalist planters in earthy tones to keep the overall look cohesive. Plants like bonsai, snake plants, or peace lilies are great choices for their simplicity and ease of care.
• Maximise natural light: Japandi design favours spaces that are light and bright, so maximise natural light wherever possible. Use sheer curtains or blinds to allow light to flow in, and avoid heavy drapery that could feel too formal or overpowering.

By connecting the interior with the outdoors, you reinforce the zen-like calm that defines the Japandi aesthetic.

Declutter and embrace simplicity

Decluttering is key to Japandi interiors. Every object should have a purpose, and there’s a strong focus on intentionality when it comes to décor.

• Open, airy spaces: Avoid clutter by keeping surfaces clear and only displaying a few carefully chosen decorative items. Minimalism is essential to maintain the clean, simple aesthetic.
• Storage solutions: To achieve a clutter-free environment, invest in smart storage solutions that help keep the space organised. Scandinavian design is known for its functional storage, such as sleek cabinets or under-bed drawers, which can hide away items without disrupting the visual flow of the room.

This approach creates a more mindful, purpose-driven space, where every item contributes to the overall sense of calm and functionality.

Mix modern and traditional elements

Japandi is a beautiful fusion of old and new. Don’t be afraid to mix modern Scandinavian pieces with traditional Japanese elements to create a space that feels balanced and curated.

• Modern lighting: Choose simple, modern light fixtures with clean lines. Pendant lights in neutral tones or minimalist floor lamps can add a subtle design feature without dominating the room.
• Japanese décor: Incorporate traditional Japanese décor such as tatami mats, shoji screens, or handmade ceramics to add authenticity. These elements bring warmth and cultural richness to the space, enhancing the overall Japandi vibe.

This mix of modern and traditional allows you to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, perfectly aligned with the principles of Japandi design.

Craft your Japandi space

Bringing Japandi interior design into your home is about embracing simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. With a focus on neutral tones, high-quality natural materials, and a minimalist approach, you can create a space that feels both serene and inviting. Whether you’re redesigning an entire home or simply refreshing a room, Japandi offers a thoughtful, balanced aesthetic that brings peace and harmony to your living environment.

Get started by exploring our engineered timber flooring range today.