Japandi style is the newest spin on classic minimalist design. Merging two popular styles into one, this design hybrid takes the best elements of Scandinavian and Japanese interior aesthetics and combines them into one. Learn more about Japandi style and how you can create your own tranquil, organic space below.

What Is Japandi?

To put it simply, Japandi is equal parts hygge and Japanese serene. Japandi combines the art of Scandi functionality and contentment with Japan's rustic minimalism and the Buddhist philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. The result is a blended aesthetic of function and form that focuses on clean lines, bright spaces and organic simplicity. Japandi differs from classic minimalism because the end goal isn't to create a bare space, it's to create an intentional home.

How to Add Japandi to Your Space

Japandi style values quality, artisan-crafted pieces that are made to last. Rest assured that this isn't just a passing trend, Japandi is a lifestyle of living a calm, simplistic, and functional life. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this calm aesthetic in your home.

Start With a Neutral Palette & Natural Materials

Japandi style is the pinnacle of simplicity. Think: neutral colours and natural materials. Your base colour palette should include light and airy Scandi colours like oat, cream, beige and tan. Stick to these warm neutrals for large pieces of furniture, bedding and window treatments. Then add in deep, rich accent colours that reflect traditional Japanese style such as indigo blue, earthy green and dark gray. Use these accent colours in wall art, cushions and tabletop pieces.

Keep materials natural and sustainable. Because Scandi design and Japanese culture take much of their inspiration from the outdoors, try to blur the lines between inside and outside pieces. Choose furniture that's made from natural materials like unfinished wood, rattan, leather and marble. Roll out a jute rug. Opt for linen bedding and a soft wool throw blanket. Add in little design details like ceramic planters, foraged branches and marble bookends. The beauty of the Japandi aesthetic is that you don't need to have all of these pieces from the onset. Take time to curate a collection of pieces that open a dialogue and spark connection.

Choose Intentional Furniture

With Japandi style, decor really takes a backseat and allows you to retrain your focus on discovering what makes furniture both essential and functional. Opt for pieces with clean lines and simple silhouettes. Think: Visually open up your space with low-profile furniture like low benches, platform bed frames, accent chairs and coffee tables. This will keep things both airy and functional.

Minimise Clutter

One key to achieving peak Japandi style is to reduce clutter as much as possible. We know this isn't always possible for busy households and smaller living spaces. We recommend reducing the clutter, then ensuring you have plenty of storage spaces for the rest. A couple of our quick tips for decluttering include:

• Place a storage bench in the hallway to organise keys, sunglasses and reusable shopping bags. Prop a basket underneath for shoes.
• Use a side table to store extra dinnerware and serveware. Tuck spare bottles of wine in the drawers for last-minute get togethers.
• Organise surface spaces with a serving tray. In the living room, use the tray to corral magazines and remotes. In the dining room, use it to hold salt, pepper and other spices or oils you use everyday.
• Keep books, vases, and other pieces of decor curated on wall shelves. Intersperse art to keep the shelves interesting and to add texture.

Create Zen in the Details

Use decor to bring calm to your space. Japandi decor consists of three key things: natural elements, soft decorative pieces and mellow lighting. To re-create this feeling, follow our steps:

Bring plants inside to emphasise the blend of indoor/outdoor spaces and to maximise natural elements. Choose planters made from earthy materials like concrete, stone or terracotta. If you're going to cluster a few plants together, opt for a variety of sizes to make it visually appealing. Decorative pieces like a ceramic bowl, rattan basket or a wooden decorative tray can also bring elements of nature into your home while keeping things organised.

Choose soft and simple decorative pieces. Add a couple of textured pillows to your sofa, daybed, and accent chairs to make seating extra luxe. Hang wall art, but opt for pieces with simple lines and graphics to complement your furniture's simple silhouettes. Roll out a soft, shaggy rug in a neutral colour or with a clean geometric design.

Finally, embrace natural light and soft ambient lighting. Keep window treatments to a minimum or choose sheer curtains to let in natural light. They will soften the room while helping your plants thrive. Choose light fixtures with simple silhouettes, such as an arched floor lamp or cylinder pendant. Keep candles on hand to up the ambience and add a warm glow to any corner.

Tip: You're journey into Scandi-style design doesn't have to end here! Check out these other articles:

• 5 Steps Towards a Scandi Style Dining Room
• 3 Unique Ways to Achieve a Sleek and Modern Scandi Look at Home
• Bring Hygge Into Your Home With These Scandi Lighting Ideas