A beautiful fusion of Scandinavian designs and timeless Japanese elegance, Japandi is the hippest design movement that is taking over the world by storm.
Renowned educator Randy Pausch once said, “If you can find your footing between two cultures, sometimes you can have the best of both worlds.” Must say, the newest trend in the décor world — Japandi, has seamlessly translated his thoughts into a reality. A beautiful fusion of Scandinavian designs and timeless Japanese elegance, Japandi is the hippest design movement that is taking over the world by storm.
Drawing inspiration from the Scandinavian concept of hygge, (a mood of cosiness and comfort), and blending it with the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi (principle of finding beauty in imperfection), Japandi design focuses on creating a unique interior style, which is minimal, aesthetically appealing, deeply rooted in functionality, and exudes warmth. Though miles apart, the sleek Japanese design style and the rustic Scandinavian design style have a lot in common – they both share an affinity for natural materials, simplicity, functionality and craftsmanship, because of which both the styles blend beautifully.
With minimalism being the core principal of Japandi, the trend emphasizes on creating function-driven spaces, at the same time focuses on muted tones, cool undertones, bright spaces, and clean lines. Sustainability is another high point of the Japandi style; hence one notices the presence of several natural materials in this trending décor style.
What has made Japandi such a hot and happening trend across the globe, is the fact that it has a certain enduring elegance and is easy to execute in any space. So, wondering how to welcome this melange of two cultures into your abode? Well, here’s your guide to creating a perfect Japandi style interior for your home.
Practice Minimalism
Being inspired by the Japanese zen philosophy of keeping it simple, Japandi’s main focus is on minimalism. So, the first and foremost rule to adopt this décor style is to declutter your space.
Both Japanese and Scandinavian design styles believe that every piece you own in your house should have a purpose — be it practical or decorative. So, if the items you own don’t have any function, it’s time to bid adieu to them. Instead of quantity think quality and accessorize your pad with few well thought of statement pieces that complements the Japandi style.
Embrace Natural Materials
Be it Nordic or Japanese, both design styles respect nature and love to incorporate a plethora of natural materials in its décor. So naturally, one sees the emphasis on natural materials in Japandi too. Hence while applying the principles of Japandi to your pad, make certain you are opting for the same. Wood is the key element in both the styles, it is also an important part of the fusion version. Choose wooden furniture pieces from both styles and aesthetically place them together. Furniture made from natural fibres such as bamboo and rattan beautifully blend in the Japandi setting. One can even mix light and dark wood to create a nice contrast, which again is one of the major characteristics of Japandi. Translucent paper screens, rice paper lamps, handmade ceramics, and house plants are a great way to naturally add vibrancy to your hybrid décor style.
Strike a Balance
Scandinavian and Japanese are a bit different when it comes to the use of colours. While Scandinavian design favours light and neutral tones, the Japanese style prefers incorporating deeper tones in its décor. Japandi, however, is all about striking a balance between the too. Hence, try pairing the Scandi’s love for neutral tones with contrasting colours. For example; you can opt for light grey, pink, pale blue or pastel green walls, and bring in stained wood furniture to get the perfect Japandi look.
Go Low & Space Out
While low lying furniture has been a trademark of Japanese style, Scandinavians focus more on leaving plenty of open space in their décor, and one sees the reverence of both these aspects in Japandi style. Try low sitting arrangements like low benches, low line sofa, and low coffee tables in your space, with plenty of open space around your furniture to align it with the Scandi style. Focus On Sustainability While bringing in Japandi into your homes, know that the style is all about sustainability. Hence any item you buy for your Japandi home décor has to be a piece that will stand the test of time and is safe
for the planet. So, gear up and bring the best of both worlds to your home now with Japandi.