You’ve seen it in celeb homes, on Pinterest and the like that are shared all across social media with the hashtag #housegoals and perhaps even in-person at your friends’ houses; Japandi style has indeed taken the world by storm and we think it’s a trend that’s here to stay. However, before we delve into what makes the Japandi style so sought after, let us take a brief look at its origins.
What is Japandi Style?
Minimal, warm, calming and most importantly, functional — Japandi is a style that has taken over the interior design world but what exactly is it? A portmanteau of the words “Japanese” and “Scandi”, the Japandi style marries the best of both the Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi” and the Danish cultural beliefs in “hygge” for a beautifully simple, cosy and warm interior design aesthetic.
What Are the Characteristics of a Japandi Interior Design?
Japandi style has several hallmarks that distinguish it from the revolving door of nude-toned or monochromatic interior designs that we’ve seen. It comprises of:
1. Clean lines and tranquil set-ups
Minimalism is essential to achieve a Japandi-styled space. Less clutter and cleaner lines help to visually Marie Kondo your space — ultimately creating a more tranquil set-up that’s perfect for lounging, sleeping or washing away the stresses of the day.
2. Nature-based decor and materials
Both Japanese and Scandinavian interior designs have one thing in common and that’s the use of natural materials and decor — typically made from wood, rattan, concrete, marble and stone. Want to take this further? Consider embracing naturally-formed characteristics like wood knots and wood joints in your selection of wood furniture. This, after all, is the epitome of the wabi-sabi concept. For example, our exquisitely crafted Butcher Tables, Yoko Shelves, Tempo Coffee Tables and Stretch Coffee Tables. Think of it as bringing a little bit of the nature indoors.
Furnishing your home with dark wood furniture models presents an earthy, sophisticated interior that sits well with traditional and contemporary home designs. We highly recommend our Ruminate Coffee Table, Prisca collection, Tour Coffee Table, Harrison, Xander collection, Noguchi Coffee Table, Soothe Sofa and Rinei Sofa. Add a plant or two to liven it up and inject a healthy dose of nature into your space.
3. Cool-toned neutral colours or warm, earthy hues
Although Japandi interior design ideas lean more towards a warm, earthy palette, it’s not unusual to see a cooler-toned combination of neutral hues as well. One of the keys to keeping your Japandi interior interesting while embracing the art of subtlety is to include furniture upholstered in bouclé fabric. Bouclé is muted yet tactile and they layer visually well without screaming for attention. See and feel in person our bouclé-upholstered items such as Comfort Furniture’s Gillian 2-Seater Sofa, Senett and Cassano Lounger and Mullerton Stool.
If you don’t see a piece that you fancy, you can be spoilt for choice for the wide range of seatings that Comfort Furniture can customise using bouclé fabric featuring 50 colourways! Other than that, consider smaller furniture or decor items in the same colour that will also add visual tonality. For instance, Comfort Furniture’s range of Faux Trees with wicker baskets or cement pots.
4. Varied but balanced room scheme
Balance depends on three factors, furniture and decor placement, use of colour and texture as well as the scale and proportion of the furnishings and decor used. Japandi style balances the sleekness of Japanese interiors with the rustic feel of Scandinavian design. Consider pieces that embrace natural materials, like tables with wooden tops or legs; or door handles and leg cappings in gold. For instance, Comfort Furniture’s Irvi Coffee Table and Ambrose Bedside Table. Alternatively, you may go for cement, marble and stone tops with black or gold legs such as the Uno Coffee Table, Ote Coffee Table, or any sintered or terrazzo models.
For seating furniture pieces that are sleek and made of a combination of materials, check out our Dawn, Vlinder and Nadal collections to create a balanced and cohesive interior design.
5. Always functional
Japandi style doesn’t sacrifice functionality in the name of aesthetics. Because everything is so streamlined and clean, it’s crucial that your space has as little clutter as possible. Furniture such as extendable tables like our Party Extendable Dining Table, benches and storage stools with built-in storage can certainly help with reducing the clutter.
5 Ways of Furnishing Your Home with Japandi Style:
Now that we’ve gotten the basics of Japandi style out of the way, here are some pointers to help you make your Japandi-style bedroom, living room or bathroom ideas come to life.
1. Go for a distinctly artisanal feel with wood furniture
Japandi style can feature a wide variety of materials, but the material of choice that best expresses the artisanal touch of Japandi style is still wood. Hence it’s a good idea to go with an array of wood furniture for a more serene feel. You can even include hints of rattan such as our Sera Lounger or Kloop Dining Chair or Bar Chair and pair them with furniture from our Natural Signature collection like the Fygan and Stretch Coffee Table for a more relaxed feel.
2. Select natural surrounding hues
While the Japandi style mostly features neutral shades, you can’t go wrong by adding nature-based colours such as brown, blue and green as accents to create contrast. Even pastels can be used, however, the key is to look for shades that mimic the natural world. The colours used should evoke a sense of tranquillity and bolder hues should be used sparingly as an accent.
3. Exhibit minimalism finesse through storage solutions
Simplicity is the key when it comes to Japandi interior design and any items that are left in sight are often intentional and serve a purpose. This lack of clutter doesn’t just help you simplify your cleaning routine, it also allows for more open space and clean lines — both being a huge part of the Japandi style.
Fortunately, you don’t actually have to go Marie Kondo on your space with beautiful wooden storage solutions such as the Cole Shoe Cabinet/Console Table, Yoko Shelf 2×4 and Magic 7 Box Shelf for your living room. In the bedroom, you can achieve the Japandi aesthetic with multipurpose furniture such as the Delilah Bedside Table that’s both a side table and a short table in a pinch, or take your pick from bedside tables with built-in storage such as the Ambrose, Michee and Kyushu Bedside Tables. If you’re in the market for a new Japandi-style bed frame, the Janelle Adjustable Bed Frame would be a wonderful addition to your bedroom, but for more under-the-bed storage space, you can also consider getting the Amita or Savannah Bed Frames.
4. Create a cosy atmosphere
Taking a leaf from the idea of hygge, the Japandi style places comfort on par with aesthetics and functionality, so incorporating furniture with plush upholstery and subtle textures can help your space look inviting and interesting. The goal is to have your chosen space feel lived in and effortless without being too busy. Adding subtly patterned furniture such as the Torino Pouf and Javier TV Console as well as the textured plushness of the Fantasia, Ivy or Realm Loungers to your living room will help create visual interest while still using similar shades.
There’s also furniture for your little ones that will seamlessly blend in with your Japandi aesthetic such as our adorable Polar Bear that can be used as a stool, ottoman or even as part of your kid’s bedroom decor.
5. Establish a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
Japandi style often features greenery as decor, but if live plants are too much of a hassle, you can always opt for faux plants such as our life-like Areca Palm, Ficus or Monstera Tree as a fuss-free decor option.
Natural lighting is also a big part of Japandi style as are bright open spaces for the Scandinavian side, so if your space doesn’t get much natural light during the day, add a mirror like the Gaper Standing Mirror to help reflect more light into the area. This will also help make your space look larger. Once you’re done with the indoors, don’t forget to give your patio or balcony a little Japandi makeover as well!
With the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s imperative that everyone has a safe haven to de-stress in, and the Japandi interior design concept happens to offer just that with its calming simplicity, making it a dream for those who prefer the “less is more” approach. If you’ve been dreaming of coming home to a zen retreat every day, then this is your sign to explore Comfort Furniture’s online store and showroom today for the Japandi home upgrade you need!
