6 Ways to Use Japandi Style

comfortable Japandi style interior design with couch, blanket, and plants
  • 1-4 hours
  • Beginner
  • 0-1,000

Japandi design combines Scandinavian simplicity with Zen peacefulness. It tends to feature sleek furniture, clean lines, and uncluttered decor placement to promote calm and comfort in home spaces.

The central components of Japandi involve a connection to nature, warmth, and calming neutral colors. Together with natural light, these elements create a welcoming and homey vibe you can create in any space.

1. Work With What You Have

Begin your redesign with elements you already have in your home. Choose the sleek curves of mid-century modern pieces and combine them with natural wood flooring. If you’re replacing the flooring, look for soft wood tones in real hardwood, bamboo, or luxury vinyl planks.

However, if you already have dark wood in place, the rich contrast fits the Japandi design style too so keep it and implement the lighter touches in other areas of the room.

At each phase of the decision-making process, lean towards products that exemplify clean lines and minimalism while serving functional needs. Replace bulky furniture with more conservative choices.

Make use of storage inside cabinets rather than out in the open. In order to truly embrace the Japandi style, purge all unnecessary items from your life so storage becomes less of an issue.

2. Paint Light Colors

natural wood furniture

Your entire color palette foundation will be light and natural. Beiges and tans will own the space. Think of linen and replicate it in your paint and material selections. Then dabble in other light shades of gray and blue.

Accents can take on a hue of pale pink or white. Across the space, from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, you want to focus on creating a peaceful and warm environment with your color selections.

3. Furniture Placement

natural wood furniture

To meet the demands of Japandi style, leave open space--a lot of open space. After cutting out bulky furniture also eliminate any additional pieces that aren’t functional.

A single bench. A minimalistic sofa. A woven bookcase.

The layout for your room needs to be clutter-free with only an item or two on tabletops. Clear off shelving too, leaving only highly-valued items.

4. Soft Furnishings

blanket on couch with soft natural colors

Lean into natural materials with every placement. Think clay, woven baskets, ceramics, pottery, and wood. Bring in paper lanterns in a creamy color. Add soft blankets for a cozy addition.

Place large floor pillows where guests can relax. Buy or make throw pillows that match the theme with simple prints and neutral colors.

Similarly, on the windows, keep fabrics soft and flowing to allow light into the space. In fact, if your windows don’t require coverings for temperature control or privacy, skip them altogether.

If your floor doesn’t match the theme, rely on a large area rug to set the tone instead. Like other aspects of the room, keep the color light and the design simple.

5. Keep What You Love

comfortable living room with clean, natural style

While Japandi style tends toward clean and uncluttered space with an emphasis on nature, it doesn’t mean you have to purge everything you love. Instead, select the most special items and incorporate them into the design.

If your favorite blanket your grandmother made is dark blue, use it as a color accent while keeping everything around it neutral. Place baskets in the corners or next to chairs to double as storage for yarn, remotes, or magazines. Use the clear glass vase, but warm it up a bit by filling it with jute balls.

You can also meld Japandi in with other design styles in the home. For example, you can keep the rustic whitewash shiplap wall. Also invite the cabin elements with natural wood candle holders.

6. Plant the Final Touches

natural chairs in stylish kitchen

Since natural elements are at the core of Japandi style, be sure to bring plants into the space. Select bonsai, bamboo, kokedama, or a potted weeping willow. You can also add a Japanese fern tree or moss balls.

Along with green plants, accent the space with branches, either as filler for vases or as the base of lamps, tables, and other functional elements.