Do you romanticise about a home that’s light, airy and instantly calming? Where there is gentle sunlight streaming in, bouncing off clean-lined design and a neutral palette — no “loud” colours, but gentle ones that calm and soothe and simplify. If that’s your vibe, then you’re going to swoon over Japandi design. It is a wonderful synergy of function and warmth, and the best part? You can easily blend this style into your compact space, This article is all you need to understand smart ways to inject Japandi design in your smaller living space. 

What is the Japandi design style?

the premise of this style  combines japanese style interior decorating style and wabi-sabi with the cosy warmth of Scandinavian style to foster a welcoming atmosphere. The Japanese style’s clutter-free aesthetics merge with Scandinavian design to create an atmosphere that feels cosy and warm. The combination results in a functional bright space filled with organic and earthy design features that establish a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The 4 Main Japandi design style elements.

“Julee Wray”, founder of the famous Truss Interiors, says while doing a space in the Japandi design style, always remember ‘the biggest focus is to stay with subtleness” while doing your space in the Japandi design style. Follow the principle of “Less is more”. If I need to break it down into five key elements, it would be: –

1. 1. Clean Minimalism –  favour clean lines and simplicity. The furniture collection maintains a minimalist Japandi style through straight or curved pieces that merge at uniform heights with limited detailing. The design approach produces a flowing visual experience that maintains balance and remains free from clutter. The space maintains a balanced connection through subtle harmony while remaining uncluttered.

1. 1. Neutral colours – emphasises colours drawn from nature, creating a harmonious blend of the outdoors with indoor spaces. Picture a mixture of greys, beige, and tan seamlessly integrated. Occasionally, a subtle pop of colour like blue or forest green can be introduced, but it should always be balanced. If you’re aiming to convert your current environment into a Japandi sanctuary, here’s a guideline: use 50 percent beige, 30 per cent white, 10 percent grey, and allocate the last 10 percent for an accent colour.

1. 1. Natural light –  place a strong emphasis on introducing natural light into spaces. The reflection of natural light off the understated Japandi furnishings and gentle textures enhances the beauty and tranquillity of the environment. Implementing large glass windows, sliding doors, and soft sheer linen paired with blackout curtains is an excellent approach to infusing a Japandi living area with natural light.

1. 1. Sustainability – Incorporating eco-friendly and organic materials inspired by nature is crucial in a Japandi living area. Materials such as wood and rattan, along with natural fabrics like jute, and furniture featuring organic forms, such as abstract coffee tables, play a significant role. A Japandi dining table typically showcases a clean, straight-edged design in wood. This setup can be complemented with natural decorative elements like glass, terracotta, stone, and bamboo.

How to do a Japandi Living Room? 

In the image above, you can observe how skilfully the designers have integrated Japandi design principles within this Indian home. The use of neutral shades such as beige throughout, including the walls and soft textures, combined with solid wood furniture, highlights the aesthetics. The Japandi coffee table features a unique abstract form with a stone top, while a raw natural jute rug in the Japandi style has been beautifully incorporated. A pro tip is to use a low-profile sofa, low seating demonstrates being closer to nature. Additionally, notice how effortlessly the natural light enhances the entire space.

Here’s another instance of a tastefully designed living room featuring natural elements such as wicker and solid wood, a circular coffee table with a glass surface, and a gentle, naturally-patterned rug, all harmoniously integrated with plenty of natural light and soothing ambient lighting, creating a Minimal aesthetic.

How to do a Japandi Dining Room?

The Japandi dining room retains its appeal, as demonstrated in the image above, where a simple wooden dining table with clean lines and a softly textured chair creates an attractive Japandi dining table arrangement. Additionally, it’s noteworthy how open and closed shelving units have been harmoniously integrated with a tall storage piece. Incorporating different layers of lighting in a dining area is essential; as seen above, a pendant light hangs over the Japandi dining table alongside soft cove lighting on the walls and ceiling.

How to do a Japandi Bedroom?

incorporating  minimilast principles requires a  combination of tranquil simplicity with practicality. The image provided exemplifies this concept beautifully, beginning with a warm, clean wooden floor that sets the tone, followed by a low-profile Japanese bed crafted from the same wood, serving as a backdrop. You can choose to maintain a minimal aesthetic by incorporating some accent artwork or a painting for a splash of colour and dimension, or opt for rich wooden panelling, complemented by a striking hanging light fixture. To achieve a tidy appearance, opt for tall and clean Japandi storage or wardrobe designs that match the wood used in the walls, creating a harmonious and clutter-free atmosphere. Finish the space with tatami floor mats and textured area rugs for added coziness. if you want to focus more on bedroom styling check our comprehensive article Japandi bedroom styling tips.

How to decorate in the Japandi design style?

• • Flowers & Plants – This aesthetic embodies a connection to nature, making plants and flowers ideal decorative elements. Incorporating a Fiddle leaf fig in a large white or grey planter can introduce a splash of colour, while a few stems of fresh or dried flowers on your Japandi coffee table can enhance the sense of freshness and tranquillity. Plants inherently promote calmness and serenity, which you would experience in a space designed in the Japandi style.

• • Natural woven materials – Incorporate naturally woven materials such as rattan, bamboo, seagrass, and jute; consider placing a vintage woven accent chair within your Japandi living room arrangement. A jute planter can be set on a corner side table or a Japandi coffee table in the living area. You might also use jute or wicker for hanging pendant lights. These materials bring a sense of warmth and create a connection to nature.

• • Contrast element – Japandi design emphasises the use of a single colour and theme, but in modern times, incorporating a burst of colour through a statement rug can be a refreshing choice, featuring patterns and hues that serve as a striking contrast in an otherwise uniform Japandi aesthetic. Similarly, to add a pop of colour on the walls, use an abstract or minimal “wall art frame” This artwork can also be inspired by nature. Think a lot of rust, tan, black and green while adding that contrast.

• • Rice paper lamps-  Rice paper lamps have been gaining traction online lately, but their origin stems from a Japanese tradition that focuses on the use of natural materials to enhance living spaces. These lamps can be crafted into various shapes and sizes, such as oval, rectangular, circular, and even abstract forms, making them an easy fit for our Japandi style homes. When illuminated with soft yellow lighting, they create a serene and stunning atmosphere.

• • Hidden décor – In Japandi design, it’s commonly practised to establish an open-close concept in storage solutions to achieve balance in tall storage units. Therefore, on open shelves, aim to display high-quality, timeless items such as a vase, a book holder, a few candles, or some crockery, which also serve as impressive decorative elements.

Conclusion & key takeaways

1. 1. Keep it simple –The primary emphasis in the Japandi design style is simplicity. Avoid making things overly complex; maintain a clutter-free environment, consistently use materials and textures, and strive for balance and harmony. Simplicity should be reflected in the selections of furniture, decor, colour, and textures. 

1. 1. Layers & textures – Incorporate a variety of natural textures such as jute, rattan, and seagrass by layering them through fabrics or soft furnishings alongside wood. Achieve a harmonious blend of Scandinavian warmth and comfort with the simplicity of Japanese design. Additionally, remember to layer and blend ambient lighting with these textures.

1. 1. Cut on clutter – Japandi design evokes a sense of tranquillity, emphasising spaciousness. Excess clutter can disrupt this harmony, so it’s important to minimise any distractions, opt for sliding doors in place of hinged ones to ensure a smooth and cohesive flow throughout the space.

1. 1. Monochromatic look – Adopt a monochromatic colour scheme using only three harmonious shades: beige, grey, and white. Introduce a splash of colour through rugs, decorative items, but avoid additional elements. Strive to remain as monochromatic as possible to preserve the tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.

1. 1. Natural light is the key – Regardless of how effectively you integrate elements of Japandi design, a lack of natural light will prevent your space from achieving the true Japandi aesthetic. If you are a fan of Japandi interiors, consider looking for a home with large windows and doors, or explore clever options such as sheer curtains and various window coverings, as well as employing light-coloured walls and furnishings to enhance light reflection.