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Image Credit: Victoriia Kovalchuk/Getty ImagesA perfect home is a sanctuary, a space where you can escape the outside world and find peace. However, achieving this can be challenging. With endless tasks like laundry, dishes, and other household duties, along with the pressures of work and screen time, homes often feel more overwhelming than relaxing. This is why the Japandi style has gained popularity. Designers explain what defines the Japandi aesthetic and share tips on how to incorporate it into your home for a serene atmosphere.
What Is the Essence of Japandi?
For those unfamiliar with the term—which is understandable given the busy lives we lead—Japandi style blends Japanese and Scandinavian interior design philosophies. “It merges the Japanese wabi-sabi concept of appreciating natural imperfections with Scandinavian hygge, which emphasizes coziness and connection. At its heart, it’s about simplicity, natural materials, and comfort,” explains Christina Higham of Sun Soul Style Interiors.
Higham points out that while the term Japandi has recently become popular, the fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design is not new. “Scandinavian designers were inspired by Japan as far back as the mid-1800s,” she says. If you’re curious about bringing this serene style into your home, here are three practical ways to achieve it.
How to Bring Japandi Style Into Your Home
Focus on Natural Elements
Both Japanese and Scandinavian designs celebrate the beauty of nature, and Japandi reflects this through a minimalist use of natural materials. Take inspiration from Higham’s recent project in Hawaii to see how this design philosophy can be applied.
“Instead of tearing down the house and starting over, we preserved some of its original features, like the concrete floors and wooden beams, and paired them with vertical oak slats,” she explains. “We applied limewash paint and used zellige tiles in the kitchen, then added large sliding doors to showcase the tropical surroundings and seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoors.”
A Japandi home often features warm wood tones paired with natural clay and stone textures, contrasted with woven elements, creating a space that feels both cozy and refined. It’s a style that feels inviting yet polished, as if it belongs in nature.
Sen Creative Co; Styling by Jen Mac Beth/California Casa Interiors It’s Not Entirely Neutral
Madelaine Mayer, founder and principal of ADROIT Architecture and Interior Design, defines Japandi style as celebrating the “perfectly imperfect” qualities of handmade artistry. While you might want to showcase these unique touches in a neutral setting, it’s not a requirement. Although Scandinavian and Japanese designs emphasize minimalism, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to white walls. Nature itself is full of vibrant colors, after all.
“Consider wood in various shades: A forest isn’t made up of just one type of tree, and neither should your home,” Mayer explains. “Incorporate blues, greens, browns, and blacks alongside creams in elements like wool rugs, cotton throws, and chenille pillows. The goal is to create a calming atmosphere that feels harmonious with the natural world.”
To achieve a minimalist aesthetic, Mayer emphasizes the importance of thoughtful storage: You don’t need to discard your belongings, but everything should have its place. “Typically, clients drawn to Japandi style are seeking a peaceful retreat,” she says. “Effective storage solutions prevent the space from feeling cluttered or chaotic.”
Avoid Overly Complex Elements
As you’ve gathered, Japandi style is grounded in simplicity—so anything too bold or artificial will likely clash. “I recommend steering clear of overtly synthetic or machine-made items, such as glass or acrylic tables, heavily patterned synthetic rugs, chrome chairs, or elaborate chandeliers,” Mayer advises.
Sen Creative Co; Styling by Jen Mac Beth/California Casa Interiors Higham points out an interesting irony in the mainstream popularity of Japandi style. “It’s intriguing how this aesthetic has turned into a trend, leading to mass production by fast interior brands using cheap, synthetic materials that often end up in landfills—completely opposing the Japandi philosophy,” she explains. “While not everyone can invest in premium materials, I encourage finding ways to reuse and repurpose what you already have to stay true to the ethos.”
Higham suggests exploring second-hand and vintage shops for unique pieces that embody the wabi-sabi spirit. Combine these finds with soft, cozy fabrics and warm, earthy tones to create a space that invites relaxation.
