8 Ways to Achieve the Perfect Japandi Style in your Home
Are you constantly buying things that aren't necessary, and one day you realize that you don't need them? You finally realize it's time for a significant change in your home, a cleaner, simpler, relaxed sanctuary. Well, it's a good thing you're here because this specific interior design style might help solve your problem.
I am a big fan of minimalistic yet functional design styles, and thankfully there is a specific design style that was coined from combining Japanese and Scandinavian techniques- Japandi. Before we jump right into the Japandi interior style, let me first tell you more about the two styles from which they got Japandi.
Japanese Interior Design Style
I adore this style's open plan concept, use of natural materials, plants, and oversized windows to let natural lights in. The style's primary goal is to create a zen space for users. One of its primary design principles is the "shibui," which is about simple and subtle beauty and tranquility and naturalness.
Aside from all elements that promote nature to achieve calmness, minimalism and total Zen, the Japanese interior design style also uses natural and organic tones and colours to bring character into the space. It focuses on brown shades from raw materials such as wood and dried grass, shades of green from trees and plants and shades of blue from the sky and ocean.
Scandinavian Interior Design Style
Scandinavian is the first interior style that pops into mind when we think about cozy spaces. It is one of the most used design styles for homes that intends to be a bit more comfy and homey but much less cluttered. If you're a fan and frequent customer of IKEA, then I'm guessing you're into Scandi style.
One of the best ways to transition your space to a Scandi style is to use white paint for most of your walls and use accent decors and furniture in natural or warm wood finishes. Introduce bold graphic patterns on your pillows, wall art and area rugs. Nature also plays a big part in Scandinavian style, letting most of the natural light into your space, adding plenty of indoor greeneries and staying away from maximalism.
Japandi Interior Design Style
Now that I've given you a few of my thoughts about Japanese and Scandinavian interior design styles, I'm guessing you've noticed many similarities and cohesiveness between the two styles. Both styles answer to minimalism, comfy, zen, nature and homey designs. But where and when did the Japandi Interior Design style start? And who is the genius behind this great hybrid interior design style? Let's try to dig a bit more about it, shall we?
According to AD (Architectural Digest), the style originated when Danish designers travelled to Japan when the 220-year-old closed border policies were lifted. Most of the early traces of the styles are noticeable in architectural styles, furniture and ceramic designs.
The principle of "Wabi-Sabi" from Japan and "Hygge" from Denmark both pertains to minimalism and nature, which I thought made the two styles click together and work smoothly and perfectly when combined as a single interior design style.
Now that we know where the Japandi style started, let's move on to different ways to achieve the perfect Japandi style for your home.
Declutter your Space
Minimalism is one of the best characteristics to describe a Japandi style, and the best way to achieve it is to start purging some or most of your stuff until you're left with the essentials. Try to channel your inner Marie Condo and be more creative when decluttering your space. Invite friends over and drink wine (or beer- why not?) while letting them help you decide whether your stuff is for keep or goes to the donation box.
If you have existing storage cabinets and shelves, try to utilize them by storing small items that make your space looks messy. Keep everything you usually use daily such as furniture, lamps and pillows. Try not to stress yourself out about the process; remember, our goal is to create a zen space, and a stressful start is not a great start at all.
Bright and Natural Colors
White tones on the warmer side are the best wall paint colours for the style. It is also a perfect background for furniture and décor that you will use to create the ideal Japandi style. Muted and earthy colours are also perfect for accent walls and built-in cabinets.
Aside from paints, you can also add bright and natural colours using wallcoverings that mimic wood finishes or luxury vinyl planks and high-pressure laminates in natural wood finishes. Moreover, these finishes can easily complement boho-style decors, furniture and light fixtures.
Let the Natural Lights In
In most interior design styles, natural lights are essential to capture the real colours and tones of finishes and make the entire look of your space bright, clean and conducive to live in. Japandi interior design style best uses the available ways to let natural light into the space. It is an essential element that wraps up the overall vibe when you enter the room.
If you have large existing windows, make sure to include that in the overall style of your space. When using draperies or curtains, try using sheer fabrics that offer privacy and let natural lights in. Roman shades in the sheer fabric are also an excellent option for window coverings.
Open Plan Concept
As mentioned, Japandi interior design style is about zen, comfort, simplicity and minimalism. One best way to achieve these characteristics is by utilizing an open-plan concept in your space. Eliminating most of the walls dividing significant rooms such as living, dining, and kitchen will create a continuous smooth flow between areas.
Planning where to locate furniture, lighting and even decors is essential in creating an open layout in the space. It is also important to know the specific functions of each room based on your lifestyle to create an adequate flow between spaces.
Introduce Comfy and Functional Furniture
Selecting the right furniture pieces is essential if you want to transform your space to Japandi style. It would be best if you were mindful of colour, style, size and the furniture's comfort level. Most furniture should go well with your room's colour scheme, which is white and earthy.
Cloud-like sofas for living areas are currently the best option for Japandi and minimalist style- they are also super comfortable to sit on; I guess that's why they are called cloud sofas. You can also consider wooden chairs (lighter and warmer wood tones), white marble coffee tables and other furniture made from natural materials such as rattan.
Plenty of Greens
Nature is the inspiration behind Japandi interior design style, making it one of the significant elements that should be present in the room. Natural elements such as live indoor plants and dried botanicals add vibrancy and texture to the overall look of the space. It also creates a connection between indoors and what is happening outside.
Artificial plants are great alternatives if caring for natural indoor plants isn't your thing. You can get super real-looking greeneries from your fave home décor store. I got some of my artificial plants from IKEA and HomeSense, which look natural- no maintenance is needed.
Patterns as Artwork
Another noticeable characteristic of the Japandi style, which is from the Scandinavian style, is the use of patterns as an accent; it could be geometric or combinations of straight and curved lines.
Black and white patterns are primarily used, but you can also add a few colours as long as these colours are subtle and derived from nature.
You can bring in these patterns in your space in the form of artwork, just enough as a feature or conversation piece. You can also try to decorate your room with throw pillows with black and white linear or curve patterns and other home decor with subtle combinations of pastel colours and patterns. Just don't be too excited about adding designs- remember that you want your space to look peaceful, clean and free of clutters.
Making it your style
Now that you know how to transform your space to Japandi style, it's time to inject your personality into it. Even though you're changing your space into a more defined and standard style, it's important to add personal touches such as your fave colour, decors, photos or artwork to make the space unique and not just something that came out of Pinterest or HGTV.
You made it! You now have your very own Japandi-style space to relax and ease the stress from your day-to-day life. After all, this is why we want a particular space for ourselves- enjoy!
Featured Image via Unsplash
Blog Cover Images via Archdaily & Unsplash
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Together, let's create meaningful and beautiful spaces.
Ron
