While you may not think Japan and Scandinavia have a lot in common, when it comes to interior design they are more alike than you might think. With simplicity and functionality at the heart of both of their aesthetics, Japandi, celebrates the complementary characteristics of both design styles. Although it’s a fairly new trend you may start to see inspiration popping up on your Instagram feed featuring the Japandi style. 

With a common interest of minimalism the two styles together create a calming fusion of uncluttered decor and elegant architecture. When looking to introduce the Japandi or Scandi-Japanese style into your home it’s helpful to keep the key elements of the trend in mind. In this week’s blog we’ve outlined some of the ways you can achieve the look. 

1. Clean Lines

While maximalism has been one of the biggest trends of the past few years, with cottagecore practically taking over the interior design scene, Japandi calls for the opposite. Clean lines is a fairly simple design element and is simple interior design language for the literal lines created in your space. For example the kitchen cabinets and work surfaces represent the horizontal lines in your kitchen area. 

Clean lines are achieved by creating continual lines throughout the space, with minimal to no ornamentation. Think of the long and powerful columns featured in Ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Clean vertical lines convey power and a sense of elongation. While broken lines, seen in maximalist homes – which have multi-levelled furniture and colourful feature walls, create a more cosy and warm atmosphere. Uninterrupted lines are being showcased more and more in modern homes as many of us are working from home and require a relaxing and focused area in our homes in which to work.

2. Minimal and functioning storage 

At the heart of minimalist interiors is open space, the more floor space the better. Therefore getting creative with how and when you introduce furniture into your space should be thoughtful and considered. Bring everything back to its essential, if it’s a table ask yourself what do you use it for, how often and when. This can help when it comes to tidying and decorating the table. 

One of the key attributes of the Japandi style is purpose, every piece of furniture or design choice should have a motivation or cause. Keep this in mind when adding the finishing touches to your space. Our Scandic range is perfect for storage as well as creating a streamlined finish, you can find it here.

3. Playful Art 

While the trend can seem restrictive when it comes to decorating, an aspect of both Scandinavian and Japanese design incorporates plenty of room to be creative with the art on your walls. Geometric patterns and colourful designs stand out in stunning contrast to the limited colour palette of the furniture and foundations of the Japandi style. 

4. Natural Materials 

The Japandi style utilises natural durable and long lasting materials such as wood, natural stone, metal and greenery as well as wool and linen for the soft furnishings. Taking part in the style also asks you to look at the effect the materials you buy have on the planet. Opting for eco-friendly textiles keeps sustainability in the conversation, allowing your relaxing home have a similar calming effect on the planet. 

5. Natural Light

Nature is a recurring theme in the Japandi style, and for good reason. The style is trying to achieve ‘zen’ in your home. As if you have been transported to the mountains of Scandinavia or travelled to the calming gardens of a Japanese rock garden. Therefore bringing in as much natural light as possible is a top priority. Opting for light curtains and large mirrors to reflect the light can help emulate the bright morning sun without having to construct a new window or install a skylight. And when the sun does set, finding ways to diffuse and mute the electric light can help maintain a balanced hue to the space. 

We hope this blog has inspired you to introduce some of the Japandi styles into your home. Be sure to check out our Scandi range on our website and tag us @madewithoak on instagram, we’d love to see the looks you create.