This new trend in decoration mixes the best of both styles. The zen harmony of Japanese style merges with the warmth of Scandinavian, resulting in this new way of decorating that you will want in your home.
Japandi is a trend in decoration and the decorators of the moment are resorting to its bases to create relaxing atmospheres full of charm. It is a style that draws on beauty based on simplicity and combines the best of Japanese and Scandinavian styles.
From Japan, Japandi decoration has preserved the cult of imperfect nature and the refinement that only the passage of time can bring. From the Nordic style, Japandi decoration has adopted minimalism, a taste for simple lines and the belief that the essential is the beautiful.
Keys to the Japandi style:
1- Natural materials
The Japandi style is committed to the natural, which is why we will see furniture in untreated light woods, chairs in natural fibres, fabrics such as linen, cotton... and purist decorations in ceramics, stone or handcrafted bamboo. But without a doubt, wood in its lighter versions - oak, beech, pine... - is the star of any Japandi setting.
2- Include indoor plants
This minimalist style does not lose its freshness, but everything without excesses. A touch of greenery is essential to create the harmony you are looking for, which is why you won't see colourful flowers in Japandi-style living rooms or bedrooms.
A vine, a ficus? They are all you need to colour your rooms. Don't forget that quality is more important than quantity, we are not looking for a jungle corner, but a single plant (such as the strelitzia, the trendy plant in decoration) that stands out from the rest of the decoration without going beyond simplicity.
3.- The serene colours of the japandi style
The key to this minimalism is neutral colours. The bases in beige, white or grey, and with light touches of colour, preferably in cool pastel tones. In this way, the unity of this style is maintained. This is achieved by decorating from the largest to the smallest. White walls and floors, furniture in light-coloured wood, beige or grey, fabrics in sandy tones and decorations with a touch of colour. The furniture can be in dark colours, inspired by the decoration of more traditional Japanese houses. This does not exempt a pastel green wall or a colourful painting, as long as the frame maintains the simplicity we are looking for.
4- Unique and handcrafted objects
The fact that we are not looking for anything overloaded does not mean that these spaces do not have personality: you just have to know how to choose it. Natural elements, glass vases and ceramic bowls are used. In this sense, the Kintsugi technique is appreciated, a Japanese method of repairing broken objects that reflects the philosophy of the beauty of imperfection on which this style is based.
Another option to reinforce the sense of peace that the Japandi style gives is to pay attention to the craftsmanship. Handmade pieces are all different from each other and, especially if they have a rough finish, they also bring sensations to the sense of touch. A vase, a bowl, a mirror, a sculpture? You have multiple options and many of them, in fact, you can buy them online.
5- Establish contrasts
Despite its commitment to discretion, with this style you can also play with contrasts between the different neutral tones of a decoration. For example, in this kitchen that we show you here, we have opted for wood in darker tones than those of voluminous pieces such as the island. Remember, however, that the rule is to stick to colour palettes that are not too strident and that could form part of nature.
6- Wide open spaces
As in the Japanese and Nordic styles, fluidity between spaces is key in Japandi. Avoid any elements that could obstruct the general view so that the energies circulate in your home, as feng shui dictates. Clearly delimit the passage areas and control the size of all the furniture so that there is a balance between them. Not only will it be more comfortable functionally, it will also be more comfortable to look at. When creating spaces with different atmospheres, it is ideal to use simple elements such as sliding wooden doors, paper screens, vegetable materials or fabric or slatted dividers. 100% japandi style.
7- Simplify decorations
Although it is not necessary to adopt Marie Kondo's philosophy and eliminate everything superfluous from your home, the truth is that the japandi is also a clear commitment to simplicity. This means that, like the Japanese and Scandinavian styles, you should avoid adding elements that don't have much use or that you simply keep out of pure inertia. Here, once again, less is more.
8- Natural textiles
Always choose natural fabrics on the bed, to cover a sofa or to dress windows. We are talking about linen, wool or cotton, so pleasant to the touch, to create a serene and pleasant japandi décor. And what tones would be ideal? Tones inspired by nature: stone grey, sand and earth colours and those reminiscent of wood. Strong and intense tones should be avoided, with the exception of black, which always adds a note of contrast to the japandi style.
We hope these tips have helped you and if you need professional advice, we can put you in touch with them.