Japandi explained

Japandi, a style in which Japanese minimalism, Wabi-Sabi and Scandinavian coziness come together and in which peace and style are central. It is one of the styles that we, Velida, are inspired by. That is why we thought it would be a good idea to delve a little deeper into this. Japandi has become very popular in recent years and is still gaining popularity, but why?

In this blog we delve deeper into the question of what exactly the Japandi style is, how it originated, and how you can apply this style in your home.

What is the Japandi style?

Before we actually dive into the Japandi style, we first need to understand what this style is based on, namely Japanese minimalism and the Scandinavian style. Japandi is a kind of love child of these two styles. That is why we first dive into these two styles and then look at the characteristics of a typical Japandi interior.

Japanese Minimalism and Wabi-Sabi

Traditionally, Japanese homes are simply and practically furnished (few furniture, sitting, eating and sleeping on the floor with Tatami's for example), and yet there is a certain harmony. This is due to the great influence of Wabi-Sabi on Japanese culture. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese philosophy. It stands for the beauty of simplicity, peace, modesty and imperfection. This philosophy really goes much further than just interior, it is actually a way of life.

Within Wabi-Sabi, living in the moment is very important, much is about minimalism and the different cycles in life: growth and decay. This idea stems from Japanese Buddhism and focuses on acceptance of change. Everything in life and in nature is constantly changing and instead of fighting it, you can better accept and appreciate it. There is a reason that people in Japan live to be very old on average and this is one of those reasons. Wabi-sabi changes your way of thinking and ensures that you live much more in the now and therefore experience more peace.

Wabi-Sabi is reflected in Japanese interiors through a strong connection with nature. Because it is about simplicity, harmony and functionality, you see a minimalist style in which there is little furniture and decoration. Natural irregularities in wood or ceramics are appreciated and organic shapes that are not necessarily symmetrical (just like in nature) are embraced.

In traditional Japanese houses, sliding doors made of rice paper and wood are widely used. Light shines through them easily, making the houses full of natural light.

In short, Wabi-Sabi is not only a style of living but a real philosophy of life that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Harmony and embracing the imperfect are central to this. Within Wabi-Sabi, peace is very important and this is also strongly reflected in Japanese minimalism.

Scandinavian

When we talk about Scandinavia, we are talking about Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. When I think of Scandinavia, I think of cold winters, dark days, lots of nature, beautiful lakes and miles of coniferous forests. These elements are also reflected in the interior of this region. Because what do you do when the days are short and cold? Exactly, then you want a cozy, warm house.

In the Netherlands, we have the concept of coziness, but there is a Norwegian and Danish concept that has a lot in common with it: “Hygge”. This concept is reflected in the Scandinavian living style through the use of warm lighting, coziness and soft fabrics. Think of a fireplace, nice warm blankets on the couch and candles. Actually very logical if you think about it, because there is nothing nicer than snuggling up on the couch together under a blanket when it is dark and cold outside in the winter?

Another concept that is very important within the Scandinavian style is “Lagom”. Lagom is Swedish and stands for balance and moderation. Literally it means not too much, not too little but just enough. Sustainability, minimalism and functionality are central here and within the interior this means a quiet base with soothing cream colours and pastel shades and carefully selected furniture.

Because Scandinavian countries usually have long and dark winters, light and neutral tones are often used. This makes the interior a lot brighter and lighter, which provides balance compared to the dark days. Quite logical actually. Scandinavia is also known for its large coniferous forests and untouched nature. Because of this, there is also a strong emphasis on the use of natural materials such as wood, wool and linen.

In a Scandinavian interior you really see that there is a strong reflection between the environment and the climate where people live. A lot of use is made of materials and fabrics that are present in the environment and because the days are short and dark, it is important that it is cozy (or Hygge) at home, but that it also has a light appearance to bring balance to the dark winters.

Features of Japandi Interior Design

Now that we know what Japanese minimalism, Wabi-Sabi and Scandinavian style stand for, let's look at how these two styles merge in the Japandi interior.

Use of Color and Materials

Within both Wabi-Sabi and Scandinavian style, light spaces are a recurring theme. Where within Wabi-Sabi it is created by the rice paper panels, in Scandinavian style it is deliberately applied to compensate for the dark days. The use of color is therefore an important aspect within these two styles.

The colours and materials that are often found within Japandi are:

• Neutral tones : sand, beige, gray, off-white.

• Materials : wood, bamboo, linen, ceramic, stone.

• Matte and natural finishes.

Both styles use natural materials such as wood, bamboo, linen, wool and ceramics. Where the Scandinavian style often uses lighter types of wood, Wabi-Sabi also brings back darker wood and earth tones in the interior.

Furniture and Layout

When we look at the design of a Japandi interior, we see a beautiful balance between functionality and aesthetics. Where Japanese minimalism is about simplicity and harmony, the Scandinavian style brings a feeling of warmth and coziness. You can see this directly in the furniture and the layout of the space.

The furniture in a Japandi interior is often low to the ground, inspired by the Japanese tradition of sitting and living on Tatami. This creates a serene look and a sense of connection with the space. Think of low sofas, tables with a simple shape and modest cabinets that fit perfectly within a minimalist design. The Scandinavian influence is reflected in the functionality and comfort of the furniture. Where Japanese minimalism can sometimes be tight and austere, the Scandinavian touch ensures soft fabrics, ergonomically shaped chairs and a warm look.

In terms of materials, you see a mix of light Scandinavian woods such as oak and maple, combined with darker woods such as walnut and bamboo, which are more in line with the Japanese style. This creates a subtle contrast and a layered, natural look. The focus is on craftsmanship and sustainability, with furniture being carefully selected and having a long lifespan.

The layout of a Japandi interior feels open, calm and airy. Unnecessary furniture or decorations are avoided, leaving enough breathing space in a room. Everything has a function and contributes to a feeling of calm and harmony. Minimalism plays a big role, but it should not feel cold or impersonal—that is exactly where Japandi finds the perfect balance between warmth and simplicity.

Accessories and Decor

Because Japandi is a minimalist style, accessories and decorative elements are used very consciously. Here, less is more. Where Scandinavian style is known for cozy details such as soft cushions and candles, the Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy shows that imperfection and natural simplicity are also a form of beauty.

In a Japandi interior, decoration is not about abundance, but about a few carefully selected objects that radiate a sense of calm and balance. Think of handmade ceramic vases, a soothing minimalist art print or a simple wooden bowl with natural imperfections. These items are often placed asymmetrically, in line with the Wabi-Sabi philosophy that not everything has to be perfect.

Textiles also play an important role, but are used subtly. Think of linen curtains that softly filter the light, a hand-woven woolen plaid on the sofa or a cotton rug in neutral tones. Everything feels natural and invites relaxation.

In terms of lighting, you see a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian influences. Scandinavian interiors make extensive use of warm, diffuse lighting to soften the dark winters. Japandi adopts this, but adds a touch of Japanese subtlety: paper lamps, pendant lamps with organic shapes and table lamps with a simple, sculptural look.

The colours within a Japandi interior are subdued and natural. Neutral tones such as beige, taupe, soft grey, greige and warm earth tones provide a calming base. Black or charcoal grey can be added to create contrast and depth, without becoming overpowering.

Plants and Green

An essential aspect of Japandi is the connection with nature. Where the Scandinavian style mainly brings nature indoors by using wooden furniture and light colours, Japandi also shows a more subtle, Japanese influence in the way plants and greenery are used.

In contrast to urban jungle interiors where plants play the leading role, Japandi opts for a more minimalist and considered approach. A few large, sculptural plants such as a bonsai, an olive tree or a fern are strategically placed to bring the space to life, without making it feel too busy. After all, the Wabi-Sabi philosophy teaches us that less is often more.

In addition to houseplants, you will also see a lot of dried flowers and branches in Japandi. A single graceful branch in a ceramic vase or a dried grass in a simple pot can be enough to give a room a natural, peaceful look. This is a nice nod to both the Japanese appreciation for transience and the Scandinavian love of nature.

Pots and planters within Japandi have a minimalist design and are made of natural materials such as terracotta, concrete or ceramic. The finish is often matt and slightly irregular, which in turn ties in with the Wabi-Sabi idea that perfection is not necessary to make something beautiful.

Light also plays a big role in how plants are presented. Scandinavian interiors make the most of natural light, and in Japandi this is combined with subtle lighting to emphasise the shadows and textures of plants and natural materials.

Applying Japandi in your own home

Do you want to bring the peace and harmony of Japandi into your interior? Then it's all about simplicity, functionality and natural materials. With a few conscious choices you can create a calm but stylish living space that feels both minimalistic and warm.

Start with a neutral base

A Japandi interior starts with a calm and subdued base. Choose soft, soothing tones on the walls, such as beige, light grey, taupe or warm earth tones. Avoid bright colours and busy patterns to maintain a serene atmosphere. For the floors, natural wooden skirting boards are ideal, but a moderate, neutral floor finish such as concrete or light-coloured tiles also fit well within this style.

Choose functional and minimalist furniture

In Japandi, it’s all about quality over quantity. Go for furniture with clean lines and a minimalist design, made from natural materials such as solid wood, bamboo and linen. Low furniture, inspired by Japanese design, creates a calm look. Carefully choose a few high-quality pieces of furniture instead of an excess of decoration.

Add warm accents

Although Japandi is minimalistic, the interior should not feel cold or impersonal. You can solve this by combining textures, such as linen curtains, woolen plaids and cotton cushions. In addition, handmade accessories such as ceramic vases, pottery and artisanal wooden objects fit perfectly within this style. These subtle details bring character and warmth to the space.

Minimize and organize

A tidy home contributes to the peace that Japandi radiates. Keep surfaces free of clutter and opt for smart storage solutions that fit seamlessly into the interior. Think of built-in cabinets, low sideboards or baskets made of natural materials. Everything has a place and is consciously chosen, which creates a sense of order and harmony.

Conclusion

Japandi is the perfect balance between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian coziness. It is a style that not only brings visual peace, but also contributes to a calm and thoughtful living environment.

By choosing natural materials, a neutral colour palette and minimalist, functional furniture, you create an interior that feels both warm and harmonious.

Ultimately, Japandi is not just about how your home looks, but also how it feels: a place where simplicity and comfort come together.