Japandi may feel like a rising trend in today’s interior design world, but it’s anything but new. This style is deeply rooted in the centuries-old traditions of Japanese and Scandinavian design, two aesthetics that have long shared an appreciation for simplicity, craftsmanship, and a connection to nature. The relationship between these design philosophies is built on shared values—minimalism with warmth, functionality with beauty. While Japandi is certainly having a moment in modern interiors, its core principles of balance and tranquility have stood the test of time. As a designer, I love exploring styles that feel both timeless and adaptable so we’re ready to accommodate each client’s personal sense of a style in a way that feels both fresh and long-lasting. If you love the serene warmth and simplicity of Japandi interior design style, read on to discover more about this style and how you can incorporate it into your own home.

What Is Japandi Design?

At its core, Japandi merges two beloved design sensibilities: the refined minimalism of Japanese interiors and the cozy functionality of Scandinavian homes. It embodies wabi-sabi, the Japanese appreciation for imperfection and authenticity, alongside hygge, the Scandinavian concept of warmth and comfort. The result? A home that feels effortlessly curated, inviting, and harmonious.

Here’s what makes Japandi so distinctive:

Minimalism with Purpose – Every piece is chosen with intention, reducing clutter while maintaining warmth.
Natural Materials – Wood, linen, bamboo, and stone create an organic, grounded aesthetic.
Muted Color Palettes – Soft neutrals like beige, cream gray, brown, and muted greens set a soothing backdrop.
Handcrafted Details – Artisanal elements, from pottery to woven textiles, add depth and soul.
Simplicity with Warmth – Japandi embraces minimalism, but never at the expense of comfort.

Japandi and the Philosophy of Wabi-Sabi

Japandi draws heavily from the Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” which is about far more than just aesthetics. This philosophy is about seeing the beauty in the imperfections in the world and in life. Wabi-sabi originated in China, but evolved seven hundred years ago into a Japanese ideal. In Japandi interiors, wabi-sabi can be seen in organic textures, handcrafted details, and natural aging—think weathered wood, handmade ceramics with slight asymmetries, and the patina that develops over time on well-loved furniture and objects.

Couldn’t we all benefit from taking a step back and adopting wabi-sabi? I know I could! Instead of stressfully striving for what we think is perfection, take time to pause, embrace authenticity, and appreciate the bumps and irregularities that give character–both design and in life!

The Cozy Comfort of Hygge in Japandi Design

A key element that makes Japandi interiors feel so inviting is the incorporation of hygge, a Scandinavian concept centered around comfort, warmth, and well-being. While wabi-sabi embraces imperfection, hygge emphasizes creating a sense of coziness and contentment in daily life.

Incorporating hygge in your home could be as simple as lighting a candle or, on a larger scale, planned and intentional as carving out spaces in your home for gathering with loved ones or reading a book. Hygge-inspired elements in Japandi interiors include plush textiles, soft lighting, and intimate gathering spaces that encourage relaxation. Picture a low-slung sofa layered with linen cushions, a woven wool throw draped over a reading chair, or the gentle glow of candlelight on a natural wood dining table. This balance of minimalism with warmth is what makes Japandi interior design style both aesthetically pleasing and deeply livable.

How to Bring Japandi into Your Home

1. Stick to a Neutral and Earthy Color Palette

Japandi interiors embrace soft, nature-inspired hues that create a calming environment. Start by choosing muted, understated tones like beige, taupe, oatmeal, and stone. Depending on the vibe you want for each space, you could choose to go for a more light and bright scandinavian slant with cream walls, while a deeper taupe or a soft brown would give a more moody Japanese vibe. Either way, a simple neutral palette that highlights the beauty of natural materials will be sure to create a serene backdrop for your Japandi-inspired space.

2. Choose Functional, Thoughtfully Designed Furniture

Japandi furniture blends form and function seamlessly. Think sleek, low-profile designs crafted from high-quality wood, often with multifunctional elements that enhance both aesthetics and practicality. We love to incorporate custom built-in furniture like desks or benches with storage to hide away items and keep things clutter free. The custom Japandi-style sectional sofa below was designed to create a zen yoga and relaxing room while also incorporating a pull-out sofa to accommodate overnight guests. Whether you’re designing a workhorse piece like this, or selecting a simple coffee table focus on quality, simplicity, and functionality, so they work with your decor and stand the test of time.

3. Incorporate Natural and Sustainable Materials

Bringing the outside in is a fundamental principle of Japandi. Wood, rattan, bamboo, and stone not only add warmth and texture but also enhance sustainability. A live-edge dining table or linen-upholstered seating can make a space feel both organic and refined. We love using white oak cabinetry which lends itself well to this style (as well as many others).

4. Keep Decor Thoughtful and Minimal

Japandi is about mindful curation rather than excessive decoration. Instead of filling a space with unnecessary accessories, opt for a few handcrafted pieces—ceramics, woven baskets, or sculptural vases with greenery—to enhance the natural beauty of your home. We love open shelving in a kitchen to display items that are both beautiful and useful like cutting board and serving bowls, again embracing that wabi-sabi philosophy.

5. Layer in Soft, Ambient Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. In Japandi design, soft, diffused lighting from paper lanterns, sculptural pendants, or wall sconces creates a cozy yet airy ambiance. If you’re doing a remodel or new build, consider adding architectural elements to house indirect LED lighting instead of traditional recessed can lights.

6. Bring Nature Indoors

A Japandi home isn’t complete without an organic touch! Bonsai trees, olive plants, or pampas grass can infuse the space with life and reinforce the connection to nature.

Why Japandi Design Continues to Resonate

What I find most compelling about Japandi interior design is its ability to transcend trends and remain relevant across different lifestyles. It’s not about following a prescribed look—it’s about embracing a thoughtful approach to design that fosters peace and well-being.

Interestingly, Japandi shares many similarities with modern organic design, another style that emphasizes natural materials, neutral palettes, and a strong connection to nature. Both styles prioritize simplicity and sustainability while maintaining warmth and character in a space. If you’re drawn to Japandi, you may also enjoy exploring modern organic design—read more about it here!

While Japandi is certainly making waves in contemporary interiors, its principles—simplicity, quality, and a connection to nature—have stood the test of time. Whether it’s Japandi or another aesthetic, my approach as a designer is always to create spaces that feel authentic to the people who live in them. And if a home can bring a sense of serenity and joy? That’s the ultimate success.

Looking to explore Japandi or another design style that suits your lifestyle? Reach out today to create something beautiful together!