In the landscape of modern design, we are constantly working to create balance in a given space. Whether through the symmetry of furniture placement, the proper ratio of accent colors to primary shades, or the juxtaposition of warm and cold elements, balance is at the heart of the best design.
One of our favorite ways to establish balance at InterLux Interiors is through the conjunction of earthy, natural textures with elegant, clean shapes. The hybrid aesthetic of “Japandi” perfectly captures this concept. We guarantee this fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese styles will be your new ideal vision of minimalism.
Our world-renowned interior designers explore the Japandi trend and how to adopt its philosophy into your own functional and beautiful luxury home.
What is Japandi Design?
By combining the modern simplicity of Scandinavian design with the classic sophistication of Japanese aesthetics, this style oozes with comfort and wellness.
Both design styles share some important principles:
They both support a minimalist lifestyle
They both emphasize the necessity of function-driven spaces
There are some key differences to note, but when combined with one another, a stunning and rich palette of color and texture comes to life.
Japanese design may sometimes be too sleek for many families in their everyday lives, which is why the rustic, straight-from-nature details of Nordic design can bring the space down to earth. On the other hand, Scandinavian spaces can sometimes be neutral to the point of boredom, but the richness of Japanese color palettes can add depth and spirit.
Tips to Infuse Your Space with Japandi
In general, contrast is a very important part of curating a visually interesting space. This is especially the case when it comes to the Japandi trend. Many of the choices entail fusing features from both styles.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to commit to an entirely ultra-minimal and Zen space. You can simply take influences from this style trend to elevate the rest of your interior design.
Fuse Contrasting Color
High contrast color palettes are one of the defining features of Japandi. Let’s take a look at the shades from its parent fashions:
Scandanavian Colors
Nordic design is known for drawing color inspiration from a spring afternoon, using light tones, natural woods, and tiny pops of pastel accents.
Japanese Colors
In contrast to Scandanavian colors, Japanese shades normally lean to the darker and richer end of the spectrum. Japanese design starts with a darker neutral shade, frequently using stained woods, blacks, and reds with pops of color through natural elements such as greenery.
Now that you understand the palettes of the individual styles, you can envision ways to fuse the two. You may choose a lighter wall color with dark walnut furniture, or style a cream sofa with rich emerald and black pillows.
Select Furniture from Both Parts of the World
Japanese and Scandinavian design are both instantly identifiable by their furniture. In Scandinavia, comfort is a top priority, which is reflected in the design styles.
Simple lines and practicality are both non-negotiable in Scandinavian and Japanese design, but there are clear differences.
Scandinavian Furniture
Scandinavian design furniture is typically produced with light wood tones and tends to have a more laid-back and relaxed quality. It is created to reflect and give space to the beauty of nature, which can often be viewed through spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows.
Japanese Furniture
In contrast, Japanese furniture tends to be more sophisticated and refined. Painted and stained woods are the building blocks for more curved shapes and exquisite details.
Using both styles can elevate your space while still promoting an environment that inspires relaxation and safety. Consider working with InterLux Interiors to call in a custom-built curved sofa made of light wood with clean lines.
Accentuate with the Right Accessories
Accessories and décor tend to not be a focus in either Japanese or Scandanavian spaces since function is often the emphasis throughout the home.
Decoration should be used sparingly and always with intention.
Scandinavian Décor
Comfort is key in Nordic design. Toss some plush throw pillows or a neutral waffle knit blanket or define an area with a thick and cozy rug. A piece of abstract art with pops of soft pinks or a lavender glass vase can give your space a pastel Danish glow.
Japanese Décor
Japanese décor accents are often more utilitarian such as technology to make day-to-day life easier.
Both design styles lean towards minimalism and simplicity. In both designs, natural elements like indoor plants are a huge focus and draw a breath of fresh air into the interior environment. Select larger statement plants, such as a five-foot-tall fiddle leaf fig or a monstera in a fourteen-inch pot.
Living Well > The Biophilic Mission for Better Health
Cultured & Clean with InterLux Interiors
We’ll state it simply: we love Japandi influence in our designs. With warm comfort and heightened elegance incorporating Biophilic elements, this trend is certainly here to stay.
InterLux Interiors' head designer, Angie Wetzel, gathers influences from her travels around the globe. If you are drawn to an architectural or interior design style, you can respectfully and tastefully bring elements into your home to create something new, balanced, and beautiful.
If you are ready to design a luxurious minimal home, whether inspired by Japandi or other influences, contact our team at InterLux Interiors. We are so excited to take you on the journey to your dream home.