Japandi Style: Your Guide to Achieving the Look

Blending the serenity of Japanese design with the simplicity of Scandinavian aesthetics, Japandi style creates spaces that feel warm, purposeful, and deeply calming — where every element serves both beauty and function.

At its heart, Japandi draws from two time-honoured philosophies: Danish Hygge, which celebrates warmth, comfort, and everyday contentment, and Japanese Wabi-Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Both traditions foster a deep connection to nature and a sense of wellbeing through life’s simple, grounding pleasures. 

Whether it’s a Japandi living room, Japandi bedroom, Japandi bathroom or a Japandi dining room, we explore all areas of the home so you can transform your space into the (im)perfect embodiment of Scandinavian Japanese design.

Japandi style brings together the refined minimalism of Japanese design and the understated comfort of Scandinavian living. It’s a celebration of balance — where natural textures, neutral palettes, and thoughtful simplicity come together to create spaces that feel calm, grounded, and effortlessly liveable.

A Japandi colour scheme relies on a neutral base of whites, soft beiges, and greys, accented by rich, earthy hues like browns and greens, and occasionally incorporating muted shades of blue, pale pink, and even black for contrast.

How to Decorate Japandi Style

A Japandi style living room is defined by intention — every object serves a purpose, and nothing feels superfluous. Begin by decluttering, letting go of anything that clashes with the style’s quiet simplicity. The aim is to shape a space that feels airy, warm, and grounded — soothing without being stark, and minimal without feeling cold.

Japandi encourages a strong connection to nature, echoing biophilic design principles. Think furniture crafted from raw, organic materials, soft earthy tones, and layered textures that reflect the outside world. Introduce greenery or timber accents to soften the space and bring it to life.

Finally, anchor your living room with one or two well-chosen statement pieces — a reclaimed timber coffee table, a hand-crafted armchair, a sculptural lamp, or a textured artwork — that offer quiet impact without disrupting the overall sense of serenity.

With their open layouts and emphasis on togetherness, dining rooms are a natural canvas for the quiet refinement of Japandi design.

In this space, you can honour the Wabi-Sabi philosophy by incorporating pieces that hold personal meaning — whether cherished family heirlooms, rustic ceramics, or handcrafted objects rich in character. Use open shelving or a glass-front cabinet to display these items and create a subtle focal point that blends beauty with sentiment.

The same principles apply to your dining table setting. Japandi style values fine craftsmanship, natural materials, and subtle contrasts. A solid timber table paired with hand-woven cane chairs or black-stained elmwood offers the perfect balance, merging Scandinavian simplicity with a nod to traditional Japanese aesthetics. These details ground the room, creating a warm, restrained, and considered space.

As one of the most restful spaces in the home, the bedroom is a natural fit for the calm and considered aesthetic of Japandi style. Start with a soft, neutral palette — think warm whites, muted beiges, and earthy greys — to enhance natural light and create a serene, sleep-friendly atmosphere.

To echo the Japanese influence, opt for clean lines and low-profile furniture, such as a low-set bed. Opt for an abundance of natural timber finishes and tactile fabrics like linen or cotton in hues like taupe, sage green, or sandy beige.

Thoughtful lighting is also key — incorporate soft, layered lighting or dimmable fixtures to create an ambient mood that supports relaxation. The goal is to foster a sense of quiet retreat — a space that feels grounded, minimal, and effortlessly soothing.

A Japandi kitchen embraces both form and function, where every item has a purpose and nothing feels excessive. The focus is on stripping back to the essentials and creating order through intentional design.

Unlike the nostalgic charm of country kitchens or the all-white aesthetic of coastal kitchens, Japandi style kitchens lean into subtle contrast and contemporary clarity. Think dark timber cabinetry paired with light-toned benchtops to create depth and visual balance. Finish the look with tapware in brushed nickel tapware, brushed gunmetal tapware, or matte black tapware to create a clean, modern look.

Personal touches are welcome — a few characterful ceramics, a textured vase, or a couple of your favourite cookbooks — but restraint is key. Carefully chosen kitchen accessories should add meaning, not mess. And don’t forget to bring in some greenery: a potted herb, trailing vine, or sculptural plant can soften the space and connect it to the outdoors.

Japandi bathrooms are designed to feel like a personal sanctuary — calm, restorative, and quietly luxurious. Central to this mood is the use of natural materials that ground the space and invite a sense of ease.

Layering textures like timber, bamboo, rattan, stone, and concrete adds visual interest while reinforcing a grounded, organic feel. To reflect the warmth of Scandinavian hygge, soften the space with tactile elements — think cotton or linen towels, handwoven rugs, or plush bathmats that bring comfort without clutter.

A freestanding bath makes an ideal starting point, serving as both a sculptural centrepiece and a place to unwind. Complement it with a refined concrete basin, a floating vanity, minimalist mirrors, and curated bathroom accessories that make the most of your layout without overwhelming it. Embellished with a delicate reeded texture, our Namika Collection is a perfect match for Japandi style spaces, bringing understated elegance and tactile warmth.

If you need assistance bringing the Japandi style to life in your own home, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Book a complimentary design consultation online or in-store to receive tailored advice on which products are right for your space.

For more interior design inspiration, read these blogs:

Wood Interiors Are Making a Comeback

What is Maximalism? A Guide to Maximalist Interior Design

How to Master Modern Farmhouse Design