Japandi Explained

With the world slowly coming out of lockdown, our mindsets are beginning to change. This also means that both interior décor and design concepts are changing as well. A recent combination of Japanese and Scandinavian interior design has created the perfect “post-pandemic” design ideal. “Japandi”, the newest décor trend you didn’t know about, but will soon come to love, is taking the interior design world by storm!

This design concept focuses on the two main ideas found within the unique styles of Japanese and Scandinavian design. Combining both the Scandinavian concept of “hygge”, which aims to establish contentment and well-being throughout a design, as well as the Japanese style of “wabi-sabi,” highlighting the beauty in imperfection, designers have developed this unique and minimalistic design that ties both seemingly disparate styles into one cohesive theory. With a focus on simplicity, neutral tones, and functional, high-quality pieces, Japandi design will allow you to relax in the comfort of your own space.

The Japandi design concept can often be confused with the "minimalist” design practices; however, these two design styles are quite different. The key differences are the colour palettes and materials utilized. Minimalist design usually utilizes colour palettes of similar hue and intensity, focusing on a monochromatic colour scheme. The Japandi design style incorporates neutral colours with black utilized in key areas of contrast. Tones evoking feelings of nature, such as greens and browns, are also common in Japandi colour schemes. Additionally, Japandi furniture focuses on high-quality materials. Light-coloured wood and bamboo accents are very common. In addition, the design of Japandi furniture place emphasis on “heritage” pieces. These are pieces that stand the test of time, passed on through generations. For this reason, all Japandi furniture pieces must be timeless.

Designer Jonah Takagi says it best:

“I’ve seen a general trend toward fast-casual, almost disposable design. I’d like to believe that this Japandi trend might in some ways be a philosophical reaction to this rampant consumption of stylish yet cheaply made and poorly designed goods.”

The Japandi concept allows consumers to consciously design their spaces with a focus on timelessness and quality through craftmanship. An interior that is not only simple and functional, but also conscious of the environment, is essential within the Japandi design style.

References

Catherine, C. (2021, November 17). Japandi Interior Design: What it is, how to get the look + my top picks. Nordic Design. Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://nordicdesign.ca/japandi-interior-design/

Japandi Collection by Mobilia: Mobilia Canada. Mobilia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://mobilia.ca/en/japandi

Knierim, A. (2022, February 4). Learn about the most harmonious trend yet-japandi. The Spruce. Retrieved May 3, 2022, from https://www.thespruce.com/japandi-design-4782478