Japandi Style: Your Guide to Achieving the Look

A thoughtful fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, Japandi style is all about creating a calm, warm, and beautifully functional home — one that reflects the serene, considered nature of both cultures.

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 is a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. It relies on neutral tones, natural materials, and clean lines to create calm, clutter-free spaces that feel intentional and welcoming — embracing the beauty of imperfection and the quiet elegance of restraint.

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

In a Japandi style living room, every piece is intentional — nothing is excess or accidental. The first step is decluttering: remove or donate anything that doesn’t align with the style’s quiet purposefulness. The goal is to create a space that feels open, warm, and grounded — never cold or clinical but calm and comfortably restrained.

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.

Dining rooms naturally lend themselves to the pared-back refinement of Japandi design, with their open layouts and focus on human connection.

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.

In a Japandi kitchen, simplicity and function go hand in hand. It’s about paring back to the essentials — keeping only what’s needed and thoughtfully organising the rest.

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.

The best Japandi bathrooms evoke a calming, spa-like atmosphere — a space that encourages rest and quiet reflection. At the heart of this style is a focus on natural materials.

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 textural concrete basin, a floating timber 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