What You Need to Know about Japandi Design

Like salt and pepper, and a needle and thread, some things go perfectly together. Simple, serene and organic, the merging of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements––Japandi––is one such winning combination. If you’re looking for decor ideas that blend the functionality and coziness of Scandinavia with the playfulness and freedom of wabi-sabi—the Japanese philosophy that there is beauty in imperfection—read on.

Start by de-cluttering

Maximalists need not apply! “If you'd like to get a start on Japandi style, the first step is to purge, eliminate clutter and get organized,” advises Toronto-based interior designer, Tiffany Piotrowski. Minimalism is the name of the game. Go through all of your belongings and ask yourself, ‘Is it functional and is it beautiful?’

Add wooden touches with furniture and decor

“Love of wood is something that all mankind has in common,” said the celebrated Danish designer, Hans Wegner. “Regardless of where people come from, they cannot stop themselves from letting their hands stroke a piece of wood, hold it, smell it and experience the material,” he added. At Bouclair, you’ll find a huge variety of wood to decorate with, from this simple, natural wood table lamp to this elegant, wood framed mirror.

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Use sustainable materials

Beyond wood, other materials to consider include bamboo, rattan, paper and ceramics. Think patina and personality over perfection. Japandi also encourages us to think about the environment. “Sustainability and a celebration of expertly-crafted investment pieces that are made to last is fundamental to the aesthetic,” Piotrowski says. A handmade ceramic vase or a beautiful wool blanket from Simons bring warmth and originality to a home.

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Add green elements

Nature is central to Japanese culture, and bringing nature indoors creates a strong connection to the natural world. Take a minimal approach, with a plant that is elegant in form, and choose a planter that’s made from a natural material such as wood, leather, clay, like a bamboo cube vase from Teleflora, which comes with stalks of bamboo surrounded by river rocks.

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Incorporate natural tones

Both cultures prefer muted, earthy hues to high wattage ones. Those who lean towards Scandinavian design will opt for clean whites, and pale shades of grey, while a Japanese aesthetic favours rich, natural tones like brown and olive green. Balance the two with blonde furniture set against a dark rug from Rona. With Japandi, as with all good pairings, it’s the contrasts that are as interesting as the similarities.

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Image Credit: iStock.com/FollowTheFlow