Your Guide to Japandi Interior Design

As a term, Japandi is a marriage of the words Japanese and Scandi (Scandinavian). It’s a design philosophy that merges the clean simplicity of Scandinavian design with the refined elegance of Japanese aesthetics. The perfect marriage of form and function, it combines the best of two styles prioritizing craftsmanship, comfort, and a deep connection to nature.

Japandi style is recognizable by its warm neutral color palette, use of specific wood types, and minimalist approach to furnishing. Fusing the styles means more room for creativity and personalization, as the finishing touches often bring the theme together - the bonsai tree is a popular addition.

The term Japandi has only come into use since 2016, but the union of the styles has existed in homes for generations. The origins of Japandi interior design began around 150 years ago when Scandinavian designers travelled to Japan and were inspired and pleasantly surprised at the number of shared principles between the two regions.

According to Architectural Digest, the first examples of the fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian design styles could be seen in ceramic crafts, architecture, and Danish furniture. With a shared appreciation of warm minimalism, artisanal craftsmanship, and natural forms, the regions have had a mutually influential relationship for interiors ever since.

The Japandi style features a pared-back color palette and a minimalist, clutter-free approach to styling, which helps to promote a calming environment while amplifying natural light. Walls are painted in shades of off-white, beige, or soft grays, and if they feature Japandi style wallpaper designs, they will often be either minimalist in style such as our Kyoto Neutral, or a bolder nod to Japanese culture such as Kujaku Beige.

Whether you’re styling a Japandi bathroom, calming living room or relaxing bedroom, Japandi style principles prioritise high-quality, functional furniture. Furniture made by artisanal craftspeople using sustainable, natural materials while fabrics such as linen and muslin are perfect for highlighting the natural elements.

Japandi design is a popular home decor style with plenty of well-being benefits. Japandi prioritizes how practical spaces can improve your life through creative, multi-functional storage solutions to remove clutter and beautiful, hand-crafted decor items that evoke nostalgia and happiness.

The hybrid aesthetic can also bring mindfulness to your space, offering a calming decor that is sympathetic to nature and local landscapes. With its emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainable materials, Japandi lets you design responsibly while reducing your carbon footprint.

Minimalism is an important foundation of Japandi style, so the best colors to go for are warm neutrals, beiges, and off-whites, which provide a serene, tranquil backdrop to the space.

You can add depth with subtle accent tones like sage green, terracotta, or soft charcoal. Earthy tones, muted blues, and natural wood finishes will help your space reflect the beauty of the outdoors, a key element of Japandi design.

As expected, with a hybrid design style, there can be varying similarities and differences with other aesthetics depending on how it is interpreted. However, there are some key ways to identify Japandi over similar styles.

The design ethos of Japanese and Scandi styles are very similar, but the culture and climate of each region are diverse, so accessories are a big clue. While our Scandi interior design guide covers the Scandi style in more depth, key Scandi style details include cozy knitted throws, heavy woollen rugs, and candles which all contribute to the hygge state of mind. On the other hand, the Japandi style may feature elements of Japanese traditional customs, such as low-profile furniture, “shoji” screens made of translucent paper to divide spaces, and Zen-inspired symbols. On the whole, Japandi features bolder, darker colors and a broader range of textiles.

Organic Modern style blends minimalism with mid-century modern and boho influences for a more layered, eclectic feel. Its color palette is rooted in earthy tones like rust, terracotta, and ochre, often paired with stark whites or blacks for dramatic contrast. The style embraces varied textures—rough-hewn wood, jute, leather, and concrete—and combines organic shapes with sculptural, contemporary furniture to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

While Japandi offers a tranquil, Zen-like retreat, Organic Modern feels cozy and expressive. Both styles highlight the beauty of natural materials and thoughtful design, making them perfect for creating spaces that feel authentic and connected to nature.

Transforming your home with the Japandi aesthetic is all about combining simplicity, functionality, and natural elegance. This harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design creates a serene and inviting space that’s as beautiful as it is practical. Here’s how to achieve the Japandi look:

Start with a calm, neutral palette of warm beiges, soft grays, and off-whites for your walls and larger surfaces. Add depth and interest with muted greens, earthy browns, or subtle charcoal accents. Think of the hues found in nature, like a Scandinavian forest or a Japanese garden, to guide your choices.

Japandi design celebrates craftsmanship and functionality. Invest in high-quality furniture with clean lines and natural materials like wood, rattan, or bamboo. Opt for pieces that are both beautiful and practical, such as multifunctional storage or low-profile seating. Let the natural grains and imperfections of the materials shine—they’re part of the charm.

Keep your space simple and serene by reducing visual distractions. Use thoughtful, minimalist storage solutions to keep surfaces clear. Every item in the room should have a purpose, whether it’s functional, aesthetic, or both.

Blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors is key to Japandi style. Incorporate plenty of greenery with potted plants, like a bonsai tree for a Japanese touch or trailing vines for softness. Use natural fabrics like linen or muslin for window treatments to allow light to filter through while maintaining an airy feel.

Zen-inspired touches are the perfect way to elevate your Japandi space, infusing it with calm, balance, and a deeper connection to nature. Choose subtle decor elements such as handcrafted ceramics, smooth stones, or wood decor.

For a striking yet understated feature, consider our Sync wallpaper, inspired by the Zen concept of the “Enso” circle—a symbol of enlightenment, unity, and the beauty of imperfection. Its soft, flowing design adds depth and tranquility to your space, helping to create an environment that nurtures mindfulness and peace.

Depending on whether you lean more toward Scandinavian or Japanese influences, choose lighter woods like oak or birch for a brighter, airy feel, or darker stained woods for a richer, dramatic look. Mixing the two creates a layered, personalized aesthetic.