If you haven’t already guessed from its name, Japandi is essentially a hybrid design trend that blends the aesthetics of Japanese design with that of the Scandinavian style. These two styles are essentially very similar, so a fusion of the two was a natural course of events.

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Essentially, Japandi is a variant take on minimalism. An enduring and elegant look, its emphasis lies on simple forms and lines just like in Scandinavian design. The colour scheme in Japandi is richer and warmer, which it takes from traditional Japanese styles, departing from Scandi's renowned light and bright interiors.

 

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The term first appeared in late 2016, although it started gaining quite a bit of traction in 2017 when people were looking for new ways to update the Scandinavian theme. And because Japandi has such a timeless look to it, and is actually rather easy to execute, it looks set to stay around for a while in the local interior design scene. If you’re looking to jump on this trend, here are some ways to pull it off.

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<h3>Go warmer than Scandi</h3>
Scandinavian homes keep things light and bright, in an effort to counter the cold and dark outside. With Japandi, things are much warmer as it also takes its influence from traditional Japanese aesthetics. Lots of wood are used here. And unlike the Scandinavian style which has a penchant for pale or whitewashed wood tones, Japandi's wood features more orangey, yellowish hues.

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<h3>You can still inject colours</h3>
Colours, while sparse, can still be seen in Japandi. Taking a cue from the Swede style, include pops of colours alongside wood. Pastels are a great choice, as they keep things subtle. But a strong colour works too in limited quantities. Then, contrast with darker tones like charcoal or a burnt orange common in the traditional Japanese style.

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<h3>A love for natural and earthy materials</h3>
Both Japanese and Scandinavian designs love the use of natural materials, so naturally we see this reverence for natural materials in Japandi. But it’s not quite so rustic or comfortable like in the Nordic style. Rather, it has a more refined taste, appreciating quality above all.

With Japandi, think along the lines of solid wood tables, authentic rice paper lamps, handmade ceramics and cushion covers made from soft, hand washed linens.

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<h3>Furnishings have clean and simple forms</h3>
Japandi is not as laidback or casual as a typical Scandinavian style, so furniture forms tend to have a more defined silhouette. But it’s not quite as rigid like in traditional Japanese homes so they feature gentler, more elegant curves. As Japandi is a hybrid style after all, don't be afraid to mix and match furnishings from both the Scandinavian and Japanese themes.

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<h3>Include plants, with restraint</h3>
Like in Scandinavian homes, plants are a common feature in Japandi. But rather than go for full-blown <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/hello-jungalow-heres-get-trend-thats-big-plants-prints-personality/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">jungalow style</a>, the inclusion of plants in this hybrid design is a lot more pared down. A single leaf stalk on the coffee table or a bushy plant sitting quietly in a corner of a room.

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<strong>Will you be getting on this Japandi trend? Let us know in the comments. </strong>

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Japandi: How to Create this Minimalist Hybrid Design Style in Your Home

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