DESIGN | JAPANDI
- Roseann Price
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
A guide to Japandi design / The Elegant Blend of Scandinavian and Japanese Style
What is Japandi?
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram interiors or wandered the glossy pages of design magazines lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a Japandi space. Calm yet warm, minimal yet soulful — Japandi is the fusion of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese minimalism, creating interiors that feel effortless, enduring, and deeply considered.
At Studio 84, Japandi principles shape much of our design ethos. We believe in simplicity, quality, and a touch of surprise — all hallmarks of this timeless style. But what exactly is Japandi design, and why has it captured the imagination of homeowners and designers alike? Let’s take a closer look.
Studio84 Kitchens SOURCE
The Origins of Japandi
Scandinavian design, with its light-filled spaces, natural textures, and devotion to functionality, has long been celebrated for making everyday life more beautiful. Japanese design, on the other hand, finds its strength in minimalism, craftsmanship, and harmony — a philosophy of less, but better.
At first glance, they may seem worlds apart, but their core values are strikingly aligned. Both traditions celebrate simplicity, quality, and nature. Japandi is where these worlds meet: a cross-cultural aesthetic that strips away excess and instead focuses on clarity, craftsmanship, and calm.
Key Elements of Japandi Interiors
So what defines a Japandi space? These five principles are at its heart:
Simplicity → Clean lines and uncluttered spaces invite calm into everyday life.
Natural Materials → Wood, stone, rattan, clay, and linen bring tactility and warmth.
Muted Colour Palette → Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and the occasional black accent create balance.
Craftsmanship → Handmade furniture and bespoke joinery emphasise integrity and detail.
Functionality → Every element serves a purpose, ensuring beauty is never at odds with utility.
The result? Interiors that are minimal yet never cold, refined yet always welcoming.
Hum Gallery, Apartment-54 SOURCE
Why Japandi Appeals Today
In a fast-paced, noisy world, more and more people are seeking homes that feel like sanctuaries. Japandi design resonates because it offers exactly that: spaces that are calm, intentional, and deeply connected to nature.
It’s also incredibly versatile. For families, Japandi kitchens provide functionality without sacrificing style. For professionals, Japandi interiors create spaces that restore balance at the end of a busy day. And for design-conscious homeowners, it offers an aesthetic that is timeless, not trend-driven.
In kitchens especially — our speciality at Studio 84 — Japandi works beautifully. It combines clever layouts with natural materials and subtle detail, creating spaces that are both elegant and easy to live in.
" The Japanese principle of wabi-sabi, which appreciates the beauty of natural aging and imperfection"
"Japandi blends Japanese artistic elements and wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth or hygge,” Wijaya explains. “Both Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics are focused on simplicity, natural elements, comfort, and sustainability"
How to Bring Japandi Into Your Home
Ready to dip into Japandi? Here are a few guiding principles:
Declutter with intention. Strip away what you don’t need and let essential pieces shine.
Mix light and dark woods. Contrast pale oak with deeper walnut or ash for balance.
Layer natural textures. Linen, ceramic, wool, and stone add depth and tactility.
Invest in quality pieces. Choose fewer items, but make them meaningful and enduring.
Prioritise calm colours. Neutrals, warm greys, and earthy tones create a timeless backdrop.
If you’re interested in bringing the Japandi interior design trend into your home, it’s best to start by decluttering, as an emphasis on minimalism and a less-is-more mindset is particularly important in Japandi style. Small changes — like introducing natural materials or simplifying your colour palette — can bring a Japandi feel into any space.
Studio84 Kitchens SOURCE
How to bring Japandi style into your home
If you’re interested in bringing the Japandi interior design trend into your home, Rietbergen says it’s best to start by decluttering, as an emphasis on minimalism and a less-is-more mindset is particularly important in Japandi style. After that, she says it’s up to the person regarding how much of each individual style gets included in the final look. “You can choose if you like your place a bit more Scandinavian or Japanese,” she says. For example, you may choose to incorporate a darker colour palette full of stones and dark wood to embrace a bit more of the Japanese style, or go lighter if you want more of a Scandinavian flare.
Studio84 Kitchens SOURCE
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The Studio 84 Approach to Japandi Design
For us at Studio 84, Japandi isn’t just a trend; it’s an approach to living well. Our work is rooted in curiosity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Whether it’s a bespoke kitchen or a full interior project, we create spaces that are thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted, and tailored to the way our clients live.
We believe in design that whispers rather than shouts — spaces that feel effortless, timeless, and quietly extraordinary.
Japandi design is more than an aesthetic. It’s a philosophy of balance — between simplicity and comfort, beauty and function, restraint and warmth.
Studio84 Kitchens SOURCE
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