For those seeking a serene home enriched with lush greenery, natural accents, and global influences, the Japandi decorating style offers a perfect solution.

By combining the elegance of Japanese sensibility with the coziness of Scandinavian design, you may discover just what you need to create an effortlessly harmonious and beautiful space.

East meets west

Japandi design first emerged hundreds of years ago when Scandinavian designers traveled to Japan and became drawn to the culture’s emphasis on simplicity, natural materials, and wabi-sabi—a philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. This concept resonated with the Scandinavian one of hygge, which embodies a sense of comfort and contentment through minimalist design. Married together to create Japandi, these East and West influences remain at the heart of the style’s aesthetic, emphasizing handcrafted, antique, thrifted, or repurposed pieces alongside natural textures. The result? A well-balanced and inviting atmosphere that’s rooted in both serenity and warmth.

Creating the aesthetic

Perhaps the best part of this decorating approach is how easy it is to incorporate into your own living spaces. Just follow these three key principles for an ideal Japandi environment.

Remain mostly neutral
While both Scandinavian and Japanese designs embrace muted color palettes, they do so in somewhat opposite directions: the former favors lighter tones such as white and cream and the latter darker, earthy ones such as charcoal gray and olive. Japandi interiors tend to lean more Japanese in this area for a sophisticated feel, but don’t be afraid to mix hues—doing so can create a complementary look for maximum effect.

For instance, you could paint three of your living room walls a soft white and the fourth a smoky black to create a striking accent wall. Or if you’d prefer to avoid painting, focus on your decor; hanging a floating white oak shelf and adorning it with a cast-iron teapot and matching black teacups would be the perfect way to craft a stunning focal point without it being too visually dominating.

Go natural
Another avenue is to bring the outdoors in, which can not only infuse your spaces with vibrant color but also encourage an affinity with nature—essential to both halves of Japandi design. Begin by introducing a few carefully chosen houseplants, such as a delicate fern and bamboo palm. Besides a touch of style, research shows that greenery can help reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve air quality. Feel free to go as big or as small as you like, placing a tall plant next to your couch to draw the eye upward or a small one in the middle of your dining table as a centerpiece. And be mindful of your pots as well! Follow the previous principle, opting for a neutral look like sleek black ceramic to let your plants pop. To further cultivate a respect for the natural world, seek locally sourced items that bring a sense of authenticity and support sustainable practices. Whether you add a landscape painting or a handwoven basket from an artisan near you, such a piece will further elevate the aesthetic you’re aiming for while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Adopt minimalism
Spaciousness and order are key aspects of Japandi design, so look for opportunities to simplify your spaces and incorporate clean lines. Furniture is a great way to achieve this. You could acquire, for instance, a low-profile sofa for your living room or a basic pine bed frame with a cotton duvet for your bedroom. Or switch out your lamps or light fixtures for ones with a geometric flair, such as an inexpensive frosted-glass pendant light ensconced in an oak circular frame. A linen lampshade with a wooden tripod for a base is also a good option to add a bit of diffused light to any room. While the thoughtful placement of a few well-chosen items can help develop the ambience you seek, you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy something new. Simply cutting back your decor can be equally effective, furthering an environment that’s free from visual distractions. And if you have a lot of clutter, acquire an understated cloth bin to keep it hidden away for a tidier vibe.

As you incorporate Japandi into your home, consider how it can bring elegance and a sense of calm into your life. By choosing mindful materials and embracing imperfection, you can create spaces that uplift your spirit all while looking amazing.