Japandi

Alfred Nobel Auditorium, Embassy of Sweden, Tokyo

Japandi is an interior design and architecture style that blends Japanese aesthetics and Scandinavian design,[1] mixing Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity.[2] The neologism is a portmanteau of “Japan” and “Scandi”.[3] The Japandi term emerged around 2016,[4] but much earlier the first examples of the fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian design styles could be seen in ceramic crafts, architecture, and Danish furniture.[5]

Japandi was influenced by design philosophies of Japan wabi sabi and Scandinavia hygge. [5] Details more closely associated with a Scandi design and hygge than Japandi include knitted throws, woolen rugs and candles. [3] Japandi borrows Japanese elements such as shoji space dividers, low-profile furniture and Zen-like symbols.[3]

The use of natural materials such as stone, paper, bamboo, and wood is emphasized in Japandi. [2]

The Japandi style features a pared-back colour palette and a minimalist, clutter-free approach to styling. Walls are painted in shades of off-white, beige, or soft grays, amplifying natural light.

A low bed, wooden furniture with a natural finish, and indirect lighting in warm yellow tones help set a serene, welcoming, and visually light atmosphere in the Japandi style.[6]

References

  1. ^ McLaughlin, Katherine (February 13, 2023). "Japandi Style: Everything You Need to Know About These East-Meets-West Interiors". Architectural Digest.
  2. ^ a b "A Professional's Guide to Japandi Interior Design". Castlery. March 19, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Your Guide to Japandi Interior Design". Hovia.
  4. ^ MARKOUTSAS, Elaine (March 17, 2023). "From Japandi to Japanese Craft". The Trend Curve.
  5. ^ a b Matute, Loredana (17 July 2020). "Japandi: The beautiful marriage between Japanese and Nordic design". Architectural Digest.
  6. ^ "Estilo Japandi no quarto: o segredo para um ambiente minimalista e acolhedor | Enfeite Decora" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2025-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-04.