Once upon a time, Japanese design aesthetics and Scandinavian design aesthetics existed in completely different spheres of reference. Separated by more than 5,000 miles, these distinct places on two detached sides of the globe were literally, and figuratively, worlds apart from one another.

Nonetheless, this fairytale has a happy ending in the present time. The cultural ties that bind Japan and Scandinavia intimately together are their shared similarities within interior design. This exact combination, a couple name playfully dubbed “Japandi,” artfully transforms entire spaces into soothing masterpieces. Even at first glance, this winning mishmash of design authority is not an odd hodgepodge.

As a matter of fact, it’s almost appalling to call this hybrid style a mere trend. The Japanese-Scandi connection is deeply grounded in their synergetic values—and the very DNA of this dynamic duo. Instead of christening Japandi as the best of both worlds, this stylistic phenomenon is the blatant intermingling of organic lifestyle approaches that make modern living satisfying. Here’s the general gist of the rise of Japandi style and everything you need to know.

What Makes a House Into a Home?

In our hectic lives, we continue to seek out meaningful ways to live, to move at a slower pace, to sip on sweet time, and to savor our daily rituals and traditions. The riveting style of Japandi immerses these values zealously into the genetic make-up of a structured house. The look is distinctly functional, authentic, and tranquil, which speaks loudly to what truly makes a house into a home.

Our homes are the most private spaces we as human beings can create in this world. But our homes are more than structured walls and beams—rather ideas and social constructs. Happiness, love, safety, security, the sound of laughter and joy, and the smell of good food are all things that make a house into a home. Truly, there are more sides to a home than you’ve ever thought before. The dimensions are far greater than many pay homage to.

So, what are the elements of this harmonious hybrid design and what patches together their remarkable compatibility? While designers focus closely on Japandi’s similarities of emphasizing function-driven spaces, it’s all the while critical to outline their clear-cut differences. To speak on the sophistication of the style that’s here to stay, let’s take a closer look at where the Japandi camp divides and comes together—home zen aesthetics with a touch of hygge.

The Japanese Concept of Wabi-Sabi

The rock-solid influence of wabi-sabi in the style of Japandi fuses the idea of beauty in imperfection. Wabi-sabi is not a design technique but rather an East Asian zen-aesthetic philosophy that emerged back in the 15th century. This viewpoint is astoundingly mature, as wabi-sabi is about discovering beauty in things typically seen in a negative light, such as decay, asymmetry, solitude, smallness, and flaws.

The “Wabi” of this guiding principle stands for solitude and sadness, while the “Sabi” represents rust and decay. Above all, this philosophy influences the Japandi style through the concepts of minimalism, grounding oneself, accepting things as they are, and connecting deeply to the earth. Simplicity and clarity inside the interior of your home is a purposeful starting point, with a little roughness around the edges.

The Nordic Notion of Hygge

Scandinavian living is similarly clear and also streamlined, modern, and practical. This is due to the familiar Danish principle known as hygge, an applicable principle to any time or space. In the grand-scheme, hygge is more than a concept, but rather a way of life through ritual. This ritual accentuates the enjoyment of one’s life through simple pleasures. Hygge is laid-back living at its very finest, underpinned by the austerity of rustic warmth and coziness inside one’s home.

Scandi-inspired interiors present a sophisticated yet easy-going comfort. The most vivid sense of hygge design is found in the smaller, personal details and accents that provide texture in the sleekest rooms.

Framework: The Key Elements of Japandi Style

Everything you need to know about the rise of Japandi style is found in its pivotal design elements. The hybridism of the above principles of minimalism and rustic warmth reflect through the usage of natural light, the makeup of uncluttered spaces, the placement of a handful of functional statement pieces, and the juxtaposition of neutral colors alongside a richer palette of pretty pastels.

If the more neutral tones of Scandi-influenced design are unequivocally somber for your personal taste, complement the whites and beiges with darker, richer hues such as browns, blacks, plums, and greens. This Japanese-influenced variation provides a zen-like abode that keeps the vibe from feeling too stark, cold, or clinical. Instead, you can maintain a comfortable interior glow that’s not heavily anonymous.

Simple shapes, clean straight lines, curved lines, statement pieces, and natural materials are a must to add a unique sense of texture to a room. As a vast love of nature is a pillar in Japandi design aesthetics, sustainable wooden and woven materials such as bamboo, natural wood, rattan, linen, wool, and paper are principal for room adornment.

In essence, a touch of harmonious contrast in color and shape is key to create visually-appealing, artful, and interesting interiors. The characteristic mainstay of the Japandi style is its versatility—you can truly tailor the design concept to your own taste and authority and add individual touches through chosen accessories.

Japandi Design Sensibility In Your Home

We live our lives continually in the spaces that we’ve chosen to call home. If the simplicity of Japandi is right up your alley, implementing a mix of East Asian and Scandinavian styles into your home is a worthy conquest. Keep in mind its primary elements to create a warm environment with a minimalist layout.

Functional furniture is key to display the true beauty of balance and form. When you walk into any room, the unmistakable appearance of furniture is immediately identifiable by design. Simple, tactile shapes that offer comfort are an absolute requisite for furnishings. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, Japandi-style pieces showcase items made by hand, made to last, and made with care.

Shop DesignTap for organic and contemporary furniture finds for your living spaces. Our curated home collections contain a plethora of high-end modern coffee tables, beds, sofas, chairs, and more to pull together a suitable aesthetic for your lifestyle. Shop through our furniture offerings—in various shapes, sizes, and materials—to help create cohesive pockets of calm and comfort in your abode today.