What is Japandi?
Japandi is a hybrid of 2 styles: Japanese minimalism and functional scandinavian.
Japanese style is guided by the wabi-sabi concept whereas scandinavian dwells on the idea of hygge. Wabi-sabi in japanese aesthetic is pivoted on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Hygge on the other hand is a danish word that simply represents coziness and comfortable conviviality.
Therefore, Japandi is a style that is bare and naked while remaining warm and welcoming.
So how do you combine these two styles? Lets dive deeper:
1.COLOR PALETTE
The Japanese style color palette inclines on the warm side of the color wheel while the Scandinavian color scheme lies on the cool side of the wheel.
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The foundation of a japandi color palette is neutral minimalism. Ensure that your colors are 3-4 tops, using black mostly as an accent. Depending on your preference, you can make your color palette either warm/cool for a Japandi look. If you prefer a japanese aesthetic, go for darker earthy tones primarily. For more of a Scandinavian feel, lean towards more white and pastels.
Both styles mainly use white for the walls. However, this does not limit you from adding character to the walls. If you feel white is too boring, go for soft white with warm/cool undertones. You can also have an accent wall in a dark color while keeping it light for the rest of the walls. To achieve an interesting twist, incorporate wood slats or exposed concrete into the design.
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2. FURNITURE
Furniture in the japandi design style is simple with clean lines. Avoid overly embellished furniture and fabric as this is considered quite distracting. Wood is widely used in japandi. This can be dark or light, representing japanese and scandinavian style respectively.
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3. MATERIALS AND TEXTURE
Predominant materials in the japandi style include wool, linen, hemp, wood, bamboo, terracotta, exposed concrete and a bit of fur. A combination of these materials bring in the japanese wabi-sabi element while sustaining a scandinavian warm cozy vibe.
Keep the fabric solid and simple. If you are a lover of pattern, keep it on the utmost minimum. Here are some of the common japandi patterns:
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4. DECOR
Japandi is all about quality over quantity- talk about marble, ceramics, stone and iron. It is a style that appreciates artistry and craftmanship by encouraging handmade and natural items as part of the decor.
We are now living in a highly tech and plastic driven world which can erode our connection with nature. This therefore makes plants essential to the entire design. Dry branches are often used independently or arranged with flowers- this is called ikebana.
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The best plants for the japandi design style include the bonsai, fern, money tree, bamboo, jade, bird of paradise and ficus. While at it, ensure that there is a harmonious flow between your indoors and outdoors. e.g you can have a lucky bamboo indoors and an umbrella bamboo for the outdoors.
N. B Eventhough contact with nature is necessary in Japandi, DO NOT go jungle crazy with the plants.
5. DANSHARI CONCEPT
Japandi seeks the constant flow of air and light. Dan-Sha-Ri means Refuse, Dispose, Separate. It’s a concept that simply translates to ‘Less is more’. If you choose japandi as your style, then you will have to declutter and tidy up. This shakes off negative energy, allowing you to focus and ultimately thrive.
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HOW TO APPLY DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN JAPANDI
Click HERE for a detailed blog post on The design principles
Focal point is a design element that takes over the visibility of the entire design. The best way to create emphasis in japandi is through artwork, an accent wall or through the use of mirrors of interesting shapes and sizes.
Contrast- ‘opposites attract’ is the concept guiding this principle. To achieve a contrasting dynamic look, place items with different characteristics together- i.e different color, shape, texture, material or scale e.g. a metal stool next to a wooden accent chair, placing a black vase on a brown table.
Repetition- this is achieved by the dominant use of natural materials that theme japandi. Consistency in the use of a muted neutral color palette also forms a repetitive pattern which eventually shapes the design.
Balance, Scale and proportion- always remember that japandi is a simple and clean style. Carefully consider the size of the room before buying furniture. This ensures that there is balance between negative and positive space.
Harmony is the cohesiveness and visual satisfaction effect of combining similar or related elements in a design. As mentioned earlier, ensure that there is a flow between the indoors and outdoors. This means that the color palette, decor and materials should be aligned.
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