How to Bring “Japandi” Interior Design Into 2021

In this time of crisis and chaos, more and more people are redesigning their homes and office spaces in such a way that brings more calm and serenity. It’s no wonder why clean, minimalist, and functional design trends have been on the rise once again.

This brings us to to a popular interior design trend introduced back in 2017 called “Japandi,” which sees the marriage of two influential design forces. If you’ve never heard of “Japandi” before, now’s the time to get acquainted with this design trend. You may have already been employing this aesthetic without even knowing it.

What Is Japandi?

So what is Japandi in the first place?

To put it simply, Japandi is the combination of Japanese rustic minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. This design trend fuses two design philosophies, which results to creating the perfect blend of bright spaces, function and form, clean lines, touches of nature, and light colors.

If we look at it as more than just an interior design trend, we can see that Japandi is actually a philosophy. Putting together Scandinavian minimalist philosophies with the wabi swabi Japanese ethos — it is one that finds perfection in imperfection. In doing this, what you now have are interiors that display the authentic beauty of craftsmanship and of traditional decor by highlighting raw materials and simple natural elements.

3 Ways to Integrate Japandi Into Your Home or Office

1. Declutter and curate

While Japandi incorporates Japanese minimalism, it doesn’t over-impose and overdo it in such a way that you’re left with just the bare essentials. Start by decluttering your space of well, the clutter. See that figurine that’s acquiring dust? Perhaps consider removing it. Do you really need that many desk organizers? Maybe consider using just one that can fit all.

The key here is to minimise the noise within your space and choose the elements and fixtures that have the most function. Curating what remains can help in keeping your space open and clean.

2. Keep it natural

In light of curating your space’s elements and fixtures, it would be better if you chose those with a more natural make and appeal to it. This philosophy borrows from Japanese rustic decor, which allows you to stay grounded in nature while being indoor.

This means incorporating some greens (hello to all plant parents out there!), going for natural finishes for wooden furniture, and leaning towards more neutral tones and shades.

3. Open up the space

Remember: bright lights and open spaces. This design philosophy is at the core of the Japandi design trend. It would be a huge plus if you already have big windows that allow natural light to flow right in. If not, there are ways in which you can open up the space and maximise what you already have at home or in your office.

Opening up the space can translate to lessening the furniture or creating central pieces from which smaller pieces of furniture revolve around. You don’t have to have several accents because that can lead to more clutter and cause tighter spaces. For example, instead of going for that chunky antique table set, you can opt for a simply built one and a long stool that opens the room up in an instant.