It looks like simple-classy has found its way into interior design. The fact is, it couldn't have come at a better time. We're spending more time indoors. The best we can do is to create an atmosphere of peak tranquility.

In Japanese, Zen relates to meditation and is oftentimes connected with minimalism and homeliness. Japandi style's philosophy is “less is more,” with emphasis on basic shapes, lighter colors, and natural components.

With a Zen and Japandi fusion, textbook interior design rules are taking a back seat. The result?  Balance, harmony, and relaxation.

Keep scrolling to find ways to incorporate this natural and inviting decor style into your home.

Focus on Natural Materials

Use natural wood for your walls, doors, screen grids, and frames to achieve the Japandi look. Use light woods like beech, ash, pine, and light oak to strike a light and color balance.

These light woods will also help you to achieve hygge-Scandinavian expression for coziness and satisfaction.

Wood also makes great company during winter. Add warmth and comfort by introducing natural fabrics -cotton and wool are the best - that you can use for curtains, couch blankets, carpets, and pillows.

Keep the Lines Clean and Elegant

Keep the lines in your furniture and decor clean and elegant. The space has to be functional and easy to use. Keep off clutter because it interferes with the whole point of Japandi design. Tone down the styling, too.  If you still want to add art pieces, keep them abstract. Any patterns should not be loud. Instead, go for fluid and repetitive patterns to avoid making a bold statement.

Choose a Neutral Color Base

Soft tones like whites, greys, shades of beige, or pink beige are ideal as a color base. You can always combine a dominant color with matching objects and textured textiles to introduce contour to a monochrome space, such as white with moleskin or beige with rosewood. Combine two complementary colors, or experiment with degrades of your favorite color to add variety.

Who We Are

At Ana Maria Designs, we believe that life is too short for boring décor. Contact us to add life to yours and we'll be glad to help. 

Interior design is about finding the right balance in a room. It takes various elements and artistically brings them together to set the right tone. However, Japandi, a hybrid design trend, takes this a step further by striking a delicate balance of its own. Japandi stylistically blends Scandinavian and Japanese designs and philosophies. The trend takes elements from both design cultures to produce interiors that are minimalist, elegant, and unquestionably cozy.

A Long Distance Relationship

These designs and philosophies come from two very different cultures separated by thousands of miles. Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, natural textures, neutral colors, and rustic appearances. It plays on light and functionality and focuses on the room being a haven for hygge. The Japanese design aesthetic is also simple yet sophisticated. It involves some richer colors and furniture that is a little more ornate. The Japanese home centers on open spaces and natural elements to exude Zen. While they differ in some ways, these two types of interior designs hold minimalism in the highest regard, and mesh well to create a new aesthetic altogether.

The Perfect Match

Japandi is raw, beautifully uncomplicated, and celebrates imperfection. It features statement pieces but obviously strives to avoid clutter. Natural elements play a key role, whether it be through wood accents or potted houseplants. The colors in a Japandi-inspired room will cleverly contrast, using both the neutrals of the Scandinavian aesthetic with the richer tones of the Japanese. In fact, many aspects of this design marriage are about contrast. It can include both furniture featuring straight lines and pieces made entirely of curves. It can be clean and uncluttered but include various mismatched throws and pillows. The contrast is the point of the trend, making a room visually exciting while still retaining a classic, timeless look.

Advice and Assistance

If you're interested in this trend or have any other inquiries related to the interior design of your home, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help you find the right style and design for you.