In a world where rooms are often crowded with things we don’t need, the “Japandi” aesthetic offers something far more lasting: peace, purpose, and connection. Rooted in Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian warmth, Japandi brings clarity to your living space, making room for what truly matters.
This style isn’t about perfection or trends. It’s about creating a home that lets you slow down the moment you walk through the door—a place where every object and even the empty spaces have meaning. If you’re ready to bring more calm, function, and natural beauty into your home, here’s how to make Japandi work for you.
1. Start with a Focal Point
To start, every room needs something to draw the eye. Although Japandi promotes minimalism, it’s still important to choose a piece that gently commands attention. For instance, think of a low wooden table with a small bonsai tree, the trunk twisting delicately over a mossy base, or perhaps a tall, slim paper lamp softly glowing in the corner. Art prints in muted tones can also work beautifully, especially if mounted in quality frames. Whatever your focal point, aim to keep it simple but meaningful. Also, for a true Japandi aesthetic, it should be handcrafted and rooted in natural elements.
2. Let Nature Guide the Space
Next, consider how nature can shape the atmosphere in your home. One of Japandi’s central principles is harmony with light and nature. So, if you live in a place where light can be fleeting, especially in the winter months, it’s crucial to make the most of what light you have. Try to rearrange your room layouts so that natural light is never blocked by large furniture. Additionally, place light-toned or natural wood pieces near windows to reflect and diffuse light into the room.
Plants also play a huge role in this aesthetic. No need to create a jungle in your space! Just one or two well-placed specimens will do. A trailing ivy in a hanging clay pot or a robust rubber plant in a ceramic basin can already fill a corner with so much life.
3. Choose Function Above All
Japandi home design also puts focus on function. When you buy furniture, it shouldn’t just be about looks; each piece must serve a purpose. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be multifunctional, but they should be intentional. For example, a bench near the entrance can hold shoes underneath and coats on a rack above it. Alternatively, a low shelf in the living room could store books and also serve as a seat with a cushion.
This principle becomes even more important in smaller homes. Japandi style suits the practical needs of these small spaces, with its emphasis on compact, well-made pieces that blend seamlessly into the home’s overall aesthetic.
4. Bring In Materials That Breathe
As you continue to build your space, pay attention to the materials you bring in. Both Japanese and Scandinavian traditions place great value on craftsmanship. They also lean towards natural materials, such as soft woods like pine and ash, textiles like linen and wool, and durable accents in stone or clay.
Additionally, look for pieces with visible grain, such as hand-thrown ceramics or woven baskets made from natural fibres. Even on a modest budget, you can often find quality items in vintage shops, local markets, or charity shops. A second-hand pine chest of drawers with a bit of sanding and beeswax fits the Japandi theme perfectly and can outshine anything new.
5. Embrace Wabi-Sabi and Imperfection
Equally important is embracing wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. In a world of uniform, glossy finishes, something is grounding about an uneven ceramic bowl or a scratch on an old wooden bench.
This also means you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve a certain look. Your home might already have items you need—you just need to use them in a different way! For example, an old wooden ladder might be repurposed as a towel rack, or a chipped plate might be used to hold keys by the door.
If you must buy something new, consider longevity and quality. Choose solid items that will last for years. And don’t worry if things aren’t matchy-matchy. In Japandi, it’s more important that things work together in spirit rather than in visuals.
6. Colour with Restraint
When it comes to colour, Japandi relies on restraint that’s grounded in nature. While that often means neutrals, it doesn’t mean boring. Thus, while white walls are common in Japandi homes, you can also try soft grey or mushroom beige for a warmer look. These hues work especially well in the softer light of a British afternoon.
Moreover, “natural” doesn’t always mean beige. Wood, for instance, comes in hundreds of shades. Linen can also be off-white, charcoal, or moss green. Moreover, when used properly, colour can become a stunning study in contrast. Olive green cushions can be the highlight of a cream sofa, and a navy-blue teapot against an ash wood tray draws the eye with subtle sophistication.
7. Sustainable Choices Matter
Lastly, consider the ethics of your decor. Japandi design rejects waste, favouring long-lasting, responsibly sourced pieces and avoiding overproduction. Unfortunately, many cheap imitations have sprung up on the high street, mass-producing “Japandi” decor that often ends up in landfill.
As mentioned, if your budget is tight, consider sourcing items from second-hand shops or antique markets. British charity shops are full of gems: teak sideboards, woollen blankets, handmade pottery. Not only does this approach save money, but it also supports the true ethos of Japandi: thoughtful, slow, and sustainable living.
Wrap up
In the end, Japandi is more than a look. It’s a lifestyle that invites calm and consideration into your home. Moreover, it asks you to pause before you buy, to think about how a space feels, not just how it looks.
Whether you live in a new-build flat or a Victorian terrace, Japandi can work for you. With patience, a respect for natural materials, and a focus on function, your home can become a sanctuary that reflects both simplicity and soul.
