If you love calm, neutral interiors with natural elements and minimal styling – then perhaps you’re familiar with Japandi design. It’s a new-to-me term and I loved scouring the internet for great examples to share today (in case it’s new to you, too). I’ve also gathered a few elements and ideas to help you craft the Japandi design style in your own home. Here’s how to get the look.
What is Japandi Design?
Japanese + Scandinavian elements blend together to create this interior design style. In essence, Japandi design aims to be simple, natural, neutral, sustainable, and comfortable. It’s also about the atmosphere; the space should help you relax and unwind. Sounds great, right? Here are a few images of Japandi in action. Look for a ton of natural light, neutral colors, plenty of natural wood elements, plants, comfy decor, and clean lines. Plus, don’t miss this fabulous Japandi-style home tour, which features the home in the first image below.
Read More About Our DIY House Updates
Favorite Behr White Paint Colors
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Read More About Our DIY House Updates
Favorite Behr White Paint Colors
Closet Door Ideas to Update Any Room
How to Apply Gold Leaf to Glass Decor
Trends in Cabinet Hardware
Architectural Details That Add Japandi Style
Natural light is an anchor element of Japandi design. If you can open windows and doors, let the outside in, or just make the most of natural light in your space, that’s goal #1. Light isn’t something you can easily change in an existing space, but a trick to help your space feel more open and airy is to declutter. Minimalism is a key component of Japandi design anyway, so less is better. (Easier said than done, I know!)
Another major focus is natural wood. Looking beyond furniture and decor, architectural wood details add a ton of character and texture. I’m not talking about 1980’s wood paneling (although my basement has that look NAILED), but unfinished or light-colored wood instead.
To add Japandi style, you could consider installing natural wood features or a wall treatment. This headboard wall installation would be fairly simple – just nail up thin wood slats. These slats are even pre-cut and finished.
Or create a ceiling statement. This image is actually from the AllModern website (for the fan), but I noticed the ceiling would be perfect in a Japandi design. You could recreate a similar effect with thin wood slats, or look for a sheet product like this beadboard.
Honestly, you could also just hang a few of these bamboo beaded curtains on the wall and get a similar effect.
Keep Colors Light and Neutral
For a Japandi aesthetic, stick to light and neutral colors on the walls. These are some of the most popular white paint colors from three top brands. Even if your budget for updates is tight, it’s always fairly affordable to slap a fresh coat of paint on the wall.
> My Favorite Behr White Paint Colors <
Cultivate Your Jungalow Style
Houseplants are key to the Japandi design style. Sculpted fiddle-leaf fig trees or snake plants are the perfect statement plants for this look. If you can’t keep those alive, try a faux version. If you’re sick of fig trees, try a faux olive tree instead. Succulents also fit nicely in the Japandi style.
Faux Options if You Have a Brown Thumb:
Read More About Our DIY House Updates
Favorite Behr White Paint Colors
Closet Door Ideas to Update Any Room
How to Apply Gold Leaf to Glass Decor
Trends in Cabinet Hardware
Bring in Natural Elements
Plants are central, but natural elements can also show up in your furniture and other decor. Wicker, rattan, and bamboo are a perfect fit, along with jute or seagrass rugs. I found this rattan mirror at HomeGoods (similar), which still sparks joy in my boho-loving heart.
Artwork can reflect Japandi style as well. This framed photo from Valerie Tyler Collection is a great example, arranged with a cozy bed, wicker chair, neutral colors, and simple plants. (You can purchase her print here, if you love it as much as I do!)
More Ideas for Natural Materials and Artwork:
Make Your Space Cozy and Comfortable
Low, plush furniture is part of the cultivated Japandi style, but don’t run out and replace your sofa or bed. Just add some throws and pillows to boost the cozy factor. A floor pouf or two also fits nicely. We love this one, which I bought at Target last year. It’s such a huge hit with my kids that I’m rarely allowed to use it. More ideas are in this recent post:
> Affordable and Cozy Home Decor Ideas <
Japandi-Style Textiles: Poufs, Pillows, and Throws:
One last note: I wrote this post last year about my favorite Turkish towels, which are a natural fit with Japandi design. Neutral, classy, and timeless, it’s no wonder they are a favorite textile in the design world. Read more here:
> My Favorite Affordable Turkish Towels <
And that’s a wrap! If you’re like me, now you’ll start noticing Japandi style everywhere you look.
More Decor + DIY Inspo From List in Progress
1 – Easy DIY Wax Melts to Make Your Home Smell Great
2 – Affordable (and Free!) Ideas for Fall Decor
3 – My Favorite Affordable Turkish Towels
4 – A “Work in Progress” Home Tour
