16 Expert-Approved Ways to Design a Japandi-Style Interior (2024)

Published on Sep 27, 2022

• Kristin Bartone is the creative director and principal designer of Bartone Interiors, an interior design firm based in North Carolina.
• Eilla Pradier is the principal designer of Eilla Adi Design, an interior design firm based in California.

Fill Your Palette With Earthy Neutrals

Japanese and Scandinavian design share a love of nature and pared-down color, so filling your palette with earthy neutrals is a natural choice.

“Traditionally, Japandi style focuses on neutral base colors with black as the primary accent color,” Bartone says. “Japandi is also heavily inspired by nature, so earthy tones, such as browns, greens, and beige, are often incorporated into the furnishings and accessories.”

Let in Lots of Light

Japandi design loves a light-filled interior, so let in all the natural light you can, and supplement with lamps wherever needed.

“Japandi style utilizes natural lighting where possible,” Bartone says. “Floor lamps that light up dark corners of the room are common, and metallic fixtures are popular.”

Stock Up on Natural Materials

When outfitting your home, stick to natural materials and layer them to create a textured, dynamic space. “Wood, bamboo, hemp, and other organic materials are very popular in Japandi interior design,” Bartone says. The materials are natural, sustainable, and incredibly striking—making them perfect for any Japandi interior.

Experiment With Symmetry

Japanese design is known for clean lines and symmetrical layouts, so as you design your space, play with symmetry.

“The design style takes the earthy, rounded elements of Scandinavian design and throws in the more symmetric and linear approach found in Japanese design,” Eilla Pradier, principal designer of Eilla Adi Design, says.

Keep Your Lines Clean

One of Bartone’s favorite ways to design a Japandi interior? “Maintain clean lines throughout,” she says. Since both Japanese and Scandinavian design love crisp lines and well-defined shapes, the choice will give you a clean canvas to work with—leaving you plenty of room to layer in soft textures and organic elements.

Layer Cozy Textures

“Mixing together different textures is a great way to incorporate Japandi style into your home,” Bartone says. Why? Scandinavian design gets its cozy feel from plush pillows and soft blankets, and Japanese design makes the most of natural materials, like wood and bamboo. By layering these textures, you can nod to both styles—while creating a space that feels cozy and dynamic.

Play With Color Contrast

Though Japandi design boasts a pared-down palette, the style is big on color contrast. The key? Keep that color contrast subtle.

“Use contrasting elements in a more innate and simplistic way,” Pradier says. “Instead of having a grand gesture of a black focal wall mixed with an all-white interior, create a serene organic setting with isolated pops of black or grounding color.”

Embrace Curves and Organic Shapes

Scandinavian design is big on curves, so naturally, Japandi design makes plenty of space for round edges, curved shapes, and other sculptural forms.

“Scandinavian décor is vibrant in natural tones, curved details, and soft textiles,” Pradier says. “Japandi décor holds those elements, but throws in a mix of symmetry, deeper colors, and straight lines.”

Open Up Your Floor Plan

When it comes to Japandi design, Bartone has some simple advice. “The more bright and open the better,” she says. Avoid bulky furniture, keep wall décor to a minimum, and let the light streaming through your windows flow seamlessly from room to room.

Cut Down on Clutter

Minimalism is a major part of both Japanese and Scandinavian design, so it’s a core tenant of Japandi design, as well. “Japandi-style homes are decluttered and have a mostly neutral palette with pops of color here and there,” Bartone says. So resist the temptation to stock up on furniture and decor. Instead, focus on what you need—and get rid of anything extra.

Let the Outdoors In

Japandi design has a deep reverence for nature. As you outfit your home, look for ways to let the outdoors in. Make use of natural materials, add lush plants to bare corners, and leave your windows unobstructed—letting in lots of light and capturing clear views of the outdoors.

“Japandi style is the perfect combination of both minimalism and nature, creating the perfect mindful sanctuary,” Bartone says.

Go All in on Wood

Wood is a classic material to use in any interior, but it’s particularly big in Japandi design. “Wood—both dark and light—is perhaps the most common choice for Japandi decor,” Bartone says.

Balance Straight and Sculptural Pieces

Keep your space feeling balanced by pairing Scandi design’s curves with Japanese design’s signature straight lines. “The mix of straight and rigid surfaces with curved elements or lighting really adds richness to Japandi style,” Pradier says. Pair your curviest couches and most sculptural light fixtures with sleek shelves, benches, and tables.

Sprinkle in Soft Accents

Above all else, Scandinavian design is known for being cozy, so be sure to add plenty of hygge to your Japandi interior.

“Textures are often mixed together to add depth, especially in rooms such as the bedroom,” Bartone says. “Think: warm blankets, pillows, and throws in neutral earthy colors. It inspires instant relaxation and grounding.”

Make Sustainable Choices

Design isn’t just about choosing pretty pieces. It’s about creating a space that evokes certain feelings and reflects certain values. Since Japandi style is so focused on honoring nature, Bartone recommends keeping sustainability in mind as you decorate.

“If you truly want to incorporate this design style into your home, ensure you choose organic and sustainable products and materials where possible,” she says.

Use Décor to Bring Your Space Together

When combining two distinct styles, balance can be tough to achieve. But the right décor makes it easier. “Really tune in the opposition in the design style,” Pradier says. “Décor can also go a long way in adding pieces that contrast the colors and sculptural forms used in the space.”

Make your cozy living room sleeker by cutting down on clutter and snagging clean-lined furniture, and soften your minimalist dining room with plush cushions, colorful candles, and a pop of fresh greenery.