'Japandi': Why Japanese-meets-Scandi design is taking over the internet
design
Published 16th November 2022
Written by Hanna Pham, CNN
The cozy cleanliness of Scandinavian interiors and the minimalist beauty of traditional Japanese decor have made them both staples of modern home design. Now, there's a growing trend combining the two: "Japandi."
Google searches for the term jumped dramatically in the winter of 2020, as people around the world redesigned their homes amid Covid-19 lockdowns. Interest has risen steadily ever since, according to data from Google Trends.
"I think a lot of people were looking for a style that is relaxing," said Laila Rietbergen, author of the new book "Japandi Living" in an email interview. "The serene and calming aesthetics of Japandi style and the craftsmanship items that are more durable fits perfectly within these needs."
An earthern tea pot sits on a sleek wooden table designed by Woodchuck, styled by Tinta. Credit: Wij Zijn Kees
Zeitgeisty as it seems, this design fusion dates to the 1860s, said Rietbergen. She traces the aesthetic's roots to Danish naval lieutenant William Carstensen, who visited Japan as the country opened up after two centuries of self-isolation. It was his book "Japan's Capital and the Japanese" that first compelled Danish designers to travel to Japan, where they discovered that both cultures treasured simplicity and natural beauty, Rietbergen said.
Fast-forward to today, contemporary interior designers are rediscovering commonalities in the penchant for neutral tones, natural materials and minimalist decor.
7 homes that blend perfectly with natureAs well as offering practical tips for readers, Rietbergen's book presents dozens of photos of immaculate Japandi-style homes. As cozy as they are sleek, the living spaces are decorated with delicate paper lamps and inviting cream couches handcrafted by Scandinavian designers.
A delicate paper latern complements a neat bookshelf, designed by Norm Architects. Credit: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
In one, a sleek kitchen peeks out to reveal clutter-free light brown cabinets that complement the dining room's wheat and tawny tones. A plant adds a pop of green to the room. Rietbergen says both Scandinavian and Japanese design emphasize the importance of nature, not only through colors like light browns, tans and soft whites, but also by using materials like linen and wood to construct an atmosphere of tranquility.
Hygge and wabi-sabi
The key to Japandi design is creating something that is subtly decorated without feeling empty — somewhere that is elegant but where you can "feel at home and relaxed," said Rietbergen, whose Instagram page @japandi.interior boasts nearly 450,000 followers.
Doing so revolves around two design principles: "hygge," a Danish and Norwegian term that relates to feeling of coziness and warmth, and "wabi-sabi," the Japanese concept of accepting imperfections.
'My essential Nordic design': The Scandinavian creations designers couldn't live withoutTo achieve either, it is essential to declutter, said Rietbergen, citing Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo whose home organization methods became a global phenomenon following the success of her Netflix show, "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo." Rietbergen, like Kondo, recommends treating tidying less as a chore and more a celebration — and a chance to reflect on whether the items around you make you happy.
Japandi style also celebrates craftmanship, whether it's Isamu Noguchi's delicate light sculptures or furniture by Carl Hansen, whose wishbone chairs sell for thousands of dollars. But Rietbergen stresses that the aesthetic can also be achieved by those decorating on a budget. After all, she says, it is a philosophy guided by the belief that "less is more."
Low, soft white tables designed by Woodchuck pair with tan tones and an indoor tree, styled by Tinta. Credit: Wij Zijn Kees
Rather than purchasing cheap mass-produced furniture that won't last, Rietbergen suggests buying second-hand while saving up for those few standout pieces you can cherish for years. And, in any case, the beauty of Japandi design is that there are no strict criteria to follow, the author added.
"Every home and Japandi style interpretation is different," she said. "It is really important to dare to make your own choices. Your home isn't a showroom and should not be a copy paste of something you have seen. An important part is to add personal elements and items."
"Japandi Living," Norm Architects, Kinuta Terrace, photographed by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen. Credit: Credit: Cocoon
Top image: Interiors by MENU Space.
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FAQs
While both Japandi and Scandi design styles emphasize simplicity and minimalism, the Japandi style often incorporates more elements of traditional Japanese design, such as intricate patterns and textures. Scandinavian kitchens, on the other hand, tend to have clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
Why is Japandi style important? ›
The goal of the Japandi interior style is to promote calm, balance, and tranquility within an organic yet refined environment. It combines Japanese harmony and ritual with scandinavian hygge to create peaceful, inspiring everyday living spaces needing little to achieve balance.
Is Japandi here to stay? ›
Artem adds that Japandi's emphasis on wellness and serenity guarantees it's here to stay in 2024. Because it prioritizes a clean, clutter-free space and integrates eco-friendly elements, the minimalistic aesthetic will continue to adapt with our lifestyles.
What is Japanese Scandinavian design style? ›
Japandi is a fusion interior style that combines functional, Scandinavian design with Japanese minimalism. In Japandi quality craftsmanship is combined with carefully selected objects, clean lines & sparse house plants.
Why is Scandinavian style so popular? ›
Scandinavian design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter.
What is Scandinavian design often confused with? ›
The terms “Scandinavian design” and “Nordic design” are often used interchangeably—until you're talking to someone from Finland or Iceland, that is. Here, we dig into the subtle differences between these two geographic terms and the design ethos that applies to each—and both.
Why do people like Scandinavian design? ›
Scandinavian interior design emerged in the 20th century and stands among the most popular interior design styles in America today. Its focuses on simplicity and coziness are two of the many facets that inspire homeowners to this day.
What are the facts about Japandi? ›
Japandi, as the name suggests, is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian styles. It is influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a way of life which values slow-living, contentment and simplicity, as well as the Scandinavian practice of hygge, which embraces comfort, cosiness and wellbeing.
What are the rules for Japandi design? ›
What are the rules for Japandi design? Japandi focuses on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. It's all about using natural materials, muted color palettes, clean lines, and creating a balance between comfort and practicality.
Is Japandi out of style? ›
One newcomer that's proving to have a lasting quality is Japandi, a minimalist style blending Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian hygge. The style was the top trending design style in 2022 and it appears to stick around in 2023, as more and more people are adopting it, according to our analysis of Google search data.
According to Japandi Living by Laila Rietbergen, published by Lanoo, the style's origins trace back to the 1860s. A Danish naval lieutenant, William Carstensen, sailed to Tokyo (then called Edo) to explore the country, whose borders had opened just 10 years earlier. He developed an obsession with their culture.
Who created Japandi style? ›
Origins and History of Japandi
At the heart of japandi is the relationship of influence between Denmark and Japan that began almost 150 years ago when Danish creatives started travelling to Japan searching for new inspiration.
What is the difference between Japanese Zen and Japandi? ›
While Zen style draws inspiration from Buddhist principles and focuses on minimalism and natural materials, Japandi style combines Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies, embracing clean lines and warm minimalism with a touch of traditional craftsmanship.
What is the difference between wabi-sabi and Japandi? ›
“Wabi-sabi is based on traditional Japanese aesthetic and world view philosophy, while Japandi is the design movement consisting of both Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavian hygge philosophy,” she explains. Wabi-sabi can be understood as a part of Japandi interiors, but also its own unique doctrine.
What is another name for Japandi? ›
Japandi, Scandinese or Japanordic, whatever you choose to call it, this latest hybrid trend effortlessly combines the best bits of two favoured design cultures.
What defines Scandi? ›
Scandinavia is comprised of three Northern European countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. While some people mistakenly include Finland and Iceland in this definition as well, they're not actually Scandi. They are considered Nordic countries, however, along with the three Scandinavian countries.
What style is similar to Japandi? ›
Although Japandi style and Scandinavian style share many similarities, such as their focus on minimalism and use of natural materials, they also have some key differences in their aesthetics.
What is the difference between Scandi and Nordic style? ›
Understanding the differences can help you curate your ideal living space. Scandi design emphasizes minimalism and functionality. Nordic design embraces handcrafted tradition and coziness. Their origins and cultural influences shape their unique characteristics.
What is Scandi fashion? ›
Five years ago, as Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) began to take off and brands like Saks Potts, Cecilie Bahnsen and Ganni entered the mainstream, there was a fixed idea of Scandi fashion, with bright colours, gingham, heavy patterns and puffed-up sleeves. Today, Scandi fashion is harder to pin down.
