What is Japandi Style? (And How to Bring it Into Your Home)

There’s something about Japandi style that just feels right. It’s simple but warm, minimal but never cold. A mix of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design, this interior design style is all about balance – clean lines, natural materials, and a lived-in feel that’s both practical and beautiful. If your style leans towards minimalism but you still want warmth and character, Japandi might be exactly what you’re looking for.

What is Japandi Style?

At its heart, Japandi interior design brings together the best of both worlds. The Japanese influence introduces wabi-sabi, a philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and nature’s raw textures. 

The Scandi side brings hygge, that cosy, inviting quality that makes a house feel like a home. Together, they create spaces that feel calm, uncluttered, and timeless.

So, if you’re looking to design a home with Japandi influences, here are our best tips to get started. 

How to Bring Japandi Style Into Your Home

Keep it Natural

Japandi spaces are deeply connected to nature. That means raw, organic textures and high-quality natural materials that age beautifully. Wood, stone, linen, and rattan all play a part in softening the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Shop the look – Alma Cameron Meteor Grey Basin

In the bathroom, a concrete basin brings an earthy, sculptural feel, while a granite sink in the kitchen adds natural depth and texture. Wooden cabinet handles are an easy way to introduce warmth against sleek surfaces.

Japandi is the opposite of excess, focusing on choosing well-made, functional pieces that create a sense of ease in your space.

Stick to a Soft, Neutral Palette

Japandi interiors don’t rely on bold colors. Instead, the color palette is rooted in neutral colours – think soft whites, warm beige, muted greys, and earthy tones. These shades create a sense of calm and make the space feel open and airy.

Contrast is important, but in a subtle, intentional way. A black accent here and there keeps things grounded – something like matte black tapware in the bathroom or a black kitchen sink in the kitchen adds depth without overpowering the space.

A black kitchen sink is a great way to add contrast. SHOP NOW.

Prioritise Functionality Over Clutter

One of the biggest differences between Japandi and other interior design styles is its focus on practicality. Everything should have a purpose. There’s no excess, no overcrowded shelves – just thoughtfully chosen pieces that are built to last.

A coffee table with storage, open shelving that keeps things organised, or a simple sideboard in natural wood all fit within this aesthetic. The key is craftsmanship – furniture should be well-made, with clean lines and an understated elegance that stands the test of time.

Let in Natural Light

Good lighting can make or break a Japandi space. Natural light is always the priority, softening the room and highlighting the different textures at play. 

Instead of heavy drapes, opt for sheer linen curtains or lightweight blinds that let the light filter through. If privacy is a concern, go for light-filtering shades that still keep the space feeling open.

When the sun goes down, warm, diffused lighting is the way to go. A well-placed lamp with a simple, Scandinavian-style shade adds just the right amount of softness without disrupting the clean aesthetic.

Natural light plays beautifully with Japandi style, like soft colours in the kitchen paired with a white granite sink. 

Layer in Texture and Greenery

With a minimalist design, texture is what makes a space feel inviting. Soft textiles like linen throws, wool rugs, or woven rattan pieces add warmth without adding clutter. A few well-placed ceramic vases, a textured wall hanging, or a sculptural lamp bring in depth without overpowering the simplicity of the space.

Plants also play a role in Japandi living. Greenery connects the indoors with nature and adds a fresh contrast to the muted color palette. Stick to simple, elegant plants – think a small bonsai, a potted olive tree, or a single leafy stem in a handmade ceramic vase.

Shop Japandi Style at Buildmat

Bringing Japandi style into your home starts with the right materials. A concrete bathroom basin or granite sink adds natural texture, while wooden cabinet handles bring warmth. For contrast, black tapware and a black kitchen sink create depth, while white fixtures keep things light and minimal. 

Explore Buildmat’s home collections today and start creating a space that feels effortless, balanced, and beautifully Japandi.