Japandi Design – A Perfect Balance of Function and Beauty
1.9.23

Japandi Design – A Perfect Balance of Function and Beauty

Japandi interior design has been gaining in popularity in recent years as more and more people are looking for ways to bring a sense of calm into their homes. Japandi interior design is a blend of Japanese style and Scandinavian design principles that results in a minimal, yet warm and inviting aesthetic. Keep reading to learn more about this trend and how you can incorporate Japandi style into your own home.

Stewart-Schafer Japandi interior design renovation

What is Japandi Design?

Japandi design takes the best elements of Japanese and Scandinavian styles to create a look that is both stylish and functional. Japanese design is known for its simplicity and sparsity, while Scandinavian design is all about coziness and functionality. Japandi brings these two together to create design styles that are both beautiful and livable.

Some of the key elements of Japandi style include:

  • Clean lines
  • Natural materials
  • Simple line art
  • A focus on simplicity
  • A neutral color palette
  • Minimal furnishings
  • A focus on function over form
Japandi kitchen design renovation

History of Japandi Interior Design

Hybrid Japandi style has been around for a long time, but has gained popularity in recent years. Japandi style started years ago when Danish designers were first able to visit Japan. Although they are two distinct styles, the Danish designers were quickly inspired by the minimalism and simplicity of Japanese interiors and design, and would often incorporate these elements into their own work. It wasn’t until much later that Scandinavian designers began to blend these two styles together to create what is now known as Japandi interior design.

Benefits to Japandi Style

Beyond the superior aesthetics of the Japandi style, there are also numerous health benefits associated with Japandi interiors. The minimalism of this style can help reduce stress, improve mental health, foster a better sleeping environment, and even make it easier to focus. This is due to the fact that Japandi design encourages homeowners to declutter their homes, eliminating distractions and creating a calming atmosphere. Additionally, since the style makes use of natural elements like plants and wood, these can also have positive effects on your mental health as they bring more oxygen into your home.

How to Achieve the Japandi Style

Japandi design can be used in any space in your home. The key is to keep the look intentional, simple and uncluttered using a combination of soft textiles and minimalist principles.

1. Start with a blank canvas: The first step to achieving Japandi design styles is to declutter your home and get rid of any unnecessary knick-knacks or pieces of furniture. Start with a clean slate so you can really make this style your own; this includes starting with a neutral palette of whites, grays, and earth tones for walls and larger furnishings like sofas and chairs.

2. Mix natural materials: Wood, stone, plants, and other natural materials are key to achieving the Japandi look. Incorporate as many different textures as possible to give your space visual interest.

3. Stick to a neutral color palette: Whites, beiges, blacks, and other neutral colors are foundational to the Japandi aesthetic. Use these colors throughout your space, from the walls, to the flooring to the japandi furniture and decor, as this will lend to the minimalist look. You will rely largely on natural light to bring light into the home, so keep the walls bright and airy.

4. Choose minimal furnishings: When it comes to a Japandi living room, less is definitely more. Stick to simple pieces that serve multiple functions so you can really maximize your space, as interiors favor functionality. And don’t forget about storage! Built-ins or discreet storage solutions will help you achieve the clean look you’re going for.

5. Introduce greenery: Incorporate elements from your natural surroundings: plants are a great way to add life (literally!) to your space while sticking to the natural theme of Japandi design. Choose fewer but bigger plants which are low-maintenance plants that won’t require too much watering or care so you can enjoy them without having to put in too much work.

6. Focus on function over form: Remember, one of the key principles of Japandi design is function over form. This means that each element in your space should serve a purpose . Whether it’s providing storage, creating visual interest, or simply making your space more inviting, every element should have a purpose.

7. Embrace imperfections: One of the things that makes Japandi design so special is its focus on wrinkles , knots ,and other “imperfections” in natural materials like wood . Embracing these imperfections helps create a sense of warmth and character in your space .

For even more personalizing touches to complete your Japandi look, consider adding traditional pieces or decorative elements such as hand-crafted ceramics, vintage kimonos, origami artworks, or soft lighting fixtures that capture the essence of Japan. Together with natural materials like bamboo and wood these elements will add warmth and texture to your home—creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. With the right combination of materials, colors and furnishings, you can achieve a calming yet stylish Japandi look in any space.

Japandi living room design with blue design hues

Nyack New York House Renovation: Stewart-Schäfer

A recent project of Stewart-Schäfer's is the home in Nyack, New York that was transformed using Japandi style. The home was originally built in the 80's and had a good structure, however the owners wanted something that was able to accommodate their growing family with the ability to entertain family and friends, including a renovated first level. Using Japandi style design elements including using the house's abundance of natural light, we were able to create a living space for our client where functionality meets simplicity. If you would like to know more about our Nyack project, please click here.


Overall, the Japandi style is a perfect balance of Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics that creates an inviting, comfortable space without compromising on form or function. As Japandi style focuses on simplicity and minimalism, this style can help reduce stress and create a calming atmosphere for your home.  With the right combination of materials, colors and furnishings, you can achieve a beautiful Japandi look in any space.

If you are interested in knowing more about Japandi interior design, please reach out. By using Stewart-Schäfer's experienced design team to help bring your vision for a Japandi style home to life, you can rest assured that our interior designers will design your space with functionality and with the right pieces and attention to detail. We can truly transform any space in your house into one that is both beautiful and livable.

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