Rarely does a new decor trend take the design world by storm as much and as quickly as Japandi has. A fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian aesthetics, Japandi continues to rise in popularity for the minimalist yet warm feel it brings to our homes. Although Japanese and Scandinavian styles evolved at different times and 5,000 miles apart, the two are both favoured because of their emphasis on natural light and the value they place in using natural materials. Read on to learn more about Japandi, plus other hybrid design styles that we think would pair well together.
What is Japani, and why do the styles work well together?
While Japandi may be a new hybrid design trend, the two styles have long been intertwined. The ties between Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design began over 150 years ago when Danish architects and designers began travelling to Japan in search of new inspiration, in turn adopting elements of Japanese style into Scandinavian design. Their mutual respect for quality craftsmanship, natural materials (namely wood) and simple, function-driven spaces are what allow the two styles to work well together.
How to achieve Japandi style at home
Use these three principles as a guide to help introduce Japandi style at home.
1. Make minimalism your priority. The key to mastering a room with Japandi style is to focus on minimalism. Clear clutter, avoid unnecessary ornamentation and choose furniture with simple, streamlined profiles.
2. Work in wood. Spaces with plenty of natural wood are revered in both Japanese and Scandinavian style (especially light oak wood), so it makes sense that Japandi would have this same appreciation for the material.
3. Be selective with colour. One of the biggest differences between Japanese and Scandinavian style is their use of colour: Nordic designs are characterized by a mix of light neutral hues with pops of pastel, while Japanese design is known for its richer colour tones (think deeper blues, greens, browns and blacks). To bring Japandi style home, subtly work in elements of each nature-based palette.
Our picks for styles that fuse well together
Drawing inspiration from Japandi’s fusion of styles, we’ve compiled our own list of design styles we think work well together.
Mod-Deco (Mid-Century modern and Art Deco)
A geometric rug captures Art Deco style, while a brass pendant adds mid-century flair in our Halcyon model home.
Both Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern design emerged during the first half of the twentieth century, with Art Deco taking hold during the Roaring Twenties and Mid-Century Modern popularized decades later in the 1940s. And while the two styles do share a few marked differences — Mid-Century Modern is decidedly more organic and understated, while Art Deco is characterized by lavish ornamentation — they also have a lot in common that makes them well-suited as a pairing. To create a home that has a Mod-Deco style, incorporate polished and brushed metals into your home (both styles favoured brass) and don’t shy away from bold colours or a high-drama colour palette. Mid-Century Modern is known for its use deep greens, mustards and oranges, and Art Deco champions regal hues like emerald green and peacock blue.
Glamian (Glam and Bohemian)
Often associated with old Hollywood, Glam decor is the embodiment of luxury with a pleasing mixture of soft textures, statement pieces and a sophisticated palette of both earth-based hues and rich jewel tones. Bohemian style falls on the other side of the decor spectrum, often considered to be a carefree mishmash of objects that work together to bring interest and life to a home. And while these two design styles are complete opposites, it’s their differences that bring them together for Glamian decor. To create a Glamian-style space, start by taking your cues from Bohemian style and incorporate pieces that bring you joy, then work in a few lush textures, jewel tones and statement pieces to give it a Glam edge. The result is a space that’s both worldly and grounded at the same time.
Globectic (Global and Eclectic)
Much like Japandi style, Global and Eclectic decor goes hand-in-hand. Global style artfully blends unique worldly finds, while Eclectic decor finds joy in juxtaposition. To bring Globectic style home, start with an earthy palette and bring it to life with an array of spice-inspired colours (like ginger, cinnamon and cayenne), then work in worldly patterns (like a Moroccan rug) and pair it with any unusual artwork or decorative pieces you may have. The trick to mastering Globectic style is to be unabashedly bold when decorating, and not to spend too much time fussing over how contrasting colours or elements will work together in a room — this style is meant to be one-of-a-kind.
Images courtesy of Architectural Digest (all Japandi); Modsy (Glamian home); The Spruce (Globectic home).