Search interest in this style has surged in recent months—and interestingly, it was already trending a couple of seasons ago. That’s why, at
Behind Pictures, today we want to talk about the style that’s taking the interior design world by storm:
Japandi style.
What is Japandi style?
Japandi style is the natural
fusion between Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. Both design philosophies are defined by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. The result of blending these two cultures? A decor trend built on
clean, minimalist, and light-filled interiors that still feel warm and inviting, thanks to the subtle imperfections inherited from
wabi-sabi.
Key elements of Japandi style
As mentioned, this style is a hybrid of traditional Japanese zen aesthetics and the warmth of Scandinavian interiors. In fact,
Japandi is more of a philosophy than just a design style, one that finds beauty in imperfection. It emphasizes
natural, unprocessed materials and
handcrafted decor. Here are some of the essential keys to Japandi style:
Minimalism as the foundation
Minimalism is arguably the most important feature of Japandi style. In both Scandinavian and Japanese design,
functionality and lightness of form are essential. That’s why
Japandi interiors avoid unnecessary elements—every object serves a purpose. Furniture features
clean lines, and spaces are kept open and uncluttered.
Color palette
When it comes to color, there’s more flexibility. If you lean toward a Nordic look, you can opt for
neutral tones—though not the stark white typical of Scandinavian interiors. On the other hand, Japanese aesthetics tend to favor
slightly bolder yet still natural wall colors. The ultimate goal is to create
a calm and comfortable atmosphere, so it’s best to use soothing tones on walls and introduce
subtle color accents in details.
Materials
One of the foundations of Japandi style is a love for
natural and handcrafted elements. The materials used are typically rooted in local traditions and craftsmanship, including:
- Bamboo
- Rattan
- Light woods
- Ceramics
- Rice paper
- Linen
- High-quality natural materials, such as solid wood
All of these materials are presented in their most natural state to create a
warm and comfortable environment enriched by handcrafted imperfections.
Plants
Plants are an
essential element in Japandi interiors. This doesn’t mean turning your home into a jungle—instead, they are used as subtle accents. Rather than many plants, the focus is on
a few carefully chosen, high-quality pieces that add elegance and simplicity to the space.
How to achieve Japandi style in your home
After the pandemic, we’ve all realized the importance of turning
our homes into spaces of comfort and calm—something reflected in both
2021 decor trends and
2022 trends. At Behind Pictures, we specialize in architecture, design, and
creating 3D renders. Here are the key tips to help you bring Japandi style into your home:
Open and connected spaces
As mentioned earlier,
minimalism and simplicity are at the heart of Japandi style. The best way to achieve this is by opening up spaces and carefully selecting furniture that is
simple, elegant, and functional. Don’t forget that
natural light plays a key role, so arrange your layout to enhance it.
Don’t be afraid of empty spaces—choose only the essentials and avoid unnecessary decoration. In Japandi, the rule is
“quality over quantity”.
Bringing nature indoors
As we’ve seen, nature is essential in Japandi style.
Choose a few tall plants with elegant leaves, and don’t forget the pot—make sure it aligns with the overall aesthetic and adds warmth to the space.
Natural colors
Natural tones dominate Japandi interiors, so we recommend opting for
soft, muted, and earthy shades (beige and brown are always safe choices). You can also incorporate fresher tones like soft pinks or greens, as long as they remain subtle. You can introduce
stronger colors in small accents, as long as they don’t disrupt the overall harmony of the space.
Behind Pictures, your 3D rendering studio in Barcelona
What do you think of Japandi style? If you’d like this calm, cozy, and balanced atmosphere to take over your home, don’t hesitate to
get in touch with us and share your idea. Our
team will create a fully personalized project so your home reflects Japandi style in every room.
Behind Pictures—your 3D rendering studio in Barcelona! 
