Engel & Völkers Licence Partner Vila Nova de Gaia > Blog > Japandi - the best of two worlds

Japandi - the best of two worlds

The melodious term "Japandi" refers to a currently very trendy interior style that we think has what it takes to become a classic.

The name is a combination of "Jap", derived from the word "Japan", and "andi", taken from the term "Scandi", the abbreviation of "Scandinavian". In this sense, Japandi harmoniously combines stylistic elements from the Far North with Japanese design from the Far East.

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- Japandi - der Kombi-Interior-Trend mit Designelementen aus Skandinavien und Japan. Im neuen Blog lernen Sie ihn kennen!

Attributes of the Scandinavian furnishing style

Typical of Scandi design is a friendly look characterised by light woods and clear forms. It is rather minimalist in essence, but without appearing impersonal or cool. 

This living atmosphere is achieved by an informal arrangement of the furniture pieces in the room - they are often moved away from the walls - and by decorating with pleasant colours and cosy accessories.

What characterises Japanese design

When entering a Japanese-furnished room, you are immediately immersed in a very special atmosphere. It is the reduced aesthetic, characterised by dark woods and the colour black, which creates this exclusive atmosphere.

Natural raw materials such as bamboo, jute, straw or paper are used in a wide variety of combinations. Flexible room concepts are created by almost transparent sliding walls and screens. Despite providing the desired privacy, these allow daylight in and preserve contact with the surrounding nature, which is important for the mindful spirit of the Japanese. 

Japanese furniture and also everyday objects are made with the greatest care, which gives them a particularly valuable appearance. The Japanese respect their home and honour it. They would never enter it wearing street shoes, for example. 

How the two design styles are combined

Due to their characteristics, it is possible to combine the two furnishing styles in a harmonious way. In this way, Japandi gracefully brings together what is inspiringly complementary.

Japan prefers darker colours, while Scandinavia is dominated by lighter shades. Japandi uses a subtle colour palette of earthy but clear natural tones. The combination with black creates a strong counterpart, but without the harshness of a sharp contrast. Because contrasts or even disruptive patterns are deliberately avoided in Japandi. 

If a few colour accents are desired, these should be introduced via soft to strong shades of green or blue. Aubergine is also suitable, because Japandi stands for visual balance and inner peace.

Japandi implements the desired clear, simple forms through rather delicately constructed furnishings. Chair and table legs are filigree, lightness and transparency are created by the use of woven natural materials and paper inserts.

Japandi also wants to impress with Scandinavian cosiness. Cosy blankets and a selection of thick cushions on the sofa in the living area should not be missing. A fluffy carpet also fits in harmoniously and adds warmth and cosiness. Natural shades of jute, linen and cotton are the home textiles of choice.

Japandi decorative elements

Japandi's decorative components are made up of selected individual pieces. These could be in the form of handmade vases, an elegant candlestick or a decoratively placed earthenware tea set. They all appear exclusive and functional at the same time, which perfectly underlines the special living ambience and attitude to life. 

Japandi seeks to infuse nature not only across the entire colour palette, but also through special Asian plants. Discrete sprigs in a vase are a stylistic element that can be considered almost classic. Cherry blossom sprigs are a favourite in spring, as an expression of reverence for Japanese culture. However, local fruit trees can certainly keep up from an aesthetic point of view, and bonsais native to Japan can then add the finishing touch to your Japandi interior design.

Both original interior styles reflect the mastery of sophisticated simplicity. This is precisely what renders them so graceful, stylish and at the same time compatible with each other. Elegant sobriety and minimalism embraced by natural warmth and cosiness: That’s Japandi.


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