Japandi is the style that emerges from a fascinating fusion between Scandinavian style and Japanese ethnic style. The meeting of these two different visions of living is extremely fortunate.
Japandi: the Meeting of Japan and Scandinavia
The term Japandi is derived from a contraction of “Japan” and the “di” from scanDInavian. More specifically, it is a style that excellently reconciles the philosophy and aesthetics of Scandinavian hygge with Japanese wabi-sabi. In more detail, “hygge” is a Danish word describing the pleasure one feels in a place with a cozy atmosphere, in good company, enjoying simple but authentic pleasures. “Wabi-sabi“, on the other hand, is a term that expresses a concept typical of the Japanese worldview: everything is transitory, everything has its imperfections. Accepting the impermanence and imperfection of things leads us to develop a new awareness of things. Wabi-sabi thus invites us to discover the beauty that lies in imperfection. These two philosophies, distant in space and time, blend very well with each other, with surprising results in the field of Interior Design. The Japandi style creates very welcoming, warm environments that are at the same time minimal and functional. The imperfection of natural and minimally processed materials becomes a precious detail to be appreciated and enhanced.
All the Beauty of Simplicity
The Japandi style is simple and essential. This characteristic is central because it is the true common thread that connects Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics. One should enjoy the simplicity of an environment, inserting into a space only the strictly necessary elements, all with a very specific function. In fact,
The Colors of Nature
The most characteristic colors of traditional style and Scandinavian style are different. Oriental style makes great use of earthy shades and dark colors, while Scandinavian style favors white. Japandi manages to skillfully play with these tones, creating a palette of warm and very natural colors. In a very light environment, it is possible to insert darker elements, in shades of dark brown or charcoal. Conversely, in a darker environment, always furnished favoring neutral or natural tones such as gray or sage green, lighter elements typical of Scandinavian style can be added. It is important to avoid unnatural dyes and glossy surfaces. It’s better to enhance the natural color of each raw material.
The Refinement of Raw Material
The Japandi style requires a careful choice of materials used. The great protagonist of this aesthetic is undoubtedly wood. This wood should be distinguished by its naturalness. It should not be dyed, it should preserve its vegetable essence and exhibit the imperfections that testify to its vitality. You can choose many different types of wood, both light and dark woods. It’s also very interesting to focus on bamboo and wicker weaves. Among the most Japandi fabrics, we can certainly include linen and jute. Paper is also a material not to be overlooked, especially when choosing lampshades. It is a very versatile natural element, simple, but with great effect.
The Green of Nature at Home
The naturalness of Japandi is not only in the choice of colors and materials. Both Scandinavian and Japanese styles have a particular predilection for indoor plants. Just think of the role that Zen gardens, the art of ikebana, and bonsai cultivation play in Japanese culture. Growing plants means regularly taking care of something that grows and changes, that mutates along with us. Dedicating ourselves to plants instills tranquility, well-being, and serenity, reducing stress and anxiety. For this reason, a plant is essential in an environment decorated in Japandi style. The important thing is not to overdo it. You should favor a few plant specimens, focusing on peculiar and refined species. An aforementioned bonsai could be the ideal solution.
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