Japandi style: how to create a calming home retreat

Japandi style home interior

Do you fancy turning your home into a calming Japandi style retreat? Then just follow these seven simple steps.

Japandi style is the most popular interior decor trend this year, but don’t worry if you don’t know what it is. It’s simply a fusion of Japanese rustic minimalism and Scandinavian functionality, while each of these aesthetics focuses on simplicity and comfort. Think minimalist yet welcoming with neutral colours, natural materials and also clean lines.

If you want to create it, then you’re in luck: Benji Lewis, interior designer and founder of virtual design consultancy Zoom That Room, shares his top tips for perfecting this timeless trend below.

How to create an effortlessly classic look

Channel Japandi style vibes with softness

Firstly, the curved interiors trend is a great example of Japandi style. “Softness is the name of the game insofar as colours, textures and shapes are concerned” says Benji. “So look at upholstered goods with a curved form. For example, the Margas Lounge chair below is perfect.”

curved chair
Margas Lounge chair, from £2,350, Viaduct Furniture.
Use only neutrals to create a restful feel

Secondly, Japandi style is all about neutrals. So “take your neutral colour palette to the extreme,” says Benji. “Look only at tones of ivory, tan, soft grey and charcoal. Try Farrow and Ball’s Wimborne White.”

Farrow & Ball paint colour Wimborne White
Wimborne White paint colour, from £5.50 for a sample pot, Farrow & Ball.
Go for wood – why not try oak?

Thirdly, oak helps your space feel natural, Japandi style. “Natural timber finishes are good,” Benji explains. “Steer clear of anything dark and heavy.” So dark woods like mahogany and walnut are out.

Japandi style home interior
Go for warm woods like oak to do your house up Japandi style. Photography: iStock.
Choose warm metallics like brass and bronze

Fourthly, warm metallics like copper, brass and bronze suit Japandi style. “Go warm with your trim detail,” Benji advises. “Bronze always works well.”

warm metallic chandeliers
Warm metallics like bronze, copper and brass suit Japandi style. Photography: iStock.
Go for simple geometric patterns

Geometric patterns work well with Japandi style furnishings. “If you like the idea of using pattern, keep things simple and geometric,” says Benji. “Textiles like the cushions below are a good option.”

silk and gold thread cushions
Japanese Silk and Gold Thread cushions, price on application, Guinevere Antiques.
Use natural materials

Natural materials work best. “For texture, look at naturals like wool boucle and felt,” says Benji, “while cane detail can provide additional interest. This sideboard from Made.com works well.”

Japandi style rattan sideboard
Pavia sideboard in Natural Rattan and Oak Effect, from £450, MADE.com.
Want more colour? Use plants in your home

Lastly: if you want more colour in your Japandi style interiors, plants are a good shout, says Benji. “Include some greenery with something large and leafy in a simple pot if you feel the need to add a splash of colour. I recommend Fatsia Japonica – it’s a good indoor plant option.”

Japandi style plant
Fatsia Japonica plant, from £14, Beards and Daisies.

So, do you want to read more about Japandi style? Then you’ll love Stef’s piece on the Zen aesthetic.

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