Scandinavian interior design has grown in popularity over the years due to its timelessness. The design is based on simplicity and functionality, with mixes of neutral colour palettes and natural materials, making it easily recognisable. It is this universal quality that allowed it to reach global popularity, as the Scandi style became a staple all over the world. The cosy interiors are fostered by the concept of hygge, an untranslatable Danish and Norwegian word that can be roughly associated with contentment, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It refers to escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life and letting yourself relax. And what better place to do that than at home?
Traditional Japanese interior design is primarily focused on the same philosophy of creating a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary indoors where you can retreat after a busy day. And so, Japandi was formed, a mix of the Scandinavian and Japanese styles known as Japandi. This design blends the essence of the two, combining simplicity with comfort and slow living with well-being.
If you’ve considered integrating this design into your home, you should consider the kitchen as the first stop. It is the area that benefits most from functionality, and Japandi offers plenty, all wrapped in a beautiful design. Here are the things you should consider.
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Clean lines
The fuss-free silhouette is critical for the Japandi kitchen. This design mainly draws inspiration from minimalism, which has been incredibly popular in design over the past few years. The understated look will always be in style, and you don’t have to worry about it becoming obsolete. Detailing is either absent or very understated. Ridged surfaces are one of the most common examples you can choose if you feel like your kitchen is missing something, but steer clear of heavily ornate or layered designs.
Neutral colours
The typical hues and tones you’re likely to see in a Japandi kitchen are a little darker. The style is earthier than the classic Scandi style. However, white is heavily used. Not only does it pair well with anything, creating a harmonious look, but it can also create a different visual perspective that makes your room seem larger and airier.
Choosing a gloss white kitchen is in line with the rules of Japandi style, so you should incorporate this type of furniture. The panelled cupboards look good with wood shelving, creating the perfect look for your dishes, kitchen utensils and appliances. You can also add an island with seating that can accommodate a larger number of people.
Although the kitchen is traditionally a place where you prepare and cook meals, it has become more elevated in recent years, becoming the preferred area for socialisation for many people. You can even have it as a place to entertain guests.
Craftsmanship
Compared to the Scandinavian style, which is focused on practicality, Japandi underlines the importance of craftsmanship. The aesthetic is also focused on the beauty of imperfection, underlying aspects such as tranquillity and fostering a calm and healthy lifestyle. Prioritising high-quality craftsmanship also lets you support local artisans and small businesses and bring home items suited to your tastes. Although the style can seem bland to some, given the relatively small variation in colours, you can get very creative with it due to the many different styles.
Although the general look is based on decluttered areas, meaning that you don’t want to add too many accessories, there are certain accent pieces you can add. Handmade ceramics are an option, and there’s a wide variety to choose from, such as pottery, vases or small décor objects.
Bespoke pieces work as well. Kojima Shouten, a Kyoto-based company, has been making lanterns for over two centuries and is world-renowned for its premium-quality pieces that last a lifetime. Some of the designs were first created hundreds of years ago, and the materials are all-natural and include bamboo, a type of traditional Japanese paper known as washi, and steel.
Minimalism
As a trend, minimalism has been around for a while and has become an all-around favourite in everything, from apparel and accessories to interior design. It’s tough to deny its appeal since it will always look stylish and is also practical. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money, time and energy on getting new items to replace the ones that are already obsolete, then minimalism is for you.
It is also one of the fundamental aspects of Japandi, alongside the pale hues and carefully curated furniture pieces. However, this doesn’t mean that you should throw away your things. In fact, it should invite you to be a more conscious consumer and more careful of the items you buy. Avoiding clutter will also make you feel more peaceful and relaxed and let you be more efficient since you don’t have to go through piles of stuff to find the things you need.
Brightness
A bright area that feels open and airy is part of Japandi styling just as much as it is a staple for Scandi design. It can seem banal, but light plays a big role in a room’s appearance. When you create an open concept area, you bring the focus on the simplicity of your kitchen. Ideally, you should integrate open windows into the room so that you can get plenty of sunlight indoors throughout the day.
You can play with different textures and hues to make the kitchen more sophisticated. For instance, if the walls are painted in a smooth cream colour, a simple wood table will act as the centrepiece. For the Japandi style, the furniture is generally in slightly darker shades of brown and taupe. This ensemble creates a pleasant, cosy atmosphere that’s perfect for any household.
Redesigning your kitchen takes time, effort, and a considerable amount of financial resources. If you’d like to get something that will stand the test of time and continue to look amazing in the future, look no further than Japandi. Despite being a relatively new thing, it is already a classic.
