Japandi Interior Design: How to Create a Minimal, Warm & Natural Home
Japandi is the seamless fusion of two design worlds, Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. Both styles share a love for minimalism, craftsmanship, and natural elements, making Japandi an ideal balance of function and aesthetics. While Scandinavian design brings warmth and comfort, Japanese interiors emphasize elegance and intentional simplicity. Together, they create a home environment that is calming, uncluttered, and harmonious.
If you’re drawn to understated beauty and thoughtful craftsmanship, Japandi might be the perfect style for you. Here’s how you can incorporate Japandi into your home using Oak & Olive’s carefully curated collection of handcrafted pieces.
Image Credit: Hygge and Home
Create a Grounding Foundation with Natural Rugs
A well-chosen rug is the perfect starting point for a Japandi-inspired space. Our natural undyed Beni Ourain rugs are handcrafted from 100% wool by Berber artisans, bringing warmth and texture to a room without overpowering the minimal aesthetic. Their neutral tones and soft, organic patterns provide a grounding element, creating a peaceful foundation for your furniture.
Tip: Use a large Beni Ourain rug to define your living area, ensuring it extends slightly beyond your seating to create a cohesive flow.
Light the Space with Rattan Pendants
Lighting in Japandi design is all about soft, natural illumination. Our rattan pendant lights add an earthy elegance, diffusing a warm glow that enhances the tranquil atmosphere. The intricate handwoven patterns cast subtle shadows, bringing depth and interest while maintaining a sense of serenity.
Tip: Position rattan pendants over a dining table or in a reading nook to create intimate, inviting spaces. Pair with dimmable LED bulbs to adjust the ambiance as needed.
Elevate Your Kitchen with Natural Elements
The Japandi kitchen embraces simplicity, warmth, and functionality. Handcrafted wooden bowls, marble accents, and ceramic serveware bring organic textures and timeless elegance into the heart of your home. The contrast of smooth marble with rich wood creates a beautifully balanced aesthetic, while ceramic pieces add an artisanal touch.
Tip: Use a wooden serving board as a centrepiece on your dining table or countertop, paired with a ceramic bowl or vase full of fresh flowers for an effortlessly stylish setup.
Image Credit: Pintrest
Design a Serene Japandi Bedroom
A Japandi bedroom is all about calm, comfort, and natural materials. Opt for soft cotton bedding like our Dante Quilt Set or pom pom blankets, which are handwoven for a tactile, inviting feel. Pair this with a Souk lamp on your bedside table, its rattan shade casts delicate patterns of light, adding warmth and a sense of whimsy to the room.
Tip: Keep decor minimal by focusing on quality textures, layer cotton throws, add a wooden bench at the foot of the bed, and incorporate ceramic accents for a cohesive look.
Choose Functional, Minimalist Furniture
Japandi furniture is all about clean lines, functionality, and natural materials. Look for pieces with muted tones, simple silhouettes, and a focus on practicality. Opt for low-profile sofas, wooden dining tables, and open shelving in oak or walnut finishes.
Tip: Avoid excessive ornamentation, let the beauty of the materials and craftsmanship shine through.
Keep Colours Muted and Balanced
A neutral palette is key to achieving Japandi’s signature aesthetic. Stick to soft whites, warm greys, beige, and muted earthy tones. You can introduce contrast through deep charcoals or natural wood elements in both light and dark shades.
Tip: Use soft linen curtains and cushions in natural hues to add depth without overwhelming the space.
Image Credit: Pintrest
Declutter and Embrace Negative Space
Japandi thrives on balance and breathing room. Avoid over-accessorising and instead, embrace negative space, allowing each piece to stand out on its own. Store away unnecessary clutter, focusing only on a few meaningful decor items that bring joy.
Tip: Invest in woven baskets to keep essentials neatly tucked away while maintaining a natural, organic look.
Bringing Japandi into Your Home with Oak & Olive
Japandi is more than just a design trend, it’s a way of creating harmony in your home through intentional choices. At Oak & Olive, we curate timeless, handcrafted pieces that align with the principles of Japandi, natural materials, quality craftsmanship, and understated elegance. Whether it’s a wool Berber rug, rattan lighting, or handmade ceramics, each piece is designed to bring warmth and balance into your space.
