There has been a growing trend in interior design that combines the simplicity and minimalism of Japanese design with the warmth and cosiness of Scandinavian design. This hybrid design style is known as Japandi, a combination of "Japanese" and "Scandinavian."
The Japandi style is a modern take on minimalism, using natural materials, muted colours, and simple lines to create a warm and welcoming environment. The style is characterised by its emphasis on functionality, simplicity, and a sense of calmness.
History of Japandi Interior Design
Japandi interior design is the result of the fusion of two distinct philosophies - Japanese and Scandinavian. This combines the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which accentuates the beauty of imperfection, with the Scandinavian design's hygge philosophy, promoting warmth, comfort, and cosiness.
In a nutshell, Japandi celebrates imperfection and the beauty of natural materials, from Japanese design.
The roots of Japandi design can be traced back to Japan's embrace of modernity in the early 20th century. The country's design aesthetic shifted from traditional and ornate to clean and minimalist. This design movement emphasised the beauty of natural materials and the celebration of imperfection, which are central tenets of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.
Meanwhile, in Scandinavia, designers were also rebelling against the opulence of the past and embracing simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Scandinavian design is characterised by its clean lines, muted colours, and focus on functionality, which would later blend seamlessly with the Japanese design principles of wabi-sabi.
Japandi design emerged in the 21st century as a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, function and beauty, and the natural and artificial. Its popularity speaks to a universal human desire for simplicity, balance, and serenity in an increasingly complex and chaotic world.
What is Japandi Interior Design?
Japandi interior design is a unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian styles that combine to create a warm, cosy, and functional environment. The following are the key features that make Japandi Interior Design stand out:
Minimalism
Japandi interior design creates an uncluttered and peaceful space. The style makes use of natural light and simple lines to create a calming and relaxing environment.
Natural Materials
Japandi interior design heavily features natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone. These materials add warmth and texture to space and help to create a sense of balance between the interior and exterior.
Neutral Colours
The colour palette of Japandi interior design consists of muted tones such as grey, beige, and white. These colours create a calm and serene atmosphere and allow natural materials to stand out.
Functional Design
The style focuses on functionality, and each piece of furniture and decor has a purpose. Japandi interior design aims to create a space that is both beautiful and practical.
Cosy Elements
The style incorporates cosy elements such as soft textiles, plush rugs, and comfortable seating to create a warm and inviting space.
Japandi Materials
The key materials used to create this interior style involves a variety of natural materials, including handmade accents and decorations. To successfully build your Japandi HDB theme, take a look at these furniture and decoration materials:
Wood
Japandi design often incorporates natural wood, including lighter-toned woods like birch and pine, including darker woods like walnut and teak.
Natural Fibres
Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and wool are frequently used in Japandi interiors to add warmth and texture.
Stone
Japanese design often uses natural stone, such as granite, marble, and slate. The Scandinavian design, on the other hand, uses smooth, polished stones, like river rocks.
Paper
Japanese design also often incorporates paper products such as shoji screens and paper lanterns, while Scandinavian design may use paper lampshades and artwork.
Metal
Black or brushed stainless steel, brass, and other metals are included to add contrast and interest.
Ceramic
Japandi interiors often feature handmade ceramics, such as vases and bowls, in muted colours and natural textures.
How to Furnish a Japandi Interior-Themed HDB Flat
Invest in Multifunctional Furniture
HDB flats in Singapore are often compact, so your furniture choice is important.
Opt for pieces that are both stylish and practical, such as a low-profile sofa with hidden storage compartments or a coffee table that doubles as a dining table. These will allow you to maximise your space while still maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Use Natural Materials
The combination of wood, bamboo, and stone is a quintessential element of Japandi interior design. These materials bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to your home, creating a peaceful atmosphere- the perfect retreat after the hustles and bustles of the day.
The natural texture of wood and bamboo can be used for furniture pieces, such as coffee tables, side tables, and even bed frames. Incorporating stone in the form of pebbles or rocks can be an excellent addition to your space, especially in areas such as bathrooms and gardens.
Keep it Simple
Japandi interior design is about simplicity and minimalism, so keep the lines of your furniture and decor simple and clean.
Avoid any fussy or ornate pieces that can quickly make your HDB space feel cluttered. In the end, it's the little details that can make the most significant impact in your Japandi-themed interior design.
Focus on Functionality
Creating a Japandi-inspired interior for your HDB flat can be an exciting venture, but it's essential to keep in mind that functionality is just as crucial as aesthetics.
Rather than opting for a bulky coffee table, consider a multi-functional ottoman that doubles as a storage unit for magazines, books, and other items. If you're tight on storage space, a practical divan or storage bed can help you keep your room organised and free of clutter.
More Design Tips to Consider
- Start by decluttering your space and removing any unnecessary items. Japandi iInterior design is all about simplicity and minimalism, so keep only the essential items.
- Incorporate furniture pieces such wooden sofas and stone tables to your interior design. These materials add warmth and texture to space and create a sense of balance.
- Choose a muted colour palette that includes shades of grey, beige, and white. These colours create a calming and serene atmosphere.
- Keep the lines of your furniture and decor simple and clean. Avoid any ornate or fussy pieces.
- Add cosy elements such as soft textiles, plush rugs, and comfortable seating. Think upholstered sofas and seats, plush rugs, and warm throw blankets. These items create a warm and inviting space.
Decorate Your HDB Space the Japandi Way
Japandi interior design is a unique blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. The style emphasises minimalism, natural materials, neutral colours, functional design, and cosy elements.
If you're looking to incorporate Japandi interior design into your home or HDB flat in Singapore, focus on decluttering, using natural materials, keeping it simple, prioritising functionality, and incorporating cosy elements. By following the tips above, you can create a beautiful and practical space that promotes calmness and relaxation.