A balanced blend: Japandi interior

22 Feb 2023

Japandi is a design aesthetic that has gained popularity in recent years, blending the minimalism and functionality of Japanese design with the warmth and cosiness of Scandinavian design. With muted tones and neutral shades from Resene, you can create this beautiful fusion of two distinct styles, creating a unique and harmonious atmosphere in your home.

At its core, Japandi is about simplicity, natural elements, and a focus on the essentials. It values quality over quantity and emphasises the beauty in imperfection. The colour palette is muted and calm, with a focus on neutral tones. Think of warm balanced beiges like Resene Double Spanish White, a soft feathery grey like Resene Quill Grey, and whites like Resene Rice Cake, along with the occasional pop of black.

The simplicity of this room combines subtle colours and shades from Japanese and Scandinavian design styles. The wall is painted in Resene Triple Pearl Lusta, timber headboard finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, floor in Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta, cabinet in Resene Hemlock, tray in Resene Triple Bison Hide, mug in Resene Half Bison Hide, bowl in Resene Sour Dough and large vase in Resene Brown Bramble. Mug, body oil, throw and slides from Blackbird Goods, bedlinen from Foxtrot Home, cushion and rug from Citta, tray from Paper Plane. Project by Gem Adams, image by Wendy Fenwick. 

The use of natural materials like wood, stone and linen adds warmth and texture to the space. Try adding a wood stain to your timber flooring to complement your chosen neutral shades, such as Resene Colorwood Whitewash, Resene Colorwood Natural or a darker stain like Resene Colorwood Teak.

When it comes to accents and decor, Japandi favours simplicity and function over excess. Textiles like throws and pillows add a touch of cosiness, while ceramics and pottery bring a handcrafted touch to the space. Artwork is also important, with a preference for minimalistic, abstract pieces that add to the overall ambiance of the room.

Create a warm organic style that gives off Japandi vibes by using natural colours, organic shapes and textural elements. Walls painted in Resene Double Sisal, floor in Resene Parchment, side table in Resene Scrub and jug in Resene Korma. The plant pot is in Resene Mai Tai, the basket planter is in Resene Double Lemon Grass and the tall vase is in Resene Triple Ash. The wide bowl on top of the cabinet is in Resene Soya Bean. Chair from Douglas and Bec, Lantern from Everyday Needs, artwork from Paper Plane, in frame from Factory Frames. Project by Gem Adams, image by Wendy Fenwick.

Adding plants and greenery will bring life and colour to the space, or you can try painting some natural green shades on cabinetry using hues like Resene Hemlock, Resene Flax or Resene Wasabi.

If you're looking to create a space that's both functional and beautiful, Japandi is definitely worth considering. For more advice on Resene paints and products to use, head to your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Colour Expert online.

Published: 22 Feb 2023