Japandi, otherwise known as Japanism, Japanordic or Scandinese combines two of the most favoured design styles.
A Scandinese home is based on a tranquil philosophy making use of natural materials, empty spaces, and soothing colours. Though they come from different sides of the globe, the one thing they have in common is minimalism. They both emphasize the need to create a function-driven space, with a few statement pieces to balance the modern flair of Scandinavian design with the timeless elegance of a Japanese aesthetic.
Are you interested in introducing a little Scandinese into your home? Take a look at the following tips:
Fuse Designs to Create Harmony
Although Japanese and Scandinavian design share similar principles, the execution of their design concepts are different. Quintessential Scandinavian design can often appear a little too clean and clinical, with everything carefully placed. Whilst Japanese interiors are usually found to incorporate richer tones to create a warmer atmosphere.
Fusing the two design styles creates a balance of colour and harmony, but restricting clutter and accessorising with key pieces that act as a feature in the room.
Natural Materials
Bringing natural life indoors is key if you want to incorporate Scandinavian décor into your living space. Adding elements of natural finishes in lighter tones, offers a rustic feel which can resonate with a feeling of the outdoors, making it a relaxing atmosphere. As mentioned above, natural materials can be paired together to create depth. Japanese design involves warmer wooden materials or painted finishes.
Indoor bamboo, bonsai plants, cactuses, orchids or money trees require minimal maintenance, and can freshen up your interior easily by adding a touch of greenery.
Empty Spaces
Accessories are not as important in both Scandinavian and Japanese designs. Since these rooms are so function-driven, decorative items tend to take a backseat. To follow this design trend, you must ensure that the design you create is visually balanced, with plenty of free space for energy to flow. This concept rather applies to everything being in its proper place for its intendant purpose.
Here, space optimizing solutions and smart storage are the crucial components keeping things neat. Try to eliminate bulky items, colourful wallpapers and aim to create a tranquil environment that will help in keeping your mind at ease.
Colours: Neutrals
Scandinese brings the best parts of both design concepts together to deliver a classic minimalistic look which is functional with an element of character. Most Scandinese rooms have warmer base tones, with neutral shades that follow throughout.
Contrast is key to creating a visually interesting interior space. In this case, the colour palette is the easiest way to see how juxtaposition defines this trend and creates a new and exciting look.
Impossibly ethereal surroundings with cream hues, natural materials and lots of sheer fabrics that soften the light that comes in, are typical of Japanese style. Combine it with the clean lines of the hugely popular Scandinavian style and you end up with Scandinese (which I prefer) or Japandi.
Image sources: Minford.com.uk, raumkroenung.de, boconcept.com, Lonny.com, catesthill.com, archiproducts.com, kannustalo.fi
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