What is Japandi Style? Finding Zen in Australian Homes

At McDonald Jones Homes, our NSW and ACT home builders proudly bring you the latest updates in house design trends. Today we will dive into the concept of Japandi style, which is making waves across Australia thanks to its clean lines and cool comfort. This design trend takes the minimalism of Japanese style and the simplicity of Scandinavian interiors to create elegant living areas rich in natural warmth. Dive into our full guide with top tips on incorporating Japandi style into home décor.

What is Japandi Style?

With the growing popularity of Japandi in Australian homes, it helps to remember the two key elements: Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. Despite being worlds apart, these countries hold similar beliefs when it comes to home design. Japanese design exudes Zen simplicity, while Scandinavian design features natural elements and clean lines.

Japandi style is a fusion of both, creating a beautiful blend of harmony and balance for soothing living spaces. While the recent rise in popularity has seen more and more families take note of Japandi, it actually dates back to the 1800s when Danish designers visited Japan after 200+ years of closed borders. Inspired by the architecture and quality of oriental design, they brought it back to their own Scandinavian style. Now, people all around the world are embracing this cosy, clutter-free design scheme, and chances are we will see more Japandi house décor in the future.

Core Principles of Japandi Design

Japandi homes are simple and uncluttered, with minimalism and natural materials and textures on full display. Expect functional furniture and a neutral colour palette for a beautifully balanced space where you can live in harmony. Here’s a bit more on each core aspect of incorporating Japandi design in Australian homes.

Natural Lighting & Materials

A Japandi living room or bedroom will feature abundant natural light, creating a soft, stylish atmosphere that complements the décor. Wood, bamboo, paper and stone are some of the natural materials often used to bring a bit of nature into the home.

Neutral Colours

In Japandi interior design, you will find a neutral colour palette with earthy tones of whites, greys and browns. Muted pastels are also featured in many stylish and sustainable Japandi home decor ideas, from eco-conscious furniture to accent pieces and artwork.

Intentional Home Décor

Every element is well thought-out in Japandi Australian homes, which often include weathered finishes, handmade ceramic décor and geometric shapes. This type of design minimises clutter and makes sure there is room to move around the furniture and décor, too.

Benefits of Adopting Japandi Style in Home Décor

There are many advantages to Japandi house design, which is meant to make you feel lighter and more at ease. Japandi style makes the most out of minimalist furniture and décor, offering more open space to move around and soak in the natural light and beauty. Soft, textured throws and plush furniture with stunning timber designs offer a balance of clean modern lines with a hint of classic charm. Another reason to love Japandi interior design is that it prioritises a few well-made, long-lasting pieces instead of overwhelming, cluttered décor. If you want a warm and inviting living space where you can feel Zen, Japandi is a great choice.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

One of the main draws of Japandi home décor is that it’s typically thoughtful of the environment. Here are some of the eco-friendly aspects of Japandi style to consider.

• Materials: bamboo, hemp, linen, paper, rattan, terracotta, timber and wool may be integrated into a Japandi living room or bedroom.
• Plants: Japandi home décor may also incorporate greenery, adding to the natural feel and creating a sense of tranquillity.
• Less is more: the minimalist approach of Japandi is inherently sustainable, as it’s all about investing in a few long-lasting pieces to enjoy for many years.
• Artisan accents: when sourcing sustainable materials and products, look for beautiful, handcrafted pieces made from durable materials, ensuring valuables that can be passed down while supporting talented makers.

How to Create a Japandi Style Home

When it comes to incorporating Japandi style in Australian homes, natural materials and functional design go hand in hand. Here are some of our favourite practical tips for adopting Japandi style and making your home feel more unique.

• Simple living room furniture: low-profile furniture is practical and helps bring people closer to nature, promoting peace and contentment. 
• Minimalist masters: make the primary bedroom a true oasis with Japandi-inspired furniture and décor, such as a low-profile bed with fluffy bedding and timber accents.
• Kitchen charm: the heart of the home is the perfect place to incorporate Wabi-Sabi, a concept that embraces imperfection and natural aging. Textiles, ceramics and pottery with subtle imperfections create rustic charm.
• Zen colours: throughout the house, choose neutral colours to enhance harmony, with textural accents to add depth. Whites, beiges, greys and browns are a great start, and then you can add subtle pops of muted greens or maroons to create a calm interior.

Conclusion: Why Japandi Style Is Right for You

Now that you have these tips for Japandi style interior design, you can create a truly stunning home where peace and tranquillity come first. This Zen trend is perfect for modern home design and décor with natural elements and fun yet functional living spaces. This Japanese-Scandinavian hybrid offers ample aesthetic appeal, as evidenced by timber floors and furniture with stylish sheepskin rugs and cosy cushions. If you’re looking for home décor that keeps clutter to a minimum while showcasing natural light and sustainable materials, then this fusion is a fantastic option to take home living to the next level.

Contact McDonald Jones

Feeling inspired to start your new home with Japandi-inspired interior? Our home builders and design experts at MyChoice Design Studio are here to help in NSW and ACT. Explore the McDonald Jones Homes website for more design inspiration and consultation services and get in touch when you’re ready to bring your dream home to life.