Nice and easy.
Whether you’re an avid follower of interior design trends or just a casual social media browser, you’ve probably heard about Japandi interior design.
A fusion of the warm elegance of Japanese interiors and the cosy simplicity of Scandinavian homes (hence the term “Japandi”), this design style is all about creating a space that feels calm, homely, and timeless.
But what, exactly, does a Japandi-style home look like? Let’s take a closer look:
| Contents |
The characteristics of Japandi interior design
| Japanese interior design | Japandi interior design | Scandinavian interior design |
| Uncluttered, flexible spaces | Open, uncluttered feel, with clear spatial zones for order | Open-concept spaces with clean lines |
| Low-profile furniture and built-in storage to keep the look seamless | Furniture pieces with clean lines | Larger, practical pieces for everyday use |
| Muted, earthy tones like beige, taupe, and off-white | A neutral colour base with warm, earthy contrasts | Brighter, airier colour palettes like white and light grey |
| Minimal decor – at most, a few plants or a hand-made ornament | Soft, thoughtful accents for texture (e.g. rugs, throws, plants, etc.) | Some decor, usually featuring natural elements like wood or ceramic |
In essence, expect Japandi-style homes to have:
- Bright and airy colour palettes as a base, with warm, earthy accents
- Open, spacious interiors with demarcation between different zones
- A mix of light and dark wood tones
- Simple furniture with clean, streamlined silhouettes, with soft touches from textiles and decor
Examples of Japandi homes in Singapore
1. Tampines GreenGlen by Studio Kabi
View this project by Studio Kabi
This home is the quintessential example of a Japandi-style home: simple, comfortable, and warm. It features soft beige walls, medium wood tones, and simple textures, all of which come together to create a calming space that is still visually-appealing.
View this project by Studio Kabi
In a nod to Japanese design, shoji-like sliding doors separate an elevated nook from the rest of the living room. Along with the built-in storage nooks beneath and inside the space, it’s almost reminiscent of tatami rooms – and when paired with soft touches, creates a serene space that balances functionality and elegance.
2. Henderson Road by MAD About Design
View this project by MAD About Design
Featuring a muted palette and clean lines, this Japandi home is a soothing abode that balances Japanese warmth with Scandinavian simplicity.
Like the previous home, Japanese design influence appears in the form of shoji panels, built-in storage, and the elevated platform bed that keeps the space uncluttered.
View this project by MAD About Design
However, this is balanced by cosier Scandinavian touches, which include a variety of natural materials (like wood, stone, and cement), as well as plush seating and greenery gives the space a lived-in feel.
View this project by The Interior Lab
At just 47 sqm, this 2-room BTO flat is proof that Japandi interior design is ideal for small spaces.
View this project by The Interior Lab
Sticking to the classic white-and-wood look, the homeowner takes things further by cladding the walls and ceiling with light wood-look wallpaper, creating a sense of continuity that makes the interior feel cosier and bigger.
View this project by The Interior Lab
While having tons of storage space can make a home feel boxed-in, that’s not the case here. Instead, the storage options are cleverly hidden in features like the dining room bench and bay window seating – echoing the Japanese love for seamless built-ins and the Scandinavian emphasis on practicality.
Explore: 2-Room BTO is a Cosy Haven that Proves Compact Living Can Be Practical
4. Anchorvale Link by Intheory Design
View this project by Intheory Design
Japandi homes aren’t always about bright and airy spaces. For example, this home puts a moodier, more refined spin on the overall look, combining limewash walls, darker wood tones, and soft diffused light for a more grounded, yet still soothing look.
View this project by Intheory Design
On top of that, additional textures from features like the plush seating as well as the kitchen and bathroom tiles add an extra layer of visual interest, creating a space that you simply can’t look away from.
Explore: Sengkang Resale Flat is a Warm, Soothing ‘Modern Ryokan’ For Two
5. Tampines GreenCourt by Ascend Design
View this project by Ascend Design
In this home, open spaces and clean lines ensure a smooth flow around the space while still retaining order by being neatly segmented by function.
View this project by Ascend Design
In true Japandi fashion, it doesn’t rely on excessive displays or artwork to beautify the home. Instead, it utilises a few understated, yet thoughtfully-chosen elements – like slatted doors and fluted glass cut-outs – to introduce texture into the space, thus creating a space that is equal parts serene and characterful.
Want a Japandi-style home of your own?
For a list of interior designers that are well-versed in creating a stunning Japandi-style home, click on the article below:
Explore: 8 Interior Design Companies to Engage for a Japandi Style Home
Alternatively, fill out the form below and we’ll assign 5 reliable interior design firms to you – free of charge!
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