What is Japandi Interior Design? 5 Homes That Do It Well

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:

The characteristics of Japandi interior design

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

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.

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

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.

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.

3. Fernvale Vines by The Interior Lab

At just 47 sqm, this 2-room BTO flat is proof that Japandi interior design is ideal for small spaces.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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