Interiors
How to Incorporate Japandi Styling in Your Home
In a design landscape that’s constantly shifting, few styles have captured the collective imagination quite like Japandi. A harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth, Japandi has become a go-to aesthetic for those seeking interiors that feel both intentional and inviting. It champions craftsmanship, nature, restraint and comfort, which is a combination that resonates deeply with contemporary Australian living.
At its core, Japandi is about balance: warm meets cool, sleek meets tactile, refined meets relaxed. It invites us to curate, not clutter; to celebrate natural materials and to create spaces that encourage calm among the chaos of everyday life.
Let’s delve into how you can create this style in your mood board projects.
A Philosophy First
Japandi’s appeal stems from the seamless merging of two established design philosophies. From Japan comes wabi-sabi: the art of quiet simplicity and the beauty of natural imperfections. From Scandinavia comes hygge: a sense of contentment shaped by warmth, texture and comfort.
Together, these philosophies shape an aesthetic that is grounded but elevated, simple yet layered. Spaces feel minimal and curated as a style that rewards thoughtful choices. Every material is chosen for longevity, and every detail adds gentle softness.
Following this philosophy is the Steph And Gian x Unitex collaboration, where the 2023 The Block Winners have designed stunning rugs to ground the Japandi Style in interior design projects. The Steph and Gian Bark Walnut Rug or Steph And Gian Flora Rug are timeless choices to add a stunning layer to the home.
“Japandi aesthetics are typically thought of as ‘muted’ and ‘beige’, however, we’ve looked to bring our findings from our research trips to both Japan and Scandinavia to bring to life the earthy tones within this rug collection.
As an example, the Bark Rug in Walnut uses dark chocolate hues to provide a timeless look to any space. On the flip side, we have also looked to lean into the muted tones and high texture of the Japandi aesthetic across our Flora Rug.”
Steph & Gian | 2023 The Block Winners
Image credit: Studio Haus Co | Villa Styling
The Japandi Palette | Warm, Organic, and Effortless
Japandi interiors celebrate a nature-inspired palette that evokes tranquillity. Soft whites, oatmeal linens, muted clays and stone greys form the foundation, supported by warm timbers and matte black accents. These tones create a soothing visual rhythm that flows effortlessly from room to room.
To prevent the palette from feeling too neutral, contrast is key. Light timber or tiled flooring pairs beautifully with darker joinery, sculptural décor, or a moody ceramic vase. Consider colour as a subtle blend of muted greens inspired by moss and eucalyptus, or soft browns reminiscent of clay and earth, which bring just the right level of depth.
In our product library, you can find so many items that help to build your perfect Japandi mood board. To ground the palette, how about Polyflor’s Affinity Flooring in White Oak, Belga Grey Matt Tile by Beaumont Tiles or Chesterfield by Armstrong Flooring in Fortuna Oak?
The result is a palette that always feels grounded and timeless, which is ideal for designers crafting interiors that outlast trends.
Championing Craftsmanship
One of the defining principles of Japandi style is craftsmanship. Materials are celebrated for their authenticity, and pieces are chosen for quality, longevity, and touchable tactility.
Think solid timber joinery, cane and rattan accents, handmade ceramics, wool throws and linen upholstery. Organic textures are celebrated, not hidden. The emphasis on craftsmanship isn’t about displaying expensive pieces, but about choosing items with a soul, a story, and a human touch.
Within the Japandi home, craftsmanship often takes centre stage in subtle ways: a beautifully detailed timber dining table, a sculptural timber stool that doubles as décor, or artisanal pottery displayed on open shelving. These pieces add warmth and character without disrupting the calmness of the space.
In our product library, find Porto Pablo Round Dining Table or Belmont Dining Chair by OZ Design, Admire Ceramic Vase by House of Walton, and Cape Byron Rattan Kitchen Stool by Cafe Lighting & Living as inspiration alongside products from our other brand partners.
Furnishing the Japandi Home
When it comes to furniture, silhouettes should feel refined, comfortable, and softly minimalist. Low-slung lounges upholstered in textured neutrals, timber dining chairs with curved profiles, and beds framed in warm oak or ash create a foundation that feels cohesive and timeless.
Look for pieces that balance simplicity with comfort, like Scandinavian lines with Japanese restraint. Avoid excessive ornamentation or overly bulky shapes. Instead, opt for furniture that allows breathing room, encouraging light and movement to flow through the space.
Layering is essential, but it’s done with intention. A linen throw draped casually over a sofa, a plush wool rug underfoot, or a single sculptural floor lamp can transform the room without overwhelming it. Imagine these from our product library: Winnings’ In The Sac Madison Coverlet, Brink & Campman Craft Fundament by Unitex Rugs, and Florabelle Living’s Sitar Turned Wood Floor Lamp.
Image credit: Bone & Blanc | Katie Wade Studio
Image credit: @houseonesixtwo | Nat Spada
Styling with Intention
Japandi styling is less about more and more about meaning. Every object has a purpose, and negative space is used as thoughtfully as décor.
When styling your Japandi mood board in Style Sourcebook, think:
Natural textures: raw timber, textured ceramics, woven baskets, handmade surfaces
Simple geometry: curved vases, round dining tables, softly angled chairs
Layered textiles: linen, bouclé, wool, cotton
Subtle greenery: a single branch cutting in a ceramic vase or a potted indoor tree
The aim is to create quiet visual interest, with nothing too busy, nothing overly decorative.
Adding Lighting for Japandi Style
Lighting anchors the calm of a Japandi interior. Prioritise soft, diffused light where possible: sheer curtains to filter sunshine, warm globe temperatures for cosiness, and sculptural pendants that act as functional art.
Paper lanterns, timber sconces and minimalist floor lamps all add warmth without distracting from the simplicity of the room. Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate a Japandi space, but it also elevates the serenity it’s designed to create.
From our product library, there are so many perfect lighting and curtain options for Japandi styling; why not look at Samira Poly Sheer by Drape Co, Colby Floor Lamp by Elme Living, Scalloped Wood Wall Light by Lighting Illusions to get started?
Why Japandi Fits Modern Australian Homes
Australian homes share a natural synergy with Japandi design. We embrace indoor–outdoor living, favour open-plan layouts and appreciate natural materials (all core pillars of the Japandi aesthetic).
Whether designing for a new build, a renovation, or a curated apartment interior, Japandi offers a versatile foundation that feels both modern and enduring. It integrates seamlessly with Australian timbers, terrazzo, polished concrete and soft, earthy palettes.
For designers, it’s also a dream to mood board: clean lines, organic shapes, cohesive tones, and textural materials allow for visual harmony across entire schemes.
Image credit: SMUB Studio | Rex Whiticker
Bringing Japandi Into Your Next Project
Whether you’re designing a peaceful bedroom retreat, a warm living space, or a kitchen that balances functionality and beauty, Japandi offers timeless inspiration and endless versatility.
With its focus on craftsmanship, nature and calmness, Japandi is more than a trend; it’s a design philosophy that continues to set the tone for modern, thoughtful living.
Create a mood board to build your Japandi project and use Project Studio to bring your vision to life. We can’t wait to see your designs!
