23 tips to elevate your home design + organization to Japandi aesthetics

Sounds like you’re just about ready to welcome the Japandi vibe in your home, huh? ✨

Japandi— Japanese + Scandinavian or Scandi— is a blend between these two types that blends the nature-honoring, intentional design style of Japanese with the simplistic, homely charm of Scandi (although you could argue that both of them have all of these elements).

The philosophy behind Japandi design

This vibe is for you if you get inspired by pictures of:

• Warm and simplistic rooms
• Cozy little corners
• Natural light bouncing off warm, organic surfaces
• Soft glows
• Taupes, tans, beiges
• Cozy hygge lifestyles
• Warm cups of tea

In the realm of Japandi, less is more, nature is queen, and intentional, functional, and quality furnitures are there to help you elevate your existing lifestyle.

23 tips for integrating Japandi aesthetics into your home

1. Thrift minimalist, Japanese, or Scandi artwork.

Go to your nearest thrift store and find some artwork that you love! I’m not here to tell you which is best— but for that Japandi vibe, something nature-inspired (lotus flowers, cherry blossom trees) or modern (beige and brown) could be the perfect way to introduce Japandi aesthetics into your home.

2. Add some wooden accents to your home.

Take a look around your space. What materials and metals do you have in your home? With Japandi, it’s all about the organics and bringing a warm vibe to the space, so bamboo, wood, and gold metals will do you great favors. (black metals would also look great up against a beige or muted wall).

3. Indoor plants.

Any naturally organic materials to bring the outdoors in will bring your space into a more Japandi vibe. Make sure you get the lighting, water intake, fertilization, and cat-friendliness into play.

4. Japandi color palette (neutrals, pastels).

When thinking color with Japandi, you’ll want to focus on neutrals. As someone who strays away from neutrals, I have color palettes that I’ve created that actually focus on the pastels, using the neutrals as highlights. 😉 Here are two I created for you:

Related: Aesthetic cottage core color palettes

5. Natural light.

Part of bringing the outdoors in is actually welcoming in those beautiful, airy sunbeams into your home so you can feel like you’re in a cozy part of the outdoors.

6. Handmade ceramics/Earthenware pots.

Use these as both functional and decorative items, showing the intentionality in the Japandi design style.

7. Zen corner or altar.

A corner of your home for relaxation, ritual or prayer definitely ties into the mindful, rooted design of Japandi. Honestly, any home design would benefit from it!

8. Natural textiles (cottons, linens).

I like doing this anyway, but natural textiles for your upholstery, cushion covers, and bedding will not only connect you more with the natural Japandi essence, but it’ll also make your home healthier.

9. Open spaces.

To create a sense of harmony, make sure you keep your spaces wide and open. I know, this is easier said than done, right? That’s why I highly recommend reading Marie Kondo’s two books, The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up, and Spark Joy. I truly believe if you follow the steps and surrender to the process, this will change your life as much as it’s changed mine.

10. Low-lying furniture.

A common feature in traditional Japanese homes is furniture that’s a little lower to the floor— lower beds, lower couches, lower chairs, even lower desks!

11. Candles.

Create a warm and cozy atmosphere with this simple little upgrade. I highly recommend Everspring candles from Target, which are the only ones I’ve found with all simple, clean ingredients listed on the label. Plus, their labels are simplistic.

12. Floating shelves.

I recommend using floating shelves only for products that are simple and basic and/or for decoration. If you’re using floating shelves for things like cereal, spices, and banking products, you’ll be cluttering the space with loud colors, labels, fonts, and words, which will energetically clog up your space and mind.

13. Paper lanterns.

These are such a simple yet statement way to infuse a simplistic Japanese element into your home. Plus, if you’re a renter, it’s a great way to add a highlight to a bare ceiling that needs a focal point without having to drill anything more than maybe nailing a tack or two to keep it in place. It’s super light so you won’t have to worry about it falling over, even if it’s put in temporarily.

14. Clean lines.

Clean lines and architectural details are minimal in Japandi. Instead, it’s about highlighting the natural lines of woods and bamboos!

15. Natural rug.

Jute, bamboo, wool, and cotton are all materials for natural rugs to enhance the Japandi vibe (and replace synthetic elements like polypropylene.)

16. Clutter-free environment.

I know it sounds simple and mundane, but it’s true (for every home!). Regularly declutter your home to maintain function and order.

Related: 5 steps to organizing using the KonMari method

17. Organic shapes.

Furniture and decor that has natural shapes like curves can influence the natural shapes of the outdoors.

18. Natural bedding.

Opt for organic materials of cotton and linen.

19. Shoji and room dividers.

For the open concept spaces that need a little breaking up, incorporate these traditional Japanese elements for a quaint way to break up your home.

20. Soft, understated lighting (2,000-4,000 K).

That “golden hour” type of lighting that you see in Pinterest photos? Lighting is everything. We use the Wiz bulbs so we can customize all of the lights in our homes— even different colors.

21. Tatami mat.

For that traditional Japanese feel, get a tatami mat for use or as a replacement for a rug.

22. Floor desk.

23. Organic sofa.

I love the Modular Bondi by Inside Weather. They’re certified nontoxic, have ethically sourced wood, and contain CertiPUR-US memory foam.