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Japandi Style: The East-Meets-West Interiors

Harry Armstrong

Updated: Aug 28, 2024


AI generated image of Japandi Style interior

As a member of the Southeast Asian community, I want to pay respect to this eastern asian country that has inspired a hybrid style where East meets West in interiors. I must confess that I had never heard of this style while studying interior design—or perhaps it was mentioned, but I never pursued it, so it didn’t make it into my scope of vision until now. I even had a studio project where my faux clients were Japanese. Now, I am making an effort to connect with my Asian culture and showcase my ability to incorporate Asian design elements, colors, and textures into my projects.


Do people tend to pursue their heritage later in life if they weren’t heavily immersed in their culture during their upbringing? Do some people simply not care about where their parents or grandparents came from and lack the nostalgia that seems so common among artists? Or, if you were heavily immersed in your culture, did you embrace it, or did you push it away whenever you had the chance? As I dive deeper into my culture and heritage in my late 20s and early 30s, I want to better understand this and integrate Asian culture into my design work because I value heritage. Japandi has been a growing interest in the design community, particularly among high-income households that appreciate refined and minimalist aesthetics.


First, let’s understand the origins of Japandi. In 1850, after Japan had closed its borders for 200 years, they finally opened up, bringing many Scandinavian designers and artists to the East. They became charmed by what they saw and quickly drew inspiration from it. Part of the reason this fusion happened is that the two styles already had many similarities in terms of design and aesthetic. Both place a high value on simplicity, quality, natural materials, and craftsmanship.


Japanese interiors often feature:

  • Emphasis on organic and natural materials like:

    • Wood

    • Stone

    • Paper

    • Cotton

    • Rattan

  • A neutral color palette with an emphasis on darker, earthy tones like:

    • Brown

    • Green

  • Intentional and often functional decor like:

    • Teapots

    • Books

    • Ceramic cups

    • Vases

  • Uncluttered spaces

  • Natural light


In Scandinavian home design, you’ll often see:

  • Emphasis on natural materials, particularly light wood

  • A neutral color palette with a focus on lighter colors such as:

    • White

    • Cream

    • Light brown from woods such as birch or white oak

  • Clean lines

  • Uncluttered spaces

  • Natural light

These elements create a serene and harmonious environment, ideal for high-income households seeking a peaceful retreat.


A respect for nature, mindfulness, and the importance of creating a tranquil home environment are shared values between Japanese and broader Asian cultures. As I live with my parents at 30 years old and visit my Titas’ and Titos’ homes, these values are prominent. My Tita Tess went through a renovation back in 2021 and wanted to brighten up the house with a makeover.



Tita Tess's foyer painted with a cool dark grey. Disclaimer: This picture does not show Japani Style.

She had painted the entrance a cool dark grey and came to me for recommendations for the living room and kitchen, which she wanted in a very light grey to avoid a dark space. Over Facebook Messenger, I suggested she use the paint color "Agreeable Gray" by Sherwin Williams. This grey struck a balance by being light with beige tones, making it comforting and warm. Later that day, after dropping off her Lolo at a doctor's appointment, she went to the home department store and picked up samples of "Agreeable Gray" and another paint color she and her husband were considering. It’s always smart to bring samples home and see them under the room’s lighting.


Top: "Agreeable Grey" Bottom: "Foggy London"

After painting small sections of both colors on the wall, she and my Tito agreed that "Agreeable Gray" was the one! They painted the room, and the color holds everything together like a big hug—"very calming on the eyes," my Tita said.



Tita Tess's living room with "Agreeable Gray" walls. Disclaimer: This picture does not show Japani Style

Tita Tess's kitchen with "Agreeable Gray" walls. Disclaimer: This picture does not show Japani Style

In 2022, the Japandi style began to gain attention among designers. Though it has been around for quite some time, Japandi’s timeless design transcends fleeting trends and aligns with the values of sustainability and longevity.


I am currently going through a breakup and feel that cleaning up my home office would be good therapy for me. I’m thinking minimal and simple for my space, where boosting productivity is an important goal. This means if an item isn’t being used and doesn’t serve a function, it’s out. Here are some other ways to incorporate Japandi elements into your home spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens:


  • Natural materials, Japandi style loves to showcase natural beauty:

    • Wood: Think bamboo, oak, walnut, maple, birch, and driftwood—each bringing its own warmth and texture.

    • Paper: Perfect for art, light shades, and wall panels, adding a soft, organic touch.

    • Stone: From statues and fountains to tiles and desk accessories, stone can show off its natural ruggedness or polished elegance, fitting right into your serene space.

Mix and match these elements to create a home that’s not just stylish but tells a story that’s all your own!


  • Quality, Not Quantity:

    • Prioritize those high-quality gems that stand out for their durability, style, or the special place they hold in your life. In a clean, minimalist space, these statement pieces don’t just sit there—they shine, sparking conversation and adding depth to your home. Imagine mixing in traditional art or cherished family heirlooms to add even more character.

  • The Wabi-Sabi Philosophy:

    • Embrace the magic of wabi-sabi by finding beauty in imperfection! Whether it’s a handmade treasure you’ve bought or created yourself, or an item that’s been lovingly repaired, these pieces tell a story that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

  • Sustainability:

    • The connection with nature makes Japandi a natural choice for eco-friendly interior design and products. Items may be made from sustainable materials and manufacturing methods, but reusing things you already have is also sustainable. I encourage you to blend your own cultural heritage into the Japandi style!


In conclusion, with this blog post, I am committing to my exploration and celebration of Asian design styles. I invite you to join this journey by subscribing to my blog, following me on social media, or contacting me for a consultation. Let me know if you have your own experience with Japandi or other Asian design styles that you want to share with me!



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