Filler if required: When style and subtlety fuse

The photos with this piece are there but haven’t attached these so that these don’t cause any confusion… in case you need to use this piece then will attach the pics

Strap:Japandi, an amalgamation of two geographically distant yet stylistically akin designs, is changing the way to home décor

Rashmi Gopal Rao

Japan and Scandinavia, though almost 8,000 km apart with a history completely different from each other, yet share common philosophies. The underlying principles of minimalism, simplicity and closeness to nature define them both. When these premises are applied to home décor, function-driven, comfortable and eco-friendly interior concept called Japandi is derived, which has the modern flair of Northern Europe and timeless elegance of East Asia.

A hybrid style

Japandi, as the name suggests, refers to the combination of Japanese and Scandinavian movements. It involves crafting interiors with an aesthetic hybrid of both the styles. These emphasise the importance of creating primarily functional rooms, defined by minimum essential elements rather than accumulation of decorative objects. For Hemil Parikh, founder, Elysium Abodes LLP,“Japandi refers to home interiors replete with warm, rustic vibes depicting the Nordic style. At the same time, the décor is sleek, functional and painted in rich hues to add to the warmth like the Zen style. Although both Japanese and Scandinavian styles are not new, the Japandi style of décor is relatively novel and fast garnering eyeballs across the world.”

Japandi is less casual than Scandinavian interiors, but more relaxed than the Japanese. The Scandinavian style focuses on comfort and functionality, with spaces being light, open and airy, says Rishabh Sarpal, founder Rishabh Sarpal Atelier. “The colour palette too is minimal and the interiors are subtle and uncluttered. The Japanese style is rooted in tradition and the décor ensures a balance and harmony with nature. It relies on Japanese wabi-sabi concept, which finds perfection in imperfection,” he explains.

Light shades

In the Japandi style, decoration implies using carefully measured colour tones. Soft pastel hues are the perfect way to introduce colour into space without drawing too much attention, says Bhawana Bhatnagar, interior stylist at Casa Exotique. The subtle shades in contrast to deep tones aids in seamless visual communication between the space and the senses.

“The two regions have similarities as well as stark contrasts which the colours used should be able to depict. The palette in a Japandi room includes dark and neutral foundation in contrast to light shades,” she explains. Rishabh advises mixing dark hues with light woods and makes sure that the accents are monochromatic.

Open spaces

The mantra is to opt for basic designs that make a statement and are useful too. The Japandi style showcases the presence of open spaces. One can incorporate this by having built-in furniture that is functional as well as multipurpose. It not only saves space but also looks sleek and presentable.

Nordic furniture has clean lines and is light-coloured. On the contrary, Japanese furniture is low to the ground and of a darker shade. The Japandi style involves mixing and matching these two furniture styles to put together functional yet stylish pieces. “While Scandinavians use light wood for making furniture with straight lines, Japanese use dark coloured stained wooden furniture for curve-finished statement pieces. A combination of stripes and curves, with a mixed tone of woods, adds to the uniqueness of the décor, while maintaining the bottomline of sustainability and simplicity,” adds Parikh.

Functional accessories

When it comes to accessories, avoid pieces of décor that do not have utility. While Scandinavian décor is more of rugs and throw pillows owing to the weather there, Japanese décor is about functional objects such as vases and bowls. So the décor includes incorporating plants and natural elements. Suggesting other options, Bhatnagar recommends using stones. A bathtub placed on a rugged stone slab will definitely stand out. Not to miss are stone stands to upholster plant pots.

Quick tips

1. Decluttering is the key.

2. Hoarding is a big no.

3. Go for simple stripes or a touch of shibori (pleat and bind technique).

4. Too many patterns like lines, curves checks defeat simplified style.

5. Use rustic hues and natural materials.