In partnership with DFS
Japandi is a hybrid interiors trend that combines Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. According to Pinterest it is the new minimalist home trend of this year. And, having long adhered to Scandinavian design principles when it comes to interiors, I can see how Japanese approaches are celebrated for similar reasons. Design-wise both respect simple but quality craftsmanship. Fusing Japanese minimalism with Scandi essentialist chic, this trend brings a soothing aesthetic to any home and, you have the perfect ingredients to create a balanced space. One that gives you a calm environment to work, live and unwind in, all of which our homes are having to provide for us right now.
Neutral palettes, natural textures and clean lines are key to achieving the Japandi look. Both Scandinavian and Japanese interiors are heavily Influenced by nature and the outdoors. Use neutral and earthy tones to create a sense of calm and wellness. Happily, creating the Japandi aesthetic is both easy and rewarding – it’s a great opportunity to de-clutter and create a serene home.
I am going to share my top 3 tips for adding the Japandi trend to your interiors. For this I have teamed up with DFS who are the Official Team GB Homeware Partner for the Tokyo Olympics and have just launched their amazing limited edition Team GB Yuttari range.
My top 3 tips for bringing Japandi into your home
1. Neutral and earthy tones
Neutral paint colours create the best backdrop to a Japandi-inspired room. Let the room flow with the outdoors by unifying your interiors with nature-inspired tones. Try matte and chalk-based paints in beige tones. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – beige is most definitely back in interiors.
These tones give more warmth and depth than white. In fact, Dulux’s colour of the year for 2021 is Brave Ground – a warm, earthy tone – which claims to help us “connect back to nature and the simple things”.
For a little more colour – soft greens, fresh blues and cool greys all work really well. Or, for a hint of pink, I have used Farrow and Ball’s Pink Ground in my kitchen. Have you read my interior colour trends for 2021? Its all about making your home a sanctuary, which I feel Japandi epitomises.
Keep the same palette running through most of your décor. Incorporate similar tones through furnishings and accessories such as cushions, throws, rugs, vases and artwork. The DFS Yuttari sofa comes in a range of tones that will perfectly compliment this palette – from oatmeal and cream to calming blues and greys.
2. Natural textures
My home features a lot of natural textures such as wood, rattan and jute. Some of the favourite pieces in my home are made with natural and textural materials. Adding these elements will lend themselves well to the Japandi aesthetic.
Add a jute rug to bare wooden floors and some gorgeous rattan pieces. You can introduce rattan at a low cost into a room by simply adding a lightshade. Or, for an investment piece there are many lust-worthy furniture items in stores right now.
Pop some dried grasses and flowers into a vase – the more textural the better. I love a few plumes of pampas grass. There are so many fab vases on the high street for your dried grasses – amber glass and 70s inspired earthenware are my current loves.
Architectural and large foliaged plants work well in a room for a bit of drama. Palms, bamboo and cheese plants all provide this. For space saving – use trailing plants in hanging baskets and pots. Having plants in your home promotes wellness and can even help purify the air.
3. Clean and simple lines
Clutter be gone! The Japandi look promotes simplicity. Use this as a great opportunity to declutter your home. It really helps me to have a good clear out – I feel much more productive and energised. Make space for happiness and wellbeing by letting go of all the accumulated junk. Promote sustainability and invest in key pieces over clutter.
Buy furniture that has clean lines for the Japandi look. Furniture that has light wood and good craftsmanship sits well within this aesthetic. Light wood can look amazing against the contrast of a darker accent colour – such as rich toned fabrics and black metal doors.
I recommend adding the DFS Yuttari blossom accent chair in blue velvet. This sumptuous chair comes with ash arms and sleek lines creating an Insta-worthy addition to your Japandi-inspired room.
Get started on the Japandi trend today with a few simple things: de-clutter the space, use neutral tones and natural fabrics, bring nature in and stick to simple clean lines.
Designed with tranquillity and relaxation in mind, the DFS Yuttari range is Inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, or ‘sashimono-shi’. The range is absolutely perfect for the Japandi look – ticking so many boxes in terms of aesthetics but also comfort. Yuttari itself means relaxing, comfortable and spacious, which the range certainly is. Take a look at my Pinterest board for more inspiration on how to style these furniture pieces.
The full range includes a two, three and four-seater sofa, as well as corner sofa options, an armchair, accent chair, footstools, and a variety of scatter cushions so enjoy having a look at the collection in-store or online.
