Minimalism in all its forms has remained a timeless approach to style across the decades, whether it’s home or fashion. From cool and contemporary Scandinavian chic, to the soft, textural warmth of Japan’s wabi-sabi philosophy, we all gravitate towards design approaches that embody tranquillity and a sense of peace. With that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that in a world defined by globalism and connectivity, a fusion of those cultural nuances on minimalism should emerge in Japandi’s harmonious fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian styles.
Cultural fusion
A combination of Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavia’s hygge culture, Japandi is a crossover between two prominent cultures known for their pared-back style, both of which have been exported around the world with enormous success.
Part of what makes the style of both cultures so appealing is that it’s not just a look – it’s a way of thinking and being that has a profound impact on how we feel as well. Scandinavian hygge is all about evoking a sense of warmth, comfort, and connectedness, while Japan’s wabi-sabi is about simplicity, tranquillity and naturalness, celebrating imperfection, impermanence and the beauty of what’s simple and authentic. These are the things that so many of us crave, especially in such a busy, tech-driven world.
Perhaps explaining his talent for creating artful spaces, our Design Director, Niko Rasides, spent his early years amidst the perfection of Sweden and the country’s approach to design left a lasting impression. He says:
“It’s all about simplicity, value, quality, and things that matter. You can see it in their social system and its foundations as well – how their houses are built – this intense focus on quality. Whatever we would buy as a family – if it was made by a Swedish maker then we were taught it would be good. Quality was an extension of their collective mentality. It wasn’t by chance that Scandinavian style became a timeless trend – all the Scandinavian countries share that minimalistic, purist quality in their products and as a result their schools produced amazing designers.”
On the other hand, Niko notes that Japanese culture has grown across the centuries. While its aesthetic is also simple, its focus is on harmony and the perfection of imperfection. Where Scandi-style is about perfection, wabi-sabi embraces impermanence, alongside a twin concept of Jo-ha-kyū, which is about fluidity and movement.
Rooted in Nature
What both style philosophies have in common are connectivity with nature – the use of organic materials, whether wood, stone, metal, or soft finishes like wool, linen and cotton, gives both approaches a richness and depth that we as humans gravitate towards.
Textural, comforting, and calming, this organic way of defining spaces at once offers intrigue but doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Instead, it facilitates the creation of spaces where your mind enters relaxation mode. Niko notes however, that this is not a phenomenon that’s limited to Japanese and Scandinavian style, but many deep-rooted cultural approaches to creating home spaces.
For example, on the Greek islands you see it in the blue-domed churches, cobblestone streets, cubic houses, and unmistakable white walls of Cycladic architecture. Meanwhile, in Marrakesh it emerges in the blend of Moorish, Islamic, Berber design with colourful ceramic tiles known as Zellij, sculpted stucco, embellished metal work, and rich woven textiles.
In the modern fusion of these styles rooted in nature, they can be further enhanced by creating spaces that bring the outside in, flowing from inside out, and with reverence for sustainability, whether it’s the provenance of materials or the function of the space itself.
The role of ritual
Further proving that Japandi and its heritage influences are about more than aesthetics, the role of ritual is deeply ingrained. Far from creating spaces solely for the way they look, it’s their purpose that imbues their component parts with a sense of soul.
Both Scandinavian and Japanese cultures are famous for their rituals, which offer meaningful routine and wellbeing benefits. While Scandinavia has its saunas traditions, for example, Japan has its tea and bathing ceremonies. Both define how each culture perceives and interacts with the world and one another. In these daily practices you can see how two different civilisations share common values that we can all relate to – those of connection, peace, and joy.
Crucially, these routines are framed by the spaces we exist in, and can be translated into the modern home in the design of the kitchen, the bathroom, and beyond. No longer simply functional, the design of the space can make each daily ritual an experience, helping you to find space for yourself or to enjoy time with others. That might be transforming the five minutes you have together over morning coffee created with a beautiful environment, or winding down at the end of the day by listening to the water in the shower as it splashes over the surface of stone forged over a thousand years.
Embracing Japandi
While Japandi might be a trend at the moment, one of its most valuable features for homeowners investing in the design of their spaces, is that its elements are timeless.
Natural materials and the ritualistic foundations are what give it the innate sense of calm, fulfilling our instinct to create an environment that helps us to feel safe and nurtured.
The fact that we now have the privilege of drawing on global influences and fusing the best of them whilst putting our own signature on it as well – that’s the magic of modern age.
Contact us or book a consultation at one of our studios to talk to us about creating a personalised space in your home with our award-winning team.