The Japanese and Scandinavian interiors collide in modern home design
The cozy cleanliness of Scandinavian interiors and the minimalist beauty of traditional Japanese decor have made them both staples of modern home design. There's a growing trend combining the two: Japandi. Laila Rietbergen, author of the new book Japandi Living, said in an email interview that a lot of people were looking for a style that is relaxing. The serene and calming aesthetics of the Japanese style and the craftsmanship items that are more durable fit perfectly within these needs. This design fusion dates to the 1860s, as it seems, said Rietbergen. She traces the aesthetic's roots to Danish naval lieutenant William Carstensen, who visited Japan as the country opened up after two centuries of self-isolation. His book Japan's Capital and the Japanese compelled Danish designers to travel to Japan where they discovered that both cultures treasured simplicity and natural beauty, Rietbergen said.
Contemporary interior designers are rediscovering commonalities in the penchant for neutral tones, natural materials and minimalist decor.
The living spaces are as cozy as they are sleek, decorated with delicate paper lamps and inviting cream couches handcrafted by Scandinavian designers.
A sleek kitchen peeks out to reveal clutter-free light brown cabinets that complement the dining room's wheat and tawny tones. A plant adds a pop of green to the room. Rietbergen believes that Scandinavian and Japanese design emphasizes the importance of nature, not only through colors like light browns, tans and soft whites, but also by using materials like linen and wood to create an atmosphere of tranquility.
The hygge concept is a Danish and Norwegian term that relates to feeling of coziness and warmth, and wabi-sabi, the Japanese concept of accepting imperfections.
According to Rietbergen, it is essential to declutter to achieve either, citing Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, whose home organization methods became a global phenomenon after the success of her Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. Like Kondo, Rietbergen suggests treating tidying less as a chore and more as a celebration — and a chance to reflect on whether the items around you make you happy.
Japandi style also celebrates craftmanship, whether it's Isamu Noguchi's delicate light sculptures or furniture by Carl Hansen, whose wishbone chairs sell for thousands of dollars. Rietbergen stresses that the aesthetic can also be achieved by decorating on a budget. She says it is a philosophy that is guided by the belief that less is more. Rather than buying cheap mass-produced furniture that won't last, Rietbergen suggests buying second-hand furniture while saving up for those few standout pieces that you can cherish for years. The beauty of Japandi design is that there are no strict criteria to follow, according to the author.
She said that every home and Japandi style interpretation is different. It is important to make your own choices when it comes to making your own decisions. Your home isn't a showroom and should not be a copy paste of something you have seen. Personal elements are an important part of the job.