The minimalist marriage of Japanese and Scandinavian design
If you’ve ever felt torn between the calming minimalism of Japanese interiors and the warm functionality of Scandinavian design, you’re not alone. It’s time to embrace Japandi, a hybrid movement that fuses the serene simplicity of Japanese aesthetics with the cosiness and practicality of Scandinavian style.
It’s a quietly confident approach to interior design that has taken centre stage in modern homes. To explore how to bring Japandi into your space, we spoke to corporate lawyer and interiors and lifestyle influencer, Mariko Kuo.
As a Japanese native renovating her Victorian home in London, Mariko naturally brings the Japandi ethos to life in every detail of her interiors. For Mariko, the serene fusion of Japandi interiors brings together the best of both worlds - wabi-sabi imperfection and Scandinavian simplicity, she’s been able to create a home that is soulful and stylish.
Wondering how to bring Japandi into your home? It’s all about balance, restraint and texture. Read on for Mariko’s top tips to effortlessly infuse your space with this timeless aesthetic.
Start with a soft and neutral base
Japandi interiors begin with a muted and nature-inspired palette - chalky whites, stony greys, soft taupe's and earthy browns. These tones form the perfect backdrop to showcase the harmony between clean Scandinavian simplicity and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
I think these shades create a calm, cocooning effect in my home, which I have paired with our wooden floors and natural timber furniture. The intention behind this was to recreate the feeling of zen and peacefulness I often find during a walk in nature or when sitting in a quiet Japanese garden. It’s about creating an atmosphere that encourages slow and mindful living.
Invest in statement (but subtle) furniture
In a Japandi home, furniture is not just functional - it’s architectural. I look for pieces that are minimalist in form, but rich in craftsmanship - built from natural materials with a sense of timelessness.
My Carl Hansen & Son Bench is a beautiful example of Scandinavian craftsmanship inspired by Japanese architecture. Stripped of unnecessary details, it’s both functional and elegant - a piece I believe will be passed on to my daughter and future generations.
I always try to opt for fewer pieces, but better ones. Japandi interiors aren't about excess; they’re about curation, restraint and letting materials and shapes speak for themselves.
Embrace the art of Wabi-Sabi
I have always been drawn to the philosophy of wabi-sabi - the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and authenticity. This perspective encourages me to choose items that feel handmade and full of character, like a ceramic bowl with an uneven glaze or a linen throw with a softly frayed edge.
One of my most treasured items in my home is my collection of lamps. I love how they not only illuminate a room, but also bring a spiritual light that makes the space feel calm and grounded.
Prioritise functionality and flow
Japandi is a design philosophy rooted in intentional living. Every item in my home has a purpose and every room should have a flow. I therefore try to avoid clutter by incorporating clever storage solutions that hide the mess while enhancing the overall look of the space.
Our wooden panelled shelving units were designed exactly with this in mind - to offer storage, create a focal point and keep the room feeling open. I also love curating open shelves with a few tactile ceramics or a small stack of coffee table books. One of my go-to finishing touches is a Georg Jensen stainless steel piece, which adds a refined and functional elegance.
Add soft touches with Scandinavian hygge
Japandi allows room for a little Scandinavian hygge; that warm and inviting feeling of cosiness. I love adding softness to a room through layered textures. A wool rug underfoot, a cotton throw on the sofa or a mix of cushions in contrasting materials and tones all help bring depth to space.
Some of my favourites are designed exclusively for Heal’s. I have the most beautiful cushions that combine colour, textures and patterns without overwhelming the room.
The Pure Alpaca Throw, with its warm tobacco tone, is a staple in my collection. It's incredibly soft and has a timelessly elegant design.
Let nature in
Nature plays a central role in Japandi design and is an exciting way to reflect the seasons in subtle ways throughout my home. This doesn’t necessarily mean filling every corner with greenery. In fact, I believe less is more.
Sometimes, a single branch in a vase or an ikebana inspired floral arrangement is more impactful than an array of houseplants. I choose natural elements that are sculptural and quiet - ones that echo the simplicity and restraint of the Japandi aesthetic while still bringing a sense of life indoors.
Mariko is a firm believer that Japandi isn’t just an aesthetic - it’s a lifestyle. It encourages us to be more intentional in how we live, what we bring into our homes and how we relate to the space around us.
It’s about finding beauty in simplicity, luxury in restraint, and calm in a chaotic world. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or your entire home, embracing Japandi can help you create a more peaceful way of living.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
We sat down with Claire Vallis, Creative Director of the iconic British brand Sanderson, to talk about how colour and pattern can do more than decorate; they can truly enhance your wellbeing.
With a rich heritage rooted in craftsmanship and a deep connection to nature, Sanderson has long believed in the power of design to elevate everyday life. Claire shares how colour psychology, timeless motifs and a thoughtful approach to pattern can help create a more nurturing and joyful home.
Sanderson is known for its rich heritage: how do you balance staying true to your history while evolving designs to fit modern lifestyles?
Part of Sanderson's charm is its enduring beauty. Whether brought to life from our archive or created new in our design studio, these designs have an enduring quality that stands the test of time.
For contemporary homes, we always think about how these patterns remain relevant and often update them through colour palettes while always staying true to that Sanderson design language that we know is so loved.
How do you believe the colour of our walls can influence our mood and overall sense of wellbeing?
We know that colour significantly impacts our wellbeing and that specific colours speak to individuals. While it isn’t a prescribed method to influence mood and overall wellbeing, I think it’s vital that when picking colour and pattern, you are guided by what speaks to you.
Do you feel comforted and cocooned by dark, moodier tones, or do you crave a light airiness in your home? Living with the colours you are drawn to is important for creating personal spaces.
What role does colour psychology play in the design and curation of your wallpaper collections?
While we’re not psychologists, our designers are very in tune with the emotional responses to colour and pattern and the knowledge that wallpaper can be incredibly impactful and meaningful at home. When creating a new collection, as designers, we are driven by what inspires us and the origins of this inspiration.
In Highgrove by Sanderson, our most recent collection in partnership with Highgrove and The King's Foundation, the inspiration was deeply rooted in the gardens and the spirit of working in harmony with nature.
This starting point filled us with passion as we created a story of history and nature combined and elevated it through a thoughtful palette of colour. The ambition of this collection is to bring people closer to nature through their interiors and, in doing so, create a sense of harmony at home.
How does nature influence the palettes and patterns used in your wallpapers? Is there an element of bringing the outdoors in when it comes to your design process
Since its founding in 1860, Sanderson has been influenced by the beauty of nature and the English countryside. Whether it’s a classic floral, a luscious botanical, or a refined landscape, nature inspires us every day.
The palettes are indicative of the natural beauty of these inspirations and reflect the details, even down to the season and time of day that nature is observed.
Again, with Highgrove by Sanderson as an example, we saw the gardens in winter and again in spring, and witnessed, from the earth, these flowers and plants spring to life in vibrant colour, which was incredible. Our palettes reflect a balance of this natural beauty and saturation.
Are there particular colours or motifs that you consider timeless for promoting serenity and joy within the home?
Green is endlessly timeless and so calming. That connection to nature’s palette can instantly make you feel joy and serenity. Its shades and tones are also so varied. From sage to artichoke, forest, lichen, and fern, our green palette is inspired by nature and works with every natural light for the ultimate serene experience.
We sat down with Michelle to discuss her latest favourite Heal’s pieces and her top styling tips for effortless ways to refresh your home for spring. From beautiful furniture to statement accessories, she shares how to elevate your space with timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Whether you’re making small updates or starting fresh, Michelle’s selection proves you don’t have to choose between style and practicality. With Heal’s, you can have both.
It’s all about the cushions
I love a good sofa - it’s like a daytime bed. The best way to enjoy it? Curl up like kids do, snuggled up with plenty of cushions. Heal’s Limited Edition Linen Cushions are perfect for this, with their double-sided design and delicate trim, allowing you to switch up your sofa’s look in an instant.
The power of texture
Texture is one of the most important elements in a home – it’s not just about what you surround yourself with, but also what you physically touch. Beautiful linen, soft velvet, and delicate details like fringes can truly transform a space.
The Eclipse Cushion by Case in sage and green, for instance, is a perfect blend of my favourite calming hues. Embracing these soft tones and tactile textures is key to creating a home that truly feels like a haven.
Subtle yet striking arrangements
A new season is the perfect time to refresh your home. Simply rearranging what you have or adding a new pot, vase, or fresh flowers can make all the difference. I love using console tables like the Anais console by Heal’s, a beautiful base where you can curate a few favourite pieces without overdoing it.
I also love layering: mixing pots, overlapping pictures - and just make it feel personal and inviting. No rules, just what feels right. Texture isn’t just for textiles; ceramics matter too. The Nium Small Bowl by ferm LIVING has a gorgeous fluted edge, and the Sea Urchin Porcelain Table Lamp adds beautiful ribbed detail.
Wherever you can add texture, do it - it makes all the difference.
The beauty of natural materials
I’m deeply inspired by the natural world when it comes to furnishing my home and choosing materials. The Mushroom Side Table by Gazzda is a perfect example. I love its circular form, no sharp corners to bump into, and its natural oak finish, which feels clean and fresh.
The central pedestal design ensures there’s nothing to catch on; it doesn’t get much better than that. It simplifies furniture by using natural materials, and it’s just a pleasure to live with.
I really hope you found some of my tips helpful. Remember, your home should be your happy place. Invest in the things that bring you joy.
By Pippa Jameson, Interior Stylist, Author and Founder of The Sensory Home®
At Heal’s and The Sensory Home®, we’re passionate about how our surroundings influence our mental and emotional well-being. This is the essence of sensory design—a thoughtful, multi-sensory approach to creating spaces that support us physically and emotionally. The environment we live in has a profound impact on how we feel, think, and rest.
In the case of the bedroom—a space specifically designed for sleep—embracing sensory design principles can be life-changing. Heal’s and The Sensory Home® are here to help you achieve a better night’s sleep. With just a few simple changes and product suggestions, we can transform your bedroom into a place of calm and comfort, ensuring you feel rested and recharged every day.
What Is Sensory Design?
Sensory design engages the key senses—sight, touch, sound, scent, and even taste—to create an environment that positively affects how we feel and function. When we consider a bedroom as a place for rest and rejuvenation, we must remember its primary purpose: to promote sleep.
We must carefully consider the items we choose to surround ourselves with; sensory design reminds us to strip back distractions and bring balance to the space, encouraging relaxation and mental clarity. This multi-sensory approach is particularly important for mental well-being. In today’s world, where stress and overstimulation are constant, in the workplace and at home, our bedrooms should become calm spaces—a safe retreat where we can rest and reset.
Why Is This Connection Crucial for Mental Well-Being?
Our environments are directly linked to our mental health. A cluttered, overstimulating bedroom can make it harder for the brain to switch off. In contrast, a space designed for relaxation and purpose can help us sleep more soundly, reduce anxiety and improve focus, so we should prioritise intentional design. Sleep is one of the most fundamental pillars of self-care, and it starts with creating a bedroom that is kind to our senses.
Think about this: if your bedroom is filled with harsh lighting, uncomfortable textures, or constant noise, your mind stays on high alert. This creates an environment that is not conducive to sleep. A well-designed bedroom helps regulate your senses and prepares your body for rest and supports your mental well-being.
Here are five practical ways to transform your bedroom using sensory design principles:
Create the Right Lighting
Lighting is one of the most powerful elements in sensory design. Harsh and blue-toned lights keep you alert and make it harder to fall asleep. Choose soft and warm lighting that signals it’s time for rest.
The Pebble portable lamp and Parade LED Table Lamp offer sleek and adjustable lighting suitable for winding down. For versatility, the Ease Lamp is a portable option that allows you to create soft ambient light wherever needed.
The Colonna Marble Table Lamp is an excellent choice because its linen shade softly diffuses light for a calming ambience. Its smooth and natural marble base adds a grounding touch. By controlling brightness and avoiding harsh overhead lighting, you can set a calming atmosphere that helps your brain and body unwind.
Incorporate Mindful Practices
A multi-sensory approach to bedtime includes caring for your mental clarity. Journaling or reflecting for just five minutes can help remove mental clutter, making it easier to fall asleep.
Writing down worries or plans signals to your brain that letting go of stress for the night is okay. The Togo offers ergonomic comfort, the perfect chair for mindful rituals like journaling or deep breathing exercises.
Engage Your Senses
Sensory design emphasises the importance of touch, scent and even sound.
Touch: Invest in breathable and natural fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable. Heal’s new microfibre duvet range is a sustainable option that offers luxurious comfort while regulating body temperature.
Scent: Diffusers with essential oils like bergamot or lavender can calm your mind and signal that it’s time to sleep.
Sound: The Chali rug’s soft texture and sound-absorbing properties make it an ideal grounding element for a calming and sensory-focused bedroom. Layering rugs with an underlay further enhances noise absorption, while filled bookshelves act as effective natural sound barriers. For additional noise reduction, consider incorporating acoustic panels or sound-absorbing textiles.
Block Out Distractions
The bedroom is for sleep and any distractions should be minimised. A high-quality eye mask can block out light, while rugs with underlay can muffle unwanted sound from floors.
Bookshelves filled with books can act as stylish sound absorbers, while acoustic panelling provides long-term noise reduction. By prioritising quiet and darkness, you allow your senses to fully relax.
Read to Relax
Reading is a powerful way to shift your mind into a state of restfulness. Instead of staring at a screen, grab a book that inspires calm and creativity. My book, The Sensory Home® explores how design impacts well-being and offers practical tips for creating spaces that support you emotionally and mentally. Pair it with a cosy nook or your bed for the ultimate wind-down ritual.
The Function of the Bedroom: A Sanctuary for Sleep
We often forget the simple function of a bedroom: it’s a space for sleep and everything in it should serve that purpose. From lighting and furniture to textures and scents, every element in your room should contribute to an environment that promotes rest.
By taking a multi-sensory approach to design, you can transform your space into a sanctuary where you feel calm, supported and ready to take on the day.
About Pippa Jameson
Pippa Jameson is the founder of The Sensory Home® and one of the UK’s leading interior stylists, celebrated for her expertise in creating thoughtful, emotion-driven spaces. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with renowned brands and publications, blending creativity with a deep understanding of how our surroundings influence well-being.
Through The Sensory Home®, Pippa champions the art of designing interiors that engage the senses—spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel harmonious, soothing, and inspiring. You can read more about Pippa’s work at The Sensory Home®.
When working with a smaller patio or garden , it can be tricky to make the most of the space you’ve got. We’ve compiled our top patio ideas for small gardens to help you create a chic and practical outdoor space.
Create a shaded area
Perfectly practical and the ideal way to incorporate texture into your space, adding a shaded area is great for privacy and creates a cooler area for hosting alfresco meals. Try adding a pergola, for more of a statement piece, or simply a parasol for a more classic feel. Both will centre your garden table and make it the focal point of your space.
Make a bold statement with accessories
Not only a bold décor piece, but also perfect for patios with limited sunlight, mirrors can be used create the illusion of a larger space and add extra dimension. For enclosed patios, large garden mirrors are the ideal choice and can be placed in corners to really open up the space.
An arch shaped mirror creates and elegant and sophisticated feel. For a splash of added colour, outdoor rugs are a great addition to your patio. They can be used to tie together seating areas and help to soften noise in a small space, brining a calm, cohesive feel to your patio.
Illuminate your small patio space with lighting
Lighting is an innovative way to create spotlight areas in your garden and break up the space, perfect for those long summer evenings. Portable table lamps are a versatile form of outdoor lighting as they can be moved around the space to suit your needs day to day.
Wall lights can be a space saving option for outdoor lighting and there are plenty of decorative and stylish options that can elevate the look of your patio. Placement is crucial to maximise space , having lighting at varying heights can create more dimension in a smaller space.
Choose compact patio furniture
Choosing patio furniture that is compact can maximise a smaller patio, whilst still allowing it to remain functional and stylish. Choose collapsible dining sets or foldable lounge chairs that can be easily stored away when not in use to make the most of your space.
Compact benches or stools that can be tucked under dining tables are also another great space-saving option.
Go bold with colour schemes
Don’t be afraid to go for a bold colour scheme in a small space, choosing sharp colours can actually visually expand the space when done in the right way. Try creating a main focal point that draws the eye, such as a colourful painted feature wall or colourful statement furniture piece. It’s important to balance bold colours with softer, neutral tones so as not to overwhelm the space.
Choose light neutral slabs or tiles
Choosing the right slabs or tiles for your small patio is key to making it feel spacious. Light or neutral coloured patio slabs will create an airy feel and reflect the light, giving the illusion of a larger space. Neutral coloured patio slabs are extremely versatile and create the perfect base to tie in nicely with all colour schemes.
Choose functional furniture with multi-purpose
Choosing multi-functional patio furniture is great for small gardens to maximise every part of your space. Garden side tables with storage included are an ideal multi-functional furniture piece to add.
Corner seating can save patio space
When working with a small patio, its important to use the space in every corner and crevice. Corner seating can save patio space and allows the patio to feel larger. Try an outdoor corner sofa or creating a seating nook in one corner using lounge chairs for a more relaxed feel.
Accessorise with greenery
Embrace nature whilst adding texture and depth to your small garden by adding a selection of different greenery and plants. Hanging baskets can save patio space and allow you to incorporate lots of different plants. Alternatively, the vertical gardening trend is a perfect way to add plants in a small space as it only takes up a wall or fence panel and creates a beautiful textured statement piece. Try adding climbing plants that grow upwards instead of out.
Choose a garden theme
Choosing a theme that aligns with your style and tastes for your garden can work well even with a smaller space. A theme will create a cohesive design throughout your garden. Experiment with themes such as rustic, modern or contemporary style to create a space that suits your style.
Curious about using outdoor lighting? Explore our complete guide to illuminating your garden.
As lovers of clean lines, comfort and considered design, David and Anne have brought the same care to their London flat as they do to their Northamptonshire farm. So how did this “minimalist but cosy” duo work with Heal’s Interior Design Service to transform a compact city apartment into a stylish and inviting home? We caught up with David, Anne and Helen from Heal’s Interior Design Service team to hear about the collaborative process, their favourite pieces and how the space works for both everyday life and entertaining.
David, can you tell us a little about your family and the home you live in, and how you use the space day to day?
We live on a farm in Northamptonshire but have always kept a London flat for work and culture. Anne, my wife and a countryside lover, spent little time in the city - but that’s changing now we have two grandchildren here. When I worked full time, the flat was a functional overnight space, but now we enjoy spending more time in it - and hosting friends. Our plans included adding a second bathroom, a more open-plan living area with workspace, a functional kitchen and areas to sit and relax.
How would you describe your interior style?
In the city, our style is a bit more minimalist but always comfortable. In the kitchen area, Anne would naturally gravitate towards a country-kitchen feel, but neither of us wanted to feel like we were sitting in a kitchen. Overall though, comfort is key - beds, blackout blinds and clever storage. I’m the one obsessing over hidden cables and lighting, while Anne makes the space warm and welcoming.
Can you talk us through the design process with your dedicated consultant, from initial planning to completion? How collaborative did it feel?
We made an appointment with Helen and, honestly, thought the project might be too small to get much attention. From the start, she was incredibly helpful. After explaining our flat plans, she took us around the store to gauge our reactions to different pieces - a much smarter approach than just asking our design preferences. Despite the flat’s size, constraints were fewer than expected. We started furnishing discussions early, allowing small carpentry tweaks for chosen pieces, especially in the bedrooms. The process was iterative: a second meeting to resolve loose ends, a session with a bedding specialist and a final meeting to choose fabrics. Helen was with us every step of the way and was even onsite when everything was delivered - she made the whole process feel truly collaborative and put us at ease.
Are there any pieces that you’re especially drawn to now, and what makes them special to you?
The Ligne Roset Istrana console table is a simple piece that fits the space perfectly, paired with an architectural painting by Arturo di Stefano - together they embody a “less is more” approach. On it sits a doll from a friend in Ukraine, a daily reminder of how lucky we are.
How does the finished space feel to live in now?
It feels exactly as we planned - minimalist but comfortable.
What would you say to anyone considering working with our Interior Design Service team on their home?
Don’t be too fixed in your views but be clear about what you really don’t like - and listen. In hindsight, we worried too much about matching different shades of oak across carpentry, parquet and furniture, but Helen kept reassuring us: “wood goes with wood.” She was right, and we never thought about it again.
Helen, can you tell us about the brief?
As this is a compact central London apartment, the brief focused on creating a home that felt calm, refined and generous, despite the footprint. Furniture needed to be streamlined and space-efficient so the overall look never felt heavy or cluttered. A key priority was ensuring David and Anne’s extensive art collection took centre stage - the pieces act as a quiet framework, enhancing rather than competing with the artwork.
With a full renovation underway, including rewiring, removing some walls and relocating others, as well as installing new bathrooms, a kitchen and flooring, I was determined to deliver value with every choice. Every piece needed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical, combining quality and longevity while keeping the wider renovation in mind.
How would you describe David and Anne's taste?
David and Anne gravitate towards modern, clean lines and a sense of order. For their London home, they wanted a space that felt uncluttered yet inviting - a true “home away from home” where they could relax and entertain with ease.
We focused on refined silhouettes and carefully considered colour choices that complement rather than dominate. The aim was a calm, elegant backdrop with warmth and depth, letting the overall scheme feel balanced and welcoming.
Can you talk us through how you collaborated with them throughout the project?
We began at the Heal’s Tottenham Court Road showroom, exploring pieces and discussing materials and finishes in person.
From there, the process was very collaborative. With David and Anne based in Northamptonshire, much of our communication was via email as we refined the selection of pieces, finishes and fabrics. With the apartment renovation evolving at the same time, flexibility and open communication were essential. It felt very much like a partnership, with a shared goal of creating a considered and personal home.
Can you pull a few key pieces you chose for the scheme?
The scheme focused on lightness, comfort and flexibility, ensuring the apartment felt both stylish and practical. In the living room, the elegant Matera sofa with slender arms and elevated legs keeps the floor visible, giving a sense of airiness. A matching ottoman provides the same relaxed feel as a chaise but with greater versatility. The rich olive-green wool complements the burnt-orange kitchen joinery, adding warmth and depth.
Dining chairs and the bespoke Oslo table and bench move easily between spaces, offering adaptable seating for everyday life or entertaining. In the bedrooms, upholstered beds bring warmth and comfort, with discreet storage drawers maximising space. The principal bedroom features a Vispring Helios headboard with a divan base, while the guest room has a Heal’s Newman headboard in COM fabric, adding bespoke detail and practicality with a dual-tone weave and Easyclean finish.
How would you describe the finished result?
The finished scheme is timeless and cohesive, creating a calm, contemporary home that feels layered and personal. Furniture complements the architecture without overwhelming it, and every choice - from fabrics to finishes - makes the space inviting and considered. Finally. what would you say to those considering working with your team on their home? We’re here to help. Whether it’s a single room or a full home, we collaborate to bring your vision to life. Our Interior Design Service offers step-by-step guidance, ensuring your final design scheme feels balanced, harmonious and even better than you expected.
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