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.
