Japandi interior design is a modern, soothing style that's gaining popularity for its fresh and harmonious aesthetic. Explore the rise of Japandi style and how you can incorporate it into every room of your home.
What is Japandi?
Japandi style is the fusion of traditional Scandinavian and Japanese design, combining simplicity, natural elements, and comfort. With its rising popularity and timeless appeal, Japandi style is definitely here to stay.
What is the history of Japandi Interior Design?
The rich history of Japandi style began 150 years ago, when Danish designers started travelling to Japan, seeking fresh inspiration. The two countries’ cultural ties were formed through the shared design principles of incorporating natural elements, quality craftsmanship and an appreciation for simplicity in design.
Japandi interior design combines the Scandinavian design principle of ‘hygge’, the idea that your home should be designed around comfort and wellbeing, with the Japanese aesthetic concept of ‘wabi-sabi’, which prioritises the beauty of simplicity and understated natural forms in interior design.
Elements of Japandi Style
A core element of Japandi interior design is its neutral colour palette, centred around whites, greys, and earth tones. Simplicity is key, pick one or two main hues and stick with them, avoiding bold colours that might disrupt the overall calm aesthetic.
Clean lines throughout are another key element of Japandi style, and choosing furniture with clean lines helps to create a calm, less distracting environment. A clutter-free space is integral for creating the Japandi style within your home, as it helps promote rest and relaxation.
Japandi interior design prioritises natural light for a bright, airy atmosphere, helping to create a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Japandi style places a strong emphasis on sustainability, prioritising quality, long-lasting pieces and the use of natural and sustainable materials wherever possible.
Minimalism is a key element of Japandi interior design, favouring functionality and simplicity of design in every aspect.
How to Add Japandi To Your Home
Create a Japandi Kitchen with a Neutral Palette
To truly embody the Japandi style in your kitchen, embrace natural materials such as light wood or stone countertops. Even small touches, like adding houseplants, can help incorporate natural elements into your kitchen.
Minimalism is key to creating a Japandi kitchen, blending functionality and design. Adding a kitchen island is a great way to increase the functionality and efficient flow of your kitchen and is a feature in many Japandi style kitchens.
For effective and functional lighting for an island, kitchen pendant lights are a great choice to create focused illumination in one area.
Minimalist Living Rooms
To create a Japandi living room, it’s key to maintain a minimalist look to achieve the calm, zen-like atmosphere that defines Japandi interiors. Simple, neutral colour palettes without much variation are perfect to embody the minimalism of Japandi style.
Try working with one main neutral tone for larger pieces of furniture, like white or cream sofas and darker earthy tones for any accent pieces. While differing colours should be kept to a minimum, layering lots of different textures can be perfect for accentuating the cosy feel of Scandinavian design.
Soft textures are ideal for rugs and throws and experimenting with textured fabrics for furniture, such as boucle, can add dimension without overwhelming the space. Carefully chosen, timeless ornaments and accessories can be a great way to incorporate some colour and embrace natural materials too. Try using live plants, ceramic, wood or earthenware accessories.
Have a Calm and Relaxing Bedroom
Embrace a sense of tranquillity and calm in your home by creating a Japandi bedroom. Choose a wooden bed frame made of light, natural wood to embrace natural materials.
Avoid bulky headboards and opt for one with clean lines or even no headboard for a truly minimalist look. Rooted in Japanese tradition, low bed frames lower your centre of gravity, helping reduce anxiety and promote calm, making them the ideal choice of a Japandi bedroom.
Functional bedroom furniture pieces that can aid in reducing clutter such as storage benches for the end of the bed or bedside tables with storage are perfect for keeping the space feeling minimalist.
The Danish term ‘hygge’ is a principle of Scandinavian design centred around well-being, comfort and cosiness being represented in your living space. Layering lots of luxury bedding adds a cosy feel and warmth and can be a good way to incorporate some colour to cut through the stark, neutral palette.
Japandi Bathroom Retreat
Combine Japanese minimalism (known as wabi-sabi) and Scandinavian style warmth or hygge to transform your bathroom into a Japandi style retreat. Neutral colours paired with dark accents is ideal for creating a Japandi bathroom.
Try pairing a light, natural wood vanity with a dark stone or marble countertop or sink to seamlessly blend neutral tones with striking dark colours and incorporate natural materials. Indirect bathroom lighting can help to give a calm and relaxed feel, try using concealed LED strip lighting under counters to create a soft, minimalist glow or wall lights for more of a statement piece.
For bathroom accessories, soft, luxury towels are the ideal addition to keep that cosy feel.
[ INSPIRATION ]
Trends & Lifestyle
‘Slow decorating’ has become a buzzword in the design community, referring to consciously and slowly furnishing your home by selecting quality pieces and taking time to enjoy a more gradual process.
It’s the opposite of the quickfire ‘room reveals’ that flood our feeds on Instagram. The antithesis of tapping into a trending aesthetic only to change it again a few months later. And the reverse of refurbishing a house as quickly as possible. It's thoughtful and considered.
But while others are billing the concept of slow decorating as a trend, we think of it more as a sustainable approach to design, similar to the one we adopted many years ago. Which is why everything from our furniture and lighting to accessories and soft furnishings are selected for superior craftsmanship and quality materials.
It makes for designs that truly stand the test of time and can be passed down from generation to generation; and, in turn, help you shop and style your home more sustainably. It's an ethos captured in Heal’s Cares – our commitment to quality design – which you can read here.
So, how do you actually go about slow decorating?
It starts with quality design
Shopping at Heal’s is your first step when it comes to slow decorating. We believe in creating, and curating, timeless pieces that transcend seasons and trends so that every choice you make for your home really counts.
There’s no place for throwaway culture in our business, meaning better value for money and price-per-use for you, and more importantly, less waste for the environment. We craft products that will last a lifetime – for example, our solid wood sofa frames come with a lifetime guarantee – and use the right materials for the right products, while working with natural or recycled materials where possible.
Most of our producers are based in the UK or mainland Europe to minimise our carbon footprint, and we always try to support heritage skills honed by the passions and talents of artisans over the years.
From Heal’s creations to curated designs, enjoy getting inspired by great designs to help you create a home you love.
Take your time
The clue’s in the name when it comes to slow decorating. Take your time to get to know your home before jumping straight in. Consider the light in each space or how you use every room. Get to understand the style of the property and how you’d like to put your stamp on it.
Then make carefully-considered decisions when it comes to selecting designs and bringing your vision to life. Are they investment pieces? Do they have more than one function? Can they be reupholstered if you want to change the colour down the line?
Think quality over quantity and gradually build up your scheme by layering furniture (bigger pieces first) with lighting (multiple styles for a professional look), accessories (consider different shapes and sizes) and soft furnishings (texture is key).
Why not combine design classics with hand-me-downs and vintage finds? A gloriously eclectic – and sustainable – way to decorate. Slowing down the whole process doesn’t just ensure a considered scheme, but staggers costs, too, helping with all-important budgeting.
Finish by repurposing something old
Even when designs are created to endure, sometimes you still might want to change things up, as a scheme is never truly finished. That’s why we’ve partnered with Hackney Upholstery Studio to offer an expert upholstery service for your furniture.
Based in east London and founded by Polly Fenech and Marine Potrais, both of whom have a background in fashion buying, the studio aims to showcase the skill of upholstery and value of the craft to a new generation of design-conscious clients.
Whether you’re giving a vintage piece a new lease of life, or simply refreshing your style, the service will ensure a much-loved design can be enjoyed for many more years to come.
Get inspired for your slow decoration interior scheme by browsing and buying from our collection of quality furniture, lighting, accessories and soft furnishings; or, if you need a helping hand, get in touch with our Interior Planning Service to help develop a look you’ll love for years to come.
The eclectic aesthetic has been trending in décor for quite some time, but it’s getting even more specific, with influencers across social media drawing on inspiration from the souks of Morocco – and further afield.
Think sun-baked palettes, natural materials, laid-back silhouettes and rustic accessories. It’s not just those working in the industry who are getting their ideas from North Africa, either – everyday homeowners are looking to recreate sunnier climes as a form of escapism in these increasingly unpredictable times.
Indeed, it’s telling that #moroccaninterior has 550K views (and counting) on TikTok. The look is as practical as it is beautiful, too. In the winter, the look can warm up your space when it’s still cold outside, while during the summer is complements the light that’s streaming through the windows.
Here, we reveal aspirational but practical Moroccan living room ideas that are sure to add far-flung style – and a sense of adventure – to even the most homegrown of spaces. Think of it as a holiday without stepping foot outside of your front door. No passport required.
Choose warm colours
Colour is key when it comes to creating a Moroccan-style living room. Look to the warmer hues in the colour wheel like toasty browns, burnt oranges, sunny yellows and blushing pinks to cosy up even cool north-facing rooms.
Rather than vibrant, bold shades, utilise softer, muted iterations to reflect spaces that appear to have been faded by the sun, while evoking the glamorous bygone era made famous by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Use these colours as the foundations for building the scheme in your living room – on the walls, floors and in key furniture such as our luxury sofas – then complement with rich jewel tones in smaller pieces like coffee tables, soft furnishings and accessories.
Think deep teals, ruby-reds and emerald greens to create a jewel-box of a space that’s both inviting and decadent. Finally, finish with ochres and golds in the smallest of accents, adding a touch of glamour to proceedings.
Editor’s picks
Choose something slouchy and convivial for the sofa to recreate the social and relaxed vibe of Moroccan parties from yesteryear.
Our pick is Togo by Ligne Roset – a design classic for over 50 years, no less – with its low-seat, body-hugging shape and signature folds. Plump for upholstery inspired by the colours of the desert in orange, red or yellow.
When it comes to a coffee table, the lower the better, such as the oversized Bowl table – crafted by artisans from solid mango wood – or the Flower table with its ornate petal-like edging.
When hosting friends for afternoon tea, forgo the formality of chairs for cool and casual floor cushions – these Amechi Cushions should do the trick – and gather everyone around.
Opt for warm lighting
Complement your toasty colour scheme with similarly warm lighting in wall lights, pendants and table lamps. Ensure the bulb is warm by choosing yellow bulbs instead of white ones – much like you would to add warm twinkle to a Christmas tree – and select rustic rather than refined styles.
Think about warming materials and finishes in rich or yellow woods and gold or bronze metals to really turn up the temperature in your Moroccan-style living room.
Editor’s picks
Hang these statement Makiko pendant lights in a natural bamboo finish over your relaxed sofa and low coffee table to zone a space for lounging with a book or gathering with loved ones.
Otherwise, the gold Beat pendant by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon will certainly give your Moroccan-style living room a glow-up. Highlight architectural features, illuminate artwork or simply wash the wall in light with a decorative style in similar finishes such as the wooden Clava Up by Umage or stainless-steel Spring by Tom Dixon.
Finally, layer your lighting scheme with a couple of statement lamps in natural materials: our Kinloch ceramic style with linen shade is perfect for boho spaces.
It’s all about the rugs
With your colour palette sorted, it’s time to add further depth and interest, namely in rugs – after all, Morocco is famed for the floor coverings it sells in its souks. The secret is two-fold: choosing styles featuring busy patterns in beautiful hues; and layering them for added texture.
For authenticity, try not to choose luxury rugs that match each other. Quite the opposite, in fact – find styles that purposefully clash for an effortless and ‘thrown-together’ look.
Editor’s picks
Start with something oversized in a neutral colour that can act as your base – the Dolzago by Linie Design is a good example – then layer over the top with different sizes, shapes, patterns and colours.
More really is more. Get inspired by the Whitfield from our collection, or Baobab by Louis de Poortere and Bandas by GAN. Remember your colour palette during the selection process so you’re building on the same tones and shades.
Layer your fabric
Next, it’s time to layer on even more fabric in cushions on the floor, sofa and any occasional chairs, plus luxury throws over the backs and arms of sofas. Eschew luxurious, heavy fabrics in favour of lighter, more rustic styles and tie them into colours elsewhere.
Editor’s picks
Begin by building a base of plain cushions in earthy shades – our Islington cushions in blush or tobacco, navy are perfect – teamed with ‘one-offs’ in a combination of quirky patterns and colours (almost as if you’ve picked them up randomly on trips abroad over the years).
See the Cabana in yellow and sand stripes; the Alice in a copper check; and the Sapowaydidi with a diamond motif. Anything with texture or detail – beading, fringing – is an added bonus.
Be creative with your pouf
Poufs are everywhere in Morocco, commonly used as a replacement for tables, while providing somewhere comfortable to sit when flexibility is required. Here in the UK, they’re more commonly referred to as footstools, but the concept is the same.
Editor’s picks
Give you traditional Moroccan pouf – generally made from leather or fabric – a contemporary twist with our Matera, Togo by Ligne Roset or our Isola.
When not in use, top with a tray in a gleaming metallic – such as the Brew by Tom Dixon – and style with objets d’art, tea-making paraphernalia or coffee table books.
Don’t forget about room fragrance
Smell is arguably the strongest of the senses, immediately recalling a cherished memory or transporting you to a favourite place, so don’t forget to add a luxury home fragrance to your Moroccan-style living room.
Editor’s picks
Floral and woody, our Jasmine & Sandalwood natural reed diffuser provides a long-lasting fragrance that’s truly evocative, while this leather-scented candle by MALIN + GOETZ is infused with the smell of artisans honing their craft in the souk.
With Morocco’s landscape carpeted with fig trees, this fig tree diffuser from Urban Apothecary will make you feel like your living room is among them.
Looking for other Moroccan living room ideas? Browse luxury furniture to recreate Moroccan flair from the comfort of home
While ‘quiet luxury’ is certainly having a moment in interiors - think subtle details, pared-back patterns, hush-hush finishes and whispered shades – there’s no denying that maximalism is making waves at the other end of the spectrum.
Unlike the ushered, understated spaces trending in TV shows like Succession, maximalist décor is all about a more-is-more aesthetic, whether in furniture, lighting, soft furnishing or accessories. It’s loud, proud and totally unapologetic.
But fear not: you don’t need to completely transform your home to try the trend. Here, we show you how you can channel your inner maximalist with just a few pieces, all personally handpicked by the expert team at Heal’s. It’s time to celebrate excess.
Punchy palette
No space is every truly maximalist if you’re still using neutrals. Layer a brightly-coloured backdrop of busy wallpaper or charismatic paint with similarly bold furniture and brave furnishings, preferably in a selection of playful shades.
Our luxurious sofas come in a range of strong colours, from the Devon in red to the Nuvola in petrol and the Wallis in green, while a smattering of scatter cushions in yet another vibrant hue will provide depth and drama.
Try our Bouclé cushion in cobalt, mustard or copper; or our Velvet cushion in teal, rust or claret. Remember, when it comes to maximalism, there really are no rules – so long as combinations of colours are considered rather than random.
Elsewhere, consider another accent piece in furniture – the Lars sideboard with its green-painted finish, perhaps, or the Lando sideboard with its high-shine and block colour – supported by a gallery of vivid artwork. Orange Landscapes 01 Print, Flores Nocturnas 01 Print and Cantilever Chair certainly aren’t wallflowers and are sure to spark conversation in the space.
Remember, curation is still key to ensure cohesion and stop the palette from becoming overpowering, so start by adding your dominant colours slowly to ensure they hang together. Sticking to a handful of three or five shades will certainly help to create an edited look. Once complete, this will act as your ‘canvas’ against which you can add further maximalist touches in lighting, textiles and accessories.
Dramatic effect
When it comes to lighting, the bigger and bolder the better, so look to contemporary spins on traditional styles, such as a modern chandelier dripping in drama. Our Rock Crystal LED chandelier in brushed gold makes a design statement and provides sparkling illumination; the Balance multi-arm chandelier can even be hung on low ceilings; and our Squiggle LED pendant in white completely flips the format on its head with a design that looks like a work of art whether illuminated or not.
Alternatively, self-taught British designer Tom Dixon is the master of maximalism, and his iconic Melt is no exception comprising seven large pendants within a signature organic shape. Think oversized and ornate when it comes to other lighting sources, too, and layer styles for a look that’s both eclectic and exciting.
Team towering floor lamps like Skipper by Tom Raffield or Kabuki from Kartell with look-at-me table lamps such as Multi-Lite by Gubi and Nevo from a-emotional and forgo complementary pairings with contrasting styles.
Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match materials. When it comes to lights, shades are a secret way of adding even more impact. The 9602 floor lamp is a case in point, bringing together Finnish lighting maestro Paavo Tynell and Parisian textile house Maison Pierre Frey to create a special edition of the 1935 classic.
Key to getting maximalist lighting right is that it’s as much about adding texture and colour as it is illumination and ambience.
Personality clash
Textiles are your friend when it comes to expressing yourself. Rugs, cushions, throws and bedlinen can quickly and easily turn drab to fab by adding to the sensory experience of a maximalist space.
Again, it’s all in the layering to achieve the aesthetic, from the New Zealand wool sheepskin in vibrant yellow to the bright colours of Christopher Farr cushions and the Amechi quilt with its bold patterns and embroidered beadwork. Remember: you can always swap textiles in and out so they’re a great way of experimenting without too much risk.
Be brave
In short, maximalism is the opposite of being restrained in your décor choices, and doesn’t work in half measures. You need to commit to create impact, although, as above, you can start by simply styling a bed or a cosy corner.
Browse and buy other maximalism pieces to try the trend for yourself.
Bridging the gap between ceiling lights and table lamps, contemporary wall lights for living rooms are a crucial part of layering a scheme, working to make your spaces feel cosier and bigger.
Not only that, but they can be used to cleverly highlight architectural features and cherished artworks, while the boldest designs can be iconic masterpieces in their own right. Better still, they can help to zone rooms, whether marking out a reading corner or a bar area.
In particular, a living room requires layers of lights for dialling up and down the ambience as and when required, from entertaining guests to reading a book and watching TV. Here, we explore how you can embrace contemporary wall lights for living rooms, along with plenty of bright ideas.
Use lighting to highlight a feature
From panelling to artwork, directional lighting can shine a whole new light on the things you love most about a space, so consider contemporary wall lights to bring out architectural features and cherished belongings.
Part of our new collection, the Milton features an extendable arm and adjustable head that mean you can pick out any details, while a glamorous brass finish and Mid-Century aesthetic makes it a real conversation-starter.
Alternatively, the linear form of the Saber is perfect for casting a warm glow above or beneath a picture frame with an LED light that can be rotated 180 degrees. Otherwise, how about a pair of Mooon LED wall lights by Fermob either side of a period fireplace or piece of furniture?
Use lighting to create a cosy corner or dedicated reading nook
Despite what you may think, it’s not only a strategically-placed floor light or table lamp that can help to create a dedicated reading nook. In fact, wall lights can be your best friend when it comes to a cosy corner, so long as the style is adjustable for directing the light to assist with turning the pages of your next big read.
You can either stick with the same style you have elsewhere in the space or opt for something altogether different if your corner is in a secluded part of the room to designate it as a separate zone.
We particularly love the traditional styling of the Type 80 – a wall-mounted reinterpretation of the classic desk lamp by beloved British brand Anglepoise – which is perfect for angling over your favourite armchair.
More contemporary is the Beat wall light by none other than Tom Dixon with a simple and structural design that’s both adjustable and dimmable for creating the perfect reading environment.
Use lighting to make a statement
Unusual contemporary wall lights can be used to make a splash without the need for anything else. Look to statement designs, noteworthy finishes and interesting features for something that will really pop on the wall and make for a talking point in your living room.
Case in point is the Neap wall light by Tom Raffield, cleverly steam-bent from sustainably-sourced oak and walnut and finished with gleaming brass fixtures. Inspired by the rugged Cornish coast, it shines light both upwards and downwards, while creating a relaxing and calming ambience.
Elsewhere, the Melt by Tom Dixon exemplifies the British designer’s innovative style with a stand-out copper design that’s squashed, squeezed, distorted and moulded into a beautiful ‘blob’ for either the wall or ceiling. While producing truly exceptional lighting, it boasts a shimmering mirrored finish when not in use, making for a work of art during the day.
Finally, what about the Bloom from Kartell? The handcrafted piece conceals the light within a bulbous structure of polycarbonate flowers with intricate levels of detail imitating cut-glass crystal. It’s a thing of pure beauty. We’d suggest mounting one either side of a dazzling mirror to add an artful flourish to your space.
More tips and ideas for lighting in your contemporary living room
Consider the colour for contemporary wall lights indoors, from black and grey to white and glass. Black adds an industrial element; grey is a versatile and timeless shade for any space; white makes rooms feel modern; and glass adds a touch of glamour.
Invest in multiples of the same style throughout your living room to create a consistent and coherent theme.
Ditch a central ceiling light in favour of wall lights. They will make the ceiling look higher – a clever trick of the eye – as long as the light is directed upwards to cast a vertical glow. Install the lights higher up the wall than you usually would, too.
Get inspired by more contemporary wall light ideas for a living room with the rest of the designs in our collection.
From neutral colours to light woods and clean lines, Scandinavian design is both timeless and on-trend, together with a less-is-more approach that makes it irresistibly achievable. Despite its famously pared-back aesthetic, Scandinavian interiors are far from minimalist, full of texture, interest, depth and warmth, while being light and airy in the summer and warm and cosy in the winter.
A versatile scheme for all seasons, if you will. That’s why décor inspired by the understated style of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland works so beautifully in a bedroom, bringing hygge home with Insta-grammable looks and creature comforts.
And now, it’s becoming increasingly popular to mix Scandinavian style with other influences – a dash of France or Morocco, anyone? – to create a contemporary take on the signature look. Just in time for a seasonal refresh, we round-up easy Scandinavian bedroom ideas, sure to help you create your own Nordic nest.
Incorporate wooden furniture
Light, pale or white-washed woods are the cornerstones of a bright and breezy Scandinavian bedroom, whether on the floor or in the furniture, so look to pine, beech or ash.
The best-selling Brunel range epitomises the aesthetic with everything from an oak headboard to a wardrobe and bedside tables made from light American oak, while the exclusively-designed Morten collection features white-washed oak across a wardrobe, chest of drawers and Scandinavian style bed, amongst other pieces.
When it comes to beds and headboards, search for simple designs with clean lines and tapered legs, and go for a matching set, rather than furniture from different ranges, to reinforce a single-minded look.
Choose appropriate lighting
Keep your surfaces uncluttered by adding a statement ceiling light rather than lots of floor or table lamps for a streamlined space.
Paper lantern-inspired designs are common in Scandi-style interiors, such as the Urchin pendant by Tom Raffield or the Akari A Series by Vitra, particularly white styles that cast a soft and ethereal glow.
Better still, plump for a light that also incorporates wood, like the Loer pendant in ash.
Add neutral colours
The best Scandinavian bedrooms harness neutral colours and natural shades to create spaces that are calm and relaxed while nodding to the serene beauty of the great outdoors.
Recreate the look with a monochromatic colour palette of white and black interspersed with bolder accents – the greens of the forests and the blues of the lakes – or begin with a base of cream or grey.
With the walls painted, complement with soft furnishings in similar hues for a tonal scheme, from casual but chic washed linen in grey to a smattering of check cushions in blue, pink or green.
Finish with a sheepskin rug over the back of an armchair or draped across the bed for the ultimate in Scandi style. The perfect spot for curling up with the next big Scandi noir thriller.
Layer with a rug
A simple rug can add instant texture and warmth to a Scandinavian bedroom, particularly when textiles are kept unfussy elsewhere, so pick out your colour palette with a patterned style by Linie Design. Sure to keep your toes nice and cosy on those cold and crisp mornings.
Finish with art
Finally, one of the simplest Scandinavian bedroom ideas is styling with wall art, usually in the form of abstract prints in black frames, white frames or wooden frames.
Try Her Print by Paper Collective with a bold, minimalist aesthetic; Untitled, 1967 from King & McGaw for an expressive pink piece.
Display a pair either side of your bed, or curate a striking gallery wall above a desk, for a look that’s as considered and curated as the most sophisticated gallery in Stockholm.
Get more Scandinavian bedroom inspiration by perusing and choosing from our collection of bedroom furniture.
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