The rise of minimal and earthy home decor has brought a new buzzword—‘Japandi.’ As the name suggests, it blends Japanese and Scandinavian styles, but it’s more than just creating a calm and stylish space.

“Japanese design embraces wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and authenticity, while Scandinavian design focuses on coziness and functionality. Together, they create warm yet practical interiors, offering a peaceful escape from the fast pace of modern life,” explains Sarita Handa, Founder and Chairperson of Sarita Handa.

Beauty in Simplicity

Japandi design proves that simplicity can be stunning. It’s all about clean, effective design that feels effortless yet inviting. A great example is Breathe restaurant in Mehrauli, designed under the brand Natelier by Bent Chair. It strikes the perfect balance—minimal yet impactful—by using natural materials like wood and stone, soft neutral tones, and handcrafted details.

Sustainability is at the heart of Japandi, making spaces feel more connected to nature than ever before.

Create Your Own Japandi-Style Home

Start by picking furniture and decor that bring your Pinterest board to life! Take inspiration from Essentia Environments’ recent project, where they layered quilted bedding, cozy pillows, and large glass doors with sleek pendant lights for a balanced look.

For that signature Japandi feel, go for natural materials like bamboo, different types of wood, or exposed brick. Stick to earthy tones—think browns, beiges, and olive greens. Keep the layout open and airy with large windows and dividers like shoji screens. Soft, warm lighting from ceiling lamps, pendants, or floor lamps will add to the cozy vibe. And for the final touch? Add a few indoor plants and seasonal flowers to bring the space to life!

Blending Japandi with Indian Craftsmanship

A Japandi-style home isn’t just about sleek minimalism—it’s also about warmth and soul. Saba Kapoor, Co-founder of Nivasa, explains, “A Japandi-inspired space might have a muted backdrop with handcrafted furniture, Indian textiles, and artisanal touches like pottery, terracotta, or bamboo.”

India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship—wood carving, pottery, metal casting, and more—pairs beautifully with Japandi’s natural, handmade aesthetic. Since both celebrate raw materials and skilled artisanship, it’s a match made in design heaven. “These elements don’t just add beauty, they bring culture, history, and a unique personality to a space,” adds Kapoor.

Mixing It Up: Japandi with a Twist

Japandi isn’t just about minimal, neutral spaces—it can be adapted to different styles while keeping its essence intact. It blends effortlessly with modern, tech-savvy homes and can even be paired with bold colors and quirky art for a more playful vibe.

Take Natelier’s Thanks and Beyond, for example—a fine-dining restaurant that gives Japandi a Boho twist with textured layers and natural materials, proving that the style can be both serene and eclectic.

The Japandi Way of Living

More than just a decor trend, Japandi is a lifestyle choice—a balance of beauty, function, and mindfulness. Its emphasis on simplicity, sustainability, and warmth makes it one of the most loved interior styles today. And with its timeless appeal, Japandi isn’t going anywhere—it’s here to stay, making our homes (and lives) feel a little more at peace.