Japandi Style at Home: How to Merge Scandinavian Calm with Japanese Soul Using Art & Texture
In a world craving calm, the Japandi style has emerged as a grounding force in interior design.
A harmonious blend of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese minimalism, Japandi invites you to slow down, pare back, and live with beauty and purpose.
It’s more than an aesthetic—it’s a way of being. And whether you're refreshing a corner or reimagining an entire space, abstract art, tonal consistency, and tactile contrasts are key to bringing this serene style home.
A Japandi-inspired living room featuring tonal textures, soft oak frames, and minimalist abstract artwork.
Here’s how to do it, plus our favourite Japandi-styled décor pieces and neutral frames to complete the look.
What Is Japandi? And Why Is It So Popular?
Japandi fuses the best of two timeless design traditions:
Scandinavian design, known for its warmth, functionality, and soft minimalism
Japanese interiors, rooted in simplicity, natural materials, and wabi-sabi (the beauty of imperfection)
The result? Interiors that are clean but never cold. Calm but never clinical. Japandi spaces are rich in detail—but quiet in mood. Think low timber furniture, soft textiles, layered textures, and art that whispers instead of shouts.
Step 1: Choose Abstract Art That Breathes
Abstract art is central to Japandi interiors. Rather than commanding the room, it supports it—adding depth, subtle movement, and soul. The right piece doesn’t distract. It deepens the atmosphere.
Look for prints with:
Soft brush strokes or ink washes
Earth-toned palettes like stone, clay, charcoal, and sand
Minimalist forms—circles, arches, and quiet asymmetry
Negative space that allows the artwork to breathe
A tonal abstract print in ochre or fog grey can anchor a living room. A single-line drawing in a warm beige hue adds emotion to a hallway or reading nook.
Art picks from our Japandi Collection:
“Stillness” – a gentle monochrome wash with layered depth
“Wabi Curve” – abstract earth-toned brushwork on textured cream
“Balance in Ink” – a minimalist black-and-clay composition on rice paper white
Step 2: Use Tonal Consistency for Flow
Japandi styling is all about visual flow. To achieve it, keep your colour palette consistent across art, soft furnishings, and hard surfaces. This doesn’t mean everything must match—just that tones should complement, not compete.
Start with a base palette of warm neutrals like:
Bone
Oatmeal
Clay
Soft charcoal
Muted sage or ecru
Layer in tonal variations with textiles, art, and ceramics. Avoid bright whites and harsh contrasts. The goal is to create a visual hum—not a loud chorus.
Styling tip: If your artwork uses warm undertones, echo that warmth in your cushion covers, frames, or floor rugs to maintain cohesion.
Elevate your walls with neutral-toned prints that blend Scandinavian warmth and Japanese simplicity.
Step 3: Add Tactile Contrast (This Is the Secret Sauce)
One of the most overlooked elements in minimalist interiors is texture. In Japandi spaces, it’s essential. Tactile contrast adds depth and character without visual clutter.
Try mixing:
Raw timber with soft boucle
Linen with smooth ceramic
Stoneware with light wool
Paper-textured prints with oak frames
This layering creates a sensory experience. It invites touch. It makes minimalism feel human.
Try This: Style a textural abstract print with a matte oak frame beside a sculptural ceramic vase and a boucle ottoman for instant Japandi softness.
Our Favourite Japandi-Styled Décor Picks
Framed Art in Natural Oak
Softens abstract prints with organic warmth
Matches pale timber furniture common in both Scandi and Japanese design
Linen Cushion Covers in Sage or Ecru
Add comfort and tonal softness without overpowering the room
Handmade Ceramic Bowl or Vase
Perfectly imperfect, a nod to wabi-sabi
Use for styling sideboards or open shelving
Neutral Framed Mirrors
Reflect light while maintaining softness
Rounded edges feel more harmonious than harsh lines
Cotton Wall Hangings or Slatted Screens
Introduce Japanese visual rhythm without crowding your walls
All pieces pair beautifully with minimalist abstract prints for that calm, curated look.
Curated with calm in mind: boucle textures, natural wood, and art that feels like a deep exhale.
Bring Japandi Home with Intention
Japandi isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. A room styled in this way doesn’t just look good—it feels good. It’s slower. Softer. More mindful.
Whether you’re curating a single wall or transforming your entire space, start with a grounding artwork. Choose tones that calm, textures that invite, and objects that mean something to you. Let the space evolve naturally—and leave room for imperfection.
🛒 Shop our Japandi Art & Frame Collection to find prints, frames, and styling pieces that bring this timeless look home.
