In recent years, the Japandi style has become a true sensation in interior design. But what exactly is it? What makes it so remarkable that so many homeowners are eager to adapt their kitchens to this style? Let’s explore the key elements of a Japandi-style kitchen and discover how to create a stylish, harmonious look for your space.
What is a Japandi-style kitchen?
The Japandi kitchen combines features of Japanese and Scandinavian design. From the Japanese style comes a minimalist setting, clear and simple lines, and a peaceful atmosphere. From the Scandinavian style comes the concept of the hügge philosophy, the feeling of warmth, and everything that makes you feel comfortable. The result of combining all of these elements in one space is a simple yet elegant and stylish design that evokes positive emotions.
For decades, the aesthetics and beauty of Japanese interiors have inspired Scandinavian designers. This inspiration goes back further than you might think. The fusion of these styles had its beginnings in the 19th century, and it's still relevant today.
Although they are located in contrasting places, the two cultures share much in common. These include a focus on functionality, high-quality and natural materials, and the presence of handmade items. Another important element, which goes hand in hand with the others, is the desire to incorporate nature into the space.
Of course, there are significant differences between the two styles. The Scandinavian style is mainly based on neutral colors. It can use other colors, but they are soft and pastel shades. The Japanese style uses strong and dark colors. The Japanese prefer furniture made of dark wood, while the Scandinavians prefer light wood.
All these elements and features come together in the Japandi interior, designed to bring balance and harmony to their combination.
6 Tips to Design Your Japandi Kitchen
Design Space and Light
The Japandi kitchen is a space full of calmness and freshness, so it needs to be spacious. It is characterized by clean lines, emphasized by handleless cupboards. To keep surfaces uncluttered, you should equip the kitchen storage with hidden, large-capacity drawers. Natural light and the color of the kitchen will shine through, adding to the sense of homeliness.
Use a Neutral Color Palette
To create a Japandi kitchen design, choose a palette of neutral colors. This palette includes colors like beige, sandy, creamy, earthy, and stony tones. It is not necessary to limit your choice to light colors. You can create a contrasting combination of light or muted tones with darker colors to create eye-catching accents. For example, pastel pink or blue works well with indigo or charcoal gray. Darker shades not only make extra accents to the Japandi kitchen but also add depth and visual interest to the design.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Both Scandinavian and Japanese designs value natural materials. So naturally, Japandi kitchens make use of materials like wood, stone, bamboo, and rattan. Fabrics and woven textures often complement these design elements. When it comes to wood, oak and walnut are among the most popular choices. Their appeal lies not only in their quality and durability but also in their rich, warm tones, which add both brightness and originality to the overall design.
To bring some variety to the Japandi kitchen design, you can add soft layers and textures such as a woolen rug, a woven tablecloth or curtains, or wicker items.
Embrace Craftsmanship
The Japandi style is characterized by simple cabinets and pantries made from natural wood materials. They are usually made without handles. However, if you prefer a classic version with handles, recessed handles are a great option. These make the cabinets look handleless, but there are still handles.
Japandi cabinets can be elegantly adorned with handmade ceramic or glass pieces. While handmade accessories may not be perfect, this is nothing to worry about. In Japanese culture, a concept of wabi-sabi values the beauty of imperfection.
Bring the Nature Inside
A connection with nature plays an important role in creating a Japandi kitchen. Plants are the perfect addition to create a natural connection and bring a sense of life to the space. They add freshness and a sense of homeliness and serve as beautiful kitchen decorations. The presence of greenery also helps highlight other natural materials. In this way, all the natural components of a room come together in a harmonious union.
Focus on Simplicity and Balance in Everyday Life
For a Japandi kitchen, minimalism is paramount. Therefore, the space should look simple and uncluttered. The beauty of the Japandi style lies in its embrace of natural elements, so the use of natural materials is essential. This style is also highly functional, with storage solutions designed to keep everything neatly concealed within the cabinets. A carefully chosen accessory or a piece of art will help complete the ambiance.
The most important thing in a Japandi kitchen is balance and harmony. This means that the newly acquired element complements the previous ones. Therefore, before choosing a new accessory and decoration, think about what it can bring to the kitchen design. And most importantly, will the new addition maintain that sense of harmony?
In summary, the Japandi style is the perfect blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth. By focusing on minimalism, natural materials, a neutral color palette, and bringing nature into the room, homeowners can create the perfect Japandi kitchen. In turn, they get a space that embodies balance and harmony. With these principles in mind, creating a stylish and practical Japandi kitchen will be a natural and rewarding process.
FAQ
What are the best colors to use for a Japandi kitchen?
Japandi kitchens are characterized by neutral tones such as beige, sand, earthy, and stone shades. To add depth, visual interest, and variety to the design, darker tones can also be incorporated.
How can I bring nature into my Japandi kitchen?
Introduce plants into your kitchen design to create a natural connection and revitalize the space. Greenery enhances the natural materials in the kitchen and helps establish a balanced, harmonious environment.
How can I maintain balance and simplicity in my Japandi kitchen?
Opt for minimalism, keeping the space uncluttered, and ensuring that each element complements the overall design rather than overwhelming it. Before adding new accessories or decor, consider whether they will take up too much space or disrupt the established design.
Is the Japandi style suitable for small kitchens?
Absolutely! Japandi style is particularly well-suited for small kitchens due to its focus on minimalism and functionality. With the right storage solutions, a small Japandi kitchen will feel more spacious and cozy.