Your Ultimate Japandi Interior Design Guide

In interior design, where styles often clash for attention, a beautiful and harmonious fusion has emerged, offering a sanctuary of elegance. This style is known as Japandi Interior Design, a seamless blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. It is a philosophy that embraces the best of both worlds: the clean, modern lines of Scandinavian design and the tranquil, Wabi-sabi principles of Japanese design. This guide will walk you through the core principles of Japandi interior design, helping you master its tranquil aesthetic with everything from accessorizing to considerately installing barn doors.

The defining characteristics of Japandi Style

To capture the tranquil spirit of Japandi, focus on these key characteristics:

• Minimalism & functionality. Clutter is the enemy. Every object in a Japandi living room serves a purpose, is beautifully crafted, or both. Spaces are open, with clean, uncluttered surfaces that allow for a sense of peace and order.
• Natural materials. A deep respect for nature is central. The style relies heavily on materials in their raw or slightly processed forms. Think light-colored woods, bamboo, rattan, paper, and pottery. 
• Neutral & muted color palette. The colour scheme is serene and calming. It is built around a base of earthy neutrals—soft whites, warm greys, off-whites, and sandy tones. These are often complemented by a few gentle accent colours derived from nature, such as charcoal, muted green, and black.
• Clean lines & organic forms. Furniture and decor feature a mix of Scandinavian simplicity (clean lines, functionality) and Japanese elegance (subtle curves, low-to-the-ground seating, organic shapes). 
• Wabi-sabi principles. The Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the authenticity of natural materials. This means embracing unique wood grain on something like a Japandi coffee table, celebrating flawed ceramics, and appreciating the patina of aged materials, like an antidote to the perfection of mass production.
• Connection to nature. Houseplants, especially those with clean lines and sculptural shapes, like snake plants, bonsai, or bamboo, are a key part of the decor. Natural light is maximized to blur the lines between indoors and out.

Barn door installations as your Japandi door installation

The robust nature of a barn door might seem out of place in a minimalist Japandi home. However, its core principles of functionality, space-saving design, and reliance on natural materials make it a seamless fit. It can act as a single piece that is both practical and a celebration of natural beauty. The key is in the choice of door material, its finish, and the hardware that complements minimalism.

Natural wood, raw & refined

Opt for a barn door made from light-colored woods such as pine, light oak, or ash. A simple, flat panel door with a clear matte sealant or a light stain will highlight the natural grain and texture of the wood, celebrating its inherent imperfections and beauty. An unstained barn door with a clear varnish allows the wood to age and develop a natural patina over time. 

Clean lines & minimalist forms

The simplest form is often the best for Japandi Interior Design. A flat panel barn door with no intricate crossbucks or embellishments will maintain the clean, uncluttered lines of the style. A barn door painted in a deep charcoal or matte black can be a striking and elegant accent in a more light-colored room, such as a breezy Japandi bedroom. The black introduces a grounding contrast that is a hallmark of Japandi design, without adding noise.

Space-saving functionality

Both Japanese and Scandinavian designs value space-saving solutions. Barn doors are inherently functional, requiring no swing space, which keeps the floor plan open and uncluttered, ideal for installation in a Japandi kitchen. You can also use a barn door to separate a bedroom from a living area or a home office from the main space. When open, the door disappears, creating a seamless, open-plan feel. When closed, it provides a sense of privacy without the visual weight of a traditional door.

Hardware, because it’s all in the details

Hardware choice is paramount in a Japandi aesthetic with barn doors, as it's often the only detail on an otherwise simple door. The go-to choice is matte black hardware, which provides a clean contrast against light wood. A sleek, minimal track system and a simple, geometric handle maintain the focus on function and form. For an even cleaner look, you choose hardware that is less prominent or a track system that is integrated or hidden from view.

Glass barn doors for increased natural light

A glass barn door with a simple, thin frame is an excellent way to connect with nature and maximize natural light—another key Japandi principle. It allows light to flood the space to create a sense of openness, blurring the line between inside and outside.

Begin your journey to Japan and Scandinavia 

Japandi is a design philosophy that offers a path to a more tranquil and mindful way of living. It celebrates the art of serene living, blending the best of Japanese elegance and Scandinavian functionality. 

Your barn door, far from being a simple element, can be a powerful tool in embodying this aesthetic. With its space-saving design, its inherent reliance on natural wood, and its acting as a clean, functional piece of art, a barn door can seamlessly fit into your Japandi home. 

If you’re interested in achieving your interior design dreams, look no further than our blog! We offer plenty of guides on everything from barn door installations to more specific design guides.