The Rise of Japandi: Simplicity Meets Nature
The Rise of Japandi: Simplicity Meets Nature… Japandi is a style you may not have heard of, but you will definitely have seen. Japandi has risen in popularity vastly over the last couple of years and there is no time better to jump on this style than now!
Japandi is the perfect mix of relaxed Scandinavian living and design combined with minimalist and functional Japanese interior design. Japandi style is designed to create warm inviting spaces, full of texture and tone. Mixing neutral colours with natural materials – a minimalist’s dream.
There are many ways you can use Japandi design features in your kitchen and your home, here’s some of our designers’ top tips…
Simplicity Meets Nature – Keep It Natural
One way to introduce Japandi style to your home is through the pairing of neutral tones and natural elements such as stone or wood. A great way to achieve this in a kitchen is through the use of our Löfte range. There are many different finishes in our Löfte range but the Ash, Bark and Marble finishes are a perfect way to bring this trend to life. Pair them with subtler colours and features to really maximise the Japandi feel.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for an even subtler finish, our Jasper range, pictured below in Eden, pairs beautifully with wood tones and open shelving. The open shelving allows you to delve deeper into Japandi by bringing in items such as vases and decorative plates or bowls. The addition of wooden panelling helps to further the warmth and natural textures in this example.

Simplicity – Texturise
Add dimensions to your space through the addition of different textures. Think about how you can add these textures to your kitchen finishes or through items such as curtains, blinds and rugs.
If you want to push this theme further consider choosing a textured worktop or cabinet door. This will also add a focal point to your kitchen and bring more depth to the space. A great example is through the use of our Löfte range, pictured below in Bark. However, you want to bring texture in, speak to your designer who will be able to make suggestions and help bring your vision to life.

Simplicity – Soften Your Space
We often overlook soft furnishings in our kitchens but they can really help add depth and warmth. A kitchen doesn’t have to be a cold and one-dimensional space – you should feel comfortable in every part of your home, after all!
The trick is to pick materials that are durable and can withstand daily use. Small details like adding a long flowing curtain to a patio door, or a woven runner to your table, can really elevate your kitchen and help bring in more elements of Japandi style.

Simplicity Meets Nature – Mix Patterns
Mixing minimalist patterns is another key part of Japandi style. However, it is all about simple and subtle patterns rather than clashing bright and bold ones. Consider using a lightly patterned wall tile and herringbone flooring for example. This allows for a mix of patterns but doesn’t overwhelm the space or detract from your kitchen furniture.
A simple, yet effective, way to bring this concept to life is through the use of wallpapers. Our friends at Lick have a huge range of beautiful wallpapers in natural tones and themes such as their Fern wallpaper seen below. A patterned or textured wall also allows your kitchen to stand off the walls and really helps it pop!

Simplicity Meets Nature – Earth Tones
Add colours! Another Japandi trend is to combine different tones to create a cosy and warm feel in your home. Consider mixing lighter and brighter colours you would find in nature, with warm earthy tones. Natural and earthy tones create a feeling of calmness and tranquillity in your home.
However, you don’t have to shy away from incorporating your deeper and darker tones. Black kitchens paired with natural woods are still perfect for this style if balanced out with light tones and textures.
Lick have some perfect paint shades for both…

Simplicity – Beige is Back!
Beige has never been so fashionable. Creams and off-whites are a staple within Japandi style. Warmer tones than brilliant white are key! And we have the perfect kitchen colour for you to achieve the look…
Clay is our beautifully warm cream/beige tone. It pairs perfectly with wood tones and earthy paint colours. If you want to create your own Japandi kitchen then look no further. Better still we offer our Clay finish in a multitude of ranges so you can make it work whatever style of door you’re looking for. Picture here in our Vård range.

Simplicity Meets Nature – Bring The Outside In
Introduce plants to your space to help bring in nature in a simple way. Japandi style thrives on the use of plants and greenery to create serenity within the home. Use potted plants and flowers or stems in vases. Think about the tone and texture of your pots and vases and make sure they work with your colour scheme or they add something to the space.
As a Smile Kitchens customer, you can get an exclusive 15% discount with our friends at Patch Plants. Speak to your designer today to unlock this and many other exclusive discounts!

Simplicity – Be Minimal
Part of Japandi is about bringing in elements of simple living made popular in Scandinavia. This means keeping your space clean and decluttered. Within the kitchen, this could include the use of storage solutions to keep the space free of any unnecessary objects and clutter.
Japandi style mixes practicality with a calmness that evokes feeling. Keeping your kitchen organised and clutter free is a perfect way to do just that. We understand being organised isn’t easy but we can make suggestions based on your needs to ensure you’re getting all the storage you need.
Maybe consider a Butler’s Pantry, pictured below, that allows you to store food, utensils, small appliances and crockery all in one easy to access space. You can also see our other storage solutions here.

If ‘The Rise of Japandi: Simplicity Meets Nature’ has left you feeling inspired, then why not chat to one of our dedicated designers who can help bring your ideas to life? Get in touch today.
Or, if you’d rather have a go at planning your own kitchen layout, why not have a go at our new kitchen planner tool?
Don’t forget to read our other blogs for more tips, trends, ideas and help designing your kitchen.