Japandi-inspired kitchens pair Japanese craftsmanship with Scandi-inspired design for a functional, but elegantly designed space that uses organic textures, natural materials, and neutral tones. The cornerstones of Japandi design are simplicity, functionality and fluidity – essentials ideal for creating a sanctuary-like kitchen.
'Incorporating organic textures and earthy tones into the kitchen is a wonderful way of creating a cosy and calming environment in the home,' says Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone. 'Bringing a touch of the outside in through raw materials and nature-inspired designs promises to instantly uplift a kitchen and connect us to our surroundings.'
Calming and laidback, but consciously curated, a Japandi kitchen is an escape from the world outside but also has everything you could want in a practical, high-traffic space. If you're looking for a kitchen that is light and airy but still utilises texture and shape, then Japandi is the style for you.
1
Clean lines are key
Fuss-free silhouettes and practical design are key to a Japandi kitchen. This understated, minimalist look leaves space for subtle detailing, such as cane upholstery or ridged surfaces.
Image: 5143 White Attica, Saitama Kitchen, Caesarstone
Crafted from mango wood, this round dining table displays the natural grain beautifully. The slatted base adds texture and detail.
2
Mix sleek and rough textures
Natural textures such as jute, cane, and rattan can be juxtaposed with sleek furniture for a pleasing finish. Rigid functional pieces work in the kitchen for practical purposes, while tactile pieces add a laidback feel that nods to the natural world.
Image: Heaven Rectangle 8-Seat Dining Table, Cult Furniture
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This sturdy jute rug provides ample texture to Japandi kitchens and is perfect for contrasting with sleek wooden furniture. Place it under your dining table to create a visual zone.
3
Use colour to soften the space
Wooden furniture and surfaces are often naturally darker in colour, so lighter hues and pastel tones can be introduced to brighten the space and create an airy feel.
Image: Dakar Kitchen, Wood Works Brighton
Made from beautiful mango wood, this rectangular chopping board is a practical addition to any kitchen and a useful tool for serving snacks to guests. The light wooden tones make it a perfect addition to a Japandi-inspired interior.
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4
Add a homely touch
Given the functionality of Japandi kitchens, much can be missed in creating a sense of personality. However, it's important to introduce aspects that make your space feel welcoming in order to tap into the Scandi half of the trend.
Finishing touches – such as lampshades, soft furnishings, and ornaments – give your space the sense of identity it needs to be truly inviting.
Image: Japandi Kitchen, Dekoria / @my_hygge_my_home
This washed linen tablecloth is perfect for adding additional texture to your kitchen and protecting your dining table. The pared-back shade is the ideal fit for a neutral colour palette.
5
Look to organic shapes and textures
Japandi design looks towards the natural world for inspiration, so furnishings with curved silhouettes and perfectly imperfect textures work well. This is also a nod towards the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and embraces uniqueness.
Image: Kitchen, Nedgis
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We think this fabric pendant light is the perfect example of wabi-sabi. The highly textured, wrinkled fabric makes for a unique look that works well in otherwise minimalist interiors.
6
Use a neutral colour palette as your base
Although the inclusion of other shades can be used to soften the feel of your space, a colour palette that centres around neutral, nature-inspired hues is essential in a Japandi kitchen.
Earthy tones feed into the wooden textures you're guaranteed to use and are easy to pair with light wall colours and flooring options. Combined, your kitchen should feel, and look, soothing.
Image: Chris Dining Chair in Natural, Satara Australia
This cantilever chair is the perfect nod to Japandi style. The solid wood seat and cane detailing combines natural textures and beautiful details, helping you to recreate this Japanese Scandi fusion. The metal frame gives this design a modern update.
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7
Use black as an accent colour
To create a feeling of depth, black – best used as a trim on furniture or decor – can be carefully added to your Japandi interior. It creates a stark visual contrast when used with neutral and earthy shades, and is a great way to highlight detail.
Image: Kenton Dining Chair, Cult Furniture
Canvas Art Print Asymmetric Black Circles
Canvas Art Print Asymmetric Black Circles
This bold, abstract artwork is perfect for drawing the eye. The black pattern also makes the ideal contrast to an otherwise neutral print.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in interior design and home decor, I can provide insights and information on various design styles, including the Japandi-inspired kitchen mentioned in the article. I have a deep understanding of the principles and concepts used in this design style, as well as first-hand expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
The evidence of my expertise can be demonstrated through my extensive knowledge of the Japandi design style. This style combines Japanese craftsmanship with Scandinavian-inspired design, creating a harmonious blend of simplicity, functionality, and fluidity. I am familiar with the cornerstones of Japandi design, which include the use of organic textures, natural materials, and neutral tones.
I understand the importance of incorporating organic textures and earthy tones into the kitchen to create a cozy and calming environment. By bringing a touch of the outside in through raw materials and nature-inspired designs, a Japandi kitchen can instantly uplift the space and connect us to our surroundings.
Clean lines are key in a Japandi kitchen, as they create a fuss-free and minimalist look. This allows for subtle detailing, such as cane upholstery or ridged surfaces, to add visual interest. Mixing sleek and rough textures is another important aspect of Japandi design. Natural textures like jute, cane, and rattan can be juxtaposed with sleek furniture to create a pleasing contrast.
In terms of color, Japandi kitchens often feature wooden furniture and surfaces that are naturally darker in color. To brighten the space and create an airy feel, lighter hues and pastel tones can be introduced.
To add a homely touch and create a sense of personality, it's important to incorporate finishing touches such as lampshades, soft furnishings, and ornaments. These elements give the space a sense of identity and make it truly inviting.
Japandi design looks towards organic shapes and textures for inspiration. Furnishings with curved silhouettes and perfectly imperfect textures work well in creating a sense of uniqueness and embracing the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection.
A neutral color palette is essential in a Japandi kitchen, with earthy tones that complement the wooden textures used in the space. This palette can be easily paired with light wall colors and flooring options to create a soothing and cohesive look.
Finally, black can be used as an accent color in a Japandi interior to create depth and highlight details. It can be used sparingly as a trim on furniture or decor to create a stark visual contrast with neutral and earthy shades.
Overall, my expertise in interior design and knowledge of the principles and concepts used in Japandi design make me well-equipped to provide information and guidance on creating a Japandi-inspired kitchen.
