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Writer's pictureShidonna Raven

Everything to know about Japandi — and how to infuse it into your home

Updated: Dec 29, 2021

By Courtney Thompson

Updated 4:52 PM EST

Thursday, March 11, 2021 Source: CNN

Photo Source: CNN

Shanty Wijaya's so-called "Project Japandi" house in Los Angeles

PHOTO: Jenna Ohnemus PeffleyShanty Wijaya’s so-called “Project Japandi” house in Los Angeles (CNN) —

Move over, modern farmhouse decor; there’s a new design aesthetic in town. Blending Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian hygge, Japandi is the latest trend gaining traction in the interior design world, bringing with it a cozy but simplistic look that’s popping up in homes all over the world…and piquing the interest of design lovers like us. Case in point: Searches for Japandi on Pinterest are up 100% since last year alone.

To get to the bottom of what exactly Japandi is — and how we can channel the serene style in our own homes — we talked with interior designer Shanty Wijaya, founder of Allprace, a boutique home design, build and landscape firm that recently completed an incredible Los Angeles home flip that epitomizes Japandi style. Dubbed “Project Japandi,” the home is rife in Japanese and Scandinavian influences, from a neutral color palette and an emphasis on natural materials (think wood, stone, living finish metal and leather), indoor/outdoor living and greenery throughout.


What is Japandi?

Shanty Wijaya's so-called "Project Japandi" house in Los Angeles

PHOTO: Jenna Ohnemus PeffleyShanty Wijaya’s so-called “Project Japandi” house in Los Angeles

Overseeing the entire stunning renovation, Wijaya says, “Japandi is the East meets West design movement that blends Japanese artistic elements and wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth. Both the Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics are focused on simplicity, natural elements, comfort and sustainability. Japandi is not purely an aesthetic but also a way of life. It’s about recognizing, accepting and embracing the imperfectness of life and opting for simplicity-authenticity as a conscious choice.”

Shanty Wijaya's so-called "Project Japandi" house in Los Angeles

PHOTO: Jenna Ohnemus PeffleyShanty Wijaya’s so-called “Project Japandi” house in Los Angeles

While we’re more familiar with the Scandi hygge principles — creating rustic, cozy, warm spaces that foster togetherness — Wijaya brought us up to speed on Zen Buddhism’s key elements of the “wabi-sabi” aesthetic, which is rooted in appreciating the imperfection of things.

“Opt for reclaimed pieces or something that is original or handmade,” she says. “Use materials that can naturally patina in time, like wood, natural stones and living finish metals. To create depth, use different stained colored woods. Opt for simple, low-profile furnishings, and bring nature in by using potted and hanging plants and greenery inside the house.”

Shanty Wijaya's so-called "Project Japandi" house in Los Angeles

PHOTO: Jenna Ohnemus PeffleyShanty Wijaya’s so-called “Project Japandi” house in Los Angeles

The result? A gorgeous mix of cozy details, natural materials and clean lines, all engrained in a minimalist, earthy color palette. With Wijaya’s help, we curated a slew of beautiful, well-made pieces — from bed linens and couches to dinnerware and lighting — that will get you on your Japandi way.

Parachute Linen Duvet Cover

PHOTO: ParachuteParachute Linen Duvet Cover

Comfort and sustainability are two key tenets of Japandi, and Parachute’s lovely linen duvet cover fits the bill. Made of 100% European flax, the light and airy cover comes in Japandi-approved hues like white, cream and light gray in sizes twin to California king, and the goods deliver — more than 1,000 customers have written glowing reviews. More to know: Parachute is an Oeko-Tex 100 certified company, meaning all of its products are free of harmful chemicals and synthetics. Parachute made our favorite linen sheets of this year too.


What do you think of Japndi? How can it improve your environment and the environment overall? What handmade fine art work will you choose as a center piece for your Japndi designed space?



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