How to Decorate Japandi

In this video, I continue my series of the most popular interior design styles with Japandi! Japandi is a very popular interior design style in 2021 because of it's calm simplicity. It is a beautiful blend of Japanese Wabi Sabi and Scandinavian Hygge, perfectly matched with simple, modern furniture and a neutral palette. This style to me feels fresh, contemporary, personal, calming and serene.
I give you a breakdown of the overlap between Scandinavian design and Japanese Zen to create Japandi, and I explain the benefits of this design style, tips on how you can achieve this look in your own home, and my favourites Japandi places to shop!
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⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 - How to Decorate Japandi
01:02 - What is Japandi Interior Design?
04:15 - What are the Benefits of Japandi?
04:48 - Who is Japandi Not For?
05:59 - Japandi Design Tip - Keep it Simple
06:39 - Japandi Design Tip - Use Lots of Wood and Neutrals
08:08 - Japandi Design Tip - Use Muted Colors
09:12 - Japandi Design Tip - Use Natural Materials
10:07 - Japandi Design Tip - Wabi Sabi and Embracing Imperfection
11:44 - Where to Shop Japandi
12:05 - Where to Shop Japandi - Local Artists
13:18 - Where to Shop Japandi - Old Faithful and Small Boutiques
14:20 - Where to Shop Japandi - Muji
15:05 - Where to Shop Japandi - Rove Concepts
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[@nomadine85]

One of my favourites aspects of japandi is that there is such a focus on texture, so you get a muted calming colour palette, but the texture is comforting and still interesting and layered

[@Nick_Lewis]

Very true! Love all the natural materials and layers of beautiful texture.

[@piyush9775943294]

How do you get that kind of wall color?

[@naninuna7440]

It's so comforting, makes me feel like I'm in a ghibli movie

[@lenerothe6234]

Fun fact: The scandinavian mid century furniture designers (and arcitechts) were inspired by Japanese aestethics. So in a way they were the first Japandi designers.

[@naninuna7440]

you'd think it would be the japanese 🙄

[@hviviench]

@@naninuna7440 read again

[@billionaireno1]

@@naninuna7440 how could it be Japandi if there's no Scandinavia

[@naninuna7440]

Right I forgot it's a compound word

[@YourMajesty143]

@@billionaireno1 - It's Japan and Scandi combined into one word, not Japan and Scandinavian.

[@k.j.hulander2204]

A great “wood” for Japandi is bamboo imo. It’s both light and distinctly Asian, plus it’s very sustainable, which is definitely a core value in both cultures.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Very true - some of the photos have bamboo, but I forgot to mention it. Thanks!

[@Ally-wo9oy]

Shou sugi ban is gorgeous too 😍

[@naturegirl321]

The problem is that it’s a grass and often needs substantial glue ups so isn’t as strong.

[@k.j.hulander2204]

@@naturegirl321 as a floor option bamboo is great, it’s actually harder than oak. But you’re right that it’s more difficult to use for say furniture carpentry. It’s also worth pointing out that bamboo absorbs more CO2 than most trees and release up to 20% more oxygen. Plus it grows very fast and can be cultivated on nutrition-poor soils! (No I don’t have stock in bamboo lol)

[@Kozickih]

To add: never plant bamboo. A single shoot becomes a forest in like 3 years. My friend is STILL fighting off shoots.

[@hllrygldsmth]

brb redesigning every room in my home

[@puertousbmonkey]

customer: " it came broken" seller: " Wabi Sabi "

[@veenteriorspacedesign]

😁

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

"Shouganai." (It can't be helped) 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@richardevans3596]

I accidentally embraced this philosophy. I ordered an oak side board that came with a broken shelf. Rather than send it back I just fixed it with some glue, and advantage of real wood furniture. Not everything has to be perfect

[@LadyNubia007]

😂🤣

[@helario01]

LOL

[@paulafeener6725]

I really love the fact that you point out that they are a cultural style and as such have a deeper meaning , and that this style is a representation of that concept.

[@amyweaver7413]

I agree with everything you’ve said - it reminds me of the late 60’s and early 70’s when we wanted to return to hand made, etc.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Totally. Sort of a rejection of the perfect, manufactured products that we'd seen previously. This is the anti fast fashion style I think.

[@Venya9]

I've been decorating Japandi not knowing it, it's nice to see there's a name for this mixed style. I'm Nordic and I love Nordic design, clean lines and natural materials but I've never really loved the "too" simple and light colour palette in Scandinavian style so I've been bringing dark, earthy tones to my interior. I really fell in love with Japanese interiors when I visited Japan. I really loved it when local brands collab with Japanese designers and bought my plates from a local Japanese woman who had this little store here (unfortunately not anymore). And of course I love Muji.

[@kgreenek]

In a couple weeks I'm moving into a loft in an old converted factory. I'd LOVE if you did a video on how to do an industrial look without going too far and accidentally creating a medieval sex dungeon vibe

[@mattbecker743]

Why wouldn't you want a medieval sex dungeon???

[@1015SaturdayNight]

@@mattbecker743 lol

[@celestemenjivar5022]

Could you do French contemporary design style breakdown? ✨

[@yay-cat]

yeah i feel like a ‘Parisian chic’ fashion capsule wardrobe (limited number of high quality items that go with each other for a timeless stylish look) has a similar design philosophy to japandi - but I have no idea how the french decorate their homes....

[@elluc1510]

@@yay-cat La Redoute has home decor and furniture ..and is very well known French brand.. Also I believe that they love ceramics, paintings, flowers, wine..lol

[@gladysdavid1163]

@@yay-cat as a french person i could tell you some information ;)

[@dmifranco]

Rick, what do you think about the Acacia bed from CB2. Should I get it in white or Acacia to get a calmed look? Thank you!

[@debraball2641]

This is the style I have always preferred for the spaces I work in. My personal living space is traditional, but I love the serenity and simplicity of the design influences from Japan and Scandanavia.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Me too - it's my new favourite right now.

[@user-xz9so8po6s]

I am a Japanese living near Tokyo. I work for a Japanese paint maker. I am very happy to have you adopt Japanese design. I think that JAPANDI's design concept will be appreciated in Japan as well, so I would like to increase the color with such paints.

[@lhalison87]

Never clicked so fast because THIS IS IT! I finally found what I referred to as my "Ikea Dark" style that I always loved. When you have some time, can you please talk about how to add pet items to your decor? Like fish tanks, cat tress, dog beds, etc!

[@gracemyer2148]

I second the pet items question!! How can you make dog crates, beds, etc. blend in or not look like such of an eyesore.

[@FilippaSkog]

I’d love to hear more about incorporating pet stuff too. I THINK I’ve nailed it with our cat’s things (beautiful shallow ceramic bowls made for humans, rattan basket bed, spatially unoffensive litter box in beige with a matte finish)… but I’d love some tips on more things.

[@katiewilliams6238]

I was a foreign student in Japan 30 years ago so I naturally am drawn to Japandi! When you mentioned wabi-sari I thought, "He knows his stuff." Thanks for the excellent video.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Aww thanks! I love Japandi style too!

[@Kevinwu-no4im]

when i saw you say wabi sari, i thought he had a typo.

[@judylloyd7901]

@@Kevinwu-no4im Wabi Sabi? So, what is wabi sari then?

[@johnnyritenbaugh1214]

Yes! People look at my like I'm crazy when I mention wabi-sabi. Finally other people who also know!

[@greyscalesx]

@@judylloyd7901 a typo or she forgot bc she went a long time ago. It's wabi-sabi not wabi sari

[@meredith_mar10]

I love the concept of Hygge! My family has a Norwegian background and we embrace this mindset. I love it so much I named my animal crossing island Hygge 😅

[@harukakmr1]

I grew up in Japan but never knew of Japanese Zen as an interior style nor that it pairs well with Scandinavian style. Your videos are so clean and informative! thank you!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Thank you very much! Yes Japan is far from the Scandinavian countries but their styles work so well together!

[@EWMoore757]

Scandinavia also has grayer light than Japan. So I think that’s why a lot of Scandinavian designs uses brighter colors or also soft colors on their white background.

[@drakedrones]

I love zenmalist - soft natural colors and textures. Porous stones, lush moss greens, low height furniture, linen handmade cotton fabrics: just easy and comfortable living.

[@ingrid9635]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!

[@coagulatedsalts4711]

turn it up 😖😖😖

[@folded.visuals]

Me too!

[@Nick_Lewis]

I hope it was worth the wait!

[@BB-xo2ts]

@@coagulatedsalts4711 ahaahah

[@amehrman1]

Me too! Totally worth the wait.

[@ArvinOlano]

Love this!!!! I have a soft spot for wabi sabi 🥲✨

[@nancyhernandez2271]

Same!

[@teejourney4880]

you should do this. i am getting tired of home goods. ;-)

[@latenightcake5881]

I love how they patch clothes with many tiny stitches. I cant remember the name of the art but its along the same vein of ways Sabi.

[@MsKaterBob]

@@latenightcake5881 I think it's called sashiko stitching to create boro textiles. It looks wonderful on indigo-dyed fabric.

[@JP-kx6kr]

Me too...especially when I mess up some DIY....”nevermind ....wabi sabi”

[@AarmOZ84]

I love how detailed yet simplistic your explanations are of these designs.

[@emmamatos5416]

What a great video! Thank you for taking the time to make this and share it. I loved learning about Japan’s And I just love your personality.

[@HaloReachMaster11]

I LOVE your videos Nick! Your videos are all encompassing! If one is interested in a certain style, watching just one video makes you feel you have enough knowledge to hit the ground running, to get started, and make it happen.

[@mimibuckles]

Thank you Nick! I hadn’t heard of this meld of the two styles. You break it down really well and I appreciate the retailer suggestions as well!

[@zoepopov3161]

Love how you break it down so it's easy to understand the style. Thank you

[@addiebarker159]

currently renovating and going for this interior look. Thanks Nick!!!

[@ceilidh_r]

Really appreciating your videos - this is exactly the style guide I needed as I decorate my home. I also loved discovering you’re in Vancouver! So great to feature some amazing local retailers and small businesses. 🇨🇦💕

[@adrianacomparetto]

I think the next step for this channel would be to actually apply all this concepts to real spaces. I would love to see that happening.

[@Repulsiastorm]

I keep coming back to this video and rewatching because you lay out the concepts so clearly and concisely. I have been trying to visualise how to marry these two styles for years and I'm so glad to see it being done successfully. Thanks for such a great video.

[@amandaallan6181]

Thank you Nick for your wonderful videos! I’ve just started educating myself in interior design and I’ve been binge watching you!!! I can’t wait to apply what I have learnt ☺️

[@scotprker]

This is exactly the video I was waiting for! My wife and I love this. Found your channel and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Watched all your videos in a few days. The best advice and explanation. Thank you so much for your channel.

[@moekographics5339]

Learned a new word "Japandi". Scandinavian style has been popular in Japan for about 15yrs. I feel "Japandi" is perfect style for Japanese. This video gives a easy tip to create your space "Japandi". Great video!

[@michellevieiracordeiro]

I love that style, it just seems so calm and relaxing.

[@ryeofoatmeal]

now it all makes sense as to why i always gravitate to muji 😭 that's bcos of their japandi style!! i have found my identity and im so happy 🥰 i love these simple style but i cannot names it cos idk what it calls lol. japandi is defo my thing! i cant wait to have my own house and decorate them 🥺

[@Nick_Lewis]

Oh that's great! Glad I can help!

[@Chicharorones87]

Aaaah this is what I needed! Moving into a new place in June And wanted to go more Japandi! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@montseholloway6838]

I only found you a couple of weeks ago but I am really enjoying all your videos and I am learning loads! I’m currently studying an interior design diploma and your videos are helping me so much! I had never heard of japandi before but I think it’s quickly creeping up at the top of my favourite styles! ♥️

[@mfablifescout1337]

Excellent and perfect timing for me as we continue to build our new home and are getting to the stage of flooring, cabinets etc. Just ordered the Wabi Sabi book you recommended, thank you, will definitely be one I will use for this decorating journey plus it’s beautiful. My husband spent most of his career in Japan and China, he owned a import / export company, now we are retired but we both love this style bot for in our home but outside as well as we are building a Japanese garden on our new home. Again thank you, love your videos and recommendations re shopping options, so helpful. Cheers. 🦋

[@saranox7319]

Excited for some more styles breakdowns. Eclectic and moody would be cool. I like the approach of choosing special decor items.

[@myaparks320]

Thank you so much for this video . I now know my style ! Also , your voice is so calming !

[@anngill4012]

Love this! Thank you. You always do such a great job with these videos.

[@brinagotsued]

I love your style breakdowns and I really hope that you will do one on traditional style too. There is hardly anything about traditional style on KZbin and it's by far my favourite style.

[@Nick_Lewis]

Yes I will be doing one soon!

[@brinagotsued]

@@Nick_Lewis * happy dance *

[@ase6443]

Hi, A scandinavian subscriber here. I enjoyed seeing you describe the scandi style. I never consciously tried to make my home "scandi" but when i heard your description and looked with other eyes on my home I see i have a scandi home. I do use a lot more colour though, but when i do there is still a sleekness to it. I really like watching your videos.

[@PowerinplayDIR]

Yessss!! I've been waiting for this! You mentioned it in one of your previous videos and I've been curious ever since. I love how simple and classic it is

[@Nick_Lewis]

It ticks all my favourite boxes. ✔️ Natural Materials ✔️ Simple Furniture ✔️Quality Focussed ✔️Comfortable

[@juliee8897]

I appreciate your non-judgmental approach in your videos. We are about to move into our first house and have a limited budget for initial shopping and updates, but your videos help give me little ways we can create better spaces even if they're imperfect.

[@barbarahopf5821]

That was a fantastic video. Had no idea about Japandi but I love it. Thanks

[@dogie1070]

My most favorite mix of styles! (Muji and IKEA) I’ve tried to blend them for years, but you have giving me nice, beautiful photos and advice. I love your channel because I love seeing what other styles are and I can understand the mind’s eye of seeing different visual points of view. Especially where to find and shop for style pieces. Love your channel!

[@gwenbelcher8604]

I am taking an interior design course and I was feeling a lack of inspiration today. I watched this and it definitely ignited my spark again! I am really looking forward to learning more about Japandi. Thanks for the cohesive intro, Nick!

[@KimC-vk5qp]

OMG! My fav!!! I've owned 8 homes over the decades. Redid everyone of them. Next home will be in Kona, Hawaii and will done in Japani. My new goal! Thank you for an excellent video! I could easily live with this day to day.

[@geraldinepleydell1991]

Thank you for sharing your ideas. it's all practical, simple but stunning. Love watching your segment, watching from down under.

[@FrylockGroupie]

Love this series!! So I thought I loved mid century. Then you made me realize that I actually loved Scandinavian. NOW you opened my eyes again and I actually love Japandi! You're in my head! ❤❤

[@d.e.t4147]

I so love this style. I hadn’t heard of it until you mentioned it in another video. Thanks for going more in depth about what it is and how to embrace it.

[@Nick_Lewis]

You are so welcome! Yes it made my 2021 trends list. I think you'll be seeing more of this style!

[@jeanlanz2344]

Thank you for sharing your expertise, Nick, and for encouraging people to buy from their local artists or even give it a go themselves. God bless you!

[@jennasaurusrex5296]

I adore your channel so much... I've def been binging it! And thank you for mentioning the cultural importance of hygge (and wabi-sabi!) and that they aren't just style designs. You're amazing!

[@Nick_Lewis]

I'm so glad! Yes it's important to respect that culture impacts design.

[@jenniferturek2917]

I just wanted to tell you that I discovered your channel yesterday and I subscribed and now a bunch of my friends have subscribed as well. I find you to be a source of refuge and gentle humor with all that is going on in the States. You have no idea how much I appreciate the escape. Thank you, Nick.

[@katietrinh4968]

I love your channel 😍 Literally watched 20 of your videos and I've learned so much!! Thank you!

[@RobinTweets]

Yes!! Thank you for bringing the beautiful Japandi / Wabi-Sabi more to the front of the class!!

[@Nick_Lewis]

My pleasure! Beauty in imperfections!

[@julesoyler4306]

I think you are so intelligent, informed, and talented. Thank you.

[@deborahmac1997]

I'm over the Japandi Scandi moon with this segment. 💞

[@patwilkinson2182]

Great video!!!1 Love the Japandi style

[@twentyagenarian6300]

Hi! 🌼 One of your videos just popped up in my recommendations and I have to admit, that I will stay. Your videos are really informative and calm to watch as there aren't 1000 effects and sound changes etc. And I really like your down-to-earth way of talking!

[@why6212]

I had no idea this was a thing, but it combines two of my favorite styles! Love it

[@dariusreidace6663]

I love this series so much. I'd love to see you do a deep dive like this on the Industrial style.

[@Qiq-og6ms]

Looooooove this style. I think you are one of the only ones ever talk about this style

[@carolannnoble3981]

I really appreciate your style of presentation - informational, clear, great incorporation of examples. I always learn so much.

[@Nick_Lewis]

You're very welcome!

[@ARdecoDesignandDevelopments]

this is one of the japandi videos that are REALLY worth watching! 🥰💙💛

[@grat2010]

I love these deep dives. Thanks for doing this series. Can't wait to see which style you do next -- would love to have better understanding of the transitional look.

[@Nick_Lewis]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@ForeverEclectic]

Another great video filled with so much useful information. So happy I subscribed to your channel👍

[@saradonnelly507]

Nick I love these videos! Totally understand why you can't go too in depth about the cultural/historical origins of design styles in these videos but I'd absolutely love a sort of "history of" series in design origins and development diving deeper into these topics in the future!

[@becca_beckks]

Just discovered your channel and I’m so happy I found you 😊 Love how you break down your videos

[@amarawynn8129]

Was waiting for this! Love it thank you for the tips! Mum and I are going to be moving into a fixer upper house that we’ve been doing renos on since November last year so we’re excited to finally be designing it! This came at a great time :)

[@ceciliayau8562]

Thank you so much ! I just realised I am the lover of Japandi !!!

[@Find-Your-Bliss-]

Thanks for talking about the Wabi Sabi aesthetic! I’ve been teaching about the concept in therapy and meditation sessions.

[@kathleenswenning9915]

Thank you so much that was fascinating, I looooooove Japandi, I have never heard of it!!!!!!

[@JoelOman1980]

As a Scandinavian I feel this style is right up my alley. I also really love the term 'handcrafted', it's something I notice a lot about Japan, then tend to stay in traditional roots and that is such a wonderful artform. Two thumbs up on this video, thank you!

[@TheCherrytree123]

great explaination. my favorite. I like more Scandi with a few zen element. Like you explain different style. Make people discover themselves! I like minimalist idea but not into minimal style. Now I understand why. Thanks Nick!

[@natashapulver5390]

My fave!!!! 😍😍😍 Thank you so much for doing a video on this style

[@Nick_Lewis]

You are so welcome! I hope you enjoyed it!

[@UKLeonie]

Finally the design I've wanted more information on, thanks luvvy.

[@Nick_Lewis]

You’re welcome 😊

[@stephincanada4013]

This video is super helpful! I have no clue in decorating but I'm vibing with Japandi! Thanks for the store recommendations, it makes it a lot easier!

[@melissajohnson6924]

Nick, I am so happy I found your channel. Love every video so far and just binge-watched all of them. I can definitely see your channel becoming one of the top channels on KZbin. I'd love to see a future video on Boho Scandi! Both are my favorite design styles. Anywho, keep up the great work!

[@elisabethriiser7465]

I’m Scandinavian (Danish) and have always loved the Scandinavian style. However, now I live together with a Korean boyfriend, so discovering Japandi only a few weeks ago, this is definately a perfect way to bring an Asian feeling into our mutual home! Thanks for your video - it contains so much good info ❤️

[@Bellamaria143]

Wow you’ve shared so much and i thank u for for giving me an idea for a very relaxing bedroom look

[@Just-4-Friend]

LOVE Japandi!!! 😍 Thanks, Nick! 😊👍

[@Nick_Lewis]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting as always!

[@DaleSteadman]

Love your videos, thank you Nick!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad you like them!

[@geeishk1094]

Omg I'm so glad someone recommended your channel! I'm moving to a new place soon and your videos are so helpful. Please do contemporary, farmhouse, transitional next😊

[@VasuKuram]

Yessss been looking forward to this vid. Thanks!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@twannapermenter8229]

I love your video and the plain and simple way you compared and contrast the two styles. I subscribed instantly.. I recently moved to Arizona and chose to do my interior in a Scandinavian style for obvious reasons. I found it hard to stay with all light woods. I love muted earth tones. Your Japandi pics were very insightful.

[@kennethng810]

I love your passion when u talk about Wabi Sabi. Wish to be ur lover !

[@rrubyy754]

I just found you and i'm.... like in love. This was so perfect and exactly as helpful as it needed to be. You're a great teacher!

[@iriszee129]

Pleaseee please do more videos on Japandi! I’ve been looking for more on it since last year and ppl r only just starting to talk about it. Love that you brought up muji it’s one of my fave stores!

[@oursimplestory]

Love this style!! I definitely agree that its the best of both styles!

[@celestem2807]

Nick thx u so much this super cool love love love all your videos❣️

[@ItsMeCherie]

Fabulous! I really enjoyed your valuable information. I enjoy the Scandinavian style and loved learning about the Japanese zen. Thanks for a lot of great info 😁❤

[@Nick_Lewis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@youandmeequals3466]

Dear Nick, you are the best . Honestly speaking, I have created my home in this Japandi style without knowing there is a style call Japandi , thanks to you now I can proudly tell friends who come to visit where my inspiration comes from. Wishing you a great weekend.

[@hollybolly1]

Thanks so much Nick Love your work

[@KatarinaP81]

As always, great video. And you mentioned, more than once, the Japanese concept of embracing the broken, represented in gold-mending of broken pottery. It's called kintsugi and it was a hit for a while.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I love everything about this blend, and we have some Japanese art from past trips there. I just read an article about wabi-sabi that I really loved. I feel lucky that I'm in YVR so I can check out the local retailers you recommended!

[@alyjin]

Just discovered this channel and I am in love 😍 a video about storageware would be great Nick!

[@elena_a-2023]

Thank you so much for this Nick! I love it. I am more of a BoHo/Scandi but I am usually interested in Japanese style. I guess it is time to “move things around.”

[@kathiefang5995]

Yes thank you! I've been looking for a video about this style, I didn't know what it was called though. Im really into this look

[@SarahSchreck]

YESSS! I've been SO excited for this one! Dream style!

[@Nick_Lewis]

Me too!!