Japandi design

A Studied Zen-like Approach

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A rustic stone wall, fine blades of Japanese Forest grass and metal lanterns offer contrast and interest in a quiet corner. - Johnsen Landscapes

What happens when you blend Japanese and Scandinavian styles and aesthetics?

JAPANDI. (aka Japanese and Scandi). I would throw in some Shaker to boot - but that’s me.

What Is Japandi Design?

Japandi design is a term used to describe the naturalism, simplicity and craftsmanship of a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. There is a focus on materials with an attention to detail. Additionally, Japandi style emphasizes sustainability.

Small interesting aspects of a stone are appreciated in a quiet outdoor space.

In exterior design - outdoors- this translates to rustic minimalism and calming, tranquil spaces. This is the approach that I naturally gravitate towards so I like that it is so popular that it gets a name. Japandi might be a new term but it highlights a long-used garden design approach. And for that I say ‘hurrah”!

Hygge + wabi-sabi

Hygge is a Scandinavian term which loosely means cozy and comforting. Japanese "wabi-sabi" is the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. That is a gross generalization of both terms but you get the idea. Cozy outdoors means sheltering spaces to sit or walk. Wabi-sabi highlights the natural textures and steady beauty found in a calming garden - rocks, water, evergreens.

Grasses and stone, hard and soft, combine to make a compelling scene. Deer resistant too. - Johnsen Landscapes