You’ve likely seen the Japandi design trend, even if you haven’t heard of it before now. This blend of two powerhouse design cultures is steadily rising in popularity — and we see it taking the wedding industry by (zen-like) storm. Think neutral and muted tones with natural fabrics, simple ways of incorporating nature indoors, and an appreciation of calm visuals.
The focus on craftsmanship, purposeful design, and eco-friendly choices like localized material sourcing make this the ideal trend for modern couples. These are couples who have embraced the less is more viewpoint but they still want a big impact. And in a post-COVID world, there is this clear desire to get back to simple things, which the Japandi style is all about.
WHAT IS JAPANDI STYLE?
This interior design trend is showing up more and more in the wedding design world, so let’s take a deeper dive into the history of the Japandi style.
The word Japandi is the blending of Japanese and Scandi — for Scandinavian. This represents the blending of two distinct, but complementary design styles — hygge and wabi-sabi.
Interestingly, this harmonious style was born when Japan opened its borders after hundreds of years.
“The origin of this style dates back to when Danish designers and creatives began traveling to Japan, the moment the 220-year-old closed-border policies were finally lifted,” wrote Architectural Digest author, Loredana Matute. She says, “At that time, their designs started getting influenced by this enigmatic and fascinating new oriental aesthetic.”
Hygge
The Danish are well known for Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) which is a blend of life — as well as design — philosophy. It prizes comfort, coziness, connection to nature and family, and values the use of strategic light — such as candlelight.
Photo Courtesy of Nordic House
Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-sabi is said to have its origin in a Japanese legend of a young man seeking to learn the elaborate customs called the Way of Tea who understood the art of imperfection. According to writer Robyn Griggs Lawrence from Natural Home, “Wabi-sabi understands the tender, raw beauty of a gray December landscape and the aching elegance of an abandoned building or shed. It celebrates cracks and crevices and rot and all the other marks that time and weather and use leave behind.”
Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Bride
Why Japandi Style is Trending — And How to Prepare
The pandemic brought us all back to our foundations and now we’re seeing a resurgence in quality over quantity — seeking things that last, an appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures of life, and a desire to have true connections with and meaning in our decor selections.
Couples getting married in 2021-2023 will be leaning more towards Japandi style — even if it’s just in elements such as a neutral or earthy color palette or greenery and decor selections.
As a wedding pro, understanding the reasoning behind this trend and finding or offering selections that connect with these values will help you better serve your couples. In addition to that, be sure to incorporate some of this terminology in your blogs and social posts.
Words to Know —
- Japandi
- Wabi-sabi
- Hygge
- Minimalist
- Scandinavian / Scandi
JAPANDI-INSPIRED WEDDING STYLE GUIDE
Now that we’ve covered the history and concepts behind this trend, let’s look at the expressions it takes from the wedding decor to the minimalist wedding gowns and more. Here are 5 concepts that translate the Japandi interior design trend as a wedding style guide.
1. Color Palette in Neutral or Muted Tones
This includes earth tones and naturally muted colors. Bright pops of color aren’t part of a Japandi-style wedding palette. This is a time to play with modern neutrals such as shades of gray, brown, beige, ivory, oatmeal, as well as your terra cotta and greens.
Photo Courtesy of Nad Designs
One iteration of this color palette that is taking the wedding industry over is a warmer take on black and white by infusing it with natural materials in the decor.
Photo Courtesy of By Nicole Robin
Colored candles play a big part in this trend.
Photo Courtesy of Nordic House
2. Natural Fabrics and Materials
Linen, jute, seagrass baskets, wood, stone, and earthenware — these are all celebrated in this design aesthetic.
Photo Courtesy of Bespoke Brides
3. Minimalist Wedding Attire — That Packs a Design Punch
Japandi style is all about the art of imperfection and appreciating the impact of time and use, while also being comfortable and having meaning. Look for wedding gown designs that are simple, yet impactful. We see vintage dresses or fabrics that are remade into minimalist gowns being big in the coming years. Reworking a family gown and even simply selecting recycled fabrics are something you will see a lot more of!
Photo Courtesy of Hitched
4. Bring the Outdoors Indoors
A Japandi-inspired wedding will focus less on simply installing florals and more on bringing the outdoors indoors through plants, decor materials, and venue layout.
Photo Courtesy of Minimum Design
5. Less is More — Keep Things Uncluttered
This aesthetic is all about visual calm and appreciation. The eye needs white space to land on for visual calm, so keep decor and table settings minimal.
Photo Courtesy of Truly Elegant Prints
_
Written by Corrie McGee
