Japandi Bathrooms
VitrA Sento
Interior designers across the globe are loving Japandi – the simple and functional shared focus from Japan and Scandinavia.
Japanese and Scandinavia styling
More and more of us are wanting a spa-like bathroom. The zen-like, tranquil settings of the natural hot springs found throughout Japan provide inspiration.
Scandinavia or ‘Scandi’ style bathrooms with their minimalist, sleek and functional offering have also become hugely popular, this popularity has been further influenced with crime dramas such as The Bridge, The Killing, Thin Blue Line and The Valhalla Murders! And don’t we all like a good shop at Ikea!
Whilst there are obvious differences, Scandi and Japanese styles have lots in common. For instance, they both make use of organic, natural materials and both use textures resulting in a contemporary, simplistic look.
Let’s have a look at what Japandi is
Japandi is a fusion of styles from both Japan and Scandinavia. To understand this further we need to consider three concepts; wabi-sabi, lagom and hygge.
Wabi-sabi translates from Japanese as ‘finding the beauty in imperfection’. Think of a natural form that is far from perfect yet still beautiful because of its imperfections. Such as a piece of oak with splits, growth rings, irregular grains and knots. These imperfections make each piece of wood unique, adding character and enhancing the beauty of this natural material.
Lagom comes from the Swedish proverb “lagom ar bast” meaning “just enough”. Lagom translates to keeping simple and free of clutter.
Hygge is a Norwegian/Danish word and is more of a feeling that you get when you are home, when you are warm and cosy, happy and relaxed. Imagine being in front of a roaring log fire, sat on a gorgeous sheepskin rug – that is hygge.
Japanese and Scandinavian – similarities in design
Both Japanese and Scandinavian cultures place high value on quality and workmanship and produce minimalistic, simple furniture. Both also use organic, natural materials such as wood, stone and glass. Similarities in design can also be found in the use of natural colours, with both favouring a neutral palette for their interior design.
What are the features of Japandi styling?
Japandi features the use of natural, organic materials and natural colours. Styling is simple and uncluttered and sustainability is at the heart of Japandi with items built to last, handmade yet functional pieces are used wherever possible.
When you imagine Japandi style then think harmony, tranquility and relaxation. Your Japandi bathroom will be the place where you can chill and de-stress.
How to get the Japandi look
The main thing to remember when you’re creating your Japandi bathroom is to keep it simple, don’t crowd the room, don’t overdress the space. Choose your fixtures and fitting with care, buying pieces that are durable and that will stand the test of time.
Keep your colour palette neutral to achieve the Japandi look. Add plants to enhance the natural feel of your bathroom. Opt for ambient lighting and use organic materials in your design such as a wooden vanity unit or shelving. Granite and stone are other natural materials that work well to achieve the Japandi style.
A freestanding bath with clean lines will work beautifully. Remember the bigger the bath the more precious water you will use. We love the Villeroy and Boch Theano Freestanding Bath which comes in two sizes.
Your shower area should be kept minimal, try to incorporate those natural elements and remember that Japandi style is also about balance light and dark. Choose a black framed shower panel such as the Crosswater Design 8 Matt Black Walk In Shower Panel. Introduce texture with natural materials such as the Crosswater Arena 1000mm Wall-Hung Vanity Unit in Modern Oak.
The Villeroy and Boch Antheus Wall Hung Rimless WC will sit (excuse the pun) beautifully in your Japandi bathroom with its clean modern lines. This toilet’s rimless bowl technology eliminates the rim from the inside of the toilet bowl, thanks to the newly developed flush type. Not only does the toilet look more great but hygiene is improved as the rimless bowl is 95% more hygienic than a normal toilet bowl.
How to accessorise your Japandi bathroom
This is an easy one – as you need to keep your accessories to a minimum. Think functional, for instance toilet brush holder, soap dish, toilet roll holder – and keep other clutter tucked away. Use natural wicker baskets if you need extra storage space – they are ideal to hide away extra toilet rolls and hand towels!
Bath mats and bathroom towels should be neutral in colour. But don’t forget the odd plant or two will enhance the space.
If you want to find out more about Japandi styling visit our Japandi Bathroom Ideas Inspiration page.