You know it when you see it. It’s smooth, angular, slightly retro, but not Tilda Swinton. It’s [drumroll] Japandi design, which is evocative of IKEA, but not as soulless, and Googie, but not quite as loosey-goosey. No, Japandi is a little more buttoned-up than that. Not in a holier-than-thou way, but in a “my button-up is buttoned down, and it’s made of linen” way. The emerging design trend takes the very best of Scandanavian mid-century aesthetics and blends it with elements of pared-down Japanese design. It’s low-profile bed frames and functional coffee tables. It’s minimalist nightstands and elegant shitboxes for your cat.
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We love Japandi. But it’s kind of funny how it’s re-emerging, given that Japan is where Scandinavians originally took inspiration for aesthetic movements like [pinkies out] “Japonisme.” Minimalism is almost inseparable from Scandinavian design today, but it hasn’t always been that way. Have you seen this divine, medieval gingerbread house? Vikings were maximalists, baby, whilst Japanese minimalism can be traced back to the sixth and seventh centuries. Then the 1930s came around, Alvar Aalto said #IDidAThing, and (among other factual, historical design details we’re not qualified to build a thesis on), shablam! Minimalism got traction in Scandinavia. Now, it’s the basis of Kanye West’s home.Anyways. The whole love affair revisted is a little incestuous, and very adult, which is cool because we have a Criterion subscription. Consider Japandi our new basis for building intimidating, yet relaxing home design in 2022 and beyond, because we want nothing more than an elevated, pared-down vibe that serves both WFH zen and chic kickbacks. So we’ve rolled out the white-tufted carpet for a smorgasbord of fitting decor—be it Japandi, Japanese minimalist, or Scandinavian minimalist—to artfully arrange in your home for the look. Can’t wait to almost spill our pasta sauce on it.
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A Japandi coffee table
Score a Noguchi lamp
The best Japandi storage furniture
For plants and your butt
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Shed some more light on the situation
Upgrade your seating situation
For directing your life as a movie
Straight and simple, the Alexander Skarsgård of couches
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Sweet dreams of socialized healthcare
The best Japandi wall art
Go with a low-profile bed frame
This sturdy and subtle bed frame is what Japandi is all about. And, on the off chance Japandi becomes cheug in a few years (it won’t), it’s versatile enough to meld into any mid-century motif.
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Your midsommar altar
Japandi bathroom solutions (for your cat)
Vases with sex appeal
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