Wabi-Sabi and Japandi Design Styles

Check out the similarities and difference between these modern organic styles.

I have been doing a major purge at my house. It feels good to get rid of clutter and extra decor items I’ve been hanging on to but are not on display. It feels like I’m saving items for a reason but I don’t know what that reason is.

Whatever the reason, it feels so good to let go and feel space around each item in a room and less clutter overall. It makes me think more clearly.

Because of that, I’ve been drawn to different styles and wanted to explore them more.

Today I’m sharing what Wabi-Sabi style is and Japandi style and what their differences are.

Wabi-Sabi

is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. It’s a concept that reminds us that nothing is permanent. It values the passage of time, how things grow and age and beauty in the things we feel may be ‘broken’.

Japandi

Japandi is a hybrid style of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism. It favors clean lines and a minimalist approach.

The differences

These two styles can overlap in many ways but they are some differences.

Japandi likes clean lines, tidy and sleek with muted colors whereas wabi-sabi tends to have more organic and rustic elements with more earthy and darker tones.

Real Life Examples

Let’s look at some inspiration of real life examples of the two designs styles.

Wabi-Sabi Real Life Examples

The organic shapes in this room give the distinction of wabi-sabi vibes. That mixed with the natural wood ceiling and that organic chandelier make this room complete!

Wooden and beamed ceiling with neutral sofa and round concrete tables wabi-sabi design.
via @yana_design_home

The beauty of using natural and imperfect materials like in these pendant lights is what stands out in wabi-sabi design.

Wabi-sabi design of neutral primary bedroom with curved doorway and grass like pendant lights.
via @terreostudio

Loving all the wood and organic shapes here and the neutral tones. The table and bench is incredible in displaying function and imperfection simultaneously.

Wabi-sabi dining table and bench with natural curvature in neutral kitchen.
via source

I think I found my new favorite artist. This fellow Canadian is from Quebec and her artwork is the perfect wabi-sabi touch to any room.

Neutral textured artwork on wall above rustic antique pine bench.
via Chantal Custeau

The darker tones and organic materials make the space feel warm and cozy even though the height of the ceilings could feel otherwise.

Dark beiges and neutral tones in a wabi-sabi bedroom with wood accents.
via @shevchenkon135

This is a room I could cozy up in. All that wood doesn’t make the room seem dark at all. And the linen sofa brings warmth.

Caned doors in room with wood beams on the ceiling and neutral sofa and low wooden coffee table.
via @yana_design_home

Japandi Real Life Examples

Clean lines and light shades of neutral shine in this Japandi style living room.

Japandi livign room with neutral sofas and straight lines wooden walls.
via @japandi,interior

I’m swooning over the custom shelving and natural wood colors. The zero clutter combined with just a few touch natural pieces makes this room a win for me.

Japandi style kitchen in light wood tones and black accents.
via @japandi,interior

I love the two organic shaped pendants mixed with clean lines and neutral tones.

White Japandi style chairs and marble dining table with chevron wooden floors.
via @verocotrel

The mix of different heights and wood accent go well together. The wood adds so much character to this space.

Japandi style kitchen with wooden and marble textures and light colored accents.
via @esmael.abdelhamed

The purposeful restraint in this space make it perfectly imperfect.

Japandi style wooden walls and dressing room with same colored wood on walls and floors.
via @lowenwidman_arkitekter

The low seating encompasses Japan style to a tee! Plus the cool lines of symmetry follow Scandinavian design. It’s the perfect combination of Japandi style.

Low white sofas in Japandi style living room with small black pendant light fixtures.
via @wadi_interior

What did you think of this article on wabi-sabi and Japandi? Let me know in the comments below!

Jamie

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6 Comments

  1. Honestly, Jamie, I don’t like either decor style at all! I don’t see any coziness or warmth in these spaces. They are not appealing. There is no beauty in these styles from my perspective. Just being honest since you asked.
    I much prefer the warm French style that you have in your home. Sooo lovely and inviting!

    Best,
    Arlyne

    Reply

  3. While the look is clean and modern, the chairs all look to be uncomfortable and too low. The backs of chairs need to be high so as not to dig into one’s back. The beds are too low too.

    Reply

  4. I love everything about this! I am going to try and incorporate some of this into my new build. I am a developer/GC nd I love toying with design myself. Thank you for putting this together!

    Reply

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