How to Create a WFH Japandi Office
Posted by WOCA WOODCARE
If you’re like millions of other Americans who’ve found themselves working from home, you’re probably knee-deep in home office redesign ideas.
But why settle for just one single style?
What Is Japandi Design?
Japandi interior design is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design styles. What makes this combination work so well is that there are plenty of shared elements between the two, including an emphasis on:
- Warm, neutral tones
- Minimalist accents
- Natural, sustainable materials
- Uncluttered décor
- Light spaces
- Clean lines
Though the two design styles have components in common, each one also brings unique elements to the table — demonstrated in the Scandinavian “hygge” and the Japanese “wabi-sabi.”
“Hygge” – A Scandinavian design principle that emphasizes coziness, contentment, and general wellbeing. A room with hygge should be warm and inviting, immediately putting you and your guests at ease.
“Wabi-Sabi” – The Japanese philosophy that there is beauty in imperfection. This design philosophy has been around since the 15th century. It accentuates a deep connection to earth and values the use of raw materials and authenticity above lavishness.
Blending the two philosophies within Japandi design results in a warmer take on minimalism. Japandi style offers the calmness and simplicity of minimalism but embodies a “coziness” that traditional minimalist styles tend to lack.
4 Ways to Create a Japandi WFH Office
If the clean and comfortable ambiance of Japandi is right up your alley, there are a few things you can do to turn your workspace into a Japandi office that keeps you productive, energized, and focused.
Nail the Right Palette
Warm, neutral tones are a must for Japandi design.
Earthy hues like sandstone, taupe, and adobe are excellent choices for wall colors. Choosing lighter tones helps reflect natural light and opens up more confined spaces.
Though lighter neutrals usually make up the foundation, don’t be afraid to use muted shades of blue, green, and even pink to create uniqueness and warmth. Just avoid any overly bright or bold colors in your palette. The goal is to create a calm and inspiring space, not one that agitates the senses.
Focus on Natural Materials Angela Hayes
A deep connection to nature is at the heart of Japandi design. Accordingly, you’ll want to seek out materials that embody that connection.
Woods are a must with Japandi and are ideal for office desks, tables, and chairs. While furnishing your space, select pieces with clean lines and organic, natural shapes.
For décor, seek out pieces made from natural materials like rattan, bamboo, cotton, and hemp.
Wooden flooring provided both warmth and rustic simplicity. If you’re lucky enough to have wood floors in your home office space, keep them looking their best by using an oil refreshing soap that re-oils as you clean.
As far as wood stains go, don’t be afraid to contrast lights with darks to create depth and coziness, especially when you’re re-staining floors or wooden furniture that you already have. Here are some tones to try in your Japandi home office space:
Lighter Tones
Darker Tones
Embrace Imperfection
A core tenet of Japandi is embracing imperfection (wabi-sabi). This gives you plenty of room to experiment and play with contrasts and asymmetry.
Indoor plants are a fantastic way to throw a bit of controlled chaos into an otherwise neatly organized space. Pops of greenery also break up neutrals and add a natural, calming earthiness to the room.
If you aren't looking to purchase new furniture prices, opt for thrift store wood furniture. Refinished thrift store wood furniture (with all their loveable nicks, notches, and peculiarities) can add character and comfort to your home office.
While embracing distinctiveness and imperfection, remember to be intentional with your décor and furniture. One of the main goals of Japandi is to minimize clutter and emphasize functionality. Avoid throwing in superfluous items when in doubt and stick to the basics instead.
Prioritize Quality & Artisanship
Japandi’s minimalist, intentional design means that every piece of furniture has its purpose. Each article should be high-quality, exceptionally functional, and made to last.
When choosing your furniture and décor, look for quality, handmade pieces. Sustainably sourced, repurposed, or eco-friendly materials are ideal.
Be sure to show all furniture and materials the respect they deserve by caring for them. Always clean your wood pieces with an environmentally friendly and specialized cleaner like WOCA’s natural soap spray to keep them in top condition.
When curating the right Japandi office furniture, the ultimate goal is that each piece should be able to stand on its own as an intentional piece of art.
Breathe New Life Into Your Space With Japandi Design
The Japandi office interior design style rests on principles of minimalism, comfort, sustainability, and a deep connection with nature. If you find yourself working from home day after day, it's easy to feel uninspired or to desire a more inviting office environment. Accentuating your home office with Japandi style creates feelings of warmth and comfort, keeping you feeling more productive and energized all day long.
Learn more about WOCA’s interior woodcare products and cleaners and how they can keep your home office's wooden furniture and floors looking their best.
