Japandi kitchen ideas for your next home makeover

Strike the perfect balance between contemporary and cosy with our Japandi-inspired kitchen ideas.

With so many interior trends cropping up year on year, deciding how to design your kitchen can be an overwhelming process. If you’re looking for an aesthetic that feels contemporary yet cosy, trendy but timeless, we have the one for you. Introducing: the Japandi look.

This design style is a beautiful blend of Japanese and Scandinavian influences, taking the minimalism of Japanese design and combining it with functional, purpose-driven Scandi form. It’s the ideal solution for people who want their kitchen to feel effortlessly tranquil, whilst supporting everyday living.

In this style guide, we’ll show you how to achieve a Japandi-inspired kitchen in your own home, through thoughtful furniture choices, neutral colour palettes, organic textures, and intentional accessories.

What is “Japandi” style?

Japandi is the clever fusion of two unique design styles. It’s where Scandinavian hygge meets Japanese minimalism, resulting in a home that feels pared-back, light and airy, all whilst maintaining a homely environment.

Key Japandi design principles

• Calm, neutral colour palettes.
• Decluttered, minimalist spaces.
• Natural textures, like wood and stone.
• Organic shapes that mirror the natural world.
• Functional designs for simplicity.

Why Japandi works in the kitchen

“Put simply, Japandi style is a combination of the minimal Japanese aesthetic and Scandinavian functionality. In the kitchen, this means creating a purposeful space that prioritises practicality without compromising on style.”

 Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme

Japandi-inspired kitchen ideas

Let’s explore our best Japandi ideas to transform your kitchen into a calming corner of the home.

1. Start by decluttering your space

Simplicity is key when achieving the Japandi aesthetic. To start in the right way, we’d recommend decluttering your kitchen. Of course, keep your essentials, but anything that doesn’t serve a purpose? Part ways with it. Our Head of Design, Kris Manalo, explains further:

“A Japandi kitchen is neat and organised, where everything has its place and clutter is kept to a minimum. All items should be intentional, serving a purpose within the room. Think clean-lined cabinets, hidden storage and tidy worktops.”

- Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme

2. Choose a calm, neutral colour palette

“Keep your colour scheme neutral, with muted, warm tones. This could be soft off-whites used as a base tone, Pantone’s Cloud Dancer is a great example - greiges, beiges or earthy tones such as soft terracotta, cocoa brown or sage green.”

- Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thyme

In terms of colour palettes, neutrals are best. Japandi offers a sense of zen tranquillity, which is easily achieved with calming, neutral tones on hand. There’s also scope to go for darker tones, but these should be strictly earth tones, such as olive green, rich brown, and terracotta. Any colours you might expect to see in nature work well and can seamlessly blend together.

3. Invest in functional furniture

Japandi furniture should prioritise functionality. That means high-quality pieces that get the job done. Look for kitchen furniture with clean lines and sleek surfaces, for a timeless yet contemporary look.

Brera Marble Sideboard

4. Opt for natural textures

“Materials have an important role to play when styling a Japandi kitchen”, says Kris Manalo. “Opt for natural materials that are stylish, practical and built-to-last. Pale and natural coloured wood, such as mango wood, is becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen as the rich tones add warmth and a hint of luxury.”

Take these earthy wood tones and contrast them with a worktop crafted from natural stone, such as luxurious marble or gorgeous granite, and you’ve got the perfect foundation for your Japandi kitchen.

Looking for a slightly less luxurious alternative? Kris adds: “In 2026, we’re also seeing an increase in homeowners choosing cement worktops as an affordable and contemporary alternative to marble.”

Best natural textures in a Japandi kitchen

• Solid wood.
• Stone.
• Rattan.
• Wicker.
• Cotton.
• Linen.
• Jute.

5. Embrace the natural world

Many Japandi homes are decorated with organic shapes that mirror the natural world. This is because of Japandi’s deeply rooted association with nature. Whilst clean lines and edges are indeed welcome, the aesthetic encourages you to look for perfection in imperfections, and opt for organic curves and shapes you’d see in the outside world.

This could be anything from irregularly shaped furniture and asymmetrical mirrors to handmade curved ceramics on your kitchen shelves. We love this kind of decor in a Japandi kitchen as it ticks both the boxes of organic shapes and natural materials. The goal is for everything to look curated yet meant to be.

6. Utilise natural lighting and add thoughtful spotlights

Since Japandi design is all about the natural world, it’s best to make the most of the natural lighting in your kitchen, where possible. Make sure to clear any windows of bulky furniture or clutter, and let the natural light pour in!

Need a little extra light? Accent lighting is best. Consider adding small spotlights, dotted around your kitchen, for a low-lit, ambient look. You could add sleek downlighting, such as our stunning Thea Frosted Glass Pendant, discreet light strips under shelves or in a pantry, or use homey table lamps on your kitchen counters. The overall lighting should feel considered, layered, and cosy.

“In a Japandi kitchen, choose simple light fixtures such as glass pendants or brass fittings or consider natural textures such as organic bamboo or rattan.”

- Kris Manalo, Head of Design at Atkin and Thymed

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