Country music singer (and recent CMA Award winner) Carly Pearce may be synonymous with her Nashville zip code, but her abode draws from style influences far beyond Tennessee. Exhibit A: The Japandi-inspired living/dining space that – as the name suggests – mixes Japanese and Scandinavian styles.
Japandi style draws influence from the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a way of life that values slow living, contentment, and simplicity, alongside the Nordic practice of hygge (that celebrates comfort and well-being). Though labeled a 'design trend,' this concept is no new phenomenon, and it has shaped how we decorate in the last three years particularly. However, its soothing nature and unrivaled versatility mean this look remains ever-popular among designers and celebrities alike, including Carly Pearce.
In her living/dining room, Pearce pairs a bright white base with natural, unpainted wood and a fig tree – all of which are staples of the Japandi aesthetic.
Part of Japandi's appeal is its flexibility. The aesthetic works beautifully in Pearce's home, but it translates to spaces of all sizes. To tap into the look, interior designer Benji Lewis recommends taking neutrals to a new level.
'Take your neutral color palette to the extreme; look only at tones of ivory, tan, soft grey, and charcoal,' Lewis says. 'I recommend Farrow and Ball's Wimborne White.' Decorating with neutrals is key to success, but incorporating elements of wood, just as Pearce demonstrates, is just as vital to the look. 'Natural timber finishes are good, but steer clear of anything dark and heavy,' Lewis notes. 'For added texture, look at naturals like wool boucle and felt, while cane detail can provide additional interest.'
Textures are crucial for ensuring our neutral spaces feel cozy instead of clinical, but as Lewis explains, our chosen finishes are important. 'Go warm with your trim detail; bronze always works well,' he says.
Pearce has emphasized the Japandi look further by incorporating a large fig tree to the corner of her table. To get a similar look, H&G's garden content editor Thom Rutter recommends a Weeping Fig, while Lewis opts for a Fatsia Japonica.
'Include some greenery with something large and leafy, like Fatsia Japonica, in a simple pot if you feel the need to add a splash of color. The Fatsia Japonica is a good indoor plant option.'
Lastly, with the exception of her throw blanket, Pearce keeps her soft furnishings out of shot. However, when creating a Japandi living room, Lewis suggests opting for subtle-hued pieces where textures and shapes can take center stage. 'Look at upholstered goods with a curved form,' he notes.
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We can tap into the aesthetic with some of our current handpicked favorites below.
This houseplant is popular for a reason – with it's purifying properties and bright leaves, this sturdy ficus can grow up to 10 feet tall.
