In a world that often feels fast paced and chaotic, the desire for calm, balanced interiors is stronger than ever. Enter Japandi, the elegant fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth: a design trend that’s fast becoming a staple in stylish homes across the UK.

At its core, Japandi is about creating an environment that feels both functional and serene. Think calm spaces, soft natural light, clean architectural lines, and earthy textures. It champions quality over quantity, combining the refined craftsmanship and visual simplicity of Japan with the cosiness and comfort of Scandinavian hygge. The result? A timeless aesthetic that feels effortlessly calming.

Japandi interiors lean heavily on natural materials, with wood as the star player: oak, ash, and walnut are all popular choices. These are paired with textiles like cotton, linen, wool, and bamboo, and natural elements such as stone, paper and rattan. The colour palette stays neutral and grounded, with creamy whites, muted greys, and earthy browns and greens bringing the outdoors in.

Furniture is often low and minimalist: think low coffee tables and sofas, with carefully chosen decorative items like ceramic vases, handcrafted bowls, woven rugs, and porcelain teapots to add visual interest.

Partly, it’s a reaction to the chaos of the last few years: our homes have become sanctuaries, and Japandi offers a peaceful, purpose-driven way to live. But it’s not just about aesthetics. The principles behind Japandi (mindfulness, intentionality, and simplicity) resonate deeply with people seeking a more meaningful relationship with their space.

And the numbers speak for themselves. Japandi consistently ranks as a top interior design preference across generations, with Baby Boomers (56%) and Gen Z (45%) leading the charge, closely followed by Millennials (43%). Pinterest has seen a 100% year on year rise in searches for ‘Japandi living rooms’: a clear sign that the style has captured the imagination.

Want to bring Japandi into your own home? Start by decluttering with purpose. Choose a neutral base for walls and flooring, and layer in natural textures with wooden furniture, stone accessories, and soft, tactile textiles. Keep decorative items minimal and meaningful- a wooden or bamboo clock, a handmade vase, or a woven lampshade.

Japandi is about prioritising items that are both beautiful and useful, and the item that perfectly encapsulates this philosophy is a clock.

Wooden or natural clocks are ideal for this look as they’re in keeping with the aesthetic, yet also functional. Having a clock quietly keeping time in your space can also be very calming.

Look for large, plain wooden wall clocks in light tones, or a beautifully crafted mantel clock to add some subtle interest to your space.