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Houzz Tour: Scandi Flair Meets Japanese Minimalism in This Flat
A bachelor's pad takes on a new cool design trend – Japandi or Japanordic
With the Scandinavian style being sought after in many Singapore homes, homeowners and designers seek ways to introduce a unique slant to the style. There are different approaches to achieving the cosy and modern flair of the Nordic style, sometimes even fusing it with other styles for a unique new look. This bachelor’s pad went for the hybrid design called ‘Japandi’ (also known as Japanordic), which is currently gaining popularity.
Simply put, Japandi style combines the modern-rustic vibe of the Scandi design with the wabi sabi Japanese ethos, which finds beauty in imperfection. Both styles lean towards minimalism, and a relaxed way of living that’s connected to nature, which makes this fusion effortless. “The owner is actually a fan of the Japanese brand, Muji, and Scandinavian brands such as Hay and Ferm Living, so the ‘Japandi’ theme was quite fitting,” say designers Vandra Png and Wilson Teng of Studio FortyFour.
Simply put, Japandi style combines the modern-rustic vibe of the Scandi design with the wabi sabi Japanese ethos, which finds beauty in imperfection. Both styles lean towards minimalism, and a relaxed way of living that’s connected to nature, which makes this fusion effortless. “The owner is actually a fan of the Japanese brand, Muji, and Scandinavian brands such as Hay and Ferm Living, so the ‘Japandi’ theme was quite fitting,” say designers Vandra Png and Wilson Teng of Studio FortyFour.
Png and Teng decided not to have any built-ins in the living-dining area to make the space flexible, and leave more room for plants and activities.
Contrasting colours, and natural and textured fabrics (preferably with very minimal print/pattern) characterise the Japandi style. Nordic design focuses on light, neutral hues, natural woods, pastel accents, while the Japanese style is known for richer tones and the addition of black and red.
In this flat, the vinyl flooring and most of the furniture pieces show the light oak tones typical of the Scandi look. But there are also touches of stark, dark hues in the accent pieces, such as the side table in the living area, dining chairs, as well as the kitchen cabinetry. The designers also chose a sofa with textured green upholstery and a floor cushion, to add more nature-inspired elements.
Contrasting colours, and natural and textured fabrics (preferably with very minimal print/pattern) characterise the Japandi style. Nordic design focuses on light, neutral hues, natural woods, pastel accents, while the Japanese style is known for richer tones and the addition of black and red.
In this flat, the vinyl flooring and most of the furniture pieces show the light oak tones typical of the Scandi look. But there are also touches of stark, dark hues in the accent pieces, such as the side table in the living area, dining chairs, as well as the kitchen cabinetry. The designers also chose a sofa with textured green upholstery and a floor cushion, to add more nature-inspired elements.
While the designers fulfilled the open space requirement, they also made subtle distinctions between spaces. “We connected the entrance and kitchen using the same tiles, not only to demarcate the entrance from the main living space but also to visually extend the depth of the kitchen,” Png explains.
Dining table and bench: Sketch Furniture; coffee table and shelving unit: Ikea; CD player: Muji; tiles: Hafary
Dining table and bench: Sketch Furniture; coffee table and shelving unit: Ikea; CD player: Muji; tiles: Hafary
The kitchen also exemplifies natural hues, clean lines and an uncluttered look. Focus is on texture, while handmade ceramics make for statement pieces.
A new enlarged master bedroom was created by knocking down the wall between two bedrooms. Pale walls, varied wood tones, and grey oak vinyl flooring spell the pared back yet warm aesthetic of the Japandi style.
Bedframe: Matthew Hilton by Pomelo; bench: Ikea; flooring: Floor Xpert
Bedframe: Matthew Hilton by Pomelo; bench: Ikea; flooring: Floor Xpert
Adding personality to the space are the quirky accessories picked by the owner himself, such as the bulldog coin bank he got from Bangkok and a pot from Polkaros.
The master bathroom’s warm neutral palette and custom-built vanity also round up the no-frills philosophy of the Japandi style.
Tiles: Hafary
Tiles: Hafary
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What is your favourite feature in this home? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: A bachelor
Location: Sengkang Central
Size: 90 square meters (968 square feet)
Project duration: 10 weeks
The owner’s main requirement was a bright and open space that is filled with plants. “He has a green thumb so he likes a plant-filled home,” Png says. Using plants to blur the indoors and outdoors is, in fact, another defining trait of the Japandi style. And this home does that by dotting the space with potted plants that breathe a sense of vibrancy into the interior.
It may not be obvious from the photos, but this four-room HDB flat actually has a slanted side traversing the living area and the bedrooms. But the designers didn’t see it as much of a problem. “We realised the slanted side actually created an interesting volume for the space,” says Png.