Japandi style combines the minimalism of Scandinavian design with the tranquil elements of Japanese aesthetics. This fusion of styles has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in bathrooms. A Japandi bathroom aims to create a soothing, spa-like atmosphere that promotes relaxation and wellbeing.
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The Key Features of a Japandi Bathroom
Several key features characterize the Japandi bathroom style:
Minimalist Design
Clutter is kept to an absolute minimum in a Japandi bathroom. The space features clean lines, plenty of open areas, and multifunctional fixtures and fittings to maximise the sense of space. Cabinets have integrated handles, and fixtures are wall-mounted where possible. Built-in storage helps keep the surfaces clear. Neutral colours like white and light wood tones prevent the space from feeling busy.
Natural Materials
Natural materials are an essential component of Japandi style. The bathroom will feature wood, stone, rattan, bamboo and other organic materials. Concrete and plaster are also popular choices that connect to the earthy theme. Using sustainable materials is preferable whenever possible.
Indirect Lighting
Harsh overhead lighting is avoided in favour of softer, indirect light sources. Wall sconces, pendant lights, and even lanterns can provide a warm, calming glow. Candles may also be featured, emphasising the spa-like atmosphere.
Green Elements
Plants are integral to a Japandi bathroom, helping bring nature indoors. Air-purifying options like ferns, orchids or bamboo stalks are fitting choices. Floating wooden shelving can provide the perfect platform to display trailing greens or succulents.
Freestanding Bathtub
A freestanding soaking tub is a Japandi signature. The tub takes center stage, serving as a sanctuary within the bathroom. Clean lines and neutral colours make the tub stand out as a sculptural element. A raw wood tub tray and floating wooden shelving holding candles and plants complete the look.
Textured Fabrics
Natural fiber fabrics like linen, cotton, and jute in their raw, undyed form incorporate texture into the space. These fabrics may be used for towels, bath mats, or shower curtains. Rough woven textures complement the smooth minimalist fixtures.
Japanese Accents
Subtle Japanese details help reinforce the Japandi theme. Floral art, calligraphy scrolls, or origami can provide artistic focal points without clutter. A small bonsai tree or ikebana flower arrangement also works well. Concrete planters, ceramic tea light holders, and woven baskets serve as tasteful decor touches.
Spa-Inspired Details
Consider including a few indulgent details to transform the bathroom into a home spa sanctuary. Ideas include a Japanese soaking tub, bamboo showerhead, heated towel rack, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and luxury bath accessories. Simple pampering additions enhance the Zen atmosphere.
Achieving a Japandi Look in the Bathroom
Want to give your bathroom a Japandi refresh? Here are some practical tips:
Choose neutral colors – Stick to light, neutral base colors like white, cream, or light grey on the walls, ceiling, and flooring. This keeps the background calm and provides an ideal backdrop for natural materials and greens.
Select natural finishes—Opt for wood, stone, or concrete finishes on surfaces like the vanity, shelving, tub, and flooring. Matte black fixtures work well, too. Stay away from glossy, colourful, or heavily patterned surfaces.
Include green elements—House plants instantly inject life and freshness into the minimalist space. For impact, group a collection of low-maintenance greens together. Trailing varieties in hanging planters are an excellent choice.
Feature wood accents – Incorporate wood finishes wherever you can – floating shelves, mirrors with wood frames, woven wood blinds. Raw, natural wood makes a subtle but noticeable statement.
Add Japanese-inspired details – A standing screen with Japanese art motifs, calligraphy wall art or a decorative sake set on a shelf provide an authentic Japandi touch.
Use textured linens – Choose bath and hand towels in natural fibres like organic cotton or linen. The raw, undyed textures complement the pared-back style. Add a jute bath mat for more depth underfoot.
Install indirect lighting – Swap out harsh downlights for wall sconces, pendant lamps, and even paper lanterns. The soft glow aligns with the Japandi aesthetic.
Declutter mercilessly – Only keep the bare bathroom essentials on display. Store everything else out of sight in drawers, cabinets, and behind doors to keep surfaces Zen-like.
Create spa moments – Add a few special details that make using the bathroom feel like a mini spa trip. Ideas include Bluetooth speakers, luxury bath oils, aromatherapy diffusers, and heated towel rail.
The Pros and Cons of a Japandi Bathroom
A Japandi bathroom design comes with several advantages:
Pros:
- It’s calming and relaxing thanks to the minimalist styling and natural materials.
- The neutral palette provides a serene backdrop that won’t go out of style.
- It’s an easy style to customise by adding your decorative touches.
- The pared-back look makes the space feel clean, airy, and larger than it is.
- It’s an affordable style to implement with just a few key updates.
Cons:
- The minimalism can feel too sparse or clinical for some tastes.
- It requires ongoing decluttering to maintain the pared-back look.
- The muted colour scheme may feel boring to those who prefer bold, vibrant interiors.
- It can be expensive to include indulgent spa-inspired additions like a freestanding tub.
- The neutral palette offers less opportunity to showcase your personality.
Overall, the Japandi bathroom style brings a sense of order and tranquility that makes the space feel like a luxurious home retreat. The clean lines provide the perfect backdrop for adding meaningful decorative accents and greenery. Just a few key updates can transform a dated bathroom into a relaxing oasis. If you love modern minimalism blended with natural elements, a Japandi-style bathroom could be the perfect design choice for your home.
Design Inspiration – Celebrity Japandi Bathrooms
Japandi style has gained plenty of famous fans in recent years. Here are some stunning celebrity Japandi bathrooms to provide design inspiration:
Kourtney Kardashian’s Bathroom
Kourtney Kardashian’s home features a bathroom with many signature Japandi elements. The space features clean white subway tile, concrete floors, wood shelving holding trailing plants, and a freestanding soaking tub. Rattan accessories and natural textures keep the minimalist room warm and welcoming.
Margot Robbie’s Hollywood Home
Actress Margot Robbie’s luxurious bathroom is a vision of Japandi style. A raw wood standalone tub takes center stage, complemented by bamboo accents, neutral tones, stone finishes, and abundant lush greens. The spa-like space provides a tranquil escape from her busy lifestyle.
Robert Pattinson’s Bathtub Focus
British actor Robert Pattinson is also a fan of the Japandi trend. His airy bathroom is focused around a statement oval freestanding tub. Alongside the wood tub, Rober opts for marble surfaces, rattan accessories and asymmetrical wooden shelving holding leafy plants and candles to complete the Zen atmosphere.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s Nature-Inspired Bathroom
The couple has several stunning Japandi-inspired bathrooms in their California homes. One bathroom features concrete and wood finishes, marble surfaces, modern wall sconces and a living wall of tropical greenery surrounding the tub. The indoor garden provides a dose of nature and freshness.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Marble Oasis
Gwyneth Paltrow worked with Roman and Williams to design her New York townhouse. Her main bathroom incorporates on-trend Japandi elements like marble surfaces, sleek fixtures and accessories, muted earthy tones, and statement geometric floor tiles. The overall effect is stylish yet soothing.
These celebrity examples demonstrate how the Japandi look can be applied in various ways. Regardless of the details, the core principles of minimalism, natural materials, and organic shapes remain constant. The resulting bathrooms provide an urban oasis with the perfect blend of modern and traditional styles.
Creating Your Own Japandi-Style Bathroom
Ready to give your bathroom a Japandi refresh? Follow these key tips:
Declutter and Clean
Clear out anything you don’t use regularly to get the space in order. Thoroughly clean all surfaces, and consider painting the walls and ceiling a light neutral colour like white, beige, or light grey.
Add Natural Materials
Incorporate wood, rattan, stone, concrete or bamboo finishes. Change up the vanity for a concrete, marble, or wood version. Add floating wood shelves, bamboo floor mats, and rattan baskets.
Include Greenery
Houseplants instantly boost the natural, spa-like atmosphere. Group air-purifying varieties together in natural planters for impact. Consider a living wall or hanging glass terrariums too.
Install New Lighting
Swap harsh downlights for soft, ambient lighting like wall sconces or pendant lamps. Add natural light with a skylight. Mirrors also help bounce the light around.
Add Special Touches
Display unique ceramic vases, rolled bamboo artwork, or a Japanese screen. Introduce sensory touches like a Bluetooth speaker, aromatherapy diffuser, or luxury bath products.
Feature a Freestanding Tub
Make the bathtub’s focal point with a sleek, sculptural, freestanding version, ideally in wood or stone. Keep the area around the tub clear and clutter-free.
With just a few considered updates, it’s simple to convert your bathroom into a relaxing Japandi retreat. Focus on quality over quantity by including just one or two natural pieces like a marble vanity or wood tub. The fresh minimalist backdrop allows your personal decor touches and greenery to really shine. Visit Draw A Bath for stylish freestanding tub inspiration to create your dream Japandi bathroom sanctuary.
Japandi Bathroom Ideas
To summarise, here are 15 key ideas to keep in mind when designing your Japandi-inspired bathroom:
- Opt for light, neutral wall and floor colors like white, beige, or light grey. This keeps the backdrop calm.
- For statement pieces like the vanity, tub, and shelving, choose wood, concrete, stone, or bamboo finishes.
- Declutter aggressively and include plenty of discreet storage solutions to keep surfaces clutter-free.
- Incorporate plenty of green with plants, moss walls, hanging terrariums, or indoor trees.
- Add natural fiber linens and textiles like cotton, linen, and jute for depth.
- Include subtle Japanese accents like calligraphy art, bonsai trees, or origami.
- Install soft, indirect lighting such as wall sconces, pendant lamps, or lanterns.
- Opt for a freestanding tub as the bathroom centerpiece.
- Keep fixtures and fittings streamlined and minimalist. Conceal pipes and valves where possible.
- Zone areas into wet and dry spaces to enhance the sense of space.
- Add eco-friendly and sustainable materials wherever possible.
- Include special spa-inspired touches like aromatherapy, Bluetooth speakers or luxury soaps.
- Incorporate clean lines, asymmetry and irregular shapes inspired by Japanese design.
- Use rattan, ceramic, marble or concrete accessories to complement the wood and greens.
- Follow the less-is-more principle and avoid over-decorating.
Keeping these core Japandi principles in mind will ensure your bathroom feels like a modern, minimalist oasis with the perfect infusion of natural Japanese elements.
Conclusion
The Japandi trend is right for bringing a bit of zen into your restroom. The area becomes a tranquil retreat by fusing glossy Scandinavian minimalism with the calming concord of the Japanese layout. Natural substances, smooth textures, warm wood tones, and plentiful greenery create calming, spa-like surroundings.
Decluttering is key – the less visual noise, the more impactful the few standout details will be. Neutral shades allow the natural elements and shapes to shine. Indirect lighting enhances the relaxed ambiance. Special touches like a freestanding tub or hanging terrariums transform the bathroom into an urban oasis.
Japandi style manages to feel both refreshing and cozy at once. The pairing of modern and traditional provides familiar comfort with a contemporary twist. Your personality can shine through via a few cherished decorative accents. For those desiring a bathroom that promotes relaxation, restoration, and harmony, embracing the Japandi trend is the perfect way to craft your dream space.
