Japandi — the fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth — has become one of the most influential interior styles in Australia over the past few years. And it's easy to see why. In a world of visual noise and excess, there's something deeply appealing about spaces that are calm, considered and genuinely beautiful in their simplicity.
Painted furniture is central to achieving the Japandi look — but the approach is different from Hamptons or French provincial. Here's how to do it well.
What Is Japandi Style?
Japandi combines the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi — finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence — with the Scandinavian emphasis on functionality, natural materials and cosy warmth. The result is an aesthetic that is:
- Calm and uncluttered — every object is intentional
- Warm but minimal — natural materials add warmth without visual noise
- Earthy and organic — colours drawn from the natural world
- Functional and beautiful — form follows function, but beauty matters
- Handmade and imperfect — the slight imperfections of handmade objects are valued, not hidden
The Japandi Paint Palette
The Japandi palette is earthy, muted and warm. It avoids bright colours, stark whites and cool greys in favour of tones that feel grounded and natural.
Warm Neutrals
- Natural Linen (mineral) — warm linen neutral. One of the most versatile Japandi colours in the range.
- Moleskin (mineral) — warm greige with depth. Sophisticated and grounding.
- Travertine (chalk) — warm stone neutral. Suits Japandi interiors that lean more organic.
- Fleece (mineral) — soft, warm white with a cosy quality. Suits Japandi bedroom furniture.
Earthy Tones
- Stringy Bark (mineral) — warm, earthy Australian tan. Distinctly organic and grounding.
- Latte (mineral) — warm, creamy coffee tone. Versatile and suits most Japandi interiors.
- Acacia (mineral) — warm golden green. One of our favourite Japandi colours — it has an earthy, botanical quality.
- Espresso (mineral) — deep, rich brown. Suits Japandi pieces where you want warmth and depth.
Muted Greens
- Sage (chalk) — soft, muted sage green. Suits Japandi interiors beautifully — it has the right level of muting and warmth.
- Gumleaf (mineral) — muted Australian green with a natural, organic quality.
- Eucalypt (mineral) — cool, silvery green. Suits Japandi interiors that lean more Japanese.
Deep Tones
- Charcoal (chalk) or Iron Gate (mineral) — deep grey-black. Suits Japandi pieces where you want a strong, grounding presence.
- Noir (chalk) or Jet (mineral) — true black. Used sparingly in Japandi interiors for contrast and definition.
Japandi Hardware
Hardware in a Japandi interior should be simple, functional and made from natural materials. Avoid ornate or decorative hardware — Japandi hardware is understated.
- Timber handles and knobs — the most authentically Japandi hardware choice. Simple profiles, natural grain. Shop Timber Handles →
- Simple matte black bar handles — clean, functional and minimal. Suits the Japanese minimalism side of Japandi.
- Brushed brass — warm and understated. Suits the Scandinavian warmth side of Japandi.
Avoid: rattan (too coastal), ornate brass (too French provincial), chrome (too cold).
Our Favourite Japandi Combinations
- Natural Linen + timber handles — warm, calm and beautifully simple
- Acacia + timber handles — earthy and botanical. One of our personal favourites.
- Sage + simple matte black handles — the Japanese minimalism side of Japandi
- Moleskin + brushed brass handles — warm and sophisticated
- Charcoal + timber handles — strong contrast with natural warmth
- Stringy Bark + matte black handles — earthy and grounded
Japandi Furniture Pieces
Japandi style suits furniture with clean lines, simple proportions and quality materials. Avoid ornate or heavily carved pieces — Japandi furniture is functional and unadorned.
- Clean-lined timber dressers and chests of drawers
- Simple timber bedside tables
- Low-profile timber sideboards and coffee tables
- Timber shelving and bookcases
The Natural Timber Element
Natural timber is central to Japandi style. Rather than painting every surface, leave timber tops, legs or frames natural — sanded and oiled with a natural timber oil. The combination of painted surfaces and natural timber is one of the defining characteristics of the Japandi aesthetic.
Shop Artisan Mineral Paint and timber hardware at Sweet Pea Interiors. For the full colour range: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes 2026
