2023 is all about nature-inspired interiors, but how should you incorporate the trend at home? Enter Japandi style. The aesthetic – which combines Japanese and Scandinavian design principles – traces back to the 19th century, but it's recently gained momentum. With 113 million views (and counting) of '#Japandi' on TikTok, we predict the look will only become more popular this year.
Here's the low down on the trend and how to introduce it to your interiors with our new Cork Wall Tiles collection. We also have another range popular Japanese wall panels
What is Japandi style?
In a nutshell, it's a hybrid aesthetic that's simple, elegant and homely. It combines the concepts of Japanese wabi-sabi – which focuses on the individuality and transient beauty found in nature – and Scandinavian hygge, defined as the feeling of contentment evoked by comfort and cosiness.
Its origins began in the 1850s when Japan's borders reopened for the first time in 200 years. Nordic artists and designers travelled to the country, fell in love with the culture and used this new-found appreciation as a source of inspiration for their creations. Today, the concept is trending because of its tranquil ambience.
How to add Japandi style to your decor
You can implement the aesthetic at home by curating your decor and efficiently using the space. Think natural materials, clean lines and functional elements that create a luxurious vibe and work together to enhance the room's flow. When it comes to colours, a warm palette is fundamental. Pick shades inspired by the environment, like soft and luminous neutrals paired with earthy hues. Meanwhile, dark-toned details will add a subtle touch of contrast.
The style is also about creating a calm, inviting atmosphere that brings peace to your daily routine. It supports purposeful living by encouraging you to form a connection with the environment – which you can do by surrounding yourself with beautiful yet practical pieces that champion quality, simplicity and sustainability. And that's where we come in…
Use CorkWall tiles for Japandi interior design projects
Wondering what makes our cork wall coverings ideal for nailing the look? Firstly, they honour our planet's resources. They're crafted from the bark of Portuguese cork trees, which regenerates every nine years. What's more, no two panels are exactly the same. Each one has shade and pattern variations that give it a unique, textured finish. In other words, there's lots of distinctive beauty to appreciate – an integral quality of Japandi style.
Whether you're planning a room renovation, have an upcycling idea in mind, or you're still seeking inspiration, here are our top tips for using CorkWall in your Japandi interiors:
1. Imagine with intention
Our cork wall coverings are versatile, so we encourage you to get creative. You could create a focal point by affixing them to a feature wall. Or bring some practicality to your office by making a pinboard – mount CorkWall panels onto plasterboard for a decluttered desk in no time. That table you've been wanting to refresh? Our cork tiles are a stylish and sustainable way to restore smooth and solid surfaces.
2. Select your shade
CorkWall is available in six varieties, so you can easily complement your colour scheme. Design a soothing room with the soft neutral tones of Porto Beige and Lagos Beige or opt for a lighter finish with Lagos White. Aveiro Silver's linear structure and grey hues are perfect for adding depth. Meanwhile, Cascais Natural and Evora Natural boast a rich warmth that softens dark accents. Still undecided? No problem – you can order samples to see how the different options go with your room's palette, lighting and decor.
3. Pick your placement
Next, decide on the layout before installing. We advise opening all your CorkWall tile packages and mixing up the pieces. This way, you can achieve your desired blend of colour, shade and pattern. For a natural effect, we recommend organising them in a brick formation.
4. Acclimatise and apply
Due to the nature of the material, the tiles can slightly expand and contract depending on the room's temperature. So, it's important to acclimatise them in your chosen room for 48 hours before applying. After that, you'll be ready to transform your wall by affixing the panels using our Contact Spray Adhesive and a J-Roller. For a step-by-step breakdown of the installation process, read our fitting guide.
5. Choose complementary accents
Striking a balance between form and function is integral to the concept. Once your cork wall tile is in place, we suggest creating harmony in the space by including different natural elements and organic shapes. Wooden textures, metallic finishes and marble effects add dimension, while accessories such as linen cushions and clay vases enhance the tactile vibe. Lastly, don't forget to include some lush greenery to evoke outdoor tranquillity. The result? A relaxing environment that feels like a personal sanctuary.
Are you planning a Japandi interior using CorkWall? Show us your design by tagging us on social media @naturewalluk and use #MyNaturewall to be featured.