A Calm Within Chaos: One Londoner’s Journey Into Japandi Minimalism
- At Deya
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
INTERIOR INSPO — JAPAN’S STYLE FROM MY INNER CIRCLE
When your city is as relentlessly busy as London, carving out a space of peace and clarity becomes more than a luxury, it becomes a necessity. This issue, our Interior Insō series travels inward to explore how one member of my inner circle transformed her modest London flat into a quiet sanctuary rooted in the Japandi aesthetic, a thoughtful blend of Japanese serenity and Scandinavian functionality.
She didn’t arrive at this style by accident. Her approach was grounded from the very start: a desire to create a space that felt like an exhale. Calm, simple, warm. A retreat that feels like a reset. Through intentional material choices, a nature-inspired palette, and small-but-smart layout edits, she’s managed to cultivate a home that doesn’t demand attention but rather invites you to be still, even on a grey London day.
INSIDE THE JAPANDI FLAT: A CONVERSATION
What drew you to Japandi as a design philosophy for your home?
It was a conscious choice from the beginning. I knew I wanted my flat to be a calm, soothing space, something to counterbalance the constant chaos of London life. Japandi ticked all the boxes: minimalism, earthy textures, and a sense of stillness. My flat doesn’t have standout architectural details, so leaning into its simplicity felt like the right thing to do. It’s about working with the space, not against it.
What atmosphere were you aiming to create?
Peace. I wanted to close the door behind me and instantly feel like the world outside had been muted. That’s what minimalism does for me, fewer things, fewer distractions. I’m a big believer in “out of sight, out of mind.” Light colours helped a lot, too. Even when the weather is gloomy (which, let’s be honest, is often), the space feels warm and bright.
Where did you start in terms of design elements?
Materials and tone were the anchors. The flat isn’t huge, so everything needed to contribute to an airy, open feel. I went with light-toned real wood, ceramic tiles in a soft greige stone pattern, and a bright white paint Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, because it has a high light reflectance value, which really helps during the dark winter months. Once those decisions were made, it was about layering in neutrals and some darker wood pieces for contrast and depth.
Japandi is all about balance — function meets beauty. How did you manage that?You really have to think about how you’ll live in the space. For example, light colours can be anxiety-inducing at first like, “what if I spill something?” so I chose materials that are easy to maintain. Washable paint, sealed wood surfaces, stone tiles in high-traffic areas. That practicality allows you to actually enjoy the aesthetic instead of tiptoeing around it.
Was there a clear plan when sourcing furniture and decor?
Not really! It was mostly instinctive, with the palette, light, bright, neutral, as the guiding force. I let spontaneity lead the way and tried to stay true to natural materials and simplicity. I also wanted harmony across all rooms without making everything feel too matchy-matchy. The process echoed my personal style, too. I wear a lot of neutrals and classic shapes, and that naturally came through in my home.
Any major changes during the renovation?
No big structural overhauls, but we did make a few smart tweaks. The biggest one was removing the bathtub and building a storage closet in that space to move the washing machine out of the kitchen. It allowed us to install a dishwasher a small change that made a big difference in functionality. Otherwise, it was all very “learn as you go.” You have no idea how many decisions are involved until you're in the middle of it!
What were the challenges or surprises?
Oh, so many! Especially buying furniture online even when you measure, things can look and feel totally different in person. Our first sofa was a disaster: it looked gorgeous online but completely overwhelmed the room. We had to return it and start over. But honestly, mistakes are part of the process. You learn, adjust, and move on.
Do you have a favorite corner or feature that captures the Japandi vibe?
The bathroom. It’s small, but it feels like a cocoon, calm and cozy. Everything about it invites you to pause and breathe. I think that’s the essence of Japandi: design that doesn’t shout but still speaks.
Any advice for someone looking to try this style at home?
Yes, don’t overthink it. As long as you stick to a natural palette and authentic materials, most things will naturally harmonize. Keep it classic, don’t go overboard with trends, and most importantly, make it yours. Let your personality show through.
And finally, how has this space changed your day-to-day life?
It’s helped me think clearer and stay more organized. When there’s less visual clutter, there’s less mental noise. And honestly, it’s made London winters feel a little less heavy. Coming home feels like a reward.
Minimal doesn’t mean cold. Japandi proves that simplicity, when done intentionally, can feel warm, human, and deeply personal. Let this serene London flat remind us that a home doesn’t need drama, just clarity, contrast, and a connection to the natural world.
Great inspo for someone new to interiors