8 Japandi Garden Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

When it comes to creating a striking outdoor space, Japandi style invites the perfect blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functional simplicity. The result of this combination for the garden is a sleek and modern aesthetic, offering a sanctuary perfectly tailored to relaxation and rejuvenation. This style is very different from the classic 'cottage garden' design scheme, which comparatively tends towards 'maximalism' and romantic detail.

If you're looking to bring some of that serenity and style into your own garden, here are 10 ideas to inspire you:

1. Create an Inviting Seating Area: Set up a focus in the garden where the aim is serenity and quiet relaxation. Low level seating keeps lines clean and minimalist. A focus point such as a gorgeous fire pit or large coffee table gives a feeling of conviviality and harmony.

2. Choose Materials with Minimalism in Mind: Select smooth surfaces and materials such as volcanic or polished stone, natural wood, sleek and smooth patio areas all using neutral tones to blend in harmoniously with the natural elements of the garden. Use natural fabrics and materials, untreated wood, stone and bamboo, all which have very neutral tones.

3. Embrace Zen: To evoke the feel of reflection and serenity you can add features that focus on meditation. Features such as a minimalist pond or tranquil water feature invite the mind to switch off, and can be a great addition to a Japandi-inspired garden. The sound of water can be calming, as well as inviting a natural element amongst the harder lines of stone and wood that may also be used in this style.

4. Form and Function: The outdoor area, whilst being beautiful and gorgeous to look at, needs also to perform well as a living space if we are to embrace the Scandi value of functionality. Don't forget natural soft furnishings such as cushions and blankets, as well natural wicker baskets to stow these away when needed.

5. Create a Pathway: Enhance the ambiance and natural beauty of your Japandi garden with a meandering pathway made of gravel, smooth pebbles, or wooden planks. Border the path with low-growing plants for a sleek and simplistic look.

6. Use Earthy Tones: To continue the theme of relaxation and harmony, consider using a neutral palette so that each element of the garden compliments another. Nothing should be jarring or ostentatious. There is no need for a 'pop of colour' in the furnishings here. Sustainability is a key focus of this style and so you want the palette to reflect the idea of blending into nature, with neutral colours allowing the natural world to be the only 'pop' needed.

   

7. Play With Textures: Following the concept of blending into nature and being in harmony with the outdoors, try to implement a variety of textures. Using smooth pebbles alongside sands and the natural roughness of wood, can enhance the sensory experience of the garden. Rattan, wicker and organic fabrics reinforce the idea of sustainability and simplicity.

8. Classic Japanese Plants: For a feeling of lightness and serenity, carefully selected plants can work wonders. Minimalist trees such as bamboo, Japanese maple and cherry blossom are great choices. Other minimalist plants include grasses, ferns and eucalyptus. Growing herbs in raised containers also can add dimension and embrace functionality, with herbs being a great addition to the kitchen too.

The key to harnessing the elegance and sophistication of a Japandi-styled garden is to embrace the values of both Japanese and Scandinavian style. It is important to come back to the values of each when selecting furniture, materials and landscaping the space. Remember the importance of rejuvenation, minimalism and reflection, as well as simplicity, sustainability and nature, and you wont go far wrong.