Typically, Scandi style favours pale woods and equally pale settings, while the Japanese also incorporate nature-inspired tones: cool blues, earthy greens and sun-bleached clay. Use limewash or chalk-based paint on walls for added texture and to stop things feeling stark. 

Materials generally derive from nature, too. Thanks to its ability to grow quickly, bamboo is an eco-friendly option. Choose organic linen over polyester, and terracotta or slate tiles over vinyl as their natural characteristics will bring through a visual softness. Washi – traditional Japanese paper – has long been a popular form of lighting in both countries as it gently diffuses and creates a cosy glow.

Shop Bali storage shelves at Oliver Bonas, £148

Simplistic certainly needn’t mean dull, and Japandi style highlights how nailing your shapes can turn a space from ‘meh’ to ‘wow’ with just a few key items. Bring in furniture with strong, deliberate outlines – either low to the floor or on legs to help enhance a feeling of space. More sculptural elements, such as an impressive curved floor lamp or a statement line-drawn artwork are then given the space to shine. 

Colour-wise, keep highly saturated hues as accents to prevent overpowering your space: black (or softer off-shades, such as charcoal) can act as visual punctuation, highlighting curves, shapes and outlines. Anything overly fussy is generally best avoided. To allow for that all-important positive energy flow, opt for pieces with gentle tapered shapes and softened edges.

Shop Walter overreach floor lamp at Habitat, £235

Creating the look needn’t necessitate an entire overhaul of your existing space – especially if you’ve already got a neutral starting point. For an instant refresh, introduce gentle monochrome patterns: a Scandi-influenced geometric print rug or Shibori-effect hand-dyed bed linen. Sculptural ornaments have a greater effect when left solo. 

Finally, inject some life with green arrangements such as bonsai trees, hanging Kokedama moss balls or sculptural Ikebanaflorals(forthelatter, try arranging them in a simple vessel for a modern twist). And – in the words of the decluttering guru Marie Kondo – make sure it all sparks joy.

Shop Desire cream rug at Wayfair, £105

The concept of wabi-sabi, although a Japanese term, perfectly conceptualises the ideology of the whole trend: as an ethos it refers to the acceptance of imperfection in life, but as a design concept it translates as appreciating the beauty to be found in imperfection. In real terms, this can mean the warmth and charm of an old tapestry crafted by a loved one, or a lathe-turned wooden vessel bearing impressions of its maker’s hand. 

This approach can be applied to larger pieces as well as accessories: think a raw-edged wooden table top with rugged tree bark edges rather than sanded smooth, or a glazed stool with visible drip marks from its time in the kiln.

The Japanese art of kintsugi – an ancient technique used for repairing pottery – blends into the principles of wabi-sabi, valuing the journey of our belongings. When things break, rather than discarding or trying to disguise damage, they are fixed using a gold paste to highlight the chapter in their history, creating something even more unique than before.

Shop rustic wooden candelabra at ZaZa Homes, £145