17+ Serene Japandi Kitchen Design Ideas We Love

Are you obsessed with Japandi kitchen designs and want to create one in your home? Check out our curated list of Japandi kitchen ideas to help you build the serene and earthy space you’ve been dreaming of!

Japandi Kitchens That Are So Zen

Japandi interiors – a place where simple and serene Wabi-Sabi design meets the cozy functionality of Scandinavian style – is one of our new favorite things in 2025! And if you’re like us and are dreaming of ways to add a Japandi aesthetic to your kitchen, we completely understand, and we’re here to help. 

We’ve created a list full of gorgeous Japandi kitchen ideas to spark your creativity and kickstart your makeover. So whether you’re working with a small space or a roomy kitchen, there are ideas on this list that will work for your home and style!

rich wood tones

Earthy textures and colors are a hallmark of Japandi design, so we suggest incorporating rich wood tones to add warmth and an organic feel. 

Opt for a natural wood island, cabinets, or seating to add natural beauty and a serene, grounded aesthetic. 

sleek cabinets

“When designing a kitchen with a Japandi aesthetic, the cabinets will most likely be flat panel kitchen cabinet styles with minimal hardware, helping create clean lines throughout the space without any interference from chunky hardware.“

Sleek cabinets contribute to a clean and clutter-free look essential for a Japandi aesthetic. This also helps the space seem open and airy, adding to the tranquil appeal of a Japandi design and making a smaller kitchen seem larger. 

earthy decor

Bringing nature indoors is another fundamental aspect of Japandi design. A large stony vase with towering branches and ivory flowers is perfect for infusing the room with natural decor. However, you can also use lush green houseplants or even a functional herb kitchen as earthy decor. 

balanced lighting

Lighting is important for setting the mood in a space, especially an interior meant to feel welcoming and serene. Aim for layered lighting, creating a balance between natural light and ambient artificial light. 

Large windows or skylights allow sunshine to fill the room, while pendant lights, wall sconces, or sleek overhead lights add a warm and cozy appeal. 

organic materials

Organic materials, like wood and marble, are staples in a Japandi kitchen. We especially love the combination of these two, blending sleek, elevated marble with the rugged look of natural wood.

Wooden cabinets with a marble island, counter, or backsplash have an organic appeal that’s perfect for a Japandi-inspired space. Not to mention that these elements are timeless, versatile, and durable. 

Paper Lantern lights

Pendant lights, especially paper lantern lights, instantly add an earthy, artistic touch to your kitchen. The soft, subdued lighting effortlessly complements the Japandi aesthetic while serving as a beautiful functional piece. Hang them above your dining table or kitchen island for a cozy, inviting glow you’ll adore. 

stony textures

Use stony textures in your space (for the floors, walls, counters, islands, etc.) to add depth and an organic flair. We love this as an alternative to traditional wood and marble, as this adds a rugged yet elevated touch to the space. 

use low furniture

Low furniture serves as a subtle nod to traditional Japanese design, and classic low-profile furniture works perfectly for the simple and sleek Scandinavian aesthetic. Low benches, tables, and stools can create a casual and cozy vibe in your kitchen and dining area. 

earthy plateware

Fill open shelves with earthy plateware, mixing bowls, and more to add a subtle organic style. Ceramics, stoneware, and bamboo utensils are practical items you’ll use that also add to the Japandi aesthetic. 

accent walls

Accent walls, particularly reeded detailing, are popular in Japanese design and can add a gorgeous, organic texture to your Japandi kitchen. These accent walls can also serve as a focal point for the space, pulling one’s attention to the main workspace or a dining nook in the kitchen. 

curved lines

Utilize curved lines throughout your kitchen to add a variety of organic shapes and silhouettes to the space. A curved island or rounded chairs add visual interest and subtle contrast in the kitchen, creating a dynamic finish. 

Other ways to add curved lines are with round pendant lights, arched doorways, circular rugs, or unique backsplash. 

simple neutral palette

This is one of our top tips for creating a Japandi-inspired space – using a simple, neutral palette! Earthy neutrals are perfect for creating a calming, functional space, so choose cream, ivory, shades of grey and beige, and black as base colors. Accent these hues with natural wood tones for a gorgeous zen-like space. 

create visual layers

As The Spruce puts it, “Japandi kitchens may be level and balanced, but they’re by no means one-dimensional. Create visual layers in your cooking space through islands, tables, seats, shelves, and lights. Even with the most modest color palettes, it’ll have movement.”

An open layout with a dining table and seating next to the kitchen can create these visual layers, making the space flow and feel open and connected. We love that this setup encourages families to spend quality time together, truly making the kitchen the heart of the home! 

monochromatic minimalism

For a minimalist, earthy space, consider using a monochromatic palette, offering subtle variation in color for visual interest but choosing harmonious shades that flow together. 

When using a monochromatic color scheme, we recommend incorporating plenty of texture throughout the space to add dimension and a sophisticated appeal. 

handmade pieces

Handmade pieces add a unique, artisanal touch to an interior. Anything from a handmade pendant light to a hand-carved chair to a one-of-a-kind cutting board adds a warm and authentic quality here, perfect for filling the space with Japandi-inspired beauty.

bold earthy design

Stunning, organic statement pieces create a visually striking space that draws you in yet feels grounding and tranquil. Dark wood tones, daring pendant lights, and a minimalist sink and stove setup add a bold and unique aesthetic that makes this Japandi kitchen stand out. 

light + open

A light-toned palette and a simple, uncluttered kitchen are perfect for creating a calm and open space.

This Japandi design allows for an airy, effortless aesthetic. Plus, having fewer items to maintain and clean instantly makes your kitchen more peaceful while aligning with Japandi principles. 

 

I hope our list of Japandi kitchen ideas has inspired you! Looking for more home decor ideas? Follow Styled Havens on Pinterest for interior design inspo!

 

If you loved this article, don’t miss Japandi Interiors: 12+ Tips For Getting This Design Right and 15+ Japandi Bathroom Design Ideas That Invite Relaxation!