Japandi - Medium Density
Japandi is a style of quiet intelligence where simplicity meets precision, and every design choice is intentional. Evolving beyond calm minimalism, this look restores balance through clarity, flow, and care. A sanctuary of grounded connection, Japandi merges natural warmth with architectural clarity, soft transitions, and purposeful design.
Nature is thoughtfully integrated to support wellbeing, while intuitive layouts respond to daily rhythms with ease. Multiuse zones and open circulation promote flexibility, while architectural elements regulate light, comfort, and privacy. Smart spatial planning and passive design principles, like deep eaves, natural ventilation, and strategic shading, help enhance energy efficiency.
The palette is serene and earthy, with greys, greens, and warm tones reflecting a symbiotic relationship with nature. Materials are chosen for their longevity and tactile simplicity, creating a crafted harmony that feels both tranquil and enduring.
About the Trend
Practical Guidelines
Soft Divisions: Sliding panels and wood slats softly divide spaces to support different needs while keeping openness and calm.
Wellness Zones: Compact saunas, gardens and contemplation nooks offer daily escape and restorative reset.
Seamless Joinery: Incorporate low-profile joinery through refined built-ins and flush storage to reduce visual clutter and promote quiet functionality.
Grounded Greens: Nature-inspired neutrals and greens are key to fostering a sense of balance.
Rhythmic daylight: Strategically placed windows amplify natural light, subtly guiding daily activity and flow with restorative quality.
Recommended products
Axon™ Panel Grooved: The sleek vertical lines evoke the fine detail of a vertical joint timber, providing a distinct Japandi look.
Axon™ Panel Brushed Concrete: The gentle flowing lines evoke a simple yet dynamic texture and work well with Japandi homes. It can also be used for a more tactile board and batten look with Hardie™ Axent™ Trim.
Stria™ Cladding: The deep, 15mm-wide grooves create strong, sleek lines ideal for contemporary designs that require a bold but pared-back aesthetic.
Axon™ Panel Smooth: Perfect for creating the board and batten look, use the 45mm Hardie™ Axent™ Trim with narrow spacings to create the Japandi trend.
Oblique™ Weatherboard: The wide grooves and design flexibility of board widths can be used vertically or horizontally
Linea™ Weatherboard: The strong shadow lines of this weatherboard work perfectly on broad walls, contrasting well with vertical cladding.
Theme Insights
Evolved Living
Japandi prioritises thoughtful simplicity and long-term adaptability, where intuitive flow and passive design deliver high performance with quiet elegance.
Autonomous Living
With deep eaves, natural ventilation, and low maintenance materials, Japandi empowers self-sufficiency. It’s a style that quietly supports wellbeing, independence, and climate resilience.
Creative Living
Japandi celebrates subtle mastery and personal care. Through crafted details, intuitive flow, and nature-driven design, it invites emotional connection and creative
reflection in everyday rituals.
Recommended paint colours
Exterior
Dulux
Duvauchelle
Duvauchelle
Dulux
Lyttelton
Lyttelton
Dulux
Haast
Haast
Dulux
Kingsland
Kingsland
Dulux
Blackwood Bay
Blackwood Bay
Dulux
Waimārama
Waimārama
Dulux
Mt Stevens
Mt Stevens
Global GreenTag™ GreenRate™ Level A and Product Health Declaration™ PHD Platinum Health mean our products have passed the world's toughest standards for health, eco performance and safety.
Feature case study
Skyloft Multi-unit development
Purpose-built to meet the needs of first home buyers, the Skyloft multiunit development utilised three products from James Hardie to achieve its cost and durability objectives.
The Design Book
BUILD YOUR MODERN LIFE
The Hardie™ Cladding Collection has a wide variety of products to select from, creating design versatility, in which It’s Possible™ to Make Modern™ like never before. It’s a movement that’s reshaping perceptions and changing the way New Zealand builds. Whether you are planning a renovation, new build, or extension, this forecast will be an invaluable tool on your journey. Welcome to the James Hardie Design Handbook. It's time to Build Your Modern Life.
Where
To buy our products
Get
The James Hardie Product Guide
See
James Hardie's Modern Design Forecast