Japandi
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.
Style Evolution
Japandi is growing in 2026, moving beyond serene minimalism to become a style of quiet intelligence. Japandi prioritises smart layout and intuitive design, creating minimal, nature integrated spaces that restore energy. Simplicity is now underpinned by thoughtful design choices and materials, with a focus on durability and adaptability. The style now emphasises clarity, flow, and care, blending natural warmth with architectural precision to foster restorative, intelligent homes that seamlessly connect daily rituals with nature.
About the Trend
Design Features
Refined minimalism: Simple, precise structures with clean lines and deep overhangs offer protection and clarity. Roofs can be flat, gabled, or hipped, and are designed to regulate light and comfort, supporting Japandi’s calm, intelligent aesthetic.
Natural-look exterior: Facades feature natural-look materials in warm or moody tones, reflecting Japanese and Scandinavian influences. Textured finishes and subtle detailing foster a grounded connection with the surrounding environment.
Harmonious colour scheme: A serene palette of greys, greens, and warm wood tones creates visual harmony. Colours are chosen for their calming effect and tonal consistency, enhancing the home’s sense of balance and longevity.
Indoor-outdoor flow: Design features like sliding screens, courtyards, and covered walkways blur boundaries between inside and out. These elements support daily rituals and restore wellbeing through gentle transitions and natural light.
Interiors: Interiors are minimal yet warm, using natural materials, soft textures, and intuitive layouts. Multi-use zones and open circulation foster flow, while craftsmanship in the details reflects care and longevity.
Recommended products
Linea™ Weatherboard: The strong shadow lines of this weatherboard, painted dark add a modern twist. Using with Linea™ Aluminium Corner Soakers differentiates from a more traditional look which has trim covering the corners.
Axon™ Panel Grooved: The vertical groove lines make an impact to simple box designs by bringing variety and textural interest to external walls.
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.
Options in select areas:
Hardie™ Groove Lining: Use for feature interior walls and ceilings and externally on eaves and soffits.
Oblique™ Weatherboard: Interior feature walls
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
Interior
Dulux
Duvauchelle
Duvauchelle
Dulux
Kaikorai Valley
Kaikorai Valley
Dulux
Lyttelton
Lyttelton
Dulux
Haast
Haast
Dulux
Tapawera
Tapawera
Dulux
Kingsland
Kingsland
Dulux
Blackwood Bay
Blackwood Bay
Dulux
Waimārama
Waimārama
Dulux
Mt Stevens
Mt Stevens
Axon™ Panel Grooved
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
Japandi Minimalism in Kaikōura
Recovery from Kaikōura’s devastating earthquake leads to an inspiring Japan-meets Scandinavia home that’s tailored for family life and destined to win architectural praise.
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