SERENITY BY DESIGN: A JAPANDI TOWNHOME RENOVATION IN TORONTO
So, what does Japandi design look like in a real Toronto home renovation?
We discovered the answer in a recent townhome project. Amongst the myriad of questions, our lifestyle questionnaire included the question about preferred design style. The client selected both Scandinavian and Japanese designs. Although we had a section for "others", she did not add any comments. During our conversation, she meant Japandi but was concerned that it was not a mainstream term. We knew what she meant.
Scandinavian Meets Japanese Design
Japandi is the intersection of Scandinavian warmth and Japanese restraint. A style that fuses Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian comfort. In simple terms, Japandi is a mindset. One that values clarity, utility, and beauty in restraint.
It takes the best of both worlds: the serene, nature-focused simplicity of Japanese design and the cosy, functional elegance of Scandinavian interiors. The result? A warm, minimalist aesthetic that feels grounded yet welcoming, clean but not cold.
The Japanese side incorporates principles such as wabi-sabi—the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence—and a reverence for craftsmanship, natural materials, and negative space. Think low furniture, organic textures, and tonal restraint. Light woods, soft textiles, and an effortless, lived-in comfort characterise the Scandinavian influence. Combined, they create a style that promotes mindfulness, order, and tranquillity.
The Aesthetics of Japandi Design
What sets Japandi apart in a renovation context—especially in a city like Toronto—is how it addresses both aesthetic and practical needs.
In urban homes where space is often limited, Japandi offers a streamlined approach, characterised by functional layouts, minimal clutter, and finishes that age gracefully. It works beautifully in bathroom renovations, where spa-like calm and daily practicality must coexist.
The client wanted a home that felt calm—but still lived-in, still practical. She wanted a space that supported daily routines without visual noise or chaos, especially in the bathrooms, where the design had to balance beauty with hardworking functionality.
Instead of chasing Japandi-labeled products or scrolling endlessly for inspiration, we focused on what we could control through the bathroom renovation process:
White oak flooring throughout the townhome—timeless, warm, and easy underfoot.
A clean, continuous paint story using just two Sherwin-Williams colours, which captured natural Toronto light in subtle shifts.
Bathroom tiles in soft, matte tones—grounded and minimal, without coldness.
Carefully placed black or charcoal accents add depth, and the vanity is surprisingly green.
Minimalist wall treatments—sometimes the most powerful move is restraint.
In the primary bathroom renovation, we utilised natural materials and soft finishes to create a calm and serene atmosphere. To further enhance the peaceful atmosphere, we added medicine cabinets for storage and a linen closet just outside the bathroom.
Japandi is timeless. For homeowners in Toronto seeking to create meaning and calm in their everyday environments, this design language resonates deeply.
If you're exploring a bathroom renovation in Toronto or craving a full home refresh with purpose and personality, discover our residential design-build approach and see how we bring clarity to every corner.
Dreaming of a calm, clutter-free bathroom? Ready to renovate your Toronto home with intention and style? Let’s bring Japandi to life in your space. Book a discovery call, and let's design your next chapter—together.