Japan and Scandinavia. They could hardly have been further apart on the globe, yet have quite a few similarities in style. The result is "Japandi. A beautiful cross-pollination of peace, purity and regularity. And a wildly popular living trend as well. With the Japandi style you achieve a garden that can be both soothing and compelling.

Combine the black of the Japanese living style with the light colors of Scandinavia and you get Japandi. In these parts of the world, the art of minimalism is executed to perfection. Excess harms, at least that is the mindset of both cultures. Furniture with calm lines, attention to nature's beauty and a clean look: it all culminates in a garden that is serene and exciting at the same time.

The Japani-style offers a solution if you like to spend time in an atmospheric garden, but also have a need for peace and simplicity. The contrast of light and dark appeals to the imagination. Because of the alternation of neutral, soft colors from Scandinavia and the hard Japanese black, the Japandi garden is an environment that radiates strength. An exciting contrast of light and dark, in other words. This does not make this garden boring. For example, light tiles contrast beautifully with a black-painted fence. And black lamps fit perfectly into the Japandi garden. Or think of large, black planters next to a few wooden loungers with light gray cushions. Alternate: very light with very dark, and rectangular with round. A nice effect is created, for example, if you work with a base of light natural stone, with dark, rectangular wooden furniture and black, round lighting elements.

One big difference between Scandinavia and Japan, though, is the use of form. We know Scandinavian designer furniture for its organic silhouette. Round, oval; these shapes refer to the tranquility of nature. In Japan, we see more straight lines in furniture. It is precisely by alternating round and straight shapes that the Japandi style remains so beautifully balanced. A round garden table with angular chairs, or a bamboo, square lounge sofa with black base and pastel-colored cushions? The Japandi garden is all about balance.

In terms of lighting, you can also play with shapes in the Japandi garden. For example, alternate round sconces with rectangular fixtures on the ground. If you use black lighting elements in a garden with predominantly light wood and stone, you quickly get that typical light-dark contrast of the Japandi style.

In the Japandi garden you will find materials, such as wood, metal and concrete. They are mostly natural colors and materials, unfinished wood, stone and exposed lines. Think black-tinted rattan and other dark accessories in different organic shapes. Optionally, you can also work with black boulders, flowering trees, orchids, bamboo and other exotic plants and flowers.