The traditional style inspired by Japanese culture combined with the warming comfort of modern Scandinavian design gives you ‘Japandi’. A well-balanced mix of design and taste focused on the common interest in minimalism of these two faraway cultures.

Source: Cultfurniture.com

When the home designs from Japan and Scandinavian countries meet, you have 'Japandi'. Coming from the very antipodes, this interior design is made of balance, harmony and a touch of welcoming warmth.

Based on simplicity and functionality, Japandi has both core elements of Japanese ‘Wabi-Sabi’ meaning– a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection – and the Scandinavian practice of ‘Hygge’ which is defined as a certain quality of cosiness.

Keep in mind the following elements; organic, clean lines, rattan, bamboo, light/dark woods and functional accessories. Get the idea? A good saying to stick to when creating this stylistic and comforting interior style is ‘Less is more’, keeping your space decluttered and airy is the way forward with Japandi.

Give your dining room a Japandi transformation starting with the basics. Have this colour palette with you – beige to a soft grey – then get ready to fill your baskets with the following: Heaven dining table and the Lund dining chair for all your fine dining needs. The Alma sideboard for storage and a few decorative elements such as Iguaze pendant light, Olbia vase, Marlborough stoneware vase and the Cango table lamp. Combine all these pieces together and your personal touch, then there you have it: your Japandi style dining room!

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Marlborough Stoneware Vase, Taupe £28

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Cango Table Lamp, Bamboo £79

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Iguazu Pendant Light, Jute £159

Alma Sideboard, Oak & Cane £499 

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Heaven Rectangle 8 Seat Dining Table £799

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Lund Dining Chair, Dark Grey & Black £229

Source: Cultfurniture.com

Olbia Round Stoneware Vase, Green £42

At Cult Furniture you can choose from a wide range of modern and contemporary furniture, lighting, and artwork to create the perfect mood and ambience in this new 'Japandi' style.

Eclectic and theatrical London-based interior design studio Jimmie Martin is sure to grab your attention with its mannequin lamp collection.

When Christmas is over and all the decorations are down, it can often make the home look and feel very empty. So what better time than now to think about adding some sparkle to our homes with new season houseplants.

Ph. Dobbies

Get creative and set the tone for a delightful 2022 by adding different varieties of plants to your space, guaranteed to bring the outdoor indoor and create a relaxing atmosphere to your home.

Claire Bishop Senior buyer shared her top tips on her favourite houseplants, and where she recommends you place them for maximum effect.

Tropical Rainforest Bathroom

Ph. Dobbies

Calathea wavestar, £29.99; Phlebodium aureum blue star, £14.99; Cissus rhombifolia, £26.99; Tillandsia usneoides, £14.99; Calathea makoyana, £16.99; Hedera helix white variegated, £4.99; glass vase, £29.99; stoneware vase, £9.99; Meraki body wash, £18.99 and body butter, £21.99; Aery black oak and green bamboo candles, £25.99.

Ph. Dobbies

Cissus rhombifolia, £26.99; Tillandsia usneoides, £14.99; glass vase, £29.99; Heavily meditated diffuser, £34.99; Northern Dawn body wash, £18.99; Northern Dawn body butter, £21.99; Rosemary bath mitt, £10.99; Black oak candle, £25.99; Green bamboo candle, £25.99.

Create a sanctuary in your bathroom by styling multiple houseplants around the space for a relaxing rainforest feel whilst soaking in the bathtub. The Calathea is a great choice for this space as not only does it feature visually striking foliage, but it also works as great air purifier. Tillandsia, also known as Spanish Moss, is also a fantastic plant for the bathroom, with long wiry stems that add dimension to wall spaces. By choosing fresh foliage in your bathroom and introducing climbing plants, you can create a tropical vibe that will have you imagining you’re bathing in the tropics.

Make A Statement In The Living Room

Ph. Dobbies

Philodendron painted lady (limited edition), £49.99; Monstera variegata (limited edition), £299.99; Calathea fusion (limited edition), £59.99; Syngonium podophyllum albo variegata, £44.99; Calathea ornata, £29.99; Lisbon pots, from £5.99 to 12.99; Leon white pot, £8.99; Retro gold pot, £4.99; Cylinder groove green vase, £21.99; Angelina wall decoration £19.99; Fiesta velvet cushion £14.99; Pink velvet cushion £19.99.

Ph. Dobbies

New season plants and pots from Dobbies Garden Centres

For many of us, our living rooms form the hub of our home, where we come together as a family to spend quality time with one another. Houseplants are a great way to brighten up these spaces and can work well to complement your existing home décor. An apothecary glass cabinet filled with rare houseplants can really make a statement in a room and create a showstopping display guaranteed to impress guests. Claire recommends layering different sizes of plants to create a full effect, such as Monsteras, Calatheas and Syngonium Podophyllum Albo.

Another easy way to make a statement in your living room is by styling a few large plants together in a corner for a pop of colour and life. By layering different textures and heights with plants like Monstera and Dypsis, you can create a dramatic effect that will elevate your interiors and purify the air at the same time.

Bring Zen To Your Home Office

Ph. Dobbies

Calathea fusion (limited edition), £59.99; Syngonium podophyllum albo variegata, £44.99; Lisbon white pot, £7.00; Lisbon light grey pot, £7.99.

Ph. Dobbies

New season plants and pots from Dobbies Garden Centres

With a lot of people continuing to work remotely, our home office spaces deserve some TLC. The area we work in should be filled with things that help us increase our productivity, and plants do just that. Houseplants have been proven to have major mood-boosting power, leaving people feeling overall happier by their presence. Claire suggests sprucing up the shelves above your desk with some small potted plants to bring a sense of zen your home office.

Breathe Life Into Small Spaces

Ph. Dobbies

Beaucarnea recurvata in cocoz pot, £6.99; Ficus microcarpa ginseng in cocoz pot, £6.99; assorted stoneware, £8.99; stoneware round reactive glaze vase, £9.99.

Ph. Dobbies

New season plants and pots from Dobbies Garden Centres

If you’re working with limited space, or simply want to add some low-fuss greenery to your coffee table, Claire suggests grouping together Succulents or small plants to create a mini jungle you can personalise to suit your style. Succulents such as the Echeveria and Euphorbia require little watering, meaning they’re perfect for first-time plant parents or those looking for some low-maintenance greenery to brighten up their living space. Potted plants like Sansevieria and Haworthia are also great for styling in smaller spaces and can be arranged on a side table to bring a pop of fun to your home.

Not your average garden centre, Dobbies has a wide range of new houseplants, guaranteed to brighten your indoor space and breathe life into your home this January, and is encouraging people to discover the range with #newyearnewplants to enhance their moods naturally through houseplants. Find out more at www.dobbies.com.

Illuminate your home in 2022 with the new lighting collection of modern lamps and light fittings from the Range. 

Ph. Sidekix Media, Unsplash

The new statement lighting designs by The Range will be brightening up our homes in 2022 taking us from dark and cosy winters to a fresh feeling spring.

Highlight the centre of any room and create a stylish atmosphere with the Industrial Weaved Ceiling Light Fitting. Available with either three or four bulbs, this ceiling light features black metal cages, through which light will stream to cast designs on your ceiling and spotlight the room. This light would look particularly stylish in a dining room or kitchen, where it can illuminate a counter, island, or dining table (£49.99). There is a coordinating floor lamp (£59.99), wall light (£14.99) and table lamp (£21.99) available in this style too.


With elegance and glamour packed into this compact Orla Jewel Droplet Table Lamp, your bedroom or living room will instantly feel a whole lot classier. Designed with a chromed stand, the Orla's light shade is made from white, translucent fabric, softly hazing the light and creating a warm glow. With large, acrylic jewels dangling from the under shade, this light will sparkle and stun when turned on. Table lamp (£24.99), floor lamp (£32.99) and lampshade (£17.99).

The Hana Table Lamp boasts a classic, timeless design making it the perfect addition to any room of your home. The sleek and stylish chrome-effect stand is offset beautifully by the elegant, pleated lampshade in a neutral tone that gives your space more depth and texture. Ideal for your nightstand, mantelpiece, or console table, this affordable lamp is sure to make your house feel more like home. Just £12.99!

Make your home feel super warm and welcoming with this Home Sweet Home LED Neon Sign (£49,99). This trendy neon light sign will glow in a soft orange to create a cosy atmosphere, while the 'Home Sweet Home' message will remind you to find comfort and peace in your house. This light would look fantastic across from your front door, so you can see it whenever you enter your sweet home, or perhaps steal the style of the swanky bar area featured in one of the Selling Sunset listings that recently got viewers swooning.

Super modern and a little bit futuristic, the Cyrilla Glass Table Lamp will look fantastic on your sofa side table. The base of this lamp has been painted with a high shine metallic paint and features a textured diamond pattern, which will reflect to create interesting visuals whenever you're near. Other table lamps in the collection include the Clara Table Lamp (£24.99), a simple yet sophisticated light that will add some class to your home as well as illuminate your room. The white ceramic base features metallic gold caps on the bottom and top, above which a large shade brings an entirely modern finish. This lamp is perfect for a living room or bedroom, where it can cast a glow about your space in the evenings.

The Caterina Table Lamp (£12.99) is inspired by beautiful art nouveau patterns in its embossed leaf design over a stunning golden base. The glamorously gold base contrasts wonderfully with the simple white shade, to ensure this stand-out light catches the eye but does not overwhelm the rest of your decor.

Starting its life as an original panel artwork, the botanical vista had been hand-painted onto delicate crepe paper, which was later translated into three striking fashionable colours.

Illustrating vibrant combinations in tropical-inspired hues, each pattern features large, leafy foliage and carefully camouflaged cranes, adding to the drama of the look.

From jewel-toned velvet to pared-back plain weave, the collection offers an array of upholstery options to perfectly complement each pattern.

Combining maximalist patterns with an abundance of colour, the Botanical collection introduces a bold and exiting palette, that will add drama to any living space. Featuring three beautiful ranges, Tropicana, Paradiso and Verdosa, the collection includes sofas, handy footstools and accompanying accents chairs. Available with or without the prints, the designs are available in twelve colours including luxurious velvets and sophisticated plain weaves.

Inspired by the rhythm of nature, the three whimsical patterns - Midnight, Emerald and Calypso, are woven cleverly throughout the collection. Placed across seat edging, scatter cushions and footstools, each motif delicately edges over every design, leaving a trail of playful patterns throughout the living space.

Hand upholstered in the UK, the seat and back cushions are both reversible and luxuriously comfortable. An array of popular design details are celebrated across the collection, from elegant scroll arms and carved wooden feet to Mid-Century inspired tapered legs and sleek buttoned-backs.


Available with or without pattern the Botanical collection is available now both in stores and online prices start from £295

Many people dream of building the perfect walk-in wardrobe. Luxurious, spacious, glamorous, with or without an island, with plenty of shoe storage – everyone has different tastes when it comes to designing their dream dressing room.

Truly welcome in the warmer weather with a summery home refresh. Nothing major, just simple add-ons to spruce up your living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or even home office.

Photo by Curology, Unsplash

No matter your home's style, whether it is colourfully modern, sleek and minimal or super chic you are bound to find some inspiration that will complement your current interior. And as an added bonus these ideas complement the season's home decor trends like pops of live greenery and accessories in varying neutrals, greens, blues and mulberry tones.

Top tip - Use these creative ideas as your base, and then add your twist on it, it is your home so it should express your personality.

'These ideas are not just for the summer season so, if you are a lover of all things bright and light, keep them around all year long for a sunny and happy home.'

Pops of Colour

Summer is a rainbow of colour so, you will not struggle to find simple pieces that you can add to your bedroom or living room. Bring in that colour through a mix of new throw pillows, vases, and wall prints in your favourite summer colour.

Bohemian Accent Rug

Bohemian style decor is full of colours, patterns, and fun textures just what is needed for the summer season. So, start at your feet with a multi-coloured rug. That just exudes that vibe of well-travelled, relaxed and so boho.

Blooming Floral Walls

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a simple way to turn a blank wall into a chic upgrade. This is a great way to wake-up that blank accent wall in the entryway, living room, bedroom or even your bathroom.

Bright Lights

Bring light into your spaces with a bold coloured light fixture or table lamps and to make that colour pop even more add decor accents in a similar hue as your chosen colour.

Dried Floral Delights

A fresh floral centrepiece is always stunning but with dried flowers enjoying their moment in the spotlight, why not switch out the fresh bouquet for a bunch of dried flowers. They will add not just some colour but also texture to your space.

Coastal Accents

For an easy, summer-ready fix, mix in patterned pillows in tropical prints for added colour. For added texture and depth add pieces in rattan, robe and some greenery like a Fiddle-leaf fern or any of your favourite plants to set it off nicely.

Bright Yellow Accessories

Bring in the sunshine with yellow accessories like lemons on your kitchen table, flowers, and decorative plant pots and fill your spaces with the brightness of the sun.


Now it is over to you, to welcome summer into your home and make the most of this colourful and happy season.

I always find that when the weather starts to go grey I just want to surround myself with at much pattern and colour, in order to brighten up my day and boost my spirits. So, if you are in need of some inspiration to give your space that extra oomph? I have got you covered. Read on to find out how to inject some fun into your interior spaces. 

Let’s Kick It Off 

Okay, what I have learned is keeping things simple is the best way, so start on the floor. Adding a statement rug of your choice, size, pattern, and color is the perfect way to add patterns into your room. Yes, this is hassle-free and the easiest way to add instant oomph to your living room or bedroom.

 Furniture Items

Go with rattan, a hot trend, to add interest to your space.

 

Or go for something that will really stand out and brighten your space like these really awesome pattern painted furniture pieces from Oliver Bonas. You can keep that summer feeling alive and feel like you are in a tropical jungle especially on those really yucky rainy days. 

Layers Always Work Well

Layer it up with smaller décor accessories like baskets or ceramics The possibilities are endless.

Another option is to choose something you love and double it up. Start with your bed and then move on to your sofa and smother it in color and pattern. I am just in love with this collection of patterns from George Home.

So, now that we know the how and even the where we have no excuse to not brighten and pattern-fill our interior spaces