Scandinavian design has been one of the most influential bathroom design trends of the last ten years, with simple, minimalist looks taking shape in bathrooms of all sizes across the UK. This style is embodied by a ‘less is more’ approach, which – whilst certainly beautiful – doesn’t quite match everybody’s tastes.

This has led to the rise of the Japandi bathroom style in recent times, which takes the minimalism of Scandinavian trend and embellishes this look with notes of Japanese interior design. When done correctly, using the Japandi look in your own bathroom is a brilliant way to create a peaceful, spa-like space where you can well and truly find your ‘zen’.

Read on for a look at DBS Bathrooms’ favourite Japandi bathroom ideas and our tips for creating the look easily and affordably.

Embrace minimalism

Japandi design, akin to its Scandinavian roots, is all about embracing minimalism. This doesn’t mean that soft furnishings and décor have no place in a Japandi bathroom, just that they should be selected thoughtfully and used sparingly.

For example, ‘loud’ patterns and bright colours should be avoided when selecting bathmats, towels and other furnishings, as these could disrupt the feeling of simplicity throughout the design.

You can also take a minimalist approach when selecting bathroom fittings, choosing furniture that gives the space a more open and airy feel. For instance, rather than installing an all-in-one bathroom sink and storage unit, why not choose a ‘floating’ basin and use wall-mounted shelves for toiletries and other amenities instead? Not only will this allow you more floor space but it will give the illusion of better ‘flow’ and open up the room.

Utilise neutral colours

Light, natural colours are favoured throughout Japandi bathroom design, with lighter tones generally used as the base for the room’s colour scheme. Tones such as beige, cream, taupe and sand are generally preferred for their neutrality and calming effect.

However, the use of darker accents is also a trademark of the Japandi design style. Colours such as charcoal, grey and black are often utilised sparingly, generally in room décor – towel racks, shelves, etc. – or as an accent wall.

We offer a range of easy-to-install wall panels at DBS Bathrooms which would fit beautifully within this design style and set the tone of the room perfectly. Our Beige Marble 1m Shower Wall Panels and Swish Marbrex White Dune Bathroom Panels are just two products that would make the ideal base for a Japandi bathroom, while our Loft Concrete 5mm Bathroom Wall Cladding would make a beautiful accent wall.

Incorporate plants

Plants can be used to brilliant effect within Japandi design – what could be a better finishing touch to your new spa-like bathroom than your own private oasis?

Incorporating plants into your bathroom will contribute to achieving a look of ‘zen’ within the space, especially if you choose plants that fit perfectly into the Japandi style. Using Japanese plants is definitely the most effective way to do this, with great examples including bamboo, peace lilies and artificial cherry blossoms.

Of course, adding plants to your bathroom design has lots of benefits besides just aesthetics. Placing plants in any room has been shown to contribute to effective air purification, as well as plants having the ability to absorb excess moisture from the air – it goes without saying that this can be incredibly beneficial within any bathroom.

Choose subtle lighting

When selecting lighting for a Japandi bathroom, it’s always best to avoid any harsh lighting. The whole idea behind Japandi design is to create a calming atmosphere, while bright overhead lighting can be somewhat jarring and break away from the peaceful feel of the space.

Instead, choose soft lighting solutions, ideally in warm tones. LED strip lighting can be used effectively underneath or around certain fittings, such as mirrors, to subtly light key areas of the room. Wall sconces can also be used to provide ambient lighting around the space, providing a soft glow that efficiently lights the room without being too bright or distracting.

Include natural accents

The use of natural materials is very popular within this style of design, with wood, stone and marble often incorporated to great effect.

Of course, authentic natural materials can be rather expensive, with genuine marble tiles often costing in excess of £100 per square foot. Fortunately, there are solutions on the market which can be used to achieve the same look as natural materials at a fraction of the cost.

At DBS Bathrooms, we offer a wide-range of stone effect wall panels, wood effect wall panels, and marble wall panels. These products can be used to recreate the simple elegance of natural tiles and panels without the price tag that often comes with them.

If you feel that marble could be the perfect addition to your bathroom, our Beige Marble 8mm Bathroom Wall Cladding makes the ideal solution.

Meanwhile, those looking to add a wood or stone accent to the bathroom could benefit from our Distressed Oak Light Grey Wall Panels.

For more information on nature-inspired wall panels, why not take a look at our dedicated guide to creating a sophisticated marble bathroom on a budget?

Browse the DBS Bathrooms range

We certainly hope that the ideas above have given you the inspiration you need to create a beautiful Japandi bathroom.

At DBS Bathrooms, we offer a wide range of bathroom wall panels that can be used to compliment a variety of interior design styles without the need for expensive materials or hiring professional decorators.

For more information or to request free samples of our high-quality tongue-and-groove wall panels, get in touch with DBS Bathrooms today.