While some trends can be hard to predict, experts say there’s no doubt that 2025 is shaping up to be all about “Japandi” kitchens. If you haven’t heard of this style before, here is a good way to sum it up: Japandi is a fusion between the design philosophies of Scandinavian design, which is characterized by simplicity and functionality, and Japanese design, which is all about elegance and warmth. When brought together, it’s a beautiful fusion of clean lines, natural materials, and minimalism. The result? A kitchen that feels both serene and functional.

What makes Japandi ultra-appealing is how it creates an inviting vibe while keeping things simple and clutter-free. Japanese and Scandinavian styles both have an aesthetic with an overall ideology that less is more, taking the design and stripping it down to its essentials. Japandi is all about form and function without distraction. With people looking to make their spaces feel peaceful and promote wellness, Japandi’s mix of soft, neutral colors, nature-inspired materials like wood and stone, and carefully chosen decor really hits the mark.

What Does Japandi Look Like?
A shared element across both Scandinavian and Japanese design is nature: natural materials, colors found in nature. Materials in a Japandi-inspired kitchen lean toward organic elements like high-quality wood cabinets in light natural hues, rattan, bamboo, and even metal. This focus on nature gives the space a calm, grounded feel — something both design styles really emphasize separately. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between warmth and minimalism.

How to Incorporate the Japandi Trend into Your Kitchen
Aside from organic materials, there are plenty of other ways to add warmth and natural beauty to your space. The overall goal here is to create a cozy, peaceful kitchen that feels sophisticated and intentional — here are a few other expert ways you can do that.

Kitchen Colors
When it comes to color palettes for Japandi kitchens, neutrals are the key to nailing the style. Think: soft whites and grays, beiges, and other warm earth tones often found in nature. If you want to add some depth and contrast, try mixing in darker shades like charcoal or muted blues — they help ground the space without being too distracting. What’s great about this color palette is how versatile it is.

Cabinetry and Storage
Look for sleek, minimalist cabinets that seamlessly blend into the design. Japandi cabinetry is all about smooth and clean lines, but it also focuses on the functionality of the room. You will usually see this with flat panel doors in natural wood finishes, which have become super popular with this style. Open shelving will also be popular, but it’s not used quite as much. For additional storage, consider hidden compartments or soft-close drawers that’ll keep clutter hidden.

Kitchen Appliances and Hardware
Look for appliances with integrated designs or matte finishes in black, white, or stainless steel. This, when used with hardware in brushed brass, black, or brushed nickel, will work beautifully in this style, making the room feel elegant but not too bold. As for hardware, it’s all about simplicity and subtle elegance. Popular finishes like stone, textured tiles, light wood, and brushed stainless steel all give off a natural, earthy vibe — and would be great if you want to make an easy kitchen swap.