Japandi Design Transforms Luxury Living in 2026

Japandi design is set to redefine luxury living in 2026, emphasizing warm minimalism, natural materials, and seamless indoor–outdoor transitions. This trend, which has been gaining traction for nearly a decade, is evolving from a mere aesthetic preference into a necessity for creating calming environments. At the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills, this shift is palpable, as evidenced by the collaborative work of Giovanni Medina Marenco, Design Director at 1508 London, and renowned landscape architect Enzo Enea.

Medina Marenco observes that contemporary design is increasingly focused on serenity and emotional well-being. “People are searching for calm… the home has become a place to reset,” he states. The curated interiors, characterized by natural light streaming through pale woods and stone, aim to evoke an instinctive sense of relief. “You immediately feel yourself exhale,” he adds, highlighting how this aesthetic aligns with the current desire for tranquil living spaces.

The landscape surrounding the residences is integral to the overall design, functioning as a structural complement rather than a mere backdrop. Enea’s approach involves a “creative intertwining of the soul of the house with its surroundings.” This philosophy has informed the interior spaces, where floor-to-ceiling windows act as framing devices, showcasing the lush external environment, much like a piece of art.

Emotional and Sensory Experience in Design

Japandi design distinguishes itself from traditional minimalism by focusing on sensory and emotional experiences rather than mere form. Medina Marenco describes it as “simplicity with soul,” emphasizing tactile materials such as wood grain that invites touch and curves that soften a room’s atmosphere. “Minimalism removes. Japandi refines,” he explains, noting that thoughtful details like open-grain timber shelves and sculptural furniture elevate the living experience.

This evolution parallels the rise of biophilic design, which fosters a connection to nature. Medina Marenco asserts that the two styles are now intertwined, with Japandi offering structure and biophilia providing grounding elements. The residences exemplify this synergy, as natural light defines room character throughout the day and garden views emerge unexpectedly, enhancing the intuitive flow of the space.

Residents respond most to the emotional resonance of their environments rather than just aesthetic appeal. “It’s not the beauty, but the sense of being held by the environment,” Medina Marenco notes, reflecting a profound shift in how people relate to their homes.

Crafting Spaces with Intention

Curves play a significant role in Japandi interiors, serving an emotional purpose by creating ease and relaxation. Hard edges can induce alertness, while softer contours promote comfort. “Curves soften a room and soften us,” he points out, as rounded sofas and sculptural tables guide the eye in ways that feel natural.

Natural materials such as linen, timber, and stone bring a grounded warmth to the interiors. These elements, according to Medina Marenco, “don’t shout; they settle you,” encapsulating the essence of Japandi design. Sustainability, often touted as a design feature, is seamlessly integrated into this approach. Rather than a marketing strategy, it is rooted in the authentic use of materials that stand the test of time. “A home designed to endure becomes sustainable by nature,” he asserts, viewing longevity as a form of luxury.

While Japandi emphasizes clean lines, it does not advocate for extreme minimalism. Instead, it celebrates meaningful personal elements that enhance spaces. “Japandi isn’t about less; it’s about meaning,” Medina Marenco explains. The design encourages retaining only what resonates, layering soft neutrals to create warmth rather than emptiness.

The future of Japandi is already taking shape at the Mandarin Oriental Residences. Medina Marenco envisions a more sensorial and rich aesthetic, incorporating deeper timbers, organic stone, and integrated garden moments. He describes this next chapter as “a lifestyle rooted in serenity, warmth, and tactile richness,” exemplified by features like bonsai thresholds and sculptural bathtubs.

As Japandi evolves, it embraces a deeper connection to nature, presenting a vision of luxury that is warm, grounded, and sculptural. This transformation is not merely a trend but a reflection of contemporary desires for harmonious living spaces that nurture well-being.