Japandi-Inspired Hideaway: Finding Calm in a Shinrin-Yoku Sanctuary

The latest iteration of Scandinavian chic that has been taking over Pinterest and social media is called Japandi design. By combining Japanese minimalism and concepts such as "Wabi Sabi" (finding beauty in imperfection) with the natural materials and functionality of Scandinavian design, Japandi design is "the perfect blend of function and form, focusing on clean lines, bright spaces, and light colors." (1). Although the term Japandi is a relatively recent trend, Japanese design has influenced interior spaces worldwide for hundreds of years, perhaps most notably through designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris. Many nordic designers also have an affinity for Japanese design due to their shared appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Japandi design often includes subtle color palettes, wood cladding, and large windows that incorporate biophilic elements within the home to create a tangible connection with the outdoors. These design elements perfectly align with this Californian home project, surrounded by peaceful, serene woodlands brimming with unique plants and wildlife. Living within this enriching environment inspires mindfulness and contentment through daily interactions with the natural world. The design concepts for this home project aim to maximize this experience by working with the beautiful views of the surrounding woods, mirroring this landscape within the home through natural materials, finishes, and imagery.

The kitchen features countertops, a backsplash, and a breakfast bar made from a unique brecciated marble slab, which has the appearance of being made from fragments of stone. This smooth, honed surface highlights the beauty within this natural stone formation that varies in color from cool blue-grey, warm peach, and pale mauve to deep graphite black. Ash wood features throughout this home project. Durable and lightweight, its straight grain is also visually appealing, pairing aesthetics with functionality and sustainability. Ash kitchen cabinets contain routed cabinet handles and an integrated beverage and wine fridge to create a clean profile that focuses on the natural beauty of the light honey-toned wood grain. The counter stools, made from a white oiled Ash, and upholstered with vegan leather, create a beautiful balance between sophistication and utility. The Ash has been cut and fashioned so that the grain of the wood is clearly visible, highlighting the understated beauty of this material.

The dining nook utilizes a large window that incorporates the beauty of the surrounding environment into this home project, flooding the kitchen with natural light. The floating table and benches made from blackened steel streamline with the black window frame, so they do not intrude on the picturesque view. The dining benches, upholstered in vegan leather, include dark grey toss cushions made from a cotton linen blend for extra comfort. The white ceramic bowl on the floating table has an organic shape and texture similar to a giant seed pod, bringing an element of the natural world into the space through its form. The nook is clad with Ash and features a hand-blown glass light inspired by Japanese paper lanterns, whose gentle, diffused light creates a tranquil dining space.

This alternative option for the kitchen features countertops, a backsplash, and a breakfast bar made from a stunning brecciated Italian marble slab comprised of cloudy white stone floating on top of a blush background intersected by grey-green veins. The stools, made from white oiled Ash and upholstered with pigmented vegan leather, incorporate rattan backing. This lightweight, durable, eco-friendly material works with the Ash wood finish of the kitchen cabinets to create a light and welcoming atmosphere.

In this option for the dining nook, the Ash table features a smaller ceramic bowl glazed with subtle lines that resemble tree rings or stone formations.

This option for the living room highlights the fireplace as the room's central feature. Its face has a patina of chevron-textured limestone, which connects with the custom-built hearth made from honed basalt. This durable volcanic stone has been used throughout antiquity to create sculptural works due to its smooth grain, durability, and satin finish. The hearth elongates into the corner of the room to form a window seat upholstered with a cotton linen blend textile. The tones of the fireplace carry through the grey sofa. At the same time, dark accents in the black tripod coffee table, wall-mounted console, lamp, and chandelier frame (made from wood and bronze) provide a sense of balance to the room's composition. The botanical painting in this image features a layering technique used by the artist to create the illusion of space, drawing you into this nature scene.

This view of the living room showcases where it connects with the kitchen and dining nook. In this option, the chevron-textured limestone's gray tones compliment the darker palette of the marble slab and the blackened steel floating table and benches in the dining nook. The warmth of the hand-tufted vegan silk rug harmonizes with the pine wood floor, grounding the darker elements within the room.

This option for the meditation room features large windows that create the experience of being immersed in nature. The unique glass pendant light was hand blown by a sculptor who creates functional objects inspired by natural phenomena. This light resembles the form of a cocoon, making a subtle reference to concepts of manifestation, rebirth, and regeneration within this meditation space.

Custom meditation pillows made from verdigris stone-washed linen create a gentle contrast with the soft finish of the pine wood floor through the subtle color variance in the textile.

This alternative option for the living room features a fireplace clad in matte white textured porcelain tile. The white plaster coffee table and artisanal bird table lamps made from iron and plaster carry this lightness of material throughout the room. The Oak and leather sideboard and chandelier made from natural wood and bronze create warmth which continues in the softer palette of a painting that depicts a foggy botanical scene. The light grey rug made from New Zealand wool or vegan bamboo silk incorporates an image of mangrove trees and grounds the darker grey tones of the sofa and honed limestone hearth.

In this view, we see the living room conjoining with the kitchen to reveal a wall of glass windows and doors with a beautiful view of the woodland outside. The white oiled Ash finish of the rattan-backed kitchen stools lifts the warm tones of the pine wood flooring into the room.

Here, the custom-built Ash shelving is installed on a limestone and powdered marble plaster wall, incorporating the warmth of the natural wood finish to create a lightness within the room.

The custom floor pillows for this version of the meditation room are made from a light grey linen cotton blend that harmonizes with the lighter tones of the living room.

The children's room includes custom bed-frames upholstered in a cotton linen blend, printed with a design inspired by the organic shapes of algae forming on rocks at the oceanside. There are two built-in closets in the back of the room, made from Ash, which complement the light finish of the solid oak and walnut desk and natural oak chairs at the front of the room. Two curtains made from organic linen at the end of each bed provide light filtration and the feeling of privacy. The black ceiling fan, woven wicker pendant lights, and closet hardware provide black accents that carry the highlight of the black door frame throughout the room.

View of the Ash built-in closets that provide ample storage space within the children's room.

A mudroom with a laundry cabinet features large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. The custom screens, made from Ash and natural rattan cane webbing, incorporate built-in vents to conceal the washer and dryer while in use.

Here we see the storage of the washer, dryer, and laundry behind the custom-made wooden screens. The laundry storage area features a black matte metal garment hanging rod above Ash cabinetry topped with polished terrazzo that features an array of grey and multi-tonal pinks and carries up to the back of the wall. The wall sconce features a hand-blown glass globe, cut and polished to resemble a precious stone or crystal. Suspended by a leather strap, this orb appears as if it is generating light itself, introducing a sense of alchemy or magic as it transmits light and color into the room.

Across from the laundry space is a matching cabinet containing space to store shoes and outerwear. These custom screens are made from Ash and natural rattan cane webbing to conceal storage when entering and exiting the home.

As an alternative cabinet option, this cabinet leaves one side for storage, with the other open to provide seating. The bench is upholstered in soft bouclé, perfect for removing or putting on shoes. The hand-blown wall sconce is suspended by a leather strap above this bench, illuminating the space. The bench toss pillow made from wool fabric features a digital print that looks like marble, adding comfort to the area while echoing material elements throughout the house.

This option for the main bedroom features large enveloping windows that immerse in the natural beauty of the outside environment. The extended bed frame, crafted from sustainably harvested solid oak, mirrors the natural finish of the Ash baseboards and wood flooring throughout the house. Floor-to-ceiling sheer white linen drapery offers light filtration and the feeling of privacy while preserving the beautiful view of the woodlands outside.

In this view, a sculpture made from dried California native plants such as Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat and White Sage hangs above the bed, reinforcing the connection with the natural landscape outside. The smokey brown blown glass pendant lights on either side of the bed hang from a natural fiber cord to create a textural contrast with the smoothness of the glass and a warm glow of light within the room.

The primary bathroom of this home project incorporates a sweeping natural view from a large window as the focal point. Free-standing mirrors are installed in front of the window, utilizing the ample natural light within the space. The counter and floor made from a honed speckled grey limestone slab work harmoniously with the mirror frames' matte black finish and bathroom hardware accentuating the space. The custom cabinets, pocket doors, and baseboards made from Ash anchor the room in the warm earthy tone of its natural finish. The ceiling light is made from Japanese washi paper and tarlatan fabric encased by a brushed stainless steel canopy. The sconces on either side of the room are hand-crafted through a specialized process in which liquid glass is blown into a folded and highly heat-resistant ceramic fabric vessel. This physical and conceptual reference to fabric brings a gentle, soft texture to the lighting within the room.

The grey limestone slab continues into the shower and bath, tiling the walls to create an immersive and relaxing space; the walls' limestone and powdered marble plaster finish contrast with the grey limestone to lighten the room. The gentle light diffused through the ceiling fixture creates the perfect calm to relax in the large white soaking tub. The wall niche is tiled with an etched marble mosaic design that resembles origami folds or falling leaves. The beautiful natural form of the teak wooden stool in the shower and the Ash baseboards bring the serenity of the woodlands into the room through their material's warmth and natural finish.

This design for the water closet features a grey-honed limestone floor. The niche under the cabinet features marble tile etched with a mosaic design that resembles origami or ginkgo leaves, echoing the touch of the natural world that is present throughout the home within forms, imagery, and materials.

Here the countertop in the main bathroom is made from a beautiful slab of polished onyx, combined with a grey marble floor tile with a subtle textured finish to create a lighter alternative for the main bathroom. The ceiling light made from hand-wrapped polyester ribbon visually references paper lanterns, echoing the light fixture in the dining nook. The translucent fabric creates a warm, diffused light that is complimented by the hand-cast wall sconces on either side of the room.

Subtle green mosaic tiles encase the shower to create a gentle contrast with the lighter tone of the textured marble floor. The color of these tiles works to lift the subtle green-grey hues within the onyx countertop. The polished stone mosaic tile in the shower niche features a decorative waterlily pattern that subtly references the meditative and restorative qualities of the natural world.

The water closet for this home project features a custom-built cabinet and baseboard made from Ash. The niche under the cabinet features a mosaic tile made from polished stone. This tile carries a tranquil lily pad pattern that subtly references nature's calming and meditative qualities. The wallpaper features an intricately drawn pattern inspired by pressed seaweed samples from the Victorian era .The design is then layered to form a subtle striping. This imagery brings a historical interlink between the natural and human-made world.

The beauty of the landscape outside our homes can manifest within interior spaces through design concepts that work with the natural form of materials, making room for them to shine. This approach, alongside mimicing scenery through biophilic design concepts, captures the emotional experience of walking through woodlands or viewing a beautiful mountain and integrates it into our day-to-day living. The result is a home space that inspires tranquility and mindfulness as it both shelters us from and connects us with the outside world.

References

1. Knierim, Ashley. “What Is Japandi?” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/japandi-design-4782478

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Vegan Home Design: Beautiful Beach Style

Whether surrounded by mountains, forest or overlooking the ocean, California is a unique and beautiful place to live. Spending time in nature through mindful activities such as hiking and birding promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. Elements of the natural environment that surrounds us can influence the interior design of our living spaces, bringing these values of mindfulness and well-being into the home.

In this design concept, Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP developed two variations of objects, furniture, and artwork for the entryway of a home by the ocean. All of the materials and objects selected for this home project are Vegan. This option features a deep blue dutch door reflecting the color of the sea and a glass window that floods the space with natural light. These blue tones carry through the room in imagery and forms from the natural world, such as the painting of a Blue Heron installed above the sideboard. This option features a collection of contemporary ceramic objects, such as the stylized flush mount ceiling light and the ceramic lamp that resembles the form of a sea urchin. These objects are grounded by the vintage ceramic bowl and planter containing flowers. The sideboard, made from Danish oiled walnut, offers tidy storage options, while the tone of its wood finish harmonizes with the soothing blue of the room to create a welcoming entrance.

The staircase wall sconce, made from art silvered glass and brass, has frosted edges that resemble sea glass; this produces soft diffused lighting, which contributes to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the entryway.

In this first option for the living room, material elements and colors from the entryway are reflected in the the deep blue Vegan-friendly upholstery and Danish oiled walnut of the sofa. The fine artisanal quality of the exposed wood frame gives the sofa lightness and elegance. At the same time, their shape and placement create an enclosed and intimate environment perfect for relaxation or small social gatherings. The artwork incorporates natural imagery such as water birds and ocean scapes. These elements carry through in the coffee table made from reclaimed hardwood, which features plant life embossed into the concrete surface of the tabletop, all underneath rain drop shaped pendant lighting.

The second option for this entryway incorporates a lighter, sea foam colored dutch door and window. This lighter tone is complimented by the natural wood and white gold finish of a jewelry-like chandelier with crystal tear-dropped glass fixtures. A small geometric ceramic lamp in ocean blue resembles a smokey-cut gem which is complimented by a smattering of vintage ceramics, such as the large bowl and mid-century modern stoneware vase. The landscape painting chosen for this option features a soft blur of brush strokes as if looking through fogged glass to create a calm and comforting space when entering the home. The side table presented in this option is made from natural walnut slabs. The concealed drawer is coupled with visible storage options in the open space underneath, which integrates the walnut finish with the room's white walls.

This alternative living room option also incorporates ocean-inspired deep blue tones within a pair of generous, enveloping sofas whose design creates a soft and comforting aesthetic that has an anchoring effect. The pebble-like milky glass globes of the chandelier create diffused lighting, which is warm and welcoming.

Elements of the natural world are incorporated into this space through the Mapa burl coffee table, which has a form that resembles found wood or stone shaped by the sea. These natural elements continue in the Matilija poppy textile pattern on the decorative sofa cushions which incorporate native Californian flora into the space.

Design concepts such as color, form, material and lighting can be utilized within our home to reflect the beauty of the natural environment that surrounds us, capturing the way it makes us feel, to create a mindful living space that promotes happiness and wellbeing in everyday life.

Designing Naturally: Enhancing Interior Spaces Through Biophilia

Matilija Poppy Wallpaper in Natural from Kale Tree.

A connection with nature has always been appealing in design. However, world factors like increased time spent indoors and a newfound awareness and appreciation of nature as we experience environmental shifts from climate change have potentially contributed to a desire for nature to be a more prominent part of daily life.

Mallow Wallpaper in Midnight Forest from Kale Tree.

While there are endless possibilities and applications for biophilic design, there are a few methods that can be applied to most design projects:

1. Mirroring local flora and fauna. Part of the benefit of biophilic design is creating a connection to our environment, minimizing feelings of isolation prevalent in contemporary and urban living. By drawing a connection to local plants and wildlife, interior spaces can feel increasingly connected to the land outside our doors, offering a feeling of inclusion and expansion. While any natural themes can provide benefits, sourcing inspiration from nature in the vicinity of the building can help foster a more intimate connection. 

Custom Pelican Design by Kale Tree.

2. Utilize scale. Many clients may be hesitant to utilize floral or natural patterns for fear of them feeling overly old-timey. However, natural prints don’t need to be literal to be effective. Playing with scale can help alter the mood or energy of the space, offering more traditional or contemporary options. A large print can feel modern or dramatic and provides an opportunity to admire details of the image, which then can feel like a work of art in the space, particularly if designing for a room with high ceilings. Areas where people are spending shorter periods may benefit from the drama of a large-scale print. Smaller patterning, particularly in muted tones, can offer a quieter approach, creating a visual texture when a subtle background is needed.

Matilija Poppy Wallpaper from Kale Tree.

3. Consider all aspects of the environment. Celebrating nature through biophilic design offers an opportunity to consider the environmental effects of design choices and practices. When sourcing products, natural, organic, and green guard certified materials may cause less harm to the natural environment during production while helping to improve indoor air quality. When considering biophilic options, opting for the most natural materials possibles help bolster the connection to nature while being more considerate of the environmental effects of the design process.

Mallow Wallpaper by Kale Tree.

These biophilic design applications can help create comforting and soothing spaces for clients that reflect and respect the natural environment. As biophilic principles remain a regular part of interior design, we hope that design and production practices prioritize sustainability and care for nature.

Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. She is a California Certified Naturalist, and in 2017, Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Birds, Butterflies, and Biophilic Designs: Sarah Barnard Becomes Exclusive California Rep for Botanical Eco Textile Line

Sarah Barnard is now the exclusive California representative for Tradescant & Son through Kale Tree Shop's online marketplace. The line features a wide range of nature-inspired luxury eco fabrics and wallpapers made with a sustainability-minded production process.

The foundation of Sarah Barnard's practice is a belief that home design should contribute to wellbeing, both emotionally and globally. Barnard's work focuses on sustainability, emphasizing the importance of nature, both through conscious sourcing and as the inspiration for many of her designs.

The designer's use of natural themes and environmentally conscious materials spoke to the sensibilities and priorities of Tradescant & Son, who recognized Barnard as an ideal representative for their line. Tradescant & Son director Amy Hardman says, "Our 100% linens and the relaxed yet stylish look to our designs promote a holistic and contemporary feel. This, together with the fact that we share a commitment to ensuring sustainability wherever possible by using locally woven fabrics and printers, is a fantastic and exciting foundation for our relationship with Sarah Barnard Design."

The fabrics and wallpapers feature a wide variety of natural themes, from a graphic striped wallpaper composed of vibrant hummingbirds to linen textiles inspired by historic entomology archives from the University of Oxford Museum of Natural History, softly patterned with moths or beetles. With a range of bird fabrics, butterfly patterns, and botanical prints, the timeless patterns nod to historical, scientific illustrations, while their colors and design have a contemporary feel suitable for a diverse array of settings.

On the collaboration, Barnard noted that "As a birder, naturalist, and avid gardener, I was drawn to Tradescant & Son's collection of biophilic prints. Particularly when designing homes in metropolitan areas, I like to turn to natural motifs to stand in for nature that may not be as readily available for someone with a city view. The entire Tradescant & Son collection offers an impressive array of options when looking to bring the experience of wildlife into an interior."

These products are available for purchase through the website www.kaletree.com. Additional support is available for design and trade professionals by contacting shop@kaletree.com.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah's work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

The Magic of Mangroves: Kale Tree by Sarah Barnard Design releases new rug for summer

Just in time for Summer, Kale Tree by Sarah Barnard Design is releasing an exclusive mangrove patterned rug honoring one of nature's greatest natural healers.

Crucial for sustaining a vast ecosystem, mangroves provide food and shelter for local wildlife and offer filtration. Found above ground but rooted in saltwater, the plants connect land and sea. Their presence improves water quality, particularly beneficial to coral reefs, another crucial ecosystem. Mangroves will also naturally absorb water when typhoons and hurricanes hit, serving as a protective barrier to those living near the coast.

Coastal development, farming, and industry are all contributing to a rapidly decreasing presence of mangroves. These plants are not only beautiful but offer incredible ecological support for a great range of life in the ocean and on land.

Kale Tree Shop is known for its dedication to the environment. Its newest summer collection highlights the value of this incredible plant life. Interior Designer Sarah Barnard, LEED and WELL AP, says, "As an environmentalist, I've always been inspired by coastal nature and am committed to its preservation. Mangroves are such an incredible natural resource." Sarah believes that the mangroves speak to the earth's ability to heal. "As humans, we have a role as stewards for the planet. We are part of a rich ecosystem, and acknowledging that relationship is a huge step in appreciating our earth through care and intentionality."

Beyond hoping to draw more attention to vital mangroves, Kale Tree Shop will donate a percentage of all net proceeds to the Mangrove Action Project. They are self-described as an organization that “empowers local stakeholders to mitigate mangrove stressors, and teaches them how to use mangrove ecology and biology to facilitate natural regeneration."

The rugs are available in several sizes, in 100% New Zealand natural wool or vegan bamboo silk, which offers a soft sheen. Two colorways, Land with warm mushroomy browns and Sea in soothing blue-greys, have neutral palettes pulled from two worlds the plant occupies. Each rug is made to order, and colors and sizing can be customized to fit individual needs.

Kale Tree Shop offers beautiful and unique home design products inspired by nature that acknowledge the need to care for our earth through conscious sourcing and material selections. In addition to the Mangrove Rug, Kale Tree offers a variety of home decor products, including abutilon-inspired wallpaper and textiles. Kale Tree's previous collections include its Moth Rug and a light inspired by its host plant, the ginkgo tree. Sarah is an avid birder and gardener, and her inspiration comes from time spent outdoors.

As the heat comes in and more and more people make their way to the beach, Sarah hopes the rug serves as a reminder to cherish our coastlines. The rug will be available through https://www.kaletree.com beginning June 21st to welcome in summer.

Sarah Barnard is the founder of Kale Tree and a creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has been quoted by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vouge, HGTV and many other publications.