What's the difference between Japandi and Scandinavian?

Japandi is darker and more grounded, with walnut, clay, and charcoal alongside light oak. Scandinavian is brighter and whiter.

What countertop suits a Japandi kitchen?

Honed stone in warm gray or beige, or a matte quartz that looks like natural stone.

How much does a japandi kitchen cost?

For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a japandi refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: real wood contrast: light oak with dark walnut accents.

Can I see my own kitchen in Japandi style?

Yes. Upload a photo, choose Japandi, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

Japandi style

Japandi kitchen ideas

Japandi blends Japanese restraint with Scandinavian warmth: light oak and dark walnut, finger-pull slab doors, clay-toned tile, and linen pendants. Quiet and natural.

Try Japandi on my kitchen

Sample kitchenJapandi remodel

Sample gray open-plan kitchen with peninsula before redesign

The same kitchen redesigned in Japandi style

The look

What makes a japandi kitchen

Cabinets: Light oak slab lowers with recessed finger pulls and dark walnut tall cabinets
Countertops: Honed warm-gray stone
Backsplash: Matte clay-toned square tile
Hardware: Integrated finger pulls, nothing protruding
Lighting: Linen drum pendants
Flooring: Natural light oak
Walls: Warm limewash off-white
Mood: Calm, natural, and quietly refined

Three budgets

Japandi at every level of change

Shown on our reference kitchen, the same room we use to compare every style fairly.

Japandi kitchen refresh — RefreshNew paint, counters, tile, and hardware on the existing cabinets.

Japandi kitchen remodel — RemodelAll-new cabinets and finishes in the same layout.

Japandi kitchen redesign — RedesignThe kitchen re-planned inside the same walls.

Best for

Calm, mindful spaces
Lovers of natural wood
Open kitchens next to living areas

Design tips

Contrast one light and one dark wood instead of using a single tone.
Recessed finger pulls keep fronts clean without looking stark.
Limewash or plaster walls add softness and depth.

Budget

What a japandi kitchen costs

Typical 2026 US ranges for a 150 sq ft kitchen. Get a line-by-line estimate in the remodel cost calculator.

Refresh: $8k–$20k; Paint or reface, new counters, tile, hardware, and lighting.
Remodel: $25k–$60k; New cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, same layout.
Redesign: $70k+; Custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and a new layout.

Where to splurge

Real wood contrast: light oak with dark walnut accents.

Where to save

Limewash paint gives the plaster look for a fraction of real plaster.

Cabinet colors that suit japandi

White oak kitchen cabinets Walnut kitchen cabinets

Japandi kitchen FAQ

What's the difference between Japandi and Scandinavian?: Japandi is darker and more grounded, with walnut, clay, and charcoal alongside light oak. Scandinavian is brighter and whiter.
What countertop suits a Japandi kitchen?: Honed stone in warm gray or beige, or a matte quartz that looks like natural stone.
How much does a japandi kitchen cost?: For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a japandi refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: real wood contrast: light oak with dark walnut accents.
Can I see my own kitchen in Japandi style?: Yes. Upload a photo, choose Japandi, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

More kitchen styles

Modern

Contemporary

Transitional

Traditional

See your kitchen in Japandi.

Upload a photo and get a photorealistic redesign in about 30 seconds. Your first design is free.

Try it free