Experience the essence of Raw Japandi in this Taipei loft—an innovative take on the Japandi interior trend that’s set to make waves in 2026.

If there’s one thing we can learn from Far Eastern designers, it’s their mastery of creating spaces that feel minimal, tranquil, and deeply Zen—qualities that have heavily influenced Western interiors in recent years, particularly through the rise of the Japandi interior trend. This trend, which we first spotted back in 2017 ( remember my post “Do you know Japandi style?”), has since become a mainstream aesthetic.

But design always feels more authentic when it’s rooted in its native culture, doesn’t it? That’s why, to introduce you to a new take on the Japandi aesthetic we all know by now, I’m sharing a home that embodies this philosophy. Located in Taipei, Taiwan (yes, not Japan—but close in spirit), this 700-square-foot residence belongs to an artist seeking a serene and inspiring retreat. Designed by fws_work, the space embraces the idea that “a step at a moment creates a scene”—ensuring that every movement within it unfolds into a thoughtful visual and sensory experience.

|| Be inspired : Dark Japandi interior trend

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Step 1: Maximizing Light and Space

Before color and style, the most essential element of a welcoming interior is natural light. In this loft, designers took full advantage of the high ceilings and open layout, incorporating expansive windows that allow daylight to pour in. 

Strategically placed wall openings further enhance the sense of space, making the narrow staircase and compact bedroom feel more open while capturing the shifting interplay of light and shadow throughout the seasons.

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Step 2: Preserving existing materials

To honor the home’s history and maintain its authentic character, the original stone tile flooring was carefully preserved, serving as a tangible link to the past. Its natural texture and aged patina add depth and warmth, grounding the space in a sense of continuity. 

In the tea room, woven rattan folding doors take the place of traditional solid walls, introducing a tactile, organic element that enhances the overall aesthetic. These semi-transparent partitions allow light and shadow to dance freely throughout the space, creating a dynamic interplay that shifts with the time of day. This thoughtful design choice not only reinforces the home’s tranquil and meditative ambiance but also fosters a deeper connection between the interior and its surrounding environment.

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Raw Japandi: a Thoughtful Material Selection

The material palette was carefully curated to add depth and atmosphere, with dark tones fostering a sense of contemplation. Rich plaster and solid wood create a grounding foundation, enhancing the poetic essence of the design. The designers intentionally choose textural elements to evoke serenity and warmth, like for example the handmade bricks line the staircase, that infuse the space with a nostalgic charm. 

These elements are central to our latest Trend Story: Raw Japandi, part of our Trend Atlas, where we explore this aesthetic in greater depth.

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How to embrace the Raw Japandi style trend

This design beautifully embodies the Raw Japandi trend, an evolution of the Japandi aesthetic that deepens its mood and texture. While traditional Japandi blends the minimalist philosophy of Japanese wabi-sabi with the warmth and practicality of Scandinavian design, Raw Japandi takes it a step further by embracing a more organic, unrefined essence.

This approach highlights the imperfect beauty of natural materials in their rawest form, offering a more sustainable and deeply authentic interpretation of the style. By striking a balance between Scandinavian functionality and Japanese simplicity, Raw Japandi introduces a tactile, earthy quality, celebrating imperfection, authenticity, and a profound connection to nature – resonating better with present and future time complexity.

The use of natural materials, muted tones, and understated design remains true to Japandi principles, while the integration of handcrafted details and organic textures adds depth and character. The seamless interplay between raw and refined elements creates a tranquil yet sophisticated ambiance, making this loft a stunning example of the evolving of the evolving Japandi interior style trend.

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Explore more about this trend in our Trend Atlas.

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Photo credit: Suiyu Studio