My husband and I have recently undertaken a major refresh of our garden. Spurred on by the thought of spending as much of this summer as possible enjoying the fruits of our labour, it was in fact author Laila Rietbergen’s latest book, Japandi Outdoor Living that inspired a number of these improvements.
Based in Bilthoven, a small town near Utrecht in the Netherlands, with her partner Wouter, son Tygo and cat Kiyomi, Laila is an expert on Japandi interiors and lifestyle. Sharing her passion, professional know-how and practical advice with her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers every day, I chatted with her about her most recent publication, and how we can all give our outdoor spaces, however modest or grand, the Japandi touch.
Over to Laila to tell us more:
Shall we start with a little about you, what your background is, and where your love for all things Japandi began?
I get my love for interior design from my mother and as a little girl was always changing my room around, to this day we both still love to discuss new plans and ideas together. But, it was in 2018 when I travelled to Japan for the first time that my love for its design and culture blossomed. So much so, in 2020 I decided to change my career path and started sharing my take on Japandi style via @japandi.interior on Instagram.
With now three beautiful books dedicated to the concept, what for you makes the fusing of Japanese and Scandinavian design such an enduring combination?
In my opinion you should compare an interior style with a relationship, it has to complement who you are, and bring out the best version of your character. Personally I can be really chaotic, but the calming vibe of Japandi suits me, and because it is a blend of two styles you can really make it your own. There are also lots of things that cross-over between the two, such as the use of natural materials, the blend of straight lines with organic shapes and an attention to detail and craftsmanship.
In your latest publication you take us outdoors, how do these same principles apply to the garden and what characteristics where you looking to include?
The same underlying principles apply even in the garden; simplicity, balance, and a strong connection to nature. But, rather than beginning with furniture or decoration, design with the landscape, the light, and the changing seasons in mind. The transition between indoors and outdoors still matters, but its lovely if the garden has its own identity. What I find most interesting about the Japandi style is that there isn’t just one way to approach it, as it’s a fusion of Japanese garden principles and Scandinavian outdoor living, be sure to choose what resonates with you personally and pick what you love.
For anyone looking to bring the Japandi style into their own garden this summer what would your top tips be?
Firstly avoid overcrowding the space, instead, focus on a few well-chosen elements that create a sense of balance and intention. Create somewhere that invites you to slow down, such as a simple seating area, a quiet corner, or even just an open view. Japandi in the garden is less about decoration and more about atmosphere, mindfulness, and fostering a connection to nature.
Also, have the sun in mind when designing the layout, and be aware of the needs of your plants. Just like Japandi style indoors, the choice of materials is an important element too. Use lots of natural wood, stone and timber, but be sure to use the right treatment. Finally, the rule of thirds really helps when it comes to arranging plants and pots, Mother Nature loves a little imperfection, especially in Japandi style.
Finally, what can we look forward to seeing from you next, are there any further titles being planned?
While I absolutely love creating books at the moment I’m working on a website, this will be a place where I will share more about everything I do and love. I’m also busy with a Japanese ceramics collection, designing a dining table bench, a range of children’s wallpaper and creating art prints, plus my lime paint collection with betonlook.nl is always developing. And another spoiler, I’m currently working on an e-book where I will focus on how to ‘Japandi your home’, a really practical guide, so lots of plans and lots of really cool things coming!
Want to know more?
Thank you again to Laila for the chat, I’ll be sure to share the results of my own Japandi garden makeover soon.
If you would like to find out more about Laila head over to @japandi.interior on Instagram, or order her books on the Lannoo Publishers website.
All images shown are featured in Japandi Outdoor Living and courtesy of the brands responsible.
Enjoyed this post? Then read my chat with Danish designer Kasper Salto on the launch of his new series of outdoor furniture for Fritz Hansen.
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