How To Nail Japandi Design, According To Interiors Experts

Maximalism might be spring’s next big thing, but it’s no secret that Japandi style is as popular as ever. And if you’re looking for some pared-back design inspiration, we caught up with Alex Macaulay, MD at Kinland, to chat about his latest Japandi-style project: a boutique development in East Dulwich.

Interiors Inspiration: A Japandi-Style Home In East Dulwich

What’s the background and story of the project? 

Eastbrook is a boutique development of just three homes in East Dulwich that embodies Kinland’s ethos: a commitment to craft, thoughtful design, and enduring quality. The aim was to build something that feels truly bespoke, a development that reflects the character of the area but is elevated through carefully curated materials, spatial intelligence, and detail-driven execution.

Talk to us about your early inspiration. Did you pull together a moodboard? 

Our design process is always collaborative, and we engage with interior designers, makers and artisans in the spatial planning and finishes of our projects. The brief for this project was a Mediterranean/Japandi aesthetic, with a raw luxury in the way in which finishes were not overworked but championed via true craftsmanship. The bespoke joinery in the project is particularly successful.

There’s definitely a focus on craftsmanship throughout the development. Can you tell us about some of your favourite features & details?

The beautifully tactile and timeless feel hand-finished terrazzo basins in the bathrooms are a standout. The bespoke light oak joinery throughout is another favourite, especially the oversized oak doors which give a subtle sense of grandeur. The terracotta mosaic splashbacks in the kitchen bring a handcrafted warmth, and the matte black ironmongery provides the perfect modern counterpoint. Everything was chosen and executed with a long-term view.

What was your vision for the living spaces? 

We wanted the living spaces to support both everyday life and moments of connection. The kitchen and living area is designed as the heart of the home: open-plan but with clearly defined zones. We worked with polished concrete worktops, oak cabinetry and warm underfoot textures to create a space that feels robust but also inviting. It’s as suited to a quiet Sunday morning as it is to a dinner with friends.

What about the bedrooms? 

The bedrooms are conceived as sanctuaries, a true retreat of a space that promote rest and calm. We kept the palette soft and neutral, with lime-washed walls and ceilings to create a cocooning effect. Bespoke wardrobes and oak flooring elevate the practicality while maintaining a pared-back luxury. It’s all about creating a sense of serenity.

What materials did you particularly work with and why? 

Natural materials were central to the scheme: oak, concrete, terrazzo, lime plaster, and clay tiles. Each was chosen for its durability, texture, and inherent beauty. These are materials that age gracefully, gaining character over time. For us, sustainability begins with building things that last, where nothing feels disposable or trend-led. 

Were there any challenges on the project? How did you work around these? 

Designing a craft-led home on a constrained urban plot came with a number of challenges. One of the biggest was maximising light across three levels while maintaining a sense of privacy. We solved this through careful orientation, strategic openings, and the use of stepped terraces that bring light deep into the plan. Coordinating multiple bespoke elements across suppliers also required close collaboration and scheduling, but the result is a cohesive, resolved home. 

Were there any sustainability considerations in the project? 

Yes. Our approach to sustainability is grounded in longevity by choosing materials that don’t need replacing, creating well-insulated buildings, and designing spaces that people will want to live in for decades. The home includes underfloor heating, thermally efficient glazing, and we minimised the use of synthetic materials. We also worked with local craftspeople and suppliers wherever possible to reduce transport emissions and support the local economy. We have also achieved exceptional air tightness and energy performance credentials via thoughtful design and procurement. 

What do you love most about the property? 

Holistically, the space creates a real sense of respite. The oversized windows, natural light and increased floor to ceiling volume is unusual amongst the surrounding Victorian terraced housing. 

How could readers recreate this at home? 

Start with natural, high-quality materials and finishes like limewashed walls, oak joinery, handmade tiles, and polished concrete. Invest in fewer but better pieces, and prioritise layout and light over surface decoration. Layer in contrast and texture, and don’t worry about everything matching; some of the most successful spaces come from mixing old with new, rough with refined. Most importantly, take your time. The best spaces are built slowly and intentionally.