Japandi Living Room with Olive Tree

What stands out

• The olive tree in its textured ceramic planter brings height and life to the corner without overwhelming the low-profile furniture that defines Japandi restraint.
• Light wood chairs with curved backs and armrests add sculptural interest while maintaining the airy feel essential to this style's uncluttered approach.
• The shallow ledge shelf holds a few handmade ceramic pieces in earthy tones, demonstrating the Japandi principle of displaying only what serves a purpose or brings beauty.
• Pale wood flooring with natural grain variation runs throughout, grounding the room in organic texture while reflecting light to keep the space feeling open.

Make it work in your space

In a smaller living room, use a younger olive tree or swap it for a similarly sculptured indoor plant like a fiddle leaf fig in a modest planter. Replace the full sofa with a loveseat and use just one accent chair to maintain breathing room. Skip the floating shelf if wall space is limited. On a budget, find secondhand wood furniture with simple lines and refinish it in a light stain. Use slipcovers in natural fabrics over existing upholstered pieces to achieve the soft neutral palette.

Check the light needs of a real plant before placing it in the darkest corner of the room.

Materials and finishes

Earthenware planter with texture

Look for planters with irregular surfaces or visible throwing marks. The rough, matte finish should feel handcrafted rather than mass-produced, with natural clay tones that complement wood furniture.

Light wood with visible grain

Choose woods like white oak or ash with clear grain patterns. The finish should be natural or lightly oiled to preserve the wood's warmth without adding shine or heaviness.

Linen or cotton upholstery

Select tightly woven natural fabrics in undyed or lightly pigmented shades. The texture should be matte and soft, avoiding any sheen that would feel too formal or modern.

Matte ceramic vessels

Handmade pieces with slight irregularities work best. Look for glazes in sand, clay, or cream that show variation in tone rather than perfectly uniform color.

Pale hardwood flooring

Wide planks in light finishes show off natural wood character. The surface should have a low-luster finish that reads as natural rather than glossy or distressed.