Japandi Design Transforms Luxury Living at Mandarin Oriental Residences

The Japandi design trend is set to redefine luxury living as it evolves into 2026, focusing on warm minimalism, natural materials, and a seamless indoor–outdoor connection. The transformation is particularly evident in the Mandarin Oriental Residences located in Beverly Hills, where the style is not just a preference but is increasingly viewed as a necessity for creating calming environments that nurture well-being.

Giovanni Medina Marenco, Design Director at 1508 London, has observed this shift firsthand through his work on the Mandarin Oriental project, which he collaborated on with notable landscape architect Enzo Enea. Medina Marenco explains that today’s homeowners seek spaces that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. “People are searching for calm… the home has become a place to reset,” he notes, highlighting how Japandi’s blend of minimalism and warmth resonates deeply with current desires for peace.

The residences exemplify this concept, showcasing natural light that floods through expansive windows, illuminating pale woods and stone surfaces. Medina Marenco describes the immediate feeling of relief one experiences upon entering the space, saying, “you immediately feel yourself exhale.” The landscape plays an integral role in the design, serving as a structural counterpart rather than merely a backdrop. Enea’s philosophy emphasizes a “creative intertwining of the soul of the house with its surroundings,” which profoundly influences the interiors.

Blending Nature with Architectural Design

Floor-to-ceiling windows are strategically positioned to frame scenic views of palms and hills, transforming them into artistic elements within the home. The design incorporates features such as living rooms where horizon lines become part of the visual palette. Subtle elements, like a bonsai garden vignette along the entrance or the smooth transition between terrace stone and interior flooring, create a sense of continuity, making the home feel like an extension of Beverly Hills itself.

While minimalism has often been criticized for creating cold or sterile environments, Medina Marenco emphasizes that Japandi focuses on sensory and emotional experiences. Describing Japandi as “simplicity with soul,” he highlights tactile materials like wood grain that invites interaction and the use of curves that soften a room’s energy. “Minimalism removes. Japandi refines,” he adds, illustrating how the residences embody these refinements through deliberate design choices, such as an open-grain timber shelf or a sculptural chair that balances function and artistry.

The evolution of Japandi parallels the rising popularity of biophilic design, which embraces nature’s restorative qualities. Medina Marenco asserts that these two concepts are now inseparable, as Japandi provides the disciplined approach while biophilia offers grounding. In the residences, natural light and unexpected garden views enhance the living experience, making movement through the home feel intuitive. The synergy of these elements results in “homes that feel centered and deeply human,” a sentiment that resonates strongly with residents.

Emotional Warmth in Design

Curves, which have long been a hallmark of both Japanese and Scandinavian design, play a significant role in Japandi interiors. Medina Marenco explains that while hard edges can create a sense of alertness, soft edges promote ease. “Curves soften a room and soften us,” he articulates, noting that organic shapes guide the eye naturally, enhancing the flow of the space. The residences incorporate rounded sofas, sculptural tables, and tactile textiles that subtly influence the emotional atmosphere without drawing undue attention.

Natural materials further enhance this effect, with linen, timber, and stone providing a sense of grounded warmth. According to Medina Marenco, these materials “don’t shout… they settle you,” encapsulating the essence of the Japandi ethos. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the design, prioritizing the honesty of materials over marketing messages. “We focused on materials that hold their integrity over time,” he states, emphasizing the importance of durability and authenticity. For him, true sustainability arises from a home designed to endure, which naturally aligns with luxurious living.

Japandi promotes meaningful personal expression rather than extreme minimalism. “Japandi isn’t about less, it’s about meaning,” Medina Marenco asserts, encouraging homeowners to keep items that resonate and allow objects to breathe. Soft neutrals are layered to create warmth instead of barrenness, and handcrafted details echo individual sensibility. Even in the residences’ open-plan layouts, no space feels empty, as every piece is deliberately curated to contribute to comfort.

The next iteration of Japandi is already evident at the Mandarin Oriental Residences. Medina Marenco envisions a richer, more sensorial style marked by deeper timbers, organic stone, and a more mindful integration of Eastern and Western philosophies. He describes the future as “a lifestyle rooted in serenity, warmth, and tactile richness,” manifesting in features such as bonsai thresholds, sculptural bathtubs, and gentle curves throughout the project.

As Japandi continues to evolve, it increasingly embodies a sense of quiet luxury with purpose—warmer, more grounded, and intricately connected to nature. The trend’s trajectory suggests an inevitable transformation toward environments designed not just for visual impact but for holistic well-being.