Japandi Design Transforms Luxury Living at Mandarin Oriental

Japandi design is poised to redefine luxury living as it evolves into 2026, emphasizing warm minimalism, natural materials, and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills exemplify this trend, showcasing how the style has transitioned from a mere preference to a crucial necessity for homeowners seeking tranquil environments.

Giovanni Medina Marenco, the Design Director at 1508 London, has observed this transformation firsthand through his work on the Mandarin Oriental project, developed in collaboration with landscape architect Enzo Enea. Medina Marenco notes that as stress levels rise, individuals increasingly desire homes that provide a calming atmosphere. “People are searching for calm… the home has become a place to reset,” he explains. The appeal of Japandi lies in its blend of minimalism and warmth; upon entering the residences, one is immediately enveloped by natural light, which reflects off pale woods and stone, promoting an instinctive sense of relaxation.

At the Mandarin Oriental Residences, the landscape is integral to the design, functioning as a structural counterpart rather than a mere backdrop. Enea’s vision involves a “creative intertwining of the soul of the house with its surroundings,” a principle that significantly shaped the interiors. Medina Marenco expands on this concept, stating that nature played a vital role throughout the design process. “The landscape wasn’t just a backdrop, but it became part of the architecture,” he asserts. Large windows serve as framing devices, capturing views of the verdant palms and rolling hills as if they were works of art, transforming the living spaces into immersive environments.

Japandi has often faced criticism for being overly sterile, with minimalism sometimes leading to cold and uninviting spaces. Yet, Medina Marenco argues that the essence of Japandi lies in creating a sensory and emotional experience rather than focusing solely on form. He describes the aesthetic as “simplicity with soul,” emphasizing tactile elements such as wood grain that can be felt under one’s fingertips, and finishes that appear hand-crafted rather than manufactured. “Minimalism removes. Japandi refines,” he adds, highlighting the nuanced details found throughout the residences.

The evolution of Japandi aligns with the increasing emphasis on biophilic design, which seeks to connect inhabitants with nature. Medina Marenco believes the two concepts are now intertwined, with Japandi offering structure and biophilia providing grounding. This synergy manifests in how natural light floods living spaces and how garden views present themselves unexpectedly, enriching the experience of moving through the home. The interplay of light and landscape helps define each room’s character throughout the day, fostering a feeling of connection with the environment.

Curves, a hallmark of both Japanese and Scandinavian design, take on a deeper emotional significance in Japandi interiors. Medina Marenco explains that while hard edges evoke alertness, soft edges promote ease. “Curves soften a room and soften us,” he says, as organic shapes guide the eye gently through the space. In the Mandarin Oriental Residences, rounded sofas, sculptural tables, and tactile textiles contribute to the emotional atmosphere of each room without overwhelming the senses.

Natural materials—such as linen, timber, and stone—anchor the interiors, creating a sense of warmth and stability. Medina Marenco notes, “These materials don’t shout… they settle you,” encapsulating the entire Japandi ethos of subtle elegance.

Sustainability, often touted as a design feature, is approached differently within Japandi. Rather than being a marketing angle, sustainability is woven into the integrity of materials used. Medina Marenco prioritizes durability and authenticity, stating, “We focused on materials that hold their integrity over time.” He believes that true sustainability emerges from respecting natural materials and ensuring that homes are designed to last. In this context, longevity becomes a luxury, rather than merely an eco-friendly message.

Japandi encourages personal expression over extreme minimalism. “It isn’t about less; it’s about meaning,” Medina Marenco explains. Homeowners are encouraged to retain items that resonate with them, allowing objects to breathe and layering soft neutrals to create warmth rather than emptiness. Even within open-plan layouts, spaces feel inviting and filled with purpose, as each piece holds significance.

Looking ahead, the next iteration of Japandi is already visible at the Mandarin Oriental Residences. Medina Marenco envisions a richer, more sensory experience characterized by deeper timbers, organic stone, and a harmonious balance of Eastern and Western philosophies. He describes the future of this design style as one rooted in “serenity, warmth, and tactile richness,” which is evident in elements such as bonsai thresholds and sculptural stone bathtubs.

The evolution of Japandi signifies a shift towards what Medina Marenco terms “quiet luxury with purpose.” As the style becomes more grounded and connected to nature, it reflects a growing desire for living spaces that foster not only aesthetic appeal but also emotional well-being.