This Malaysian home embraces the Japandi 'less is more' concept

Madsmona’s home features the Japandi style, incorporating white and neutral colour tones. Photos: @thedewis.home

Madsmona Md Salleh, 33, likes to keep things simple and that’s the concept that she has extended to her triple-storey semi-detached home as well.

Having just moved into their 3,000sq ft (279sq m) house in Kajang, Selangor, in early March with her husband and two daughters, she has done up her living space in true Japandi spirit.

The dining area in Madsmona’s home has a simple, cosy feel, with the signature piece being the overhead designer lights.

The Japandi style is a minimalist look that combines modern Scandinavian designs with the functional and elegant elements of Japanese aesthetics. The concept is all about using neutral tones with a focus on textures and natural materials.

“Our home’s design concept is based on the Japandi style, with white and neutral colour tones.

“We like it for its simplicity and natural vibes,” shared Madsmona, who runs an online business selling thrifted blouses.

Her house (@thedewis.home) was recently featured in #ighometourmalaysia under the theme #ightmdiningarea for her inspiring dining space.

#ighometourmalaysia is a local home tour group on Instagram hosted by a small group of home decor enthusiasts to inspire one another and share ideas on home design and decor.

The dining area has a simple, cosy feel, with the signature piece being the overhead designer lights.

“We emphasise earthy tones when it comes to our colour selection, and the same goes for our dining room concept. The main highlight there is our Foscarini Gregg pendant lights, which perfectly match the Japandi concept that we wanted. The lights demonstrate simplicity that reflects the Japandi style,” added Madsmona.

Generous use of window panes allows the wet kitchen to be flooded with ample daylight, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Glass-panelled doors separate the dining space from the dry kitchen while adding character to the space.

Beyond the dry kitchen is a generous use of window panes that allows the wet kitchen to be flooded with ample daylight, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

“We love the natural lighting that makes our kitchen look airy, spacious and inviting,” said Madsmona.

Needless to say, her favourite part of the home is the wet kitchen.

“I spend a lot of my time in the wet kitchen. In general, I love my home because of the airy, spacious and clean look. We always remind ourselves to keep on maintaining that in our home.”

Is that possible with two kids and a busy lifestyle?

“The Japandi design itself is about simplicity and high functionality. What I do is evaluate any product or decor piece that I want to add to the home. I ask myself, ‘Is it necessary or important to have it?’ If not, I will just forget about it and move on.

Madsmona and her husband like the Japandi style for its simplicity and natural vibes.

“That’s the main key to having a simple and minimalist environment,” explained Madsmona.

What is the one thing that she would do to further enhance her living space?

“I would like to engage in DIY projects to fill up any missing furniture or decor piece in my home. I really love DIY or anything related to art.

“I have made a spice rack which is fitted inside a drawer. Initially the drawer was empty, so I utilised it and made a pull-out spice rack. I would like to make my own coffee table, wall art and sliding canopy for my wet kitchen as well in the future,” she said.

Madsmona has this advice for readers when it comes to home interiors.

“One tip that I always share is, beware of your colour tone selection because it will define your home concept despite the furniture you choose.

“Also, remember to keep it simple and clean and you will be happy for it,” she said.