Hey there! So last Fall, I hit what my husband Mike calls my “design identity crisis” after our trip to Japan got canceled (thanks, work deadlines) and I fell a Pinterest rabbit hole of Scandinavian interiors at 3 AM. $3,487.92 and several IKEA trips later (shoutout to Brian in the kitchen department who now knows my life story), I’ve somehow merged these two styles into something that doesn’t make my mother-in-law say “oh… interesting” anymore.
Quick backstory: Our kitchen was your typical suburban mess – you know, those golden oak cabinets that screamed 2003 and countertops that had seen better days (like, way better). My cat Miso (yes, I named her that during my first Japanese cooking phase) refused to even nap in there, which is saying something since she naps literally everywhere else.
Fair warning: This is gonna be a long one, and I’ll probably ramble about my adventures in minimalism (spoiler: I’m still hiding stuff in my garage). But stick with me – I promise it’s worth it!
1. The Great Cabinet Transformation
First up: painted those oak monsters Sherwin-Williams “Alabaster” ($187.43 for paint and supplies). Went for the lower cabinets in a warm charcoal (SW “Iron Ore” – $92.99). Pro tip: don’t try to paint cabinets while listening to true crime podcasts. I got so invested in a story I literally forgot to sand a door. Had to redo it at midnight while questioning all my life choices.
2. Bamboo Meets Birch Shelving
I found these amazing floating shelves at Room & Board ($245) that perfectly blend Japanese bamboo with Scandinavian birch. Only took three attempts to install them level (RIP my original drywall). Now they’re holding my carefully curated collection of mugs that Mike says all look exactly the same (they’re different shades of beige, honey!).
3. The Lighting Saga
Installed these minimalist pendant lights from Article ($167 each) that look like paper lanterns met modern design. The electrician only laughed at my wiring attempt once, which I’m counting as a win. Miso is obsessed with the shadows they cast – instant cat entertainment!
4. Natural Stone Countertops
Went with honed granite in “Absolute Black” ($2,875 installed). Yes, it shows every fingerprint. Yes, I’m still obsessing over wiping it down. But it looks like a zen garden met Scandinavian simplicity, so worth it?
5. The Perfect Imperfect Backsplash
I found these handmade ceramic tiles ($24.99/sq ft) that have that wabi-sabi vibe while still looking clean and modern. Installation was… an adventure. Let’s just say I learned that “measure twice, cut once” is not just a cute saying.
6. Wooden Pull Details
Replaced all the hardware with these gorgeous wooden pulls ($18.99 each) from a local craftsman. They’re giving major Japanese joinery meets Nordic design vibes. Only ordered the wrong size twice (math is hard, okay?).
7. The Statement Sink
Splurged on a matte black farmhouse sink ($879) that somehow bridges both styles perfectly. Though I may have cried a little when I dropped a cast iron pan in it the first week. Pro tip: they’re durable, but maybe don’t test that theory.
8. Mindful Storage Solutions
Installed these amazing pull-out organizers ($167.50 each) that Marie Kondo would definitely approve of. Everything has its place now, though I’ll admit some stuff just got relocated to the basement (sorry, Marie).
9. The Perfect Tea Station
Created a dedicated tea preparation area ($345 for custom shelving) because nothing says Japandi like a mindful morning routine. Only burned myself twice figuring out the perfect water temperature for green tea!
10. Natural Fiber Accents
Added a sisal runner ($189) that adds warmth without being busy. Miso approved this one immediately – it’s now her favorite spot for judging my cooking attempts.
11. Mixed Material Magic
Combined a black steel pot rack ($235) with wooden utensils for that perfect balance of warm and cool elements. Though I had to hide all my colorful silicone spatulas in a drawer (they weren’t sparking joy, apparently).
12. The Plant Corner
Created a little indoor herb garden ($167 for planters and stands) in these gorgeous concrete and wood planters. Most of them are still alive, which I’m taking as a sign that the zen vibes are working.
13. Minimalist Window Treatments
Installed these amazing woven wood blinds ($289/window) that filter light like a paper shoji screen but function like Scandinavian roller blinds. Only tangled them once during installation (okay, twice).
14. The Ultimate Coffee Station
Built a coffee preparation area ($478 for custom shelving and organization) that makes every morning feel like a mindful ritual instead of a caffeine emergency. Though I still occasionally knock things over before my first cup.