Japandi Style Rules in This Gut-Renovated LA Home

California designer Shanty Wijaya of Allprace combines the best of Scandinavian and Japanese design in this indoor-outdoor home.

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December 09, 2020

By: Meredith Rosenberg

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Best of Work and Play

Los Angeles-based designer Shanty Wijaya of Allprace specializes in rundown rehabs and indoor-outdoor design, and she put all of those skills to good use when overhauling her latest flip. She chose this LA home based on its hillside location and glorious views, and then imparted a Japanese-Scandinavian theme called Japandi while emphasizing work-from-home elements.

Setting the Tone

The façade immediately sets the Japanese/Scandinavian tone, since Shanty wanted to unite Japanese artistic elements with Scandinavian hygge throughout the home. The light-colored, sustainably sourced Accoya wood channels Scandinavian design, while Japanese architecture inspired the roof. Japanese design also influenced the landscaping, such as the large stepping stones and surrounding foliage. The final result might appear deceptively simple, but the world beyond the front door is anything but boring.

Hands-On Approach

The attention to detail can't be overstated, and it's worth mentioning that Shanty sourced and hand selected every aspect of the landscaping, from the plants to the stones.

Starting From the Bottom

It helps to get a sense of what the home looked like before the eight-month renovation process. Shanty chose this 1922 home two years ago based on its potential, with views from practically every room. The home might appear small, but it actually contains three bedrooms and baths, including a master suite, junior suite and guest bedroom in 2,136 square feet. Plus, the overall lot is a whopping 7,510 square feet.

Seamless Approach

Upon entering the home, the open and airy layout makes an immediate impression. Shanty disliked how the original space felt closed off with a lot of walls, and she wanted to emphasize the unparalleled views. Shanty also wanted the kitchen to seamlessly blend into the space, so she paneled all of the appliances except for the stove. She also designed the built-in entryway bench, coat hanger and shelving to create a serene welcome.

Simple Moves

Taking a deeper dive into the kitchen, the gut renovation entailed larger windows and fewer walls. Beyond that, "We wanted to keep the look and color simple with layers of textures from the materials used," says Shanty. To achieve this she used an earthy plaster wall color imported from Denmark, white oak cabinets from Reform and a randomly sized limestone floor with an antique finish. But Shanty's favorite feature is the custom island featuring a salvaged solid oak counter and built-in shelves. "I love this detail because it adds so much character to this muted look kitchen."

Cohesive Collaboration

Across from the kitchen, "I wanted to create a casual, artsy and eclectic Japandi look for the dining space," Shanty says. That included integrating a Workstead light sconce into the art gallery wall behind the dining room table. As for the narrow dining room space, Shanty addressed it by customizing the banquette bench from the same material used for the kitchen cabinets. This works to unify the entire space while providing additional seating.

Life Essentials

Beyond the dining table, a reading nook bench takes advantage of the view from the top-level balcony, overlooking a daybed and Japanese-inspired tatami dining. It's easy to imagine relaxing with a good book here to start or end the day.

Shanty shares how the COVID-19 lockdown further inspired her to add Japandi features througout the home. "The lockdown opened my eyes to incorporate elements that are the most important in life, and how our home should be designed to support that."

Hygge Zone

Zooming in, Shanty converted a narrow hallway into this transformative nook. The custom bench is designed to match the one in the entryway for a unified feel. The wool bench cushion is also custom, and sourced from Lithuanian company Linen Space. While the focus is on the view, white oak wood ceiling beams provide a nice contrast in this mostly white area.

Look closely, and you can spot a small plant on top of the light pendant — an easy way to bring nature inside.

LA Lounge

Stepping outside, Shanty tackled the upper balcony by channeling a Japanese hanging garden. Potted Japanese maples, artificial turf, daybed lounger and tatami table from Anthropologie work to achieve this vision. She also installed a glass railing in order to maximize the indoor and outdoor views.

Artistic Endeavor

Shanty continued the dining room's aesthetic into the adjoining living room, in part by extending the gallery wall. Here, the large wall painting is by Kristen Giorgi. The custom concrete fireplace is another main focal point, and is notable for being both ventless and smokeless as it relies on ethanol fuel.

California Cool

To emphasize the room's modern and casual appeal, Shanty opted for tongue-and-groove wall paneling, with the exception of plaster behind the fireplace. With so many eye-catching design aspects happening here, it's easy to almost miss the iconic Le Klint floor lamp standing in the corner.

Views for Days

The living room is the next area that takes advantage of indoor-outdoor design. It connects to the sunroom, which opens onto the front courtyard. And floor-to-ceiling glass means never having to compromise on outdoor views.

Sunrise, Sunset

Next door is the sunset room, named for the stunning sunset views afforded by the glass-enclosed space. Shanty decided on this addition since the home's structure limited the ability to expand other living spaces. "I purposely designed this room to have lots of wood elements that flow nicely from the exterior to the interior," she says, referencing the white oak ceiling beams, wood windows, sliding doors and tall zig-zag wood bookshelf. Though the latter looks custom, Shanty says she actually found it. "It looks custom-made because the wood is the same color, and the size is perfect and fits like a glove," she adds.

Sunny Days

"When you open the sliding doors, the living room, sunset room and front yard seating area all become one big living space," Shanty says.

Instant Connection

From this angle, one can see that the oversized concrete tile repeats from the entrance. It's also clear how easily this space connects to the front yard, which features an antique limestone water feature.

For Shanty, "This room has an abundance of natural light and beautiful views, and makes a wonderful spot to curl up with a good book."

Mix Not Match

Making the most of the view continues in the master suite, where Shanty centered the focus on it by keeping everything else simple. To add interest, she mixed layers and textures, not limited to the herringbone white oak floor, vertical tongue-and-grove wall and opposing ceiling beams. Shanty acknowledges the design is complicated yet subtle, due to using the same paint color.

For even more interest, the custom headboard, covered in alpaca fabric, was inspired by the sun setting below the horizon line. "Sun is an important element in Japanese culture," Shanty says.

Bathroom Masterpiece

The master's simplicity continues into the bathroom. A clean, organic design is also view-oriented, with help from the marble floor and fan-shaped mosaic tile in the shower. But it's difficult to ignore the deep and inviting soaking tub, and the combination of the tub and views truly create a masterful space.

Perfect Balance

The floating white oak vanity perfectly complements the curved lines of the soaking tub, and strikes just the right balance of minimalistic coziness.

Romantic Retreat

"The design theme for the guest room is romantic Japandi," Shanty says. Muted paint colors and a neutral palette help accomplish this look, along with a canopy bed from Design Within Reach and a vintage pendant light. The room didn't need much more owing to large windows with scenic views.

Full Impact

Japandi takes a more impactful turn in the guest bathroom, where Shanty changed it up with black-and-white antique marble floor tile. To balance the focus on the floor, the rest of the bathroom is simple with white walls, white shower tile, a wall-mounted toilet and tongue-and-groove wall paneling. However, a black sink cabinet adds some grounding contrast.

Modern Art

This wall next to the guest bathroom and reading nook features fiber art by Cindy Zell, which works well with the organic features and color scheme of this home.

Japan Getaway

"From the beginning, I knew that I wanted at least one room to have a predominantly Japanese aesthetic," Shanty explains, so she chose the junior suite to showcase that design goal. Note the white oak ceiling beams, low bed inspired by Japanese tatami beds, fan wall art from Urban Outfitters and lantern-shaped pendant by designer George Nelson.

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Different Perspective

This perspective provides a full view of the fusuma hand-painted sliding closet doors (Editor's note: Fusama panels are vertical panels which slide from side to side to define spaces in Japanese architecture), featuring a classic landscape design. Beyond that, oversized concrete tile imitates natural stone, and doesn't detract from the painted closet while providing contrast to the beamed ceiling.

Great Outdoors

Lucky guests get to stay in the junior suite, as it comes with its own private balcony overlooking a koi pond, plus a side yard seating area and viewing deck.

Neutral Attitude

Taking a closer look, it's clear that Shanty chose furnishings that both blend in with their surroundings while offering a comfortable yet relaxed appeal.

Work or Play

Shanty's main vision for the overall design entailed creating a healthy, work-from-home lifestyle "that included becoming one with nature," she says. While the junior suite's viewing deck appears geared for relaxation, it's also easy to imagine tackling some work in this space for a change of scenery.

Calming Waters

This is the aforementioned side yard seating area for the junior suite, complete with a hanging bench. Shanty used the same Accoya wood as elsewhere in the house, and opted for artificial turf for easy maintainance. Though not pictured, this serene area also contains a bamboo garden and water fountain. "The soothing water sounds can be heard clearly from this bedroom," Shanty says.

Instant Serenity

"Both Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements and comfort," Shanty says, which are all on display in the junior suite.

Optical Illusion

Shanty decided not to add a door to the junior suite's bathroom since she designed it to be an extension of the bedroom. It also helps the bathroom feel larger, along with the addition of the same oversized concrete tile used in the bedroom.

Full Focus

In order to focus attention on the outdoor Japanese-inspired garden, Shanty chose a muted and simple color palette. The resulting dark-stained wood floating vanity and concrete trough sink perfectly exemplify this pared-back design scheme.

Tranquil Passage

This exterior hallway connects the junior suite with the backyard, garage and office. The same astroturf design repeats here, and meanders past the black Dutch door that leads to the mudroom area.

Diamonds Are Forever

Popping into the mudroom, the hand-painted floor immediately catches the eye, and provides a whimsical touch to a traditionally utilitarian area. "I wanted to create an impactful and fun, creative space," Shanty says of this part of the home, taking her inspiration from the diamond shapes used around the exterior, from sconces to turf blocks.

Basement Transformation

The mudroom borders the office, where the same diamond pattern continues. It's located in the former basement, and features a separate entrance for much-needed privacy when working from home.

Work in Peace

"The office is quite spacious and the layout feels like a little studio," Shanty says. The office also includes a powder room and lounge area. If that doesn't sound like the typical work space, Shanty has a reason for that. "I wanted to create a home office that was more like a creative space with character, while giving it a one-of-a-kind look."

Coffee Break

The low-key office lounge area is ideal for taking rest breaks, thanks to a multitude of pillows, books and neutral colors. "We kept everything on the eye level simpler, and used color from the accessories and books placed on the built-in shelving," Shanty adds.

Rustic Infusion

"We also put in thin bricks that we imperfectly finished and painted to create a rustic and homey feeling," Shanty says about this corner of the office. Though located in the former basement, the Japandi elements of nature, comfort and simplicity still dominate here.

Back to Nature

Shanty chose Japanese-inspired landscaping for the backyard, but the large lot presented a design obstacle due to its hillside location. "The biggest challenge was to create separate outdoor spaces that had their own function and unique characteristics while still being open and connected to one another," Shanty says. That was no easy feat considering that the terraced space contained many steps.

However, she pulled it off by creating five distinct levels for a koi pond and waterfall, plunge pool, Japanese rock garden, chicken coop, vegetable garden, outdoor dining, relaxation shed, chimenea fireplace and hanging bed.

Mental Holiday

Shanty also used Accoya wood in this customized plunge pool area, and added vines along the pool's fence to soften the overall look. To the right, the custom daybed finishes the Japandi feel.

Room to Roam

The pandemic also had a major influence on the backyard design. "I wanted the landscaping to be an extension of the living areas so everyone has lots of space to roam around outside," Shanty says. But the overall theme also blends the best of Japanese design and Californian living. "We wanted to create a peaceful, tranquil and laid back outdoor retreat that has it all," she adds.

Home Away From Home

This cute shed is tucked away at the end of the backyard and is equipped with the essentials, but nothing extraneous. The Accoya wood design matches the home's facade in order to maintain Shanty's cohesive design goal. This shed also represents her desire to execute separate and private backyard spaces.

Creature Comforts

This view reveals a Dutch door for ventilation in a comforting blue shade, along with the preferred artificial grass that's featured elsewhere. Not pictured is an outdoor dining spot with a fire pit and hanging daybed.

Mission Accomplished

Stepping inside provides a clearer view of the interior, including the maple wood cathedral ceiling and floor and handmade Mehraban rug. It also demonstrates how the Japandi style reached every corner of this home. Though simple, the shed still boasts modern features such as electricity and an HVAC system.

Reflecting on the renovation, Shanty is most proud of the backyard as it allowed her to pour her full creativity into it. However, "I love everything about this project as a whole," she says. "Its quirky layout is perfect for the work-from-home lifestyle."

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