Evolving Early Years Environments: From Neutral to Modern

Over the past few years, many of us in early years education have embraced a shift towards neutral and natural classrooms. With their soft tones and natural textures, these spaces have become calming and welcoming for children (and educators!).

But as we look around, it’s worth reflecting: Do the resources we’ve carefully selected still reflect the world we live in today? Or have some of them become a little stuck in the past?

Many of the items we use, often picked up from car boot sales or charity shops, have a certain charm. They add character and offer children a window into how things used to be. For example, a vintage rotary telephone or an old-fashioned typewriter can spark wonderful conversations about life in the past, supporting learning about time, change, and historical comparisons.

However, if these types of resources dominate our spaces, we risk creating environments that feel more like a museum than a reflection of the modern world. This is where Japandi design can offer a fresh, balanced approach—rooted in the same love for calm and simplicity but with a modern twist.

I First Discovered Japandi...

I discovered Japandi design while browsing in a bookshop. I stumbled across a beautiful book showcasing Japandi interiors—spaces that had clean lines, soft textures, and a blend of natural wood with muted colours. The blend of Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth caught my attention and sparked a thought: What if we applied this same concept to our early years settings? After all, our classrooms are spaces where children should feel calm, inspired, and connected to their environment. That day, I left the bookshop with a new perspective on how we might modernise and enhance our learning spaces.

What Is Japandi?

Japandi is a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. It’s all about creating spaces that are:

• Calm and clutter-free—where everything has a purpose.

• Natural and neutral—using materials like wood, stone, and fabrics in soft, earthy tones.

• Connected to nature—bringing the outdoors in with plants, natural light, and organic textures.

At its heart, Japandi is about intentionality. It encourages us to carefully consider the items we bring into our spaces, focusing on quality over quantity and prioritising simplicity, beauty, and function.

Why Japandi in the Early Years?

1. Calm Spaces Support Calm Minds

We know that cluttered, busy environments can be overwhelming for young children. Neutral, well-organised spaces help reduce sensory overload, making it easier for children to regulate their emotions and focus on their play and learning.

Japandi-inspired classrooms feel serene and inviting, creating a sense of calm that benefits both children and educators.

2. Simplicity Sparks Creativity

With fewer, more intentional resources, children are encouraged to think creatively and engage in open-ended play. Simple, natural materials—like wooden blocks, fabric scraps, or loose parts—can be used in endless ways, fostering problem-solving, imagination, and independent learning.

3. Connection to Nature Boosts Well-Being

Bringing nature into the classroom doesn’t just look beautiful—it has a direct impact on well-being. Exposure to natural elements like plants and natural light can reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and happiness.

In a Japandi space, this connection to nature is woven throughout, creating a harmonious environment where children can thrive.

How Japandi Can Look in Your Setting

Adopting Japandi doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Small, thoughtful changes can transform your space while staying true to its calming, neutral ethos.

1. Embrace a Neutral Palette

Swap out bright, primary colours for soft, muted tones. Think:

• Warm whites, soft greys, and earthy greens for walls and accessories.

• Natural wood for furniture and shelving.

This creates a soothing backdrop where children’s work, natural materials, and carefully chosen resources can shine.

2. Incorporate Natural Materials

When possible, choose materials that feel connected to the earth:

• Wood, stone, and woven fibres instead of plastic.

• Baskets and fabric storage for organising toys and resources.

• Natural elements like driftwood, shells, and pinecones for sensory play and exploration.

These materials not only align with Japandi aesthetics but also bring warmth and texture to the space.

3. Keep It Clutter-Free

Japandi prioritises simplicity and functionality. Create a clutter-free environment by:

• Rotating toys and resources to keep the space fresh and engaging.

• Displaying only a few carefully selected items on shelves or tables.

• Organising materials in accessible, labelled baskets or trays to promote independence.

Ask yourself: Does this item add value, or is it simply taking up space?

4. Bring the Outdoors In

Nature plays a central role in Japandi design. Consider:

• Adding indoor plants like spider plants.

• Maximising natural light by keeping windows clear and using light, sheer curtains.

• Incorporating natural textures through rugs and cushions made from jute, cotton, or wool.

These elements help create a space that feels grounded, calm, and connected to the world outside.

5. Modernise Role-Play Areas

Role-play is a fantastic way for children to explore and make sense of the world. Update these areas to reflect modern life while maintaining a neutral, natural aesthetic:

• Swap out old telephones for toy smartphones or simple communication devices.

• Include modern kitchen tools and household items from different cultures, offering a diverse representation of everyday life.

• Use neutral-toned fabrics and wooden furniture to keep the space calm and cohesive.

And don’t discard those vintage items! Instead, use them intentionally in specific contexts, such as when exploring "past and present."

Moving Forward

Japandi isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that supports children’s well-being, encourages creativity, and reflects the world they’re growing up in. It offers us a way to balance the beauty of neutral, natural spaces with the relevance and functionality of modern life.

So, as you walk around your setting, take a moment to reflect:

• Does the space feel calm and intentional?

• Are the resources modern, functional, and reflective of the world outside the classroom?

• Is the environment supporting children’s curiosity, creativity, and well-being?

With a few thoughtful changes, you can create a space that’s not only beautiful but also meaningful—where children feel calm, inspired, and ready to learn.

Let me know your thoughts below!