Embrace Minimalism with the Essence of Muji Interior Design
Perhaps, you've heard about minimalist interior design. In the past few years, this style has become famous for its simplicity and neutral shades. These features will undoubtedly make any home look neat and spacious.
That's probably one of the reasons why so many people have embraced the idea of minimalism. Still, some have already become bored with the style, that’s where Muji interior design comes in to break the monotony.
What is Muji-style interior design?
If you're familiar with Japanese culture and Zen philosophy, then you'll quickly understand the concept of Muji. Although it entered the interior design world recently, the style has quickly found its niche.
In essence, the Muji style is an exact representation of the Japanese's straightforward and functional lifestyle. In a sense, it's safe to say that Muji interior design takes lots of minimalist inspiration. Still, the style has a distinctive look in which less is more. Like the Muji philosophy, the interior style focuses on creating a meditative, clutter-free environment.
But if you think Muji-style interior design is all about minimalism, you're mistaken. The signature feature of such homes is the use of high-quality furniture that enhances the true essence of zen. If you're looking to achieve the adaptive and functional effect of Muji, here are some tips to follow. Ultimately, you'll create a simple and effortless Muji interior design that is far from boring and dull.
Read more: 8 Hygge Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas (In Singapore 2022)
Top 5 features of a Muji interior design
Bright Pops of Colour in Muji Interior Design
While every Muji-style interior design must exude simplicity, it really doesn't have to be that monochromatic. Instead, warmth and cosiness should find a way through the dullness. You are safe to add some bright and soothing pastel shades here and there.
Don't forget the plants – a plant or two are typical for the standard Muji interior design in Singapore.
Of course, the central concept here revolves around minimalism. In such cases, you should avoid any flashy or shocking colours. Subtle earthy shades are a great way to create a calming and cosy environment in your HDB flat.
For example, you can bet on the typical white, cream or grey neutrals. If you're willing to experiment, khaki or olive green will easily blend in with the minimalist interior.
Like every minimalist home, Muji-style interior design uses lots of wood. The soft light-toned ash wood is a preferable choice that'll create a streamlined look throughout your HDB or Condo. The result will be a clean and neat kitchen and dining area while everything looks more spacious.
Use Room Dividers or Sliding Doors for Space Optimization
Blk 353A Admiralty Drive - 4-Room Resale
Undoubtedly, one of the main issues with 4-room HDB BTO flats is the extreme lack of space. In this regard, homeowners and designers have to implement smart ideas that'll optimise every tiny bit of space. For example, you can implement a divider to give the illusion of two rooms instead of one. That way, your flat will seem much more spacious.
Whether you're using wooden dividers or other types of material, you should make the most out of your vertical space. Indeed, these elements are perfect for your shelving, where you can store your clutter.
Alternatively, you can add some aluminium or laminate sliding doors for increased privacy where needed. These amenities may be a bit expensive, but you'll certainly appreciate the effect of such an addition.
Unique Decoration in Muji Interior Design
Teck Whye Lane 5 Room HDB Resale
In a way, Muji interior design represents the Japanese understanding of practicality. Still, there's some peculiar originality in such homes. There are some stylish features that you'll love to have in your HDB flat, too.
Of course, you'd want it to be eye-catching and not in your face. Ultimately, you'd like something subtle but still different and unique.
For example, you can implement some geometric hanging lamps or a ground-level bed. The latter is very similar to the traditional Japanese futons that help reduce back pain. As a result, you'll take the MUJI aesthetic beyond expectations with simple yet elegant additions to your home interior.
Read more: Make the Most out of Your Space with These Five 5-room HDB Interior Design Ideas
Maximizing Natural Light for a Brighter Muji Interior Design
In small spaces, light is the most crucial resource. In this regard, you should work towards maximising the light inlet in your HDB home. Consider massive windows that span across your interior to make your Muji interior design appear brighter.
Even though this trick may seem obvious, many homeowners tend to neglect it.
You'll see how quickly ample light will blend in with the neutral colour palette inside. As soon as you pull your curtains aside, your home will start looking like a part of a resort hotel. It will become the perfect place for relaxation after a long day of work.
Incorporating Organic Elements for Harmony
The basic mantra of a Japanese Muji design focuses on the principles of Zen and to create a balance among all elements of an interior. Choosing organic elements for an interior helps to create harmony and balance between natural and man-made materials. Organic materials such as wood and glass create a relaxing environment in any space. Such materials are also in trend these days, so not only can you get a comfortable and relaxing home but it will be aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well.
The following Swiss Interior’s design portfolio shows this strategy in action as wooden cupboards and dining tables add an earthly touch to the space. Glass vases and hanging glass lamps helps to further accentuate the earthly touch.
Create a decluttered open space
One of the most important principles of a Muji design is to reduce clutter as much as possible. In such a design, less is always more. Such a decluttered space always radiates an openness and freshness that is simply unmatched. One way to further enhance this openness is to create an open-concept, decluttered living area. This trick is especially useful for smaller houses as it will help increase the visual space of the room to give the illusion of a much bigger room.
As an example, consider the following Swiss Interior design portfolio. Here we can notice an open concept design with very less furniture and a cool color palette. A small room in the living room at the back of the living area even has glass walls, giving the illusion of an open-concept area while still defining the boundaries of the small room. With such an open and airy space, one is bound to relax and bid goodbye to the stressors of daily life!
Add in plenty of storage
Since a Muji interior design is all about relaxation and functionality, it is only natural to create plenty of storage in your home while designing it. This storage can help create a clean area while adding functionality to the house. You can simply stow away all the messy items in storage and keep the rooms clean and clutter-free. A clean space has a very positive impact on one’s psychological health, which is the basis of a Japanese Muji design.
The following Swiss Interior portfolio shows how you can add hidden storage areas in different places and still make them look trendy and modern. In this image, a platform with hidden drawers serves as a casual sitting area for kids and teenagers whereas the drawers can store plenty of things. Similarly, you can create storage areas in sofas, ottomans, and under your bed to create a highly functional and decluttered house.
Paint the walls white
White color is associated with clean, crisp interiors with a fresh and lit up ambience. Moreover, white colors in the interior also help to increase the visual space of the room which, in turn, helps open up the mind and enables it to relax and calm down. While choosing light pastel colors for the interior helps to achieve this, another way to further enhance this feeling is to paint the walls white or off-white. White walls create an openness in the rooms which cannot be achieved through any other means.
The white walls can further be enhanced in appearance by using different forms of modern lighting. You can either use white or warm lights, both will work fine in such an interior. With white as backdrop, you can pretty much decorate your home in any way and it will still end up looking good. Just remember to keep all the principles of Muji in mind while decorating and you will surely get a jaw-dropping interior.
As can be seen in the following image of a Swiss Interior design, the white walls create the perfect balance with the black fan and ceiling panels. With other earthly shades like brown and wooden elements, the space radiates a calming and tranquil energy.
Light oakwood furniture
Using wooden elements and furniture is an important characteristic of a Muji design. However, one tip through which you can take the serenity and calmness to another level is by using light oakwood furniture and colors in the interior. Elements of such coastal sand colors create the perfect harmony and blend of beauty and serenity. Add in a few elements of sky blue colors and some green plants to bring the beach and coast right in your house. Moreover, allowing lots of natural sunlight into the interior through large windows will prove to be the finishing touches of a happy, calm, and tranquil space.
Consider the following image where light colored wooden furniture and floors create a very airy and natural space. A few green plants add a pop of color to enhance the room’s appearance. Different forms of modern lighting take the ambience to another level of beauty and serenity.
Multipurpose furniture with added flexibility
As mentioned before, Muji interior design is portrayed by clean open spaces and functionality. This functionality can be achieved by choosing flexible furniture that has the capability to adapt according to your needs and requirements. For example, you can choose furniture that has some hidden storage compartments. Similarly, you can select furniture that serves multiple purposes, for example, a sofa-cum bed that can be used as a sofa in the living room during the day and can be converted into a bed at night.
It is also important that such flexible and multipurpose furniture take less space to ensure a clean and clutter-free area. An example of this can be seen in the following image of Swiss Interior’s design where a sleek platform that acts like a bed and a casual sitting area also. Storage drawers underneath the platform increase the functionality of the platform. Also notice the sleek table at one end of the platform which acts like a side table and a study or dining table when required. Talk about incorporating maximum functionality in minimum space!
Avoid over-decoration
Lastly, another important element of Japanese Muji interior design is to keep things simple and avoid over-decorating. Too many ornamental details and decorative items give the impression of a cluttered space which is the opposite of what we aim in a Muji design. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t decorate at all. You just have to choose the right balance so that the space looks beautiful but simple at the same time. For example, if you are focussing on one wall of a room for decorating, keep the other walls plain to balance it out. Similarly, choose one corner of the room for decorative items and keep the remaining room clutter free. These empty spaces act as soothers for the eyes and greatly help in creating a calm and tranquil environment.
The following picture of an interior by Swiss Interior shows this technique in which the designers have refrained from over-decorating. Instead, some decorative items are placed on shelves on one wall of the room but the wall opposite to that is left completely plain. The sofas and drapes are also simple and plain which help create balance and harmony in the atmosphere.
Embrace nature
15 Pasir Ris (Coco Palms), Condominium
Finally, don't forget to implement natural elements like wood to keep your Muji-style interior design consistent. Whether it's a quirky fan with wooden blades or wooden furniture and flooring, it'll all work. An example would be this wooden platform bed against wooden flooring. For more platform bed ideas, check out our article. Also, make sure you place a plant or two in every room to make your space look more lively.
An easy way to achieve the Muji look is to go for minimalist and rustic furniture. Of course, you can always combine the natural look with some synthetic materials. Just make sure you utilise every bit of space as needed.
After all, practicality comes first as it's in the essence of the Muji interior design concept.
What does Muji mean?
The word Muji is derived from the word Mujirushi Ryōhin which translates to “no brand quality goods”. The Muji philosophy focuses on careful selection of natural materials and colors that provide calmness, serenity, relaxation, tranquility, and functionality in any space.
What is the Muji aesthetics?
The Muji aesthetics is depicted in the form of minimalism in design and functionality in living. This is achieved through careful selection of furniture and other design elements so that the whole interior balances in harmony. The interior is not too bright, not too dull. In such an interior, the mind, heart, and body feel at ease. The aesthetics are based on choosing light, soft colors and natural materials. Naturally lit-up spaces, functional areas, and a tranquil atmosphere are all part of the Muji aesthetics.
What are Muji colors?
Muji colors comprise light and soft shades of cream, white, gray, and brown. Sometimes darker shades of brown, black, and navy may be used to balance the light colors and to create depth in the design.
Why is Muji so popular?
The Muji philosophy is based on the principles of Zen which aim at balancing out all the negative energies to create a relaxed and calm interior. All the elements play together to increase the positive energies flowing in the room through decluttered space, light color palettes, functional furniture, and the use of different types of lighting to further enhance the serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Final Thoughts on Muji Interior Design
After learning how to create a Muji interior design, it's safe to say that this style takes influence from minimalism. Still, there will always be that Japanese peculiarity in tradition and style. The monochromatic looks are no longer a thing, as you'll see lots of bright and warm pops.
Nature is the ruler of the MUJI philosophy, so you shouldn't shy away from it. The wooden flooring and furniture will help increase the cosy atmosphere in a home filled with light. As a result, you'll create the ultimate cove for relaxation and rest that exudes subtle elegance.
Swiss Interior is one of the recommended interior designers in Singapore. If you are looking for similar ideas for your condo interior design, you can find out more about our work from our design portfolio. We provide renovation services, HDB interior design services and renovation packages as well.
About Swiss Interior
Swiss Interior is a leading interior design company in Singapore since 2012. Led by founders Jason and Ronnie, the Swiss team serves customers from all walks of life, delivering bespoke and dream interior design and renovation services to all homeowners in Singapore.
Accreditations & Awards:
- Singapore outstanding enterprise award (2013)
- HomeRenoGuru Most Trusted ID (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- First ID firm to win 1 Week Kitchen Challenge by HomeRenoGuru (2019)
- Featured in NOC RenoKing (2020)
- HomeRenoGuru Top 10 ID Firm (2020, 2021)
- Featured in CNA Lifestyle Making Room (2021)
- Qanvast SuperTrust (2021, 2022)
- Featured in HomeStyle Magazine Year End Cover Page (2021)
- Featured in Sheikh Haikel & Anna Belle Francis DreamHome (2022)
- Sidac Accreditation (2022)