The Muji home design has been in trend for quite a while and is getting increasingly popular in Singapore. It seems like the world is very much in love with the interior design style as it gives off a zen and airy vibe, making our home a cosy and comfortable one to return to.
An interior design style similar to the Muji style is the Scandinavian interior design style. It gives off the same clean and airy vibe, and is also very aesthetically pleasing.
Both Muji and Scandinavian style homes are so similar that we do get new homeowners coming to us with Scandinavian home photos telling us they want a Muji design for their new home. Do you know the difference between these two designs? Read on to find out!
Muji VS Scandinavian
A Muji style home, inspired by the famous Japanese lifestyle brand that retails practical, functional and quality household goods is often elegant, minimalistic, yet cosy and zen.
Unlike popular beliefs, a Muji style home isn’t all about minimalism. The idea of a Muji home is also about creating a cosy and comfortable space with neat, high quality and well-crafted furniture that brings out the true essence of Japanese zen living.
Trying too hard to create a minimalistic home while trying to be ‘Muji’ could make your home look empty, dull and boring.
The Scandinavian interior design represents a design philosophy that is characterised by functionality, simplicity and clean lines. Like the Muji style, we have the Scandinavian style which favours minimalism and functionalism as well, greeting you with simple and clean designs, and an airy vibe the moment you step in.
A Scandinavian home emphasises on the need for one to be in harmony with his/her environment, and long lasting furniture that doesn’t need frequent replacement.
Here are some characteristics included in both styles:
- Simplicity
- Minimalistic
- Clean, uncluttered designs
- Cosy and comfortable environment
Colour Differences
The colours used in a Muji home are often neutral, temperate and modest colours – think brown, creams, beige, and natural materials – woods, metals, cotton and linen. A touch of greenery is added through the use of potted plants that are subtle and have small leaves.
On the other hand, the colours used in a Scandinavian home are often bright and colourful, against a neutral – white or cream background. The colours should blend and complement one another while keeping the atmosphere calm and cosy. Scandinavian homes also add in a touch of greenery occasionally, but with the use of potted plants that have larger and immense green leaves.
Furniture Used
When selecting furniture for your Muji home, take into consideration the function and quality of products.
The Muji philosophy prioritises quality and practical furniture – usually made out of wood, cotton or plastic. These furniture often have very uniformed designs, of linear shapes, and are easily adaptable of flexible to suit changing needs.
Most of us think that Scandinavian homes use wooden furniture too, but the truth is, furniture in Scandinavian homes can be made out of various different materials, as long as they keep to the same simple, highly practical principles.
Remember to pick pieces that blend well and suit the overall outlook of your home.
Another difference to note is that the traditional Muji home usually uses more whitish flooring and wooden furniture, while the Scandinavian home boasts a full wood-ish looking vinyl flooring, and furniture made of other materials.
Muji and Scandinavian styles have many similarities and it’s understandable if you’re confused, below is a summary of both styles for easy reference!
