Muji style
Mukesh Kumar
| 30-10-2023
· Lifestyle Team
The Muji style of interior design is characterized by its white, wooden, low-key minimalist appearance, imbued with a distinct humanistic temperament and aesthetic.
It evokes a sense of calm, comfort, and a connection with nature.
In today's fast-paced world, where daily life presents myriad pressures, the use of wood in interior design offers a refreshing, relaxing ambiance that brings the tranquility of the forest into our homes, irrespective of their size.
So, what are the common elements that constitute the Muji style? Essentially, it involves the use of wooden furniture without added colors and minimal ornamentation. Rustic décor takes center stage in log-style interior design.
Rustic signifies a celebration of nature and simplicity, and in the context of log-style decor, it emphasizes the color and texture of the wood. This makes muji-style home furnishing a subcategory of rustic interior design.
The desire to escape from cold, concrete buildings and the frenetic pace of modern life, coupled with the diminishing natural environment, has led to a growing urge to reconnect with nature. This psychological yearning for nature has given rise to a new lifestyle concept known as "naturalism."
The roots of this concept can be traced back to the end of the 19th century in England, during the Arts and Crafts Movement. In the early 20th century in the United States, the prairie-style villas, exemplified by Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, became the dominant architectural style.
These structures reinterpreted naturalism by incorporating natural materials and emphasizing the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, with the muji style being one of its subtler offshoots.
In some Japanese homes, logs are employed to create eco-friendly and intimate play areas, fostering a sense of togetherness for families. To further enhance the connection to nature, some homes incorporate elements of the earth, creating what is known as an "earth room" house, inspired by the traditional Japanese housing element known as "Doma."
These houses use the slope of the base as a central feature, expanding the living room and kitchen areas, and creating a unique and unexpected family home.
Key design principles of log-style interior design include the following:
Adequate Lighting: Good lighting is essential in Muji-style interiors to create an inviting and warm atmosphere, enhancing the wood's natural beauty.
Simplicity and Comfort: A fundamental aspect of the Muji style is simplicity and comfort. Heavy and bulky furniture is eschewed, allowing the space to breathe and preventing the furniture from overwhelming the room. Wood and natural colors are predominantly used in furnishings, fostering a sense of tranquility.
Minimal Ornamentation: Muji-style decor reduces excessive complexity and ornamentation.
Furniture is used to define and shape the spatial layout, ensuring a sense of uncluttered simplicity.
Soft and Calm Color Palette: The overall color palette is soft and tranquil, with a predominant use of white and wood tones. Bold, saturated colors are avoided in favor of a more subdued and calming aesthetic.
The Muji style of interior design embraces the purity and serenity of natural elements, with its roots in a longing to reconnect with the natural world. It is a design philosophy that not only captivates the eye but also soothes the soul, offering a retreat from the demands of the modern world and a return to the simplicity and beauty of nature.