How to Create a MUJI-Style Home: Interior Design Tips and Ideas

And help you master the look!

The brand MUJI is certainly no stranger to us. The success behind this Japanese brand is its ability to deliver simple designed home products with maximum efficiency to cater to the lifestyles of homeowners who seek to bring zen into their homes with the hope of fostering peace and relaxation. In addition, its popularity has earned MUJI quite a number of loyal followers around the globe, including Malaysia.

Looking to turn your home into a peaceful MUJI-inspired retreat? In this article, we’ll walk you through simple, practical ways to create a MUJI-inspired home, complete with real-life examples that show how the clean, calming aesthetic can bring a sense of serenity to your everyday living.

1. Always remember that less is more

A MUJI-inspired home is all about the "less is more" mindset. It’s about keeping things simple, functional, and intentional. Instead of crowding your space with decor or bold patterns, every item has a purpose and place—no clutter, no distractions. This minimalist style doesn’t just make your home look clean and calm; it also creates a peaceful vibe that helps you unwind and live more mindfully.

This 990 sqft condominium in Selangor fully embraces the "less is more" philosophy. The built-ins are free from any ornamentation and designed with clean lines, serving the primary purpose of keeping clutter out of sight. Walls are intentionally left bare to create a sense of openness and calm. Each room is minimally styled, with little to no artwork or decorative accessories, only the essentials remain.

Simple touches like a small plant or a neutral-toned rug are enough to subtly accent the space. This results in a home that feels clean, uncluttered, and easy to maintain.

2. Use natural materials

Natural textures play a big role in MUJI style interiors. Think light wood furniture, cotton or linen fabrics, woven baskets, and ceramic accessories. These elements bring warmth and a grounded, organic feel to the home, adding subtle character without being over the top.

A great example is this 950 sqft condo in Selangor, where the designer made full use of natural materials like rattan, wood, and linen across the furniture, built-ins, and bedding. The neutral and earth tones of these materials create a calming, serene atmosphere, while indoor plants add a pop of green and reinforce the connection to nature. Together, they enhance the space with a cosy, inviting feel that makes you want to slow down and stay in all day.

3. Prioritise smart storage

Keeping clutter out of sight is key in MUJI style homes. Incorporate built-in cabinets, under-bed drawers, and storage boxes to help keep everything organised. It’s not about having more space; it’s about using space wisely. Every item should have its place, and the overall layout should be easy to maintain.

This 1,100 sqft condo in Kuala Lumpur is a great example of smart, MUJI-inspired design. It features plenty of built-ins, a simple colour palette, and smart hidden features that make the space feel open, organised, and effortlessly stylish.

Beyond the built-in kitchen cabinets, the bedroom includes a custom platform bed with storage underneath, along with a built-in desk that easily doubles as a study or workspace—maximising every square inch. There’s also an overhead cabinet perfect for storing files and other essentials. Throughout the home, you’ll find a thoughtful mix of cabinets, floating shelves, and drawers that help keep the space tidy and clutter-free.

4. Keep it simple but functional

In essence, MUJI homes are a perfect balance of form and function—simple, yet deeply thoughtful. Functionality is at the core of every design choice. Every item and built-in serves a practical role, often with multiple uses, helping to maximise space and reduce visual noise. This approach not only keeps the home looking tidy and serene but also ensures that daily living is effortless and efficient.

That’s exactly why this 958 sqft condominium in Kuala Lumpur looks picture-perfect. Every detail, from the layout and colour palette to the selection of built-ins, may appear simple, but each element is thoughtfully considered to make the space feel open and lived-in, despite the limited square footage. We particularly love how the designer managed to carve out a built-in bench behind the kitchen island, creating a cosy little nook to enjoy a cup of coffee right next to the drink preparation counter.

5. Go with a neutral colour palette

A MUJI-inspired home is often characterised by calm, neutral tones. Stick to whites, soft beiges, light greys and natural wood shades. These colours help create a soothing, open feel that doesn't overwhelm the senses. They also make small spaces feel brighter and more spacious.

Take this home, for instance. It features a beautifully balanced palette of light wood, white, and grey, creating a warm and calming atmosphere that feels both modern and inviting. The built-in cabinets are designed in similar tones as the walls and ceiling, adding subtle depth and a seamless visual flow.

Hidden doors, thoughtfully integrated throughout the house, further enhance this sense of seamlessness. The result is a space that feels open, uncluttered, and effortlessly spacious.

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