We've all read with horror and bemusement about the Muji-style apartment that caused quite a stir when people found out it cost $90k. Here's how to incorporate all its elements--pale timber, white, grey, natural materials like linen and cotton, simple pieces of furniture, metal storage racks to create a home that has its simplicity, compact nature, natural materials and the Japanese sensibility, at reasonable prices (read: S$50,000 and UNDER) and good quality. 

But first... Inspo.

So, how can you get the Muji-style apartment of your dreams? Well, you can take some sneaky snaps of the Muji stores, you can get your hands on their catalogue, or you can try the MUJI Interior Advisor Consultation Service in the flagship store in Singapore at Plaza Singapura--no need to travel to Taiwan for its Muji renovation service.

Images from Muji's Facebook page

Muji-Style Apartments in Singapore

Here in Singapore there are some great apartment spaces that have already got a bit of that Muji-style going on. We highlight some ways you can stand apart from the rest of the homes in this aesthetic. 

1) Create visual interest with unusual elements like a pegboard.

In this home at the Jewel @ Buangkok, decorated with pale, natural timber and creating a warm and family friendly environment, it’s the super cool timber pegboard on the wall which is especially Muji inspired; you can add shelves with art or plants and move them around as you need to.

Interior Designer: IDID Pte Ltd

Cost of renovation: S$25,000

2) Use an accent colour like navy blue against the pale timber. 

When it comes to creating a totally Muji-style vibe, you need to use lots of pale timber. In this Bartley Road apartment, the homeowners have added in timber built-ins for storage and to create separation for the various parts of the living space. Create a visual contrast with grey and blue covers against the matching pale timber furniture, and bonus points if the prints are somewhat reminiscent of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints like the waves on the cushions remind us of. 

Another thing we love about this house is how the designers created a sliding door, that can either conceal the bedrooms or their shelves full of their neatly-stacked belongings, whenever the occasion calls for it.

Interior Designer: Design 4 Space

 Cost of renovation: S$27,000

3) No, you don't have to use THAT shade of timber.

The furniture in this Tampines apartment is perfectly Muji inspired, but instead of using that distinctive pale timber that we've seen above, they've chosen a darker shade for their furniture that complements the white wall and floors. The addition of plants and prints in black and white frames creates a light, open, clean-lined space that gives off a minimal vibe.

Interior Designer: StyleMySpace

Cost of Renovation: S$38,000

4) Embrace your inner Japanese.

If you really love the minimal style, follow this apartment at Compassvale Bow and live low to the ground like the Japanese do. All the pale timber furniture is placed on the ground, while simple and neat storage solutions help to keep the space neat and tidy, and match the pale timber floors. White walls, simple furniture and lots of pale timber … this is the perfect Muji-inspired apartment design.

Interior Designer: The Minimalist Society

Cost of Renovation: S$30,000; S$20,000 for furniture and appliances

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