Inside The World's First MUJI Hotel
Ever loved Muji's minimalist homeware products so much you wished you could just move in? Now is your chance. Well, sort of. TheJapanese lifestyle brand has opened the first Muji hotel, inShenzhen,south China's tech hub.
It marks the first of three Muji hotels, the secondMuji location in Beijing is due to open this year, followed by a third outpost in Tokyo in spring 2019.
The Muji brand already sells everything from beds and night lights to toothbrushes and pyjamas, so we reckon it was only a matter of time before it would open a hotel.By inviting guests to spend the night with its products, the brand is rather cleverly taking the "try before you buy" philosophy to an entirely new level, as the hotel is also home to a two-storey shop.
Spread over1,726 square meters, the hotel is made up of79 guestrooms, a gym, a diner, three meeting rooms, a library and a shop, and the interiors of each space carry Muji's signaturesimple aesthetic, which has become synonymous with contemporary Japanese design.
Kitted-out with its own furnishings, the hotel is intended to reflect Muji's simple, straightforward, and high-quality aesthetic – described by the brand as an "anti-gorgeous, anti-cheap concept".
With its core principles in mind (think simplicity, function, minimal-to-no branding), the design team used recycled wood flooring and extracted pillars and walls from traditional Chinese homes in the interiors and courtyards, coupled with hidden lighting and firm mattresses. The space is serene and simple, perfectly echoing the brand itself.
Natural materials like wood and stone, earthy tones and textures alongside with a succinct atmosphere align with Muji’s design philosophy for a “pleasant, mindful life” and infuse a sense of calm and lightness.
And, instead of bold ornamentation and unnecessary items, the brand honed in on subtle, carefully curated details, conveying the ‘Muji philosophy’ through the ‘texture of the towels, the placement of outlets and light switches, menu and venue of the restaurant, and more’.
The minimalist vibe is particularly clear in the wood-lined bedrooms, devoid of ornamental paintings, fancy lamp shades, or unnecessary furniture, putting focus on high-quality essentials.
Muji products, ranging from toothbrushes to electric kettles and wall-mounted CD players designed by Naoto Fukasawa are also included for guests to use, plus a snazzy pair of super soft, thick slippers which guests can smuggle back in their luggage.
There's also a Muji diner thatserves local food served on Muji dinnerware, while the free library (open 24 hours a day) offersa selection of over 650 books.
And finally, you can shop any of the furniture and homeware in their on-site shop thatoccupies the first and second floors.
Doubles in the hotels will start at £108 a night B&B.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.
-
The 12 Best Table Lamps for Reading —I'm a Certified Bookworm (and Shopping Expert)
When it comes to table lamps for reading, I don't mess around. If you're the same, this edit is for YOU (and your books, or course — and good recommendations?)
By Brigid Kennedy Published
-
"It's Scandi Meets Californian-Cool" — The New Anthro Collab With Katie Hodges Hits Just the Right Style Note
The LA-based interior designer merges coastal cool with Scandinavian simplicity for a delightfully lived-in collection of elevated home furnishings
By Julia Demer Published
-
Christmas tree care – how to keep your Christmas tree alive and top tips for buying the best spruce
Follow these tips and your Christmas tree won't droop too soon...
By Jacky Parker Last updated
-
How to achieve beautiful paint finishes according to interior designer, Nicola Harding
Beautiful paint finishes transform a room and are easier than you think
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Decluttering tips from the home organisers at Maison Haven
Decluttering your home will get you ready for a fresh start
By Livingetc Last updated
-
Christmas tree recycling: what are the options?
Christmas tree recycling - 7 alternatives after 12th night
By Jacky Parker Published
-
The home bar: gorgeous glassware essentials
Home bar glassware to shake, stir and sip in style
By Jacky Parker Published
-
This architect-designed holiday home offers the perfect English country escape
Making last-minute travel plans and looking for somewhere chic and private to stay? This architect-designed home is a short drive from London, and features a heated outdoor pool with gorgeous views over the surrounding English countryside...
By Lotte Brouwer Published
-
5 beautiful 'fakation' destinations that will feel like you went abroad this summer
Staycations that could easily be mistaken for a veritable European hotspot...
By Ruth Doherty Published
-
This breathtaking Santorini hotel has just been named the best in Europe
And with those epic views and stylish interiors, it's not hard to see why
By Ruth Doherty Published