Inspired by slow design and Japanese aesthetics, the renovated home of Fabian @studio.okaeri is filled with his personal favorites. 

I would describe my style as: hygge meets zen. My home is inspired by minimalistic Danish design with a Japanese influence. For me the Japanese design emphasises simplicity, functionality, high craftsmanship and organic shapes with a touch of zen philosophy, while Danish design is characterised by a combination of natural materials, comfort and a cozy atmosphere. Combined with a couple vintage mid-century pieces, a natural color palette and the interaction between warm and cold materials a unique atmosphere is created. 

what inspires you?
When it comes to finding inspiration, I often turn to nature and the outdoors. The colours, textures, and patterns in natural settings can spark creative ideas for bringing a sense of the outdoors into indoor spaces. Additionally, I spend a few weeks in Japan every year. Japan's rich cultural heritage and design philosophy deeply inspire me. The way Japanese spaces seamlessly blend functionality with beauty and create a sense of calmness resonates with me. The concept of "wabi-sabi“ (appreciating the beauty in imperfection), encourages me to incorporate unique and weathered elements into my designs (such as raw materials that develop a patina over time). The minimalist and functional aesthetic reminds me to focus on essential elements and declutter spaces. Overall, Japan's design ethos inspires me to create a harmonious, functional and simplistic interior.

can you tell us more about your home?
I live in an old 65m2 apartment in Bern, Switzerland. One of my favourite things about my home is the fact that it gets lots of light due to its south-facing orientation. The light is particularly beautiful during autumn because the sunrays hit the living room from a lower angle. When choosing the apartment, the lighting was a very important decision-making factor for me, as nothing accentuates a beautiful interior better than natural light in my opinion.

what are your favourite By Mölle items?
My personal favourites are the By Mölle linen curtains, as well as the linen bedding. I love how each piece feels on the skin and the fact that the items can be customised in order to fit the specific needs of my home. In my living I have chosen the flax colour, which is a beautiful neutral shade that blends perfectly with the other natural materials. For my bedding I mixed the flax colour with pebble and sea shell, beautiful tones that go well with the aluminium sidetable of Frama.
what does slow living mean to you?
To me, slow living means to live consciously and enjoy the small things in life. I enjoy to actively disconnect from my surroundings by going on hikes/skiing in the Swiss mountains. Spending time in nature is an great way of finding balance and inspiration. I also enjoy listening to vinyls on my record player, taking 35mm film photography or making my own coffee with my espresso machine. The one thing that those three have in common is their analog character. There is something relaxing and decelerating about following a manual process because it makes you connect with the present and appreciate the smaller things in life.