A Home Tour and Design Talk with Fabian from @studio.okaeri

Design that balances simplicity and purpose can transform a space into something both peaceful and functional. By focusing on clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful details, it’s possible to create environments that feel effortless yet deeply considered. This approach offers inspiration for those seeking calm and intentional living.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Fabian (@studio.okaeri), an interior design enthusiast from Switzerland whose Instagram page has become a haven for those who appreciate the beauty of minimalism and intentional living. With a unique blend of Danish hygge and Japanese minimalism, Fabian’s aesthetic perfectly encapsulates the balance between warmth and simplicity, creating spaces that feel both lived-in and serene. In this interview, we dive into the inspirations behind his design philosophy, his favorite pieces at home, and how he came across industrialkonzept.

Fabian, tell us about yourself and how you discovered your aesthetic.

Hi, I’m Fabian from Switzerland, and I have a deep passion for interior design and aesthetics. My Instagram page is my creative outlet, a place where I share my love for design and the beautiful moments in everyday life with a broader audience.
When I’m not rearranging my home, you’ll often find me listening to vinyl records, capturing moments with my 35mm film camera, or brewing espresso with my manual machine. I’m drawn to the analog character of these activities because they offer a sense of calm and deceleration, helping me stay present and appreciate life’s small things. This approach for the simple and mindful is something I carry into my interior design, where I aim to create spaces that feel intentional, grounded, and connected to the moment.

How did you come across us?

I’m always on the lookout for inspiration from various sources, and Instagram has become a fantastic platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who inspire one another. That’s also where I came across the industrialkonzept page, which contributed to my desire to experiment with different materials and textures and incorporate them into my own space to create a balance between materials, forms and textures.

Your interior takes inspiration from both Danish and Japanese design. Can you explain what draws you to these styles and how they’re reflected in your home?

My aesthetic is shaped by personal experiences, daily inspirations, and my personal core values about how I want to live. Having spent considerable time in both Denmark and Japan, I’ve had the chance to deeply explore and appreciate the design and cultural nuances of both places. Interior design, after all, is a reflection of the culture, environment and lifestyle of a place. In Denmark, where people spend a lot of time in their homes during the colder time of the year, design focuses on cozy hygge elements that make a space feel inviting and lived-in. On the other hand, I’ve always been drawn to Japan’s minimalist approach, which emphasizes simplicity, functionality, high craftsmanship and a deep connection to nature where each item has a purpose and contributes to a sense of balance and tranquility.

Over time, I’ve organically blended these influences into my own space, creating an environment that feels very authentic and raw — a true reflection of the balance I find in both Danish and Japanese design.

What are your favorite pieces currently in your interior, and why?

I love the rivet series by Frama for its simplicity, rawness and versatility. These pieces can be used both vertically and horizontally, serving as storage units, display stands or classic side table. Because I often rearrange my space, owning furniture that is modular and adaptable allows me to play around and explore new possibilities/layouts, which can accommodate fresh ideas and inspiration.

Another favorite of mine are the Togos designed by Michael Ducaroy. With their timeless design and modular nature, these iconic sofas perfectly blend form and function, making it suitable for a wide range of interior styles.

I just thrifted a Verner Panton magazine rack in Copenhagen, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’ve been searching for this piece for years, and it’s amazing to finally have it in my collection. It just arrived, and I haven’t even had a chance to snap a photo yet, but I can’t wait to share it in upcoming posts.

It looks like you’ve balanced warm tones and cold, raw interior details perfectly. How do you bring these two aesthetics together while still creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere?

I aim to purchase furniture sustainably, choosing only pieces that I’ll cherish for years to come, rather than following fleeting interior trends. That’s why discovering my own unique aesthetic was so important to me. Whenever I introduce a new piece of furniture into my space, I take time to observe how it feels and interacts with its surroundings before adding anything else. I strive to avoid an aesthetic that becomes too one sided, so it’s essential to allow each piece to settle in organically and take your time while furnishing. This approach ensures that the various materials, textures, and forms come together harmoniously, maintaining a balanced atmosphere.

How does your home’s design reflect your personal philosophy on living and space?

Just as I cherish the analog experiences of shooting 35mm film, spinning vinyl, and brewing espresso, my design choices reflect tactile, intentional experiences that prioritize depth over rapid consumption. The focus on quality pieces that are the result of an organic furnishing process embodies a mindful approach to living. I find beauty in simplicity, functionality, clean lines, and natural materials, all of which cultivate a sense of harmony within each room.

This alignment not only brings calm into my daily life but also transforms my space into a true reflection of my values and philosophy. It allows me to press pause on the fast pace of life, reconnect with myself, and surround myself with objects that inspire and ground me, bringing me back to what truly matters.

In Japanese culture, the word “Okaeri” is used to exchange greetings when you come home. The person who returns home says “Tadaima” (I am home) and the person who is already there answers “Okaeri” (welcome back). I love that concept, and I try to create a space that gives me the same feeling — a place where I always feel welcomed each time I walk through the door.