To make a new apartment a home, you have got to add some personal touches. Furniture, art, fittings, and plants can all add a much needed splash of personality to an apartment. But, before you start shopping, it is a good idea to establish the style that you’re going for — and stick to it.

Right now, there seem to be four major styles of interior design reoccurring in modern apartments across Hanoi. Finding the perfect one is not just about personal taste though, it has to be a good fit for your partner or family as well as your lifestyle. In short, it has to work both functionally and aesthetically.

Modern Minimalism

What’s It All About?

In recent years, modern design has been catching the eyes of stylish homeowners in Vietnam’s major cities, especially young families. The trend was particularly influenced by the post-WWII ideals of practicality and simplicity. But, over time, post-war minimalism became not just a lifestyle choice but a fashion statement.

Modern interior design usually focuses on functionality and avoiding extraneous details and accessories. The style usually radiates an atmosphere of tranquility and space, rather than comfort or coziness. It is ideal for people who work at home and would like to minimise distractions, or those who simply cannot stand clutter and mess.

Where To Get It

Module 7 showcases signature furniture collections for homeowners who seek simplicity and elegance. They have got pieces with earthy elements as well as some with futuristic vibes, and a whole lot in-between. Home accessories start at around VND600,000, while larger furniture, like beds and cabinets, run up to about VND30,000,000. This shop is conveniently located on West Lake’s Xuan Dieu Street, just a six-minute drive from Kosmo Tay Ho apartments, as is similar shop YNot, on Tu Hoa Street.

If you would like to get similar products for a slightly lower price, check out Modern House in North Linh Dam. Here, you will find stylish sofas, fine dining tables, and sleek shore storage at a fraction of the cost. There are tables for as low as VND3,000,000 while a sofa may run up to VND12,000,000. Additionally, Handyman Décor on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street features distinct designs, including simplistic sitting chairs, costing up to VND4,000,000, and minimalist kitchenware, starting at VND50,000.

Scandinavian Dream

What’s It All About?

The Scandinavian interior design style is spreading like wildfire around the world, and Vietnam is no exception. Much like modernism, Nordic style is anchored in simplicity and functionality. However, unlike clean-cut modern design, it has a strong focus on comfort and balance.

This Northern European trend includes practical storage solutions that double up as stylish décor and minimal furniture that doesn’t cut back on comfort. Another main element of this style is that it should suit apartment dwellers, perfect for the residents of Kosmo Tay Ho.

Where To Get It

To meet growing demand for products that are both stylish and homely, new Scandinavian style-inspired brands have been appearing across the country. Some of the most popular choices for buyers are Uma, JYSK, Modern House or BoConcept.

Uma and JYSK have many stores throughout Hanoi, selling everything you need for each and every room at affordable prices. Decorations start at around VND30,000, and more expensive products, like beds and large furniture, may cost up to VND75,000,000. BoConcept sells more upscale furniture, with most décor starting at the VND200,000 mark and a sofa bed costing up to VND190,000,000.

Vietnamese Traditionalism

What’s It All About?

Amid the growing popularity of modern interior design, many still prefer the traditional Vietnamese style of the good old days. This is particularly true for Vietnamese families with multiple generations living together. Though, it can also be a great way for foreigners to integrate local style into their own homes.

Elaborate carvings on wooden furniture are a popular trademark of traditional Vietnamese style. Other key elements of this age-old design are artistic ceramics and bamboo pieces. For smaller scale additions in this style, try traditional Vietnamese art, such as silk paintings.

Where To Get It

In Hanoi, there are plenty of shops selling traditional Vietnamese interior design. In fact, Hanoi may just be the best place to get this type of décor! Some prominent names to look out for are: VanLoi Furniture and Handicraft Store (Hang Gai, Duong Thanh) and Tung Lam Furniture (Hong Ha). Grand Bois (Times City, Hanoi Tower) also features traditional-style furniture with a bit of a modern twist.

For those looking to buy traditional décor, art and kitchenware with a contemporary feel, The Dreamers (Au Co Street) is the ideal place to find it. The founders of The Dreamers have curated unique silk, bronze, bamboo, ceramic, and wooden pieces in the classic styles used up and down the Mekong Delta. Here, you can also find French-inspired Saigonese tiles to use as flooring or even wall decoration.

Fold Away Minimalism

What’s It All About?

Folding furniture might not be an interior style just yet but it is catching on with the idea of Japanese minimalism — where living is about having less rather than more, and having tables and chairs, and even beds, that can be swept to one side. It is both practical and fun. It can provide extra space for the kids to play, more seating for dinner parties, or another working area for days that two or more people need to work from home. Even in the two-bedroom Kosmo Tay Ho apartment, there is still space for a fold-away eight-seater table, perfect for entertaining.

In short, folding furniture allows homeowners to save space and maximise the utility of areas. Folding pieces are ideal for small to medium-sized apartments and for homeowners who like convenience and tidiness without losing out on useful furniture.

Where To Get It

You can find foldable furniture at Zip Furniture (Times City, Royal City or Indochina Plaza, Cau Giay) and Big C (Truong Chinh Street). If you are looking for a foldable table for your dining or living room, try visiting the stores located on Thuong Dinh Street in Thanh Xuan District.