Avenue home guide 2014 by BK Magazine

avenue

home & decor BK Magazine’s guide to tasteful city living

CRAFTY &CHIC THE HOT TREND SWEEPS INTO EVERY ROOM

HOMEGROWN

TALENT OUR FAVORITE LOCAL DESIGNERS Special Supplement in

No.558 SEPTEMBER 26, 12014 AVENUE HOME & DECOR

Table of Contents 06

Industrial & Rustic

04 Locally Natural 07

Eco Organic

Crafty Kitchen

10 Urban Garden

Artist Loft

Eclectic & Fresh

Creative Lighting

Iconic & Retro

Zen Touches

DIY Craft

Introduction There’s never been a better time to furnish a home in Bangkok. The local scene is exploding with creativity, and upping its game in terms of craftsmanship and design so that it is now truly on par with international brands. Speaking of which, it’s also never been this easy to get iconic designer furniture by the likes of van der Rohe or Saarinen, whether it’s a replica (yes, they’re legal) or the real deal. So whether you’d like to get the latest masterpiece from Duangrit Bunnag, or a 1950s Charles Eames rocking chair, Avenue Home & Decor will sort you out.

Who’s in charge? General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Wachiraporn Janrut Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Junior Content Coordinator Sipanna Broesevangroenou Junior Writer Kritthee Visitkitjakarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Graphic Designers Panita Thiraphapong,

Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang

IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Sherry Maturose Kato Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sale Associates Doungporn Wanasinchai

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Senior Administrator Kanokgon Parajit Accountant Manita Bangmoung

Marketing Executive Thasanee Sethi Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul

Cover by Panita Thiraphapong

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

Interns Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Bell Naiyana, Gail Piyanan

Asia City Media Group 22/F, Silom Center, 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 E-mail: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

The Avenue Home & Decor is published and distributed on September 26, 2014. It is published by Asia City Media Group Ltd., 22/F, Silom Center, 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 1050. Copyright ©2013 Asia City Media Group Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “The Avenue Home & Decor” its associated logos or devices, and the content of The Avenue Gift Guide are the property of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. This publication is distributed as a supplement to BK Magazine. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.

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Locally Natural

01 PDM Brand. Kenkoon Showroom, Thonglor Soi 10, 02-711-5701. BTS Thong Lo 02 Satawat available at satawat1987.com

From the Thailand International Furniture Fair held earlier this year to the upcoming BIG+BIH in October, we’re seeing great things in the field of Thai product design. Here are six new studios to look out for.

03 Flo Furniture. Urbaan Home, SC Place Building, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-693-8998

PDM Brand

05 Karv Design available at www.fb.com/karvdesign

Product designer Doonyapol Srichan initially started the brand as a design consultancy before deciding to cross over to production. His first collection, Nude, just launched and includes sets of coated steel tables and chairs in black and red. We also like the very graphic black and white woven mat, which uses recycled PPL (polypropylene) that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Doonyapol won the Asian Talents Awards in April 2014.

04 Alltag Design. Room Concept Store, 4/F Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Rd., 02-1605644/5. BTS Chit Lom/ Ploen Chit

06 Everyday Studio. Room Concept Store, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1167. BTS Siam 01

Satawat Ratthee Phaisanchotsir has designed a range of low stools, benches, lounge chairs and armchairs made from oak, teak and beech with touches of steel and aluminum. The overall aesthetic is very pure, with a mix of straight and curved wood. The collection’s flagship is called Ampai, a rounded stool made from curved planks that create an upside-down flower.

Flo Furniture Wanus Choketaweesak and Naroot Pitisongswat launched Flo after graduating from King Mongkut’s University of Technology. The studio offers carefully crafted wooden furniture like working tables, chairs, high stools and armchairs, which all feature coated black and white steel joints.

Alltag Alltag produces decorative items in both wood and steel. Inspired by our ever-shrinking apartments, founders Annop Jareonkitpoolpol and Songvuth Manachaiyarak have put the focus on multi-purpose items and adaptability. Highlights include the Martorra shelf, which can be transformed into various shapes, and the Unie lamp, which combines a shelf, naked lamp and mirror.

Karv Design Founded by Kittipoom Songsiri, Karv Design is at a cross-section between industrial-scale production and detailed craftsmanship. The first collection features a leaning shelf carved from blond wood, a flower-like lamp and a girly desk organizer.

Everyday Studio The designers behind X-In-Fur, Wuthichai Leelavoravong and Siriporn Kobnithikulwong, have introduced this sister brand to offer furniture and decorative items that are functional, multi-purpose and user-friendly. They took inspiration from items found in kids’ playrooms for the first collection: think low, rocking-horselike chairs and stools with swinging foot rests. 04

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Industrial & Rustic Bangkok has been swamped by loft-style, industrial-meetsrustic design for the past couple of years, and there is little sign of the trend slowing down. The Never Ending Summer, architect Duangrit Bunnag’s restaurant at The Jam Factory, is a good example of industrial done right. The main focus is on the old warehouse’s structure, with a naked ceiling and a wall of exposed brick. Softening the look, there is plenty of greenery and wood, like the director’s chair from Duangrit’s own furniture brand, Anyroom.

Essentials 01 The Never Ending Summer at The Jam Factory (41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950) 02 Carpenter’s table, Anyroom at The Jam Factory, B29,000-90,000 03 Phuket Chair, Anyroom at The Jam Factory, B12,900 04 Line collection, Plural Design at Room Concept Store (4/F Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-160-5644/5. BTS Chit Lom/Phloenchit), B15,500 for 3 stools 05 Rocking chair, Cast at Potion Bar (2/F, The Green Connect, 235/10 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-868-9974), B16,000

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Eco Organic Milan Design Week 2014 was all about environmentally friendly materials and playful tweaks. Here’s where to surf these trends in Bangkok.

Hot Bamboo Inspiration: Bamboo Forest, designed by Shikai Tseng for the London-based Poetic Lab Studio. We like how the designer mixes bamboo, prepared to look green and alive, with huge sheets of glass. With many rising Thai designers seemingly so enamored with minimalist light brown wooden décor, and bamboo often the reserve of traditional Chinese restaurants, this design is a timely reminder that a good mix of materials can get modern results, too. Our pick: Pipe Dynasty collection by 56th Studio. Taking the same inspiration from bamboo patterns but modernizing the idea through PVC pipes and neon colors.

Cute bulbs Inspiration: Naked old-school bulbs are always in-trend. And this Mickey Mouse table lamp is too cute to resist. Designed by German lightdesign studio Ingo Maurer, The Mickey is a table lamp featuring a thin metal body and a bulb topped with the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, available in black, white and brass. Our pick: Unie lamp by Alltag design. This larger model is designed to be a multi-purpose floor lamp coming with add-on mirror and shelves.

Perfect Combination Inspiration: The Emeco Company has rolled out an eco-friendly SU Stool collection designed by Oki Sato, of Nendo Design. The stool comes in three different materials—oak seat with aluminum stand, aluminum stand with green-concrete seat, and recycled polyethylene. The design is simple but very pretty. Our pick: The i-tim Dining set designed by Dot Studio and manufactured by 5x5. Unlike the earth-toned SU Stool, this one comes in colorful options, made from PU foam and wood.

Animal inspired Inspiration: Animal House by Marni. The collection is part of Italian brand Marni’s charity program which worked with groups of Colombian women to tailor objects like chairs and decorative animals, all made from brightly colored PVC. We like the molded items, especially the decorative flamingo, and the use of PVC instead of metal for cheaper, though no less stylish, results. Our pick: The Tiny Deer stool and Moose table from Skog furniture. It may not be molded metal that we liked about Animal House, but these items do draw inspiration from the animal kingdom. 07

Essentials 01 Pipe Dynasty chairs, 56th Studio at Potion Bar (2/F, The Green Connect, 235/10 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-868-9974), price TBA 02 Bamboo Forest designed by Shikai Tseng for Poetic Lab Studio 03 Unie lamp, Alltag Design at Room Concept Store (4/F Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-160-5644/5. BTS Chit Lom/Phloenchit), B8,900-9,975 04 Ingo Maurer’s Micket table lamp 05 Emeco’s SU Stool 06 I-tim Dining set, Dots Studio (visit www.dotsobject.com), price TBA 07 Tiny Deer stool, Skog (111/256 Mo-Town Chaeng Wattana-Pakkred 19, 086-561-9000), price TBA.

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Artist Loft The hip coffee shop Casa Lapin has expanded with a fourth branch on Sukhumvit Soi 26 which includes a restaurant, hostel, co-working space and a flower shop. The bigger venue has a softer, warmer design thanks to its vintage leather sofas, exposed brick and wooden chairs. The result is a more homey brand of the industrialrustic trend that balances cozy and cool.

Oneday I Pause and Forward lobby and canteen zone, Casa Lapin x26 (Sukhumvit Soi 26, 081-261-2040)

Doo-Wop ceiling lamp, Craft (3/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129-4577. BTS Siam), B32,000

Leather sofa set, SB Furniture (visit www.sbdesignsquare.com for branches), B97,000

Top Places for Vintage Furniture

Ekkamai Soi 21

Hall of Fame (HOF)

1 of A Kind

At Tuba Restaurant and Bar (34 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-711-5500. Open daily 11am-1am), much of the oddball 50s-70s bric-a-brac is actually for sale, while across the street you’ll find a more conventional vintage furniture store of the same name. Nearby Y50 (24 Ekkamai Soi 21, 02-711-5629. Open daily 9am-6pm) is a home décor outlet directly below Moose bar specializing in Scandinavian items like Ibkofoed Larsen wooden dining sets and chairs by Borg Mogensen and Arne Jacobsen. For solid-teak reproductions of mid-century classics, visit Hawaii Five-0 (34 Ekkamai Soi 21, 08-9170-3900, by appointment only. www.hawaii50bkk.com), where chairs, desks, tables and shelves based on iconic designs can be specified in tailored measurements.

Patcharameth Napasinchaibun opened this three-story vintage furniture showroom two years ago, after a decade collecting pieces from designers like Charlotte Perriand, Charles and Ray Eames, Joe Colombo and George Nelson. The collection is extensive and largely genuine, with items both for sale and rent ranging from vases and other small knickknacks to wall units and dining sets.

This huge warehouse promises 100-percent vintage Nordic furniture. Expect to see rare chairs and lamps like Gote Moble’s brown leather armchair and Couple Sputnik ceiling lamps. There’s an on-site café, too, in case you want to relax before taking the items you’ve found home.

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Ekkamai Soi 11, 086-506-6770. www.fb.com/hof.halloffame

Rama 9 Soi 46 (opposite The Nine community mall), 081255-0033. Open Thu-Tue 11am-8:30pm.

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Eclectic & Fresh The colorful 56th Studio design company mixes sleek design with edgy graphics. Expect to find plastic fruit baskets, neonbaroque chairs and wall décor featuring illustrations of Luang Poh Koon. This year 56th Street also introduced sister brand Cast, which is responsible for the design of Joint Café and Workspace. As well as colorblock chairs, the brand also does a nice range of printed cushions. It all comes together as a playful style that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Blue Cheap Ass Elite chair, 56th Studio at Potion Bar (2/F, The Green Connect, 235/10 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 091-868-9974), B16,000

Red coated Stool One at Youbahn Cafe & Bar, [replica available at] www.nathanrhodesdesign.com, B5,000

Ceramic door knobs at Joint Cafe & Workspace, [available at] Zara Home (1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02610-9977. BTS Siam), B390

Paperi steel chairs, PDM Brand (visit www.pdmbrand. com), B6,000

Dinosaurs plant pot, A Land Before Time (order online at www.fb.com/alandbeforetime), B690

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Crafty Cuisine Ceramic, natural stone and wooden utensils are big right now. Here are our top kitchenware picks to make your table more photogenic.

01 Kram Restaurant (113 Sukhumvit Soi 39. 02-258-8170) 02 Striped placemat and utensils, Zara Home (1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9977. BTS Siam), B690 and B190 03 Ceramic plate set, Zara Home, B490 (small) and B590 (big); Blue placemat, Zara Home, B690 / 2 pieces; Ceramic spoon, fork & knife set, Zara Home, B290 each 04 Wooden cutboard, Pew’s (order online at pewsbangkok@gmail.com), B750 05 Ceramic Ceramic set, Ce’Halo (order online at www.fb.com/Cehalo); mug (B350), vase (B290) spoon (B150). 03

Urban Garden With most of us living a city condo life, the trend for indoor and balcony gardening has never been hotter. Add some greenery to your living space with a terrarium of cacti and small plants. For the perfect example, just look at Casa Lapin owner Nattaphat “Lux” Suriyakumphol’s top-floor shophouse apartment (left).

Top places for small greens Theerarium

Mai Nam Mini

Inspired by the terrarium window display of Hermès Tokyo, Theerat Pattanapram created his own using vintage decorative items. He now offers made-to-order terrariums via Line: meteerat. Prices from B1,250.

Order your terrarium equipment through Facebook and Instagram with this greenfingered delivery service. Prices start from B400, while complete D.I.Y kits go for B690-790.

www.fb.com/theerarium

www.fb.com/mainam. mini

Suan Lek Nai Ban (Little Garden) Little Garden specializes in made-to-order concrete pots for cacti and bonsai. Purchase their products through Facebook or visit them at the monthly KVillage Farmers’ Market. From B200-B550. tinyurl.com/ma2ls3k

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ADVERTORIAL

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Trust in Granada tiles from Ha Huang for a roof that’s built to last.

very element of a home speaks about its owner’s taste, from the decoration right down to the quality of the construction materials. That’s why Siriya Thepcharoen, vice president of Nusasiri PCL, chose the Granada roof tiles from Ha Huang for three high-scale property developments: Nusa Chivani Pattaya, Nusa Chivani Khaoyai and Nusa Chivani Rama II. Thanks to their curved profile, Granada tiles have a classically Italian architectural style which appeals to stylish individuals with an eye for unique design. The tiles’ rich and distinctive appearance is achieved thanks to a coloration method in which pigment is blended deep into the concrete body for a perfect, natural finish and long-lasting clarity.

Ha Huang Granada Roof Color Through Series: Knight Black Color

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Nusa Chivani Pattaya Feel the Tuscan Charm with Granada Locating in the prime vacation spot of Pattaya, these premium detached houses in a unique Tuscan design are specially designed for the most demanding customers. Bringing Tuscany's warm and cultured atmosphere to the development, the roofs stand out particularly, thanks to Granada, a high quality Thai-made roof tile, which is durable yet beautiful. This first-in-ASEAN Tuscan-style healthy community features the “Nusa Water Land” (a world class water park), hotels, a fitness center and clubhouse—the perfect combination of Tuscan elegance and modern, healthy living.

What Makes Nusa Chivani the Epitomy of Elegance “We chose Granada tiles because of their unique design and excellent quality, specifically the coloration method which results in a long-lasting and natural appearance. These tiles reflect the taste of Nusa Chivani’s residents, with a deep, curved profile that gives a powerful appearance. That’s why Granada is the first choice for all our Tuscan-style developments.” Siriya Thepcharoen, Vice President of Nusasiri PCL

SHERA Call Center: +66 2 289 9888 E-mail: sheracallcenter@sherasolution.com

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Iconic & Retro 01

Eames Lounge Chair

Navy Chair

The story: Ludwig Mies van de Rohe and Lilly Reich designed the chair for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. Its frame was originally bolted together before a 1950 redesign gave it a more seamless appearance. At the same time, bovine leather replaced ivory-colored pigskin for the upholstery. The replica: Replicas stay true to the 1950 design but tweak the materials. The frame is made from stainless steel while the cushion combines PU (polyurethane) and Italian leather. Prices from B23,990 at www. moodandtone.co.th

The story: Designers Charles and Ray Eames turned their attention to creating comfortable and handsome lounge chairs, blending new production technology and hand-craftsmanship with stunning results. Released in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair is considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century and features in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The replica: The classic design comes in various combinations of leather, base, cushion color and wood, resulting in a wide price spectrum. Prices from B23,830 for a classic black leather and dark wood version at nexliving.com.

The story: Emeco founder Witton C. “Bud” Dinges’ chair design was first produced during World War II in Pennsylvania, USA, to be used onboard U.S. Navy warships. The aluminum chair was designed to be lightweight while able to survive torpedo blasts and the rigors of the high seas. After the war, the chair became the basis of Philippe Starck’s aluminum furniture line in the 2000s, and was named the Emeco 1006. The replica: Materials range from plastic, stainless steel and recycled aluminum in a range of colors. Prices at www.nathanrhodesdesign.com start from B4,500 for aluminum and plastic and B5,250 for stainless steel.

Egg Chair

Eames Molded Plastic Chair

The story: The brainchild of Xavier Pauchard, a French pioneer in steel galvanization, the chair was registered under the Tolix trademark in 1927 before the line was expanded to include armchairs, stools and other iconic metal furniture. The chair is now displayed in the Vitra Design Museum, MOMA and the Pompidou Center. The replica: Tolix chairs have always been available in a variety of colors, but replicas offer material options too, with models in platic, aluminum and stainless steel. Prices from B4,500.

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The story: First designed in 1958 for the lobby of the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Egg has become one of Arne Jacobsen’s most popular creations thanks to a unique shape that offers a touch of privacy even in public spaces. The original was made with a steel frame and green fabric upholstery. The replica: Various colors and fabrics are available, ranging from wool to leather. Prices from B19,200 at www.nexliving.com for a red fabric model.

Barcelona Chair, credit: Knoll.com

Egg Chair at Water Library Thonglor

Tolix Chair at Everyday Karmakamet

Eames Lounge Chair, credit: Emeco.net

Eames Molded Plastic Chair at Youbhan Cafe & Bar

Navy Chair, Credit: Wicker Paradise

Barcelona Chair

Tolix Chair

Designer chairs by mid-century masters remain the shortest path to creating an interior that makes a strong statement.

The story: In the 1940s, Charles and Ray Eames came up with the first industrially manufactured plastic chairs to capitalize on the material’s adaptability and low cost. The much-loved Eames Molded Plastic Chair is considered a model of function, beauty and efficiency, its simple, clean design fitting into any part of the home. The replica: Various base, shell and color combinations are available, also utilizing eco-friendly materials. Prices From B2,290 for a classic stainless steel base at www. nexliving.com

The Real Deal Because the designs featured here are over 50 years old, it’s legal to copy them. Even in the USA, you’ll see Amazon.com selling Eames Lounge chairs for US$700 versus US$5,500 (B171,500) from the original manufacturer, Herman Miller. But purists argue that furniture from the brands that first produced these designs—like Knoll and Herman Miller—is better finished and offers lasting resale value. Convinced? Chanintr Living is Thailand’s only authorized dealer for Herman Miller, and also carries Knoll, Fritz Hansen, Emeco and much more. Visit chanintrliving.com or the shop at at 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-1294577. BTS Siam

www.SHERAsolution.com

ADVERTORIAL

Better With Age

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ocated in the picturesque southeast England, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding beauty, with a landscape of rolling hills, lush forests and bubbling streams. The local homes typify English country cottages, built during the 17th-18th century from characteristic yellow Cotswold stone. Ms. Preeyaporn Pumhiran, creator of The Cotswold Khaoyai, intuitively formed a relationship with this architecture 40 years ago, when her parents built their home in Thailand based on a British heritage style, which brought her to visit the Cotswolds during her schooling in England. “I fell in love with the Cotswolds architecture,” says Ms. Preeyaporn, who chose SHERA Roof Tile when it came to finding the perfect, long-lasting material for her Cotswolds-inspired Khao Yai development. “It becomes more and more beautiful as time passes because it’s classic, and classic will never die, no matter which century we are in. I want The Cotswold Khaoyai to be like that. To achieve classic beauty, materials are one of the most important factors. We select only the best of the best so that the beauty can last. The SHERA Zedar Shake answered it all.” “Another cornerstone at the heart of our project is "Green" design. Sustainability is not just a trend that will come and go, but rather the first concern of our developments, linking directly to how we pick our materials.” For more information about The Cotswold Khaoyai, contact 094-261-9545 or visit www.thecotswold-khaoyai.com

Shera Advertorial Zedar.indd 6

Built for those who care for quality, environmentally sustainable materials • Easy installation thanks to the InterLock system • No sub-roof needed • Color preservation thanks to never-fade technology • Termite-resistant, humidity-resistant, inflammable and lowmaintenance SHERA Call Center: 02-289-9888 Email: SHERAcallcenter@ SHERAsolution.com

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Creative Lighting Interesting things have been brightening up the naked light bulb trend of recent years. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing a lot of neon signs once more, with Casa Lapin x26 coffee shop, Apostropheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S design consultancy, and One of a Kind furniture shop all featuring the definitive urban prop in some way. But most of all we love the latest organic designs from brands including Thingg and Tazana which use materials like rattan, seagrass and ash wood.

Weave lamp, Plural Design at Room Concept Store (4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Rd., 02-119-7777. BTS Chit Lom/Ploenchit), B4,950

Lum Yai lamp, Hoog (919/3 Sukhumvit Rd., between Soi 49-51., 02-662-5050. BTS Thong Lo), B4,500

Yod Yoi lamp, Tazana Design by Manoch Bunniyom (81-81/1-3 Moo 20 Teparak Rd., 02-312-2486), B4,8005,600

San lamp, Thingg (Anyroom at The Jam Factory (41/1-41/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., 02-861-0950), price TBA

Cement wood lamp, Thinkk Studio for Specimen Edition, US$195.45 (B6,279) on buymedesign.com

Pharaoh lamp, Plumen at BW Furniture (4/F, Asoke Tower, 213/9 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1722. BTS Asoke), price TBA

Trumpet lamp, Corner 43 Decor (61/2 Sukhumvit 53, 02-261-2528), price TBA

05 07

04 03

Four Compact Speakers for Good-looking Sounds

Handwell, Marshall, B29,000 available by pre-order at Munkong Gadget 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6109982

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Aura, Harman Kardon, B15,900 available at iStudio by Copperwired 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0451

Authentics L16, JBL, B39,000 available at iStudio by Copperwired 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9315

Boombox, TDK, B16,900 available at iStudio by Copperwired 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02658-0451

D.I.Y Craft If you made it, you’ll love it. Here are three top one-day courses to brighten up your home and your DIY skills.

01 Ceramics workshop room at Charm-Lern Studio 02 Leather sewing utensils at Craftmangus 03 Terrarium from JWD Workshop

Charm-Learn Studio

Craftmangus

JWD Workshop

About: Nestled in Bangkok’s old town, Charm-Learn Studio is the brainchild of Silapakorn graduates Thanita “Maii” Yothawong, Chanchai “Bub” Boriboon and Natthapol “Mick” Wannaporn, who all previously worked in the media. The studio started out giving ceramics workshops before expanding to photo and fabric dyeing.

About: Nestled in a small Sathorn Soi 1 shophouse, Craftsmangus is a leather workshop run by Suphat “Gus” Jansubbakich. With experience running his own leather brand, Baaah, Gus teams up with his friend Samart “Khing” Petchsom to offer a range of courses focused on making men’s and women’s leather accessories, including bags and mobile cases.

About: Run by Thanyanan “Jeed” Srichaiwan, the JWD Workshop is an event organizer that mainly sets up D.I.Y workshops for CSR campaigns that focus on all sorts of home décor-related activities, from bouquet making to garden organizing. Aside from big-scale company events, Thanyanan also hosts her own terrarium workshops for small groups of students.

Classes: There are a range of classes for beginners, with no basic skills needed. We recommend the light course, a step-by-step two-day workshop (B4,555/person, SatSun from noon-6pm). If you’re serious, apply for one of the full classes, Bold 1 (hand sewing, B7,955/6 days, 11am-3pm) and Bold 2 (sewing machine, B4,555/6 days, 3-7pm), which cover everything up to your final piece. Other non-regular classes, like basic leather carving and leather painting, are also available—just check their Facebook page. The schedule is quite flexible. Call 087089-6969 and talk directly with the owner for the most up-to-date information.

Classes: The schedule is not regular, but is generally held once every two or three months at B1,200 per person, materials included. Check the Facebook page and call ahead for reservation.

Classes: The ceramics course, Aob-Aun La-Mun Din, spans three days and teaches you how to hand-mold a mug, bowl and spoon at B5,500 per person, with materials included. Check their schedule on Facebook. Seats are limited to 10 people. More advanced is the “Pan Mhun Aun Din,” a potter’s wheel class limited to two people at a time. The class takes 12 days at B32,000 per person. The beginner photography course is open to 5-10 people at B4,500 per person for four days. Held every two months, the indigo dyeing course takes four days at B3,500 per person with materials included. Other non-regular courses include product design, a slow-life organic workshop by Uncle Ree, and a bicycle tour. 95 Soi Phraeng Sapphasat, Tanao Rd., 080-587-6331. www.fb.com/charmlearnstudio95

081-776-2052, www.fb.com/JWDworkshop

42/3 Sathorn Soi 1, Yaek 2 (Soi Goethe). 087-0896969. fb.com/Craftsmangus

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Zen Touches Aromatic candles and diffusers can literally refresh any interior in no time. Here are our top picks.

Erb The new Erb Fleurfume Reed Diffuser features a classic brown glass bottle with a bigger diffuser to ensure a longer-lasting scent. It’s available in five classic varieties—Orient Express, Madagascar, Summer Mansion, Siamese Jasmine and Wondrous Green—plus two new options, Majestic Sandalwood and Dazzling Spring. We recommend the Sandalwood, which blends sandalwood oil with rosewood oil for a warm and welcoming scent. Price: B1,490 (100ml)

Vuudh While Harnn puts the emphasis on sparelated products, sister brand Vuudh is all about aromatics both for the body and home. Vuudh’s elegantly designed diffuser comes in a clear glass holder and is available in nine scents inspired by top global destinations, including Kobe (fresh cut grass), Shanghai (orange and jasmine), Beijing (lotus), Taipei (oolong tea), Bangkok (Siamese jasmine), Chiang Mai (Himalayan magnolia), Singapore (sandalwood and orange blossom), Phuket (lemongrass and lavender) and Mumbai (mon rose). Price: B2,500-3,000 (100ml)

Aveda This brand is famous for its wide range of hair and body treatments made with ecofriendly ingredients and inspired by ayurveda, the East-Indian art of healing. Aside from the main essential oil line Chakra (available in seven scents), the brand offers aromatic candles in reusable glass containers, available in two scents—Caribbean (mountain flowers and citrus) and Shampure (25 pure flowers including lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang)—which burn for up to 50 hours. Price: B1,600

Panpuri Panpuri’s signature essential oil is available in four varieties: Siamese Water Uplifting (pure jasmine, ylang ylang and peppermint), Distant Shores Balancing (geranium, eucalyptus and lavender), Indochine Soothing (lemongrass, mandarin and bergamot) and, our pick, Grand Manchou Reviving, which combines Chinese grapefruit, rosewood and Australian eucalyptus and is said to reduce stress. Use with the specially designed lotus shape crystal aroma diffuser with built-in two-hour auto-off function. Price: B3,890 (220ml)

Karmakamet With its recent focus on home décor, plus its café and diner, it can be easy to forget that Karmakamet built its reputation on aromas. When it comes to diffusers, the brand offers a long list of single scents like jasmine (from northern India), Japanese green tea, amber and bamboo. We recommend trying a blend like The Midnight (rosewood, Brazilian lavender and English bergamot), which they say helps with emotional balance, headaches and tension. Price: B950-1,450 (200ml)

Jo Malone This aromatic brand from London offers a sweet and romantic ambience for the home. Jo Malone’s diffusing series consists of four signature scents in clear glass bottles with black wood diffusing sticks. The fruit- and citrus-based scents range from the refreshing lime, basil and mandarin to the Pomegranate Noir, which blends black pepper, English pear and freesia. Price: B3,300 (165ml)

Essentials 01 Erb Boutique. Grass Thonglor, in front of Thonglor Soi 12, 02-715-9481. BTS Thong Lo. 02 Vuudh. 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd., 02-610-5826. BTS Chit Lom/Ploen Chit. 03 Aveda. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-6109656. BTS Siam. www.aveda.co.th

04 Panpuri. 1/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02640-7000. BTS Siam/Chit Lom. 05 Karmakamet. Everyday Karmakamet, G/F, Yada Building, Silom Rd., 02-237-1148. BTS Sala Daeng. 06 Jo Malone. 1/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02690-1000. BTS Siam.

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