And how to recreate them in Bangkok.
No Bulb Required
Inspiration: Trendy Bangkok restaurants have been all about naked light bulbs these past couple of years, and industrial décor is most definitely still hot. But the Melathron lamp designed by Michele de Lucchi for Artemide Studio goes one step further doing away with the bulb altogether. The structural ceiling lamp uses small LEDs producing natural light instead of normal bulbs. And it’s very pretty, too.
We pick: Chandeliers from Slamp and Artemide available at Lamptitude, Between Ekkamai Sois 17 and 19. 02-392-1837/8.
Molded Metal
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.
We pick: Fan Tabouret stool at Alexander Lamont, 3/F Gaysorn PLaza, Ploenchit Rd. 02-656-1048 and Diamond chair at Stone&Steel, 56 Sukhumvit 62. 02-741-6034/6
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.
We pick: Candle holder from Bambunique Gallery, 226 Pradit Manutham Rd. 02-148-1125. Galgatta dining table at The Jam Factory/Anyroom, 41/1 Charoennakorn Rd. 02861-0955.
More is More
Inspiration: The Cloud chair designed by Richard Hutten from Danish Studio Kvadrat is made from layer after layer of colored felt. It makes for a uniquely vivid piece, with the rounded shape looking super-comfortable, just as a good chair should. In Bangkok, we can see the parallels in the work of a designer like Suwan Kongkhuntien, who is famed for his signature use of pineapple fibers, not only in chairs but other furniture as well.
We pick: Baco and Nut Chairs from Yothaka, 3/F Pong-Amorn Building, 1028/5 Rama 4 Rd. 02-679-8631/32. and Pumpkin Lamp from Ayodhya, 3/F Gaysorn, Ploenchit Rd. 02-656-1089