The Tungsuwan family home, located in the middle of Bangkok on Lat Phrao soi 35, is best defined as a "garden home", as the first impression is one of a spacious garden covering 200 square wah of the total property area of 350 square wah.

Peerapan and Suriyong Tungsuwan, who are partners in the law firm Baker and McKenzie, say they decided to buy the house because of the big garden and because its decor is simple but highlights its different design.

"The previous owner designed the house with a 'close to nature' and 'country house' concept. That is different when compared with houses offered by land developers," Peerapan says.

Her family spent some time searching around Bangkok for a new house and nothing impressed them until they found the Lat Phrao property, she says.

The first design difference is that the floor is about one and a half metres off the ground. That helps to reduce humidity and air-conditioning compressors can be installed in the cool, beneath the floor.

Then, rather than facing the fence, the front is inside the perimeter of the house, protecting the interior from the direct heat of the sun.

Inside, the main living room has a country style with a high ceiling and large timber features, giving it a western feel. The room has a big window and the predominant colour is white, making for easy matching with furnishings. Rattan furniture and light-coloured cloth were chosen for their warm feeling of welcome for visitors, Peerapan says.

The wooden floor of the main living area is given additional warmth by carpets imported from Mexico, chosen because of their different design and the fact they are made of cloth that is easily washable.

From the contemporary style of the first floor, the second floor shows a truer country style with yellow-painted textured cement surfaces.

"Our second floor allows us to relax and enjoy our private life, especially with its small kitchen area that is great for leisure time," Peerapan says.

"Both of us are lawyers and we need this private area and a time to relax when we're at home. Our home now meets our demands and also gives us a feeling of being close to nature, and that is very different to the rest of our lives. We are so busy," she adds.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation