A new furniture showroom features some funky designs by Thailand's young talent and veterans of the trade
A newcomer to bustling Soi Sukhumvit 31, the attractive store called Asana is drawing in inquisitive passers-by with its collection of quirky masterpieces, created by local designers both veteran and new. At first glance, it seems like a gallery but a closer inspection reveals that the space is well stocked with refined wooden furniture and home decor items.
Asana is the brainchild of engineer Suwatt Pathompakawan and designer Adiwis Wittaya, who set up the design firm Living Moebel back in 2006. Together, they've come up with eye-catching rattan furniture for five-star hotels like Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, Holiday Inn Pattaya and the Four Seasons in the Maldives.
Then came the economic crisis and the political chaos. Rather than give up, they decided to expand their reach and target the retail market. They brought in their pals in the local design circle too and the result is Asana, a funky new furniture showroom that opened last July.
Most of the quality furniture on show here is designed by 18 shining stars of the annual Bangkok International Gift and Houseware Fairs along with new wave designers recognised by the Commerce Ministry.
You'll find Korakot Aromdee's Yasoop bamboo lamps, colourful coat racks dreamt up by Teerachet Pinyo, UFO lamps from Thiti Amornpatchara and Orkide lounge chairs by Adiwis.
"We want to encourage the creativity of young Thai designers, who often score high at the annual trade fairs. Some of them don't have enough money to go into business for themselves, so we are building a stage for local talent," says Suwatt, a graduate of the University of Nottingham's Engineering Faculty. "We also plan to open stores in England and Denmark in the future."
Through Asana gives all its designers creative freedom, they insist on functionality and original designs. Materials are all of top quality and include teak, hardwood, fabric and metals available on the local market.
The store offers benches, tables, bookshelves, cabinets, rocking chairs, stools, armchairs, sofas, beds, lounge chairs, coffee tables, coat racks, lamps and TV consoles. There's also a collection of ceramic vases.
And if you have your own ideas about what you want, the store accepts custom-made orders too.
