Cover One of Akira Kita’s interior design projects, featuring a wealth of textures
One of Akira Kita’s interior design projects, featuring a wealth of textures
1 / 1
With over 20 years of architectural, interior and furniture design experience, the Colombian-Japanese creative heads Ong & Ong Architects’ bespoke landed residential team, working on stunningly luxurious homes across Asia. Here, he talks about his personal inspirations, design philosophy, and the eternal quest for clarity
“My design philosophy is based on the continuous search for clarity communicated via the built environment, [which encompasses] brief fulfilment in spatial planning, material selection, environmental relationship, structural honesty, and the sensory reactions [manifested in the space],” shares Akira Kita, director of Ong & Ong Architects.
To him, good design ties the user’s vision to the present context while ensuring its future sustainability. Currently working on several residential projects in Singapore comprising terraced, detached and semi-detached houses, conservation properties, and Good Class Bungalows, he makes a conscious effort to eschew excessive ornamentation in the pursuit of an aesthetic balance between natural simplicity and man-made opulence.
“Nothing is left to chance nor capricious intent,” he elaborates.
Here, he dispenses some helpful tips and a selection of his favourite furniture pieces to help us attain that elusive balance.
Read more: Muji Base Kamogawa: A sustainable retreat in a 100-year-old Japanese house
Prioritise materials
Above Baxter Keramike small tables
Above Baxter Keramike small tables
Baxter Keramike small tables
1 / 2
Some of Kita’s favourite materials are terracotta and pale timber or veneer. The former is inherently timeless because of its long history, while the latter brings subtle luxury to any space. “These materials exude a muted elegance and will serve as a great canvas to explore architectural and interior design,” he says.
Baxter’s Keramike line of small tables is an updated rendition of ceramic furniture. “[They are] perfect for contemporary and modern environments,” Kita comments.
Juxtapose and balance
Above The Poliform Alea Pro kitchen system presents a clean-cut aesthetic that is perfect for contrasting with both rugged and delicate elements
The Poliform Alea Pro kitchen system presents a clean-cut aesthetic that is perfect for contrasting with both rugged and delicate elements
1 / 1
Kita has successfully created warm, inviting interiors with unique characters by using rugged elements such as raw concrete and monolithic natural stones. Again, balance is paramount. “I believe that juxtaposing textures and finding the balance is key when using rugged elements. Grounding these textures with colours and light will also help the space feel unique and create a sense that they belong to that place, which is the most important feature to have in mind,” he elaborates.
With their sharp detailing, innovative finishes and versatile modules, Poliform kitchen systems are the ideal canvas to juxtapose with rugged, wabi-sabi elements.
In case you missed it: Ask the Experts: How to make a rental property feel like home
Choose timeless hues
Above B&B Italia Ray sofa
Above Flos Glo-Ball suspension lamp
B&B Italia Ray sofa
1 / 2
Kita finds off-white an essential backdrop in any space, and earthy colours are always desirable for a timeless home. “When [the colours are] lit, either naturally or artificially, they will bring warmth, familiarity and serenity,” he says.
One of his favourite modern lighting fixtures is the Flos Glo-Ball suspension lamp by Jasper Morrison thanks to its clean, versatile form. Pair it with the classic B&B Italia Ray sofa; in Kita’s words, it is an “expansive and ultra-comfortable sofa that will never go out of style.”
Let go of rigid concepts
Above B&B Italia Camaleonda modular sofa
B&B Italia Camaleonda modular sofa
1 / 1
“Don’t fall in love with early concepts or ideas,” Kita says. “Many times, the best thing for the design project is being able to let go.” This applies to decorating your space, too.
Adaptable pieces like the B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa by Italian architect Mario Bellini, which comprises distinctly shaped yet highly versatile modules, offer greater flexibility in arranging and rearranging your living space.
Don’t miss: Unearthing the charm of Seoul’s architecture with Korean architect Byoung Cho
Open your mind
Above Maxalto Fulgens dining chair
Above Giorgetti Mogul desk
Maxalto Fulgens dining chair
1 / 2
Kita recommends approaching any new design project with an open mind. “Usually, 70 per cent [of your approach] should be made up of things you know and have considered in the past, and the other 30 per cent is made up of stuff you’d like to try.”
Maybe you have a preconceived notion that timber furniture looks dated, but how about pieces with modern detailing? The Giorgetti Mogul desk by Roberto Lazzeroni features leather inserts and a slim profile that fits both classic and contemporary settings, while Maxalto’s Fulgens dining chair by Antonio Citterio combines statement curves with practicality. “They have a good size that tucks nicely under any dining table,” says Kita.
All loose furniture and the kitchen system are available at Space Furniture.
NOW READ
There’s still time to snap up the US$18mil-listed Invisible House in Joshua Tree
How celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard crafts glamorous homes
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Ong & Ong Architects and Space Furniture
