Space Makers: M Luxury Asia’s Ed Ong and his flair for luxury

In what can be described as a pure labour of love, he established his newest venture, M Luxury Asia, in 2018. The firm is the official distributor for heritage Italian lighting brand Barovier & Toso and prestigious British carpet maker Riviere Rugs in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia; both brands occupy the pinnacle of their respective categories in luxury home furnishings and are aimed at discerning homeowners. 

The Barovier & Toso and Riviere Rugs showrooms are located across two levels at 1 Nassim Road in Singapore; each has its own dedicated floor. Notably, the Barovier & Toso Singapore store was also the first overseas mono-brand showroom for the Italian manufacturer. 

Read more: How Barovier & Toso designed trophies inspired by glassmaking for the Tatler Homes Design Awards
 

Both brands’ excellent craftsmanship inspired Ong to represent them in this part of the world. Founded in 1295 as a family-run business, Barovier & Toso is one of the world’s oldest brands. Its exemplary craftsmanship and innovative Murano glassmaking techniques result in sculptural, intricate chandeliers that are used in high-end hotels and designer boutiques across the globe, as well as in the homes of celebrities and royalty. The brand also offers bespoke lighting installations.

Riviere Rugs similarly adheres to the highest standards, utilising only the finest-grade hand-carded and hand-spun Chinese silk and Tibetan wool in the making of its handcrafted rugs at its workshop in Nepal. Each rug is woven by hand, with a minimum of 100 knots per square inch; Ong reveals that a normal-sized rug for the living room would take four weavers working side-by-side four to six months to finish. The understated yet stylish rugs feature unique patterns that are inspired by everything from natural landscapes and abstract forms to paper-collage techniques, with each personally designed by company founders Leo and Camilla Riviere.

Both brands’ Singapore showrooms are characterised by a luxurious yet entirely accessible aesthetic. “I wanted the spaces to be modern, yet also respectful of both brands’ heritage and standing,” Ong says.

In the Barovier & Toso space, wood-veneer panels in black and the generous application of mirrored surfaces lend a contemporary, polished feel, while marble floors channel a sense of opulence. A velvet fabric in deep blue adds softness and a plush quality. In a clever touch, an island sports a mirrored top that reflects the wonderfully intricate chandeliers hanging overhead.

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On its part, the largely minimalist yet no less luxurious Riviere Rugs showroom features qualities that showcase the products to the best effect. A generous amount of natural light streams in, playing up the rugs’ subtle patterns and exquisite craftsmanship. Black wood-veneer panels imbue the space with a stately air. “There are no distractions from the rugs; they are the stars of the show,” says Ong. 

To delve further into the mind of this homegrown talent to discover his passions, pet peeves, and proudest life moments, Tatler sits down with Ed Ong to talk about all things design, interior and otherwise. 

To you, what are the hallmarks of a well-designed space?

The concept of the space, as well as the era and the style, must be clearly defined. The materials used are also important: if I touch it and it doesn’t feel right, the concept and the design won’t succeed.

Interior design actually comprises six dimensions: the four walls, the ceiling, and the floor. Whether a design is well executed or not depends on how you put it all together. 

Pick one: bright colours or neutral hues?

Neutral hues, because they allow the subjects within a space to stand out. 

What is one design trend you’re currently obsessed with?

There isn’t any design trend per se, but I always enjoy the work of Japanese architect Tadao Ando. He did not receive any official education in architecture, but has still made a name for himself with his creations, which all have an amazing sense of proportion. He is a huge source of encouragement.

Which material do you most enjoy working with, and why?

I like all materials, but if I really had to choose one, it would be wood. It is a wonderfully organic material that suits many different applications, and is a force of nature. When you touch a piece of wood, you are touching the passage of time.

Complete this sentence: You’ll never see ____ in my home.

Fur.

What has been the most memorable point in your career thus far?

Every assignment has been a source of personal satisfaction to me. I am thankful to have found interior design. And more so, for the trust of my clients, which has allowed me to create spaces that resonate with who they are.

Could you name some designs that have inspired you recently?

I like the simplicity of the Filigree table from Molteni & C. Baxter’s Berlino armchair by Paola Navone is another thing of beauty, with perfect proportions. Armchairs are special in that you can almost tell the state of mind of the person sitting in them, whether they are at ease or deep in thought. Lastly, I love the painting titled 23 May 1953 by French painter Pierre Soulages. Its bold black strokes are almost architectural, like an alleyway leading to the unknown.

What can you tell us about the Barovier & Toso trophies for this year’s Tatler Homes Design Awards?

We sponsored 14 trophies for last year’s event, and we’re presenting a new concept this year. The standard of work in the local design scene is world-class, and being part of it is both humbling and a source of pride. Each Barovier & Toso trophy is handcrafted and hand-inscribed, and made by master artisans in Venice. We feel proud to be able to put such good trophies into the hands of deserving winners.

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