Cover B&B Italia Atoll by Antonio Citterio
B&B Italia Atoll by Antonio Citterio
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Zi Wei Wong of Supernormal Design Studio on how to create a living room inspired by nature
“A living room inspired by nature needs to visually connect and allow dialogues between the interior and surrounding context,” says Zi Wei Wong, founder and design principal of Supernormal Design Studio.
Wong believes air and light are essential to set the stage for this: “There needs to be sensitivity when planning the windows and openings to let fresh air inside while maximising the natural light.”
Before beginning the design, Wong recommends observing the environment around the site instead of immediately installing artificial green or potted plants.“Instead, we should choose to capture and frame the surrounding nature,” he enthuses.
See also: Ask the Experts: How to make a rental property feel like home
Above Zi Wei Wong, founder and design principal of Supernormal Design Studio
Zi Wei Wong, founder and design principal of Supernormal Design Studio
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Citing Geoffrey Bawa’s house on 33rd Lane as an inspiration, Wong recalls how the renowned Sri Lankan architect successfully blurred boundaries between the indoors and outdoors, resulting in a delightful play between space and light.
To curate a beautiful living room experience inspired by nature, Wong concludes that there should be physical and sensory elements to be discovered from moment to moment within the interior.
Read more: Ask the Architects: How to Design a Spiral Staircase That’s Beautiful and Functional
1. Story arc
Above B&B Italia Terminal 1 by Jean Marie Massaud
B&B Italia Terminal 1 by Jean Marie Massaud
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The Terminal 1 chair from B&B Italia, available at Space Furniture, is a statement piece.
Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, it features an organic form and a lightweight designed base. Wong recommends placing it at the central axis of the space, like a piece of furniture and art.
Don't miss: 6 ways to create a warm minimalist space
2. Let there be light
Above B&B Italia Atoll by Antonio Citterio
B&B Italia Atoll by Antonio Citterio
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A sofa anchors a space, and Antonio Citterio’s B&B Italia Atoll sofa, available from Space Furniture, is ideal.
“Slim and with lightweight die-cast supports and frame, it creates a seamless connection with the space beyond,” states Wong. “I also love the combination of the leather bolster and straps with fabric.”
See also: Home tour: A family home that embodies Filipino craftsmanship and natural beauty
3. Soft glow
Above Flou softwing lamp by Carlo Colombo
Flou softwing lamp by Carlo Colombo
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To add some light to the space, Wong’s pick is the Softwing floor lamp from Natevo, designed by Carlo Colombo: “This sculptural light is a beautiful balance of stability and lightness.
In addition, the matte burnished stand and smoke glass is an attractive material combination.”
4. Sculptural silhoutte
Above B&B Italia Tobi Ishi by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
B&B Italia Tobi Ishi by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby
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For a coffee table, Wong picks the Tobi-Ishi table from B&B Italia by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby.
Available from Space Furniture, the simple yet sculptural table design has a statuesque appearance and pairs well with a low sofa.
Don't miss: Home tour: A pair of houses in Ipoh, Malaysia, one with a spectacular staircase
5. Smooth operator
Above Peobble armchair from Basicology by Zi Wei Wong
Peobble armchair from Basicology by Zi Wei Wong
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“The Peobble armchair from Basicology was the first chair I designed which was featured in Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2019,” explains Wong.
“I believe the smooth lines of this chair will work well with a large L-shape sofa.”
See also: Home tour: Inside the luxuriously appointed home of Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari
6. In bloom
Above Georg Jensen Bloom vase by Helle Damkjær
Georg Jensen Bloom vase by Helle Damkjær
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The Bloom Botanica from Georg Jensen, available from Studio 216, looks lovely, empty, or filled with flowers.
Designed by Helle Damkjær, Wong loves its minimal and organic form and suggests placing this mirror polished stainless steel vase on a side table.
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
