Cover Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin from Penang-based furniture brand, by Hogen (Photo: Lobach / Courtesy of by Hogen)
Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin from Penang-based furniture brand, by Hogen (Photo: Lobach / Courtesy of by Hogen)
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Malaysian furniture brands that are making an indelible mark on the local design landscape and beyond
A new generation of furniture designers is captivating the nation with their unique perspectives and unwavering dedication to their craft.
Through their diverse backgrounds and artistic visions, they have mastered the art of marrying form and function while weaving the rich tapestry of Malaysian heritage into their creations, resulting in furniture pieces that are both visually stunning and culturally significant.
From reimagining traditional crafts to exploring innovative techniques and sustainable materials that resonate with the growing environmental consciousness, six designers have etched their names in the annals of Malaysian design history.
Read more: Aman launches Aman Interiors with limited edition furniture collections
1. by Hogen
Above Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin, the duo behind by Hogen (Photo: Lobach / Courtesy of by Hogen)
Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin, the duo behind by Hogen (Photo: Lobach / Courtesy of by Hogen)
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Established in 2022 by Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin, by Hogen is a Penang-based furniture brand that seamlessly blends artistry and craftsmanship with style and functionality through minimalist pieces that embody everyday luxury with a comforting touch of familiarity.
The brand’s name, a playful combination of their last names read backwards—“HOgEN” and “HOGen,” reflects their innovative spirit and collaborative approach, with furniture designs that incorporates regional materials, meticulously shaped and honed by the skilled hands of local craftsmen.
See also: 7 iconic mid-century chairs designed by modernist architects
The Unfold lounge sofa (Photo: Lobach / Courtesy of by Hogen)
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by Hogen’s curated collection includes the signature Unfold lounge sofa, featuring delicate tulip glass-inspired legs supporting a robust frame.
There is also the Collarbone lounge chair, evoking the aesthetic of an exposed collarbone,ca and the XO coffee table and side table, crafted from locally-sourced Kembang Semangkok timber for its light shade to form the affectionate sign-off.
Available at byhogen.com
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2. Dad’s Woods
Above The Tales of Mandalay collection (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
Above The Bagan side tables (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
The Tales of Mandalay collection (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
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Siblings Khoo V-Ho and Giselle Khoo founded Dad’s Woods as a heartfelt tribute to their late father, who spearheaded the family’s furniture business for over three decades.
Specialising in bespoke solid wood furniture, the Penang-established furniture company utilises indigenous timber such as the endemic Cengal, Malaysian mahogany Kayu Khaya, Merbau and Jati, as it delves into timeless Malaysian timber and regional heritage designs, offering collections that blend modern and contemporary aesthetics while celebrating stories of bygone eras.
Read more: 5 inspiring heritage homes in Penang
Above The Supayalat Chair (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
Above Named after the Queen Consort of Burma, Queen Supayalat (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
The Supayalat Chair (Photo: Courtesy of Dad's Woods)
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The Tales of Mandalay collection is the latest collection that focuses on the colonial history in Myanmar. Inspired by the once-richest kingdom in Southeast Asia, the 2023 collection serves as a poignant reflection on valuing our nation’s resources with the utmost reverence, breathing new life into forgotten designs, techniques, and styles.
It features furniture pieces named after Burmese icons–King Thibaw and his Queen Consort Supayalat, the Irrawaddy River, and the regal peacock, offering a fresh perspective on colonial heritage and craftsmanship.
Available at dadswoods.com
See also: 4 contemporary Malaysian solid wood furniture brands to know
3. Islandlife
The O’ahu Modular Sofa is Islandlife’s latest collaboration with designer Tyler Wisler (Photo: Courtesy of Islandlife)
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Founded in 2007 by Goh Chi Hui and Lee Ching Siong, Islandlife has carved a niche in the furniture industry, with furniture designs ranging from intimate home furnishings to grand commercial setups.
Islandlife prides itself on offering a spectrum of options, leveraging materials like leather, wood, fabric, and vinyl to craft pieces that marry functionality with aesthetics, transforming spaces with elegance and comfort.
The O’ahu Modular Sofa collection is Islandlife’s latest collaborative effort with designer Tyler Wisler, inspired by Wisler’s childhood memories of growing up in Hawaii.
Read more: Home tour: An updated Neo-Italian Renaissance townhouse in Brooklyn with green accents
The O'ahu Modular Sofa is Crafted with premium, eco-friendly materials (Photo: Courtesy of Islandlife)
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Recently awarded Platinum in the household furniture category at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair's Furniture Excellence Award, the sofa is crafted with premium, eco-friendly materials including solid hardwood frames, high-density foam, and luxurious upholstery fabrics, the 13 interchangeable modules pay homage to the island's volcanic landscapes and the interplay of lava and sea.
Available in vibrant colours and textures reminiscent of the Aloha State, the sofas are equipped with hidden magnets, allowing for versatile configurations to tailor seating arrangements to suit every need and preference.
Available at islandlifesofa.com
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4. LAIN Furniture
Above Hani Ali, founder and design director of LAIN Furniture (Photo: Courtesy of LAIN Furniture)
Hani Ali, founder and design director of LAIN Furniture (Photo: Courtesy of LAIN Furniture)
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After graduating in Industrial Design from the University of South Australia, and honing her skills at JamFactory Contemporary Craft & Design, Hani Ali established LAIN Furniture in 2012.
Often utilising reclaimed timber, her brand crafts bespoke furniture and homewares that draw from Malaysia’s rich culture and heritage while pushing the boundaries of design.
Read more: 6 prominent female furniture designers through the ages
Above The custom African bench (Photo: Courtesy of LAIN Furniture)
Above The commissioned Memphis 23 vanity (Photo: Courtesy of LAIN Furniture)
The custom African bench (Photo: Courtesy of LAIN Furniture)
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Transforming aged and unattractive materials into fresh, exquisite pieces tailored to clients’ unique preferences, the exceptional quality of each piece is brought to life by master craftsmen personally trained by the founder and design director herself.
Ali’s workmanship shines through various collaborations and commissioned works, such as the A Piece of Kampung installation with artist Leon Leong Wai Pung as part of the Tukang Exhibition, and notable pieces like the African bench and the Memphis 23 vanity.
Available at facebook.com/LAINFURNITURE
See also: Penang’s hidden gem: A studio tour of salvaged timber treasures
5. Tennyson Chia
Above Tennyson Chia (Photo: Courtesy of MTC)
Tennyson Chia (Photo: Courtesy of MTC)
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With extensive work experience spanning Australia, China, and Malaysia, Tennyson Chia has made a name for himself in designing spaces for Mercedes-Benz through his Sachi Design venture.
In his recent participation in the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)’s TIMB3R Design Incubator Programme (DIP) 3.0—the country’s pioneering design incubation program for the furniture, manufacturing, and timber industries, with a strong focus on sustainability, Chia conceptualised the T Minus Series.
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The T Minus series features a blend of Malay and Chinese design elements that evoke 1930s Nanyang nostalgia (Photo: Courtesy of MTC)
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Inspired by his late grandmother, who, after being separated from her noble family during WWII, became a tailor using local resources, the T Minus series features a blend of Malay and Chinese design elements that evoke 1930s Nanyang nostalgia.
This unique furniture collection comprises six pieces, each marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. From elegant curves to intricate carvings, the collection showcases the beauty of local natural resources such as timber, rattan, brass, and weaving, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
Available at instagram.com/t.minus.co
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Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
