Now that you’re about to create a mood board for your new interior design or renovation project, consider this idea: furniture designs by some of Malaysia’s rising stars. Why Malaysian designers, in particular? This Southeast Asian nation is home to modern furniture designers who work with innovative techniques and sustainable materials to create pieces that are reflective of their country’s rich heritage and culture. Their unique perspectives and inspirations allow them to craft stunning furniture that would look good anywhere in the world.
So, whether you’re about to furnish a home in Ritze Perdana 1 or London, here are some Malaysian furniture brands that you need to keep an eye on:
Dad’s Woods
This furniture company is led by two siblings who have made it their mission to specialise in bespoke wooden pieces that use native timber sourced within the country’s peninsula. Their designs combine modern aesthetics with historical inspirations. One of their notable collections is the Tales of Mandalay, inspired by Myanmar’s colonial past. Other striking collections are Premam, a tribute to South Indian culture, and Nabataean, which celebrates the beauty of an ancient kingdom that gave rise to the city of Petra.
By Hogen
A Penang-based brand established in 2022, its design ethos is to create innovative and mobile pieces that can easily fit within a client’s ever-changing lifestyle. Their furniture can be assembled without requiring tools, making the process of buying and owning a by Hogen design a complete immersive experience. Each item is crafted by Malaysian artisans who utilise regional materials, creating a fusion of tradition and modernity.
Tennyson Chia
His Sachi Design venture helped him establish his reputation, but now Tennyson Chia is ready to soar higher with his T Minus Series furniture concept. Citing his late grandmother as an inspiration, the series is a showcase of combined Malay and Chinese elements that are reminiscent of 1930s Nanyang designs. The collection makes use of natural materials like rattan, timber, and brass.
LAIN Furniture
Led by founder Hani Ali, Lain Furniture stands out from the rest with their limited-edition pieces that pay tribute to Malaysia’s natural and cultural treasures. Ali’s well-known attention to detail is evident in the impeccable craftsmanship of the brand’s furniture, especially through its use of a nail-free wood joinery technique. The company also recycles aged materials like vintage wood to come up with fresh works for their clientele.
Kantan Kollektiv
Finding inspiration in designs from around the world, the brand offers hand-crafted rattan furniture that weds styles from the east and the west. Each piece is created by a family of artisans who have been building furniture for generations. Rattan is a beautiful and versatile material that is highlighted in Kantan Kollektiv’s pieces, and you can find pieces for any room in the house in their collection.
With all the awesome pieces that Malaysian designers have to offer, take some time to explore the different available options if you’re shopping for new furniture. You’ll discover that the country has a rich and thriving furniture industry with innovative and sustainable designs that are sure to please discerning tastes.
