The beauty of life in your living room

Er Audy Zandri ,  THE JAKARTA POST   |  Wed, 05/13/2009 5:12 PM  |  Supplement

The classic traditional styles of Indonesian furniture, fully crafted wooden furnishings, have gained much popularity in Western countries.

And like a fair cultural trade, along with the raising sales of apartments offering a new simpler design, the push of minimalist architecture from these countries bring a fresh point of view to the people and now urges for yet another trend -- minimalist furniture.

Choosing simplicity, sophistication and chic over detailed glamour, minimalist designs have continued to grow in popularity due to their simple elegance.

Forget about thick satin curtains blanketing large windows, and be prepared to welcome large windows without the glare of the sun with adjustable green designs that suit all the given situations. At this rate, you'll probably realize what type of furniture will match the big picture.

Indonesian designers have also successfully blended both international and local nuances in their products. Yet the key to an adorable living room really depends on your taste.

To guide you, Vania, established in 1997, is one example of respectable Indonesian local fabric outlets that offer both quality and excellence. With different textures, patterns and materials, Vania's tasteful fabrics and furniture fi t the bill for style and elegance even by the standards set by minimalist designers worldwide.

Its Ethan David brand, for example, is suitable both for classic and modern interior styles, taking pride in its distinctive European patterns. And with its waterproof, fi re resistant and anti-fungus features, customers will have fewer things to worry about with Vania's handmade couches and furniture.

Arrange a visit to one of Vania's showrooms in cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali and Medan for its products and other imported goods from Warwick, Nya Nordsika and Jim Thompson. The company has also opened a new showroom in Paritech Industrial Complex in Singapore, catering to overseas clients looking for a touch of Indonesian beauty.

Another high-end furniture gallery not to miss is Vastuhome. Located at Jl. Pakubuwono VI No. 79, Vastuhome boasts that it offers the world's best contemporary minimalist furniture, set in a cozy home atmosphere.

With 13 brands under its distribution chain, namely Flos, Pallucco, Zanotta, Fiam, Living Divani, Kose, Former, Gandia Blasco, Slide, Studio Art, Moooi, Sitia and Acerbis, the furniture of your dream might just be around the corner.

Or if unique and eclectic is what you're looking for, Temple Trees lifestyle boutique might just be the place. Established in 2002, Temple Trees has grown into a sophisticated brand distributor with renowned hotels and clubs like Grand Hyatt Jakarta, Grand Mahakam, Ismaya Group's Dragon Fly and Blowfi sh as its clients.

With products ranging from Spanish glassware, Sri Lankan fabrics and unique toys and accessories, its gallery is at Jl. Senopati No.66, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta.

Even so, don't rush into things when buying furniture. Know exactly what you're looking for after carefully measuring your living room. You can change your curtains anytime but couch will stay the same until you decide to buy a new one or reupholster it.

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