03/08/2025

ON SUNDAY August 3, 2025 theSunday Special VII

Forget the algorithm, decorate like a Malaysian

BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

P ERSONAL taste can be a touchy subject. It’s hard to explain because human beings are all different and we can’t all like the same things. Yet, the media constantly suggests what’s trending and what’s new: what colour to wear this summer, what length of skirt is in next season or what our homes should look like. The same goes for interior design. Cloud sofas, the IKEA doughnut lamp and mid-century modern furniture, have become the “must-have” items for our next shopping trip. Of course, we all consider these sug gestions based on our preferences and OLIHVW\OHV :H ¿QG ZD\V WR LQFRUSRUDWH trendy pieces into our homes without compromising our own style and identity. But with the rise of social media, personal taste has started to blur. Increasingly, people attempt to replicate what they see online, often losing sight of what makes a space uniquely their own. Every scroll on social media presents yet another home with the same beige palette, the same artfully placed furniture, the same aesthetic. Anything that deviates from this curated ideal is often considered RXWGDWHG WDFN\ RU MXVW ³R̆ ´

The growing popularity of handmade ceramics and clay pieces brings a sense of soul to a space.

From batik and wood carvings to rattan furniture and traditional pottery, Malaysia R̆ HUV D ULFK FXOWXUDOO\ JURXQGHG GHVLJQ language that needs no validation from online trends. According to interior designer, Zafree Pinano of Pinano Studio, wood is one of the most meaningful ways to add a tradi tional touch to a space. Panels with classic carving motifs, such as awan larat and pucuk rebung, are often featured on doors and walls, especially near entryways. Wooden elements never go out of style; they add texture, warmth and depth to a room, blending beautifully with modern aesthetics. Rattan, too, has long been part of Ma laysian homes. It peaked in popularity GXULQJ WKH V MXVW ZDWFK DQ\ ¿OP RU 79 series from that era and you’ll spot at least one rattan chair or table. Today, rattan furniture is making a quiet comeback. A rattan lounge chair beside a modern sofa can add character to a room without

clashing with contemporary decor. For those who aren’t ready to invest in large pieces, rattan baskets, placemats or small containers are easy ways to introduce woven textures into a space. And then, there’s batik, a timeless symbol of Malaysian identity. Batik can be incorporated as art on a wall, as cushion covers or table runners. Its versatility lies in its colour range and hand-crafted charm. Commissioning a batik piece directly from an artisan not only supports local craft but ensures your home has something truly personal and irreplace able. For those still drawing inspiration from online trends, it’s worth noting the growing popularity of handmade ceramics and clay pieces. Malaysia has its storied pottery traditions, including labu sayong and belanga . These heritage pieces may not be trending hashtags, but they bring soul to a space. A belanga , for instance, can add earthy beauty to a modern kitchen, sitting comfortably alongside today’s sleek appliances. Zafree believes there’s value in em bracing locally made design, not just in fashion or interiors, but as a way of life. A KRPH ZLWK D 0DOD\VLDQ WRXFK ¿OOHG ZLWK memory and cultural pride, tells a far more meaningful story than one arranged to match someone else’s Pinterest board. Ultimately, a stunning space is one WKDW UHÀHFWV \RXU XQLTXH SHUVRQDOLW\ $ place that makes you feel at home. The batik artwork on the wall, the carved wooden door, the humble clay pot in the corner – these aren’t just decorations. They’re pieces of identity, of tradition, of culture, which make everyday life all the more memorable.

Wood is one of the most meaningful ways to add a traditional touch to a space.”

Zafree

Decorating a home is already challeng ing and expensive. Trying to meet the ever-shifting standards set by strangers on the internet only adds more pres sure. So why not turn inward and look around us instead? Why not decorate like a Malaysian?