22/01/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | JAN 22, 2026

23

Cosying up your abode

o Quiet power of fabric in Malaysian homes

furniture, comfort, temperament and how a space lives day to day. In a humid, sunlit climate such as ours, fabric often feels like the natural choice. Breathable weaves keep seats comfortable through long afternoons and textured finishes add depth without feeling heavy. Performance textiles have come a long way as well. A whole range now resist spills and clean up easily, which takes the stress out of family living. Mishaps are no longer framed by a little jam from breakfast or a splash of kopi. Variety is another quiet advantage. From soft chenille and classic twill to crisp linens and modern blends, fabric gives designers and homeowners room to play. You can go bold with terracotta, moss or deep marine or stay calm with sand and stone tones. Add contrast piping, embroidery or a subtle pattern and the same sofa can look entirely new. That flexibility is why so many local homes change moods from season to season, simply by updating the textiles. Cushions soften and seats turn hard over time. New fabric, fresh foam and covers can restore a favourite piece quickly. Upholstery workshops keep libraries of colours and textures, hence matching or refreshing your furniture is straightforward. It is kinder on the wallet and the planet to refurbish rather than replace, especially when the frame is still solid. it shapes

From soft chenille and classic twill to crisp linens and modern blends, fabric gives designers and homeowners room to play.

W ALK into any well loved living room and you will notice the textiles first. The way a sofa breathes in our weather. The way cushions, curtains and throws pull the palette together. Fabric does more than cover

When the textiles are considered, the whole home feels intentional. Curtains and soft furnishings complete the story. The right fabric weight and lining can manage light, heat and privacy while staying elegant. Coordinated throws and cushions tie rooms together without overwhelming the eye. When the textiles are considered, the whole home feels intentional. Good frames deserve a second life

Fabric does more than cover furniture, it shapes comfort, temperament and how a space lives day to day.

personality in a way few materials can. Choose a weave that suits your routine, a colour that lifts your temperment and a texture that makes you want to stay a little longer. The rest will flow. This article is contributed by Fella Design.

and well chosen textiles can make any room feel new. Beyond sofas, the same care extends to curtains and custom cushions, so colour stories flow naturally from living room to dining and bedroom. In a nutshell, fabric is not just a material. It is a means for living well. It welcomes everyday messes without fuss, lets a home breathe and invites

Cushions soften and seats turn hard over time.

Greener living: Everyday products, lower waste SUSTAINABILITY often feels distant until it shows up in the objects people use every day. At Sayang Green 2026, the focus is not on grand pledges but on practical green products. Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI typically end up in landfills, with visitors encouraged to return used batteries responsibly on-site.

Packaging waste is addressed through compostable household liners by Earthya, promoted as a simple replacement for conventional plastic bags. The brand frames the switch as an everyday habit rather than a niche eco choice, responding to concerns over microplastics entering the food chain. Personal care routines also feature prominently. Toothbrushes from ZP use handles made from rice husk material, reducing reliance on virgin plastics without changing how the product is used. Cleaning and home care are highlighted through refill-and-return concepts by ReadyCare, showing how packaging waste can be reduced simply by reusing containers instead of discarding them after each purchase. Circular design is explored through NatureLoop, which transforms recycled plastic waste into functional items. Hands-on activities allow visitors to see how discarded material can be repurposed rather than thrown away. Rather than framing sustainability as a complete lifestyle overhaul, Sayang Green 2026 presents it as a series of manageable product choices. The message remains consistent throughout the showcase: greener living starts with small switches that fit naturally into everyday Malaysian life.

Held at IPC Shopping Centre, the three-day showcase last week, highlighted how small materials, from rechargeable batteries to refillable cleaning products, can reduce waste while remaining affordable and accessible. One of the most visible examples

The launch of Sayang Green 2026 at IPC Shopping Centre brings everyday green products and low-waste alternatives into a shared public space.

Toothbrushes by ZP use handles made from rice husk material. is the use of sturdy cardboard furniture and structures by De Carton. Designed to withstand daily use, the cardboard installations challenge the assumption that sustainable materials are fragile or disposable. Engineered for strength, modularity and reuse, the furniture replaces conventional plywood fixtures while remaining fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. Among the most immediate product switches are everyday household items. Rechargeable batteries by Elexer are positioned as a direct alternative to single-use disposables. Designed for up to 1,000 recharge cycles, the batteries aim to reduce the steady stream of used cells that

Rechargeable batteries by Elexer as a longer-lasting alternative to single-use disposables. – PICS BY AMEEN HAZIZI/THESUN

A child plays on an indoor playground built entirely from cardboard by De Carton, demonstrating how sturdy, recyclable materials can be.