Grand U announces fully pays up capital to 600 million baht to prepare for condominium business next year, ready to launch 2 new projects worth 3 billion baht in combined value
Grand Unity Development has fully paid up its 600 million baht registered capital to push ahead with condominium projects along the sky train and underground routes. The company also prepares to introduce 2 new projects under the name of “U Delight” situated by the sky train and underground stations at Huay Kwang and Jatujak, after enjoying enormous success from U Delight @ Bang Sue Station.
Thanapol Sirithanachai, President of Grand Unity Development Co., Ltd. (Grand U) disclosed that his company had raised its registered capital to 600 million baht at the end of 2007 with paid up capital of 380 million baht. “The company has now paid up the entire amount of 600 million baht in order to prepare for investment expansion targeting areas along the sky train and underground routes, whose service may require shuttle van to provide convenient transportation to buyers to satisfy them the urban living style. The company also focuses on building the good community relations to enhance good surrounding. Grand U is looking to attract middle income earners with 1.5-2 million baht condominium units. The strategy has been proven by the success of the previous project called U Delight @ Bang Sue Station, which has already been over 90% occupied. Following this concept, Grand U will launch 2 new condominium projects with combined value of over 3 billion baht at the prime locations of Huay Kwang and Jatujak,” he said.
Neramit Srangiam, Managing Director of Grand Unity Development Co., Ltd., said his company had already launched 2 condominium projects under the Condo U concept called U Sabai Condominium Rama IV-Kluaynamthai and U Delight@ Bang Sue Station near the MRT station in Bang Sue. “These projects are considered successful thanks to the unique marketing strategy that uses excellent location and multi-function room and furniture designs to offer outstanding value for money. The team of professional management also helps attract buyers, making us more than confident in getting new projects up and running despite the currently sluggish economy. Consumers continue to fulfill their basic necessities and with condominium at the right location and affordable prices, our projects are sure to the choice for those within the 25-30 years age bracket and 30,000 – 60,000 baht income range,” he explained.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, Grand U is set to introduce 2 new condominium projects namely U Delight@ Huay Kwang Station and U Delight@ Jatujak Station. Both projects are designed and developed under the U Living Concept that focuses on YOU, to enjoy the full functionality. U Delight@ Huay Kwang Station, situated in Soi Pracha-Uthit 5 and only 3 minutes from MRT station in Huay Kwang, is created under the concept of Urban Escape to offer surrounding that is close to nature with up to 70% open space. The project is composed of 3 condominium buildings of up to 20 stories and 1 building of 10 stories housing a total of 597 units on 5-rai land worth 1.2 billion baht. There are 4 types of rooms available for the choosing namely 1 bedroom at 32, 41 and 45 square meters, and 2 bedrooms with 64 square meters with a starting price of 1.39 million baht. It also comes with complete infrastructure including 30-meter infinity-edged swimming pool, fitness club, sauna room for men and women, library, Wi-Fi Internet, laundry service, shuttle service to Huay Kwang MRT station everyday and 24-hour security system using CCTV, keycard and security personnel. The project is managed by a professional team from LPN. As for U Delight @ Jatujak Station, the project is situated in Vibhavadee Soi 3, which is about 3 minutes from Jatujak MRT station and Mor Chit BTS station. There are approximately 900 units on 5-rai land with value of 1.8 billion baht,” he said.
Grand Unity Development Co., Ltd. was established in 2001 by 3 groups of major shareholders namely Univentures PLC, which holds 60%, LPN Development PLC, which has 20% and Yaowawong Holdings Co., Ltd., which holds the remaining 20%. The company focuses its business on developing projects with construction and financial problems and so far has had over 7 projects under management worth over 5.2 billion baht in combined value. These projects include Lumpini Place Water Cliff and Grand Park View Asoke. The company currently has 600 million baht worth paid up registered capital.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Index revives plan for India franchise
Index Living Mall Co, the Thai homefurnishing retail chain, is reviving its plan to open franchise stores in India after its first deal two years ago did not get through.
Jarinthorn Patamasatayasonthi, the company's managing director, said the business plan was reviewed after it was contacted by a new Indian investor,who had visited Index Living Mall in Dubai recently.
"We saw a huge opportunity in the Indian market because there are only conventional furniture stores available in the country. While the Indian economy is booming, there is less competition [in the segment] there," she said.
Index was in talks with another Indian investor in 2006 but the deal could not be concluded.
Verachai Kunavichayanont, vicechairman of the furniture club under the Federation of Thai Industries, said demand for Thai-made furniture in India gradually rises every year because products are cheaper than comparable designs from Western brands.
Thai furniture will enjoy an even greater competitive advantage after the free trade area agreement between Thailand and India takes effect next year. Under the FTA, the import tariff on furniture to India will be gradually cut to between zero and 5%, down from 35-40% at present, he said.
Currently, few Asian furniture brands are available in India, leaving Thai brands with much room and potential to expand their businesses.
As well as in India, the company is conducting a feasibility study to open new outlets through the franchise system in the Middle East, said Ms Jarinthorn.
At home, the company plans to spend 1 billion baht to open two more outlets in Bangkok next year in addition to the Bang Na branch, which is to be opened early next year under an earlier plan.
Moreover, the company plans to renovate its existing stores and to adjust product displays.
More designers will be hired to design home decorative items and furniture while the number of exclusive items available at its stores will be increased to 50% from 30% at present.These plans should help Index Living Mall differentiate itself from its rivals.
The company expects its sales to reach 7.5 billion baht this year. Of the total, about 2 billion baht will come from exports. Sales of Index in the first 10 months grew by 8%, slightly below its earlier projection of 10%. Business from Dubai has provided much of the company's sales.
Jarinthorn Patamasatayasonthi, the company's managing director, said the business plan was reviewed after it was contacted by a new Indian investor,who had visited Index Living Mall in Dubai recently.
"We saw a huge opportunity in the Indian market because there are only conventional furniture stores available in the country. While the Indian economy is booming, there is less competition [in the segment] there," she said.
Index was in talks with another Indian investor in 2006 but the deal could not be concluded.
Verachai Kunavichayanont, vicechairman of the furniture club under the Federation of Thai Industries, said demand for Thai-made furniture in India gradually rises every year because products are cheaper than comparable designs from Western brands.
Thai furniture will enjoy an even greater competitive advantage after the free trade area agreement between Thailand and India takes effect next year. Under the FTA, the import tariff on furniture to India will be gradually cut to between zero and 5%, down from 35-40% at present, he said.
Currently, few Asian furniture brands are available in India, leaving Thai brands with much room and potential to expand their businesses.
As well as in India, the company is conducting a feasibility study to open new outlets through the franchise system in the Middle East, said Ms Jarinthorn.
At home, the company plans to spend 1 billion baht to open two more outlets in Bangkok next year in addition to the Bang Na branch, which is to be opened early next year under an earlier plan.
Moreover, the company plans to renovate its existing stores and to adjust product displays.
More designers will be hired to design home decorative items and furniture while the number of exclusive items available at its stores will be increased to 50% from 30% at present.These plans should help Index Living Mall differentiate itself from its rivals.
The company expects its sales to reach 7.5 billion baht this year. Of the total, about 2 billion baht will come from exports. Sales of Index in the first 10 months grew by 8%, slightly below its earlier projection of 10%. Business from Dubai has provided much of the company's sales.
Get a load of Blythe's house!
Shining out from the mountain of home decor at the just-sending Baan Lae Suan Fair is the answer to a weighty question for the modern era: Where, exactly, has Blythe been living?
The cute little doll might be homeless for all most people care but, fortunately, entrepreneur Donlacha Thammarot Teeraeakpakorn has come up a line of furniture for her, called Signorina.
Donlacha, a graphic designer and a veteran in interior design and furniture manufacture, has expanded with a range of ideas for the Hip Maker label.
Debuting at the annual Baan Lae Suan Fair, Signorina is miniature furniture for Blythe, but all of the pieces can be produced in human size too.
Donlacha accords Blythe the full stature of a princess, as she is in the eyes of her millions of fans, so the furniture is sweet and luxurious and vintage in style.
She hasn't lost sight of the need for functionality in the real world, though, and for actual people she's taken inspiration from the compact living spaces of Japanese cities.
"Our company has made everything there is in design," says Hip Maker marketing communicator Pitawan Laorsri, "from graphics and decoration for sales booths and shelves for the fairs to interior decor for houses and offices.
"Signorina is our latest idea:small-scale furniture for dolls that can be produced in full size as well."
The line includes a comfy bunk bed with drawers, a dressing table and a bookcase. Among the more playful-looking items for children are a bed and closet.
There's a choice of top-grade hardwoods in both the real and miniatures sizes.
The Signorina showroom has beds, dresswers, desks, wardrobes and bookcases and some items from Hong Kong, China and Japan.
A corner of full-size home decor is stocked with beautiful wooden cabinets, mirrors, resin photo frames that play music and ceramic lanterns that can be used as aromatic oil burners, all imported from China.
TINY, PERFECT WORLD
The Signorina showroom is at 40/12 Bang Bruai-Sai Noi 15 in Nonthaburi. Call (02)883 8223-4 or visit www.BoothMaker.com.
The cute little doll might be homeless for all most people care but, fortunately, entrepreneur Donlacha Thammarot Teeraeakpakorn has come up a line of furniture for her, called Signorina.
Donlacha, a graphic designer and a veteran in interior design and furniture manufacture, has expanded with a range of ideas for the Hip Maker label.
Debuting at the annual Baan Lae Suan Fair, Signorina is miniature furniture for Blythe, but all of the pieces can be produced in human size too.
Donlacha accords Blythe the full stature of a princess, as she is in the eyes of her millions of fans, so the furniture is sweet and luxurious and vintage in style.
She hasn't lost sight of the need for functionality in the real world, though, and for actual people she's taken inspiration from the compact living spaces of Japanese cities.
"Our company has made everything there is in design," says Hip Maker marketing communicator Pitawan Laorsri, "from graphics and decoration for sales booths and shelves for the fairs to interior decor for houses and offices.
"Signorina is our latest idea:small-scale furniture for dolls that can be produced in full size as well."
The line includes a comfy bunk bed with drawers, a dressing table and a bookcase. Among the more playful-looking items for children are a bed and closet.
There's a choice of top-grade hardwoods in both the real and miniatures sizes.
The Signorina showroom has beds, dresswers, desks, wardrobes and bookcases and some items from Hong Kong, China and Japan.
A corner of full-size home decor is stocked with beautiful wooden cabinets, mirrors, resin photo frames that play music and ceramic lanterns that can be used as aromatic oil burners, all imported from China.
TINY, PERFECT WORLD
The Signorina showroom is at 40/12 Bang Bruai-Sai Noi 15 in Nonthaburi. Call (02)883 8223-4 or visit www.BoothMaker.com.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Magnificent seven
In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
FURNISHING GIANT IKEA SET TO BOOST GREEN PUSH
The iconic Swedish home furnishing conglomerate Ikea has stepped up its green policy from making its products 100% recyclable to ordering raw material from well-managed forest plantations.
"We are working with our suppliers to make sure that our social and environmental measures are on high standard," said Thomas Bergmark, sustainability manager of Ikea Group.
"Currently,72% of our products are renewable or recyclable. Our mission is to have a complete range of renewable or recyclable products in the future,"he said of the global company.
These green efforts follow the company's code of conduct, issued in 2000,which focuses on social and environmental issues.
Ikea has also cooperated with the World Wildlife Fund to implement a forest action plan to ensure that Ikea will reach its goal of sourcing all wood from verified, well-managed forest plantations.
The company is also improving production processes to be in line with its environmental scheme. Such measures will not only enhance its environmental credentials but also lower cost and improve sustainable performance, Mr Bergmark said.
Ikea also plans to increase its orders from Thai suppliers by between 25%and 30% next year, he said.
Currently, the company purchases products from 20 Thai suppliers worth 4 to 5 billion baht a year.
Ikea's largest supplier is China, which represents 20% of total orders while Thailand contributes only 2% of the total purchasing orders for export markets worldwide.
However, Thai-made products will go on sale to domestic consumers in November 2011 once it opens its first store in Thailand with a massive 40,000 square metres of space in the Bang Na area.
"We are working with our suppliers to make sure that our social and environmental measures are on high standard," said Thomas Bergmark, sustainability manager of Ikea Group.
"Currently,72% of our products are renewable or recyclable. Our mission is to have a complete range of renewable or recyclable products in the future,"he said of the global company.
These green efforts follow the company's code of conduct, issued in 2000,which focuses on social and environmental issues.
Ikea has also cooperated with the World Wildlife Fund to implement a forest action plan to ensure that Ikea will reach its goal of sourcing all wood from verified, well-managed forest plantations.
The company is also improving production processes to be in line with its environmental scheme. Such measures will not only enhance its environmental credentials but also lower cost and improve sustainable performance, Mr Bergmark said.
Ikea also plans to increase its orders from Thai suppliers by between 25%and 30% next year, he said.
Currently, the company purchases products from 20 Thai suppliers worth 4 to 5 billion baht a year.
Ikea's largest supplier is China, which represents 20% of total orders while Thailand contributes only 2% of the total purchasing orders for export markets worldwide.
However, Thai-made products will go on sale to domestic consumers in November 2011 once it opens its first store in Thailand with a massive 40,000 square metres of space in the Bang Na area.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SIAM SANITARYWARE BANKS ON PREMIUM TOTO COLLECTION FOR SALES BOOST IN Q4
Toto has spent Bt5 million to introduce a super-luxury sanitary-ware collection called Toto Neorest a, which will drive fourth-quarter sales to the target of 30 per cent of full year sales.
Sarawut Samransub, managing director of Siam Sanitaryware Industry, the manufacturer and distributor of Toto sanitary-ware, said yesterday that the total market this year would exceed Bt3.9 billion, which is down on last year by 10 per cent.
The high-end segment covers 20 per cent of the total market. Its customers and divided into 48-per-cent business-to-business (B2B) and 52-per-cent business-to-customer (B2C).
The B2B group involves premimum and medium project owners. The B2C group includes and individuals who want to have new homes in a modern stylle using different technologies and designs.
Due to the shrinking of the economy early this year, Toto's sales have expanded by only 2 per cent over last year. However, improvement has been seen in the overall economy and the real-estate industry, which bodes well for the sanitary-ware market.
For next year, Toto plans to retain its top rank in the high-end segment via the differentiation of group sof products by innovation, technology, function, shape and design.
The group of high-end customers will also be enlarged, either in the public or private sector, through marketing activities, he added.
For next year, Toto plans to retain its top rank in the high-end segment via the differentiation of groups of products by innovation, technology, function shape and design.
Sarawut Samransub, managing director of Siam Sanitaryware Industry, the manufacturer and distributor of Toto sanitary-ware, said yesterday that the total market this year would exceed Bt3.9 billion, which is down on last year by 10 per cent.
The high-end segment covers 20 per cent of the total market. Its customers and divided into 48-per-cent business-to-business (B2B) and 52-per-cent business-to-customer (B2C).
The B2B group involves premimum and medium project owners. The B2C group includes and individuals who want to have new homes in a modern stylle using different technologies and designs.
Due to the shrinking of the economy early this year, Toto's sales have expanded by only 2 per cent over last year. However, improvement has been seen in the overall economy and the real-estate industry, which bodes well for the sanitary-ware market.
For next year, Toto plans to retain its top rank in the high-end segment via the differentiation of group sof products by innovation, technology, function, shape and design.
The group of high-end customers will also be enlarged, either in the public or private sector, through marketing activities, he added.
For next year, Toto plans to retain its top rank in the high-end segment via the differentiation of groups of products by innovation, technology, function shape and design.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Starmark expanding
Starmark will open three kitchen furniture outlets in Bangkok and upcountry next year as part of its plan to boost sales 15 per cent.
Managing director Nantana Srisakulpinyo yesterday said one branch would be in the Crystal Design Centre on Pradit Manutham Road in Bangkok and the next two in new HomePro stores upcountry. The expansion will require more than Bt30 million next year.
"We cannot estimate the cost exactly for next year, because we're negotiating branch size with the Crystal Design Centre, and that may cost more than Bt10 million, the normal budget for opening a branch," she said.
The company expects sales to grow nearly 10 per cent this year, but the property market is showing signs of recovering this quarter, so demand for kitchen furniture for both low- and high-rise residences will likely increase next year.
More than 60 per cent of Starmark's business comes from property projects, which deal with developers, and the rest from retail sales.
Some 70 per cent of sales are from new residential projects and the rest from the replacement market.
The company wants to increase the proportion of retail sales to 45 per cent next year, so it must increase its network to 48 branches, from 45 now.
The company will launch its latest kitchen design: the New Hygienic Thai Kitchen 2010 series, offering three models starting at Bt25,000 a square meter.
Starmark expects these models to drive sales until next year, Nantana added.
Managing director Nantana Srisakulpinyo yesterday said one branch would be in the Crystal Design Centre on Pradit Manutham Road in Bangkok and the next two in new HomePro stores upcountry. The expansion will require more than Bt30 million next year.
"We cannot estimate the cost exactly for next year, because we're negotiating branch size with the Crystal Design Centre, and that may cost more than Bt10 million, the normal budget for opening a branch," she said.
The company expects sales to grow nearly 10 per cent this year, but the property market is showing signs of recovering this quarter, so demand for kitchen furniture for both low- and high-rise residences will likely increase next year.
More than 60 per cent of Starmark's business comes from property projects, which deal with developers, and the rest from retail sales.
Some 70 per cent of sales are from new residential projects and the rest from the replacement market.
The company wants to increase the proportion of retail sales to 45 per cent next year, so it must increase its network to 48 branches, from 45 now.
The company will launch its latest kitchen design: the New Hygienic Thai Kitchen 2010 series, offering three models starting at Bt25,000 a square meter.
Starmark expects these models to drive sales until next year, Nantana added.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
FURNISHING GIANT IKEA SET TO BOOST GREEN PUSH
The iconic Swedish home furnishing conglomerate Ikea has stepped up its green policy from making its products 100% recyclable to ordering raw material from well-managed forest plantations.
"We are working with our suppliers to make sure that our social and environmental measures are on high standard," said Thomas Bergmark, sustainability manager of Ikea Group.
"Currently,72% of our products are renewable or recyclable. Our mission is to have a complete range of renewable or recyclable products in the future,"he said of the global company.
These green efforts follow the company's code of conduct, issued in 2000,which focuses on social and environmental issues.
Ikea has also cooperated with the World Wildlife Fund to implement a forest action plan to ensure that Ikea will reach its goal of sourcing all wood from verified, well-managed forest plantations.
The company is also improving production processes to be in line with its environmental scheme. Such measures will not only enhance its environmental credentials but also lower cost and improve sustainable performance, Mr Bergmark said.
Ikea also plans to increase its orders from Thai suppliers by between 25%and 30% next year, he said.
Currently, the company purchases products from 20 Thai suppliers worth 4 to 5 billion baht a year.
Ikea's largest supplier is China, which represents 20% of total orders while Thailand contributes only 2% of the total purchasing orders for export markets worldwide.
However, Thai-made products will go on sale to domestic consumers in November 2011 once it opens its first store in Thailand with a massive 40,000 square metres of space in the Bang Na area.
"We are working with our suppliers to make sure that our social and environmental measures are on high standard," said Thomas Bergmark, sustainability manager of Ikea Group.
"Currently,72% of our products are renewable or recyclable. Our mission is to have a complete range of renewable or recyclable products in the future,"he said of the global company.
These green efforts follow the company's code of conduct, issued in 2000,which focuses on social and environmental issues.
Ikea has also cooperated with the World Wildlife Fund to implement a forest action plan to ensure that Ikea will reach its goal of sourcing all wood from verified, well-managed forest plantations.
The company is also improving production processes to be in line with its environmental scheme. Such measures will not only enhance its environmental credentials but also lower cost and improve sustainable performance, Mr Bergmark said.
Ikea also plans to increase its orders from Thai suppliers by between 25%and 30% next year, he said.
Currently, the company purchases products from 20 Thai suppliers worth 4 to 5 billion baht a year.
Ikea's largest supplier is China, which represents 20% of total orders while Thailand contributes only 2% of the total purchasing orders for export markets worldwide.
However, Thai-made products will go on sale to domestic consumers in November 2011 once it opens its first store in Thailand with a massive 40,000 square metres of space in the Bang Na area.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH TEDDY BEARS
Samorn Wongmathanukroh's life has revolved around bears, both big and small, for decades and her passion for the animals is still burning strong.The bear that's won her heart more than others is no ordinary bear.
"I fall in love with teddy bears, not real ones with flesh and blood," the bear lover said."To me, a teddy bear is so cute and I like a chubby one. Over the years, I've spent a lot of money buying teddy bears on trips to foreign countries".
Samorn was frustrated because her adorable dolls were buried deep in storage for years: Her house had no more space, not even a small corner,for any more decorative items.
"I was born in a Chinese family and my parents felt that my collectible things could mess up the house. They like a plain house, not a fully decorated one, which is in stark contrast with my lifestyle,"she added.
"They thought what I collected was unnecessary and lavish. I felt somewhat pressured about that. At the time, I really wanted to have my own house so I could decorate it with my personal things," she recalled.
Samorn decided to move all her bears to a new place. This refuge has become a rendezvous point for teddy bear enthusiasts."Initially, I opened the shop to show off my endearing collection. Later, I wanted to share my passion ... so I started designing my own teddy bears."
Apart from her fascination with teddy bears,Samorn is captivated by country-style decorations.This passion has helped her succeed as a veteran designer of country-style odds and ends, sought-after accessories and bedroom linen for those who appreciate the rustic charms of the countryside.
At her Country-R-US shop, a vast array of chic creations is on display, including tissue-boxes,bird houses, tables, chairs, cabinets and beds.
"I love all decorative items that emanate a sense of country style. I also collect books on the topic. I have fashioned country-style objects for 10 years now and I still want to produce more,"Samorn said proudly.
Samorn also creates made-to-order pieces for clients who have their own ideas about style.
Her accessories normally feature pictures of hearts, flowers, teddy bears, and country dolls like the iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy.
Wooden pieces are made to look old in order to fit in with the country theme.
"Normally, I try to find an old piece of wood ...if I can't find it, I need to paint it with a colour that helps make the wood appear old as if it's been used for a long time."
Samorn also sells fabric designs, which are popular because each individual piece is unique,she said.
"All of my works are handmade. No massproduced goods are available in my shop. So I can't produce many works a month because I have to pay so much attention to all the details,for big and small pieces," she added.
Samorn's main clients are adults looking for something to remind them of the good old days.
Whenever Samorn feels disheartened, the things in her shop cheer her up and boost her morale.
"These things can directly connect to me. They have been an integral part of my life and I feel so attached to them. So I have never thought about quitting this job," she said with determination.
"I'm like a dream seller, selling a dream of the countryside so people who love them can be happy like me."m
MOVING TOWARDS A RUSTIC LOOK
For those who want to turn their house into a country-style residence, here are some tips from Samorn:
Before decorating the entire house,start with one room to control the budget and control the tone of the house. For those who enjoy the outdoors, you can choose a cool,shady spot in the garden.Next, search for country-style decorations that go along with the ambience of the room or the area.Their size must be compatible with the place you've chosen to decorate.If you plan to start in the garden, old wooden furniture, a bird house and cowboy dolls can help create the right atmosphere. But if you want to start in the living room, painted wooden furniture is preferable, since it can last longer.
A picture of a vast green field,teddy bear, or bull fighters is an ideal choice when it comes to decorating the walls. But don't put too many pieces together,especially outstanding ones,because they can steal the show.
If you want to start with the bedroom, simply select the bed,bed sheet, pillow case, and curtain in country-style designs.
House owners should bear in mind that country-style homes emphasise simplicity, creativity,relaxation, and cosiness, so any formality is undesirable.
Conserving the country style
Like other kinds of furniture and decorative objects, country-style odds and ends need constant care to lengthen their lifespan.
Old wooden furniture can be preserved with teak oil or oil-based stain that can be applied every three months. For those who like a glossy look,lacquer can help.
They should also be cleaned daily. Use a dry cloth or duster to keep surfaces clean. Don't place the furniture outside, since the sun can fade its colour. Furniture should also be kept away from damp areas, since high humidity can ruin the wood.
As for new wooden furniture, wipe it regularly with a wet, soft cloth.Don't use much water because it can stain the surface.
Painted wooden furniture can be kept clean and gleaming all the time with the aid of a sheet of glass to protect the design from scratches.
Water stains left on tables can be a big problem. But it can be solved in the blink of an eye.
Wipe the table, then apply mayonnaise on the stain and clean it. If the table is scratched, apply shoe polish with the same colour before cleaning.
Several kinds of cream and spray used to clean wooden furniture are available. Choose the right one for the right piece.
"I fall in love with teddy bears, not real ones with flesh and blood," the bear lover said."To me, a teddy bear is so cute and I like a chubby one. Over the years, I've spent a lot of money buying teddy bears on trips to foreign countries".
Samorn was frustrated because her adorable dolls were buried deep in storage for years: Her house had no more space, not even a small corner,for any more decorative items.
"I was born in a Chinese family and my parents felt that my collectible things could mess up the house. They like a plain house, not a fully decorated one, which is in stark contrast with my lifestyle,"she added.
"They thought what I collected was unnecessary and lavish. I felt somewhat pressured about that. At the time, I really wanted to have my own house so I could decorate it with my personal things," she recalled.
Samorn decided to move all her bears to a new place. This refuge has become a rendezvous point for teddy bear enthusiasts."Initially, I opened the shop to show off my endearing collection. Later, I wanted to share my passion ... so I started designing my own teddy bears."
Apart from her fascination with teddy bears,Samorn is captivated by country-style decorations.This passion has helped her succeed as a veteran designer of country-style odds and ends, sought-after accessories and bedroom linen for those who appreciate the rustic charms of the countryside.
At her Country-R-US shop, a vast array of chic creations is on display, including tissue-boxes,bird houses, tables, chairs, cabinets and beds.
"I love all decorative items that emanate a sense of country style. I also collect books on the topic. I have fashioned country-style objects for 10 years now and I still want to produce more,"Samorn said proudly.
Samorn also creates made-to-order pieces for clients who have their own ideas about style.
Her accessories normally feature pictures of hearts, flowers, teddy bears, and country dolls like the iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy.
Wooden pieces are made to look old in order to fit in with the country theme.
"Normally, I try to find an old piece of wood ...if I can't find it, I need to paint it with a colour that helps make the wood appear old as if it's been used for a long time."
Samorn also sells fabric designs, which are popular because each individual piece is unique,she said.
"All of my works are handmade. No massproduced goods are available in my shop. So I can't produce many works a month because I have to pay so much attention to all the details,for big and small pieces," she added.
Samorn's main clients are adults looking for something to remind them of the good old days.
Whenever Samorn feels disheartened, the things in her shop cheer her up and boost her morale.
"These things can directly connect to me. They have been an integral part of my life and I feel so attached to them. So I have never thought about quitting this job," she said with determination.
"I'm like a dream seller, selling a dream of the countryside so people who love them can be happy like me."m
MOVING TOWARDS A RUSTIC LOOK
For those who want to turn their house into a country-style residence, here are some tips from Samorn:
Before decorating the entire house,start with one room to control the budget and control the tone of the house. For those who enjoy the outdoors, you can choose a cool,shady spot in the garden.Next, search for country-style decorations that go along with the ambience of the room or the area.Their size must be compatible with the place you've chosen to decorate.If you plan to start in the garden, old wooden furniture, a bird house and cowboy dolls can help create the right atmosphere. But if you want to start in the living room, painted wooden furniture is preferable, since it can last longer.
A picture of a vast green field,teddy bear, or bull fighters is an ideal choice when it comes to decorating the walls. But don't put too many pieces together,especially outstanding ones,because they can steal the show.
If you want to start with the bedroom, simply select the bed,bed sheet, pillow case, and curtain in country-style designs.
House owners should bear in mind that country-style homes emphasise simplicity, creativity,relaxation, and cosiness, so any formality is undesirable.
Conserving the country style
Like other kinds of furniture and decorative objects, country-style odds and ends need constant care to lengthen their lifespan.
Old wooden furniture can be preserved with teak oil or oil-based stain that can be applied every three months. For those who like a glossy look,lacquer can help.
They should also be cleaned daily. Use a dry cloth or duster to keep surfaces clean. Don't place the furniture outside, since the sun can fade its colour. Furniture should also be kept away from damp areas, since high humidity can ruin the wood.
As for new wooden furniture, wipe it regularly with a wet, soft cloth.Don't use much water because it can stain the surface.
Painted wooden furniture can be kept clean and gleaming all the time with the aid of a sheet of glass to protect the design from scratches.
Water stains left on tables can be a big problem. But it can be solved in the blink of an eye.
Wipe the table, then apply mayonnaise on the stain and clean it. If the table is scratched, apply shoe polish with the same colour before cleaning.
Several kinds of cream and spray used to clean wooden furniture are available. Choose the right one for the right piece.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Showering, but not alone
There are some things it is better just not to think about. Like the 10,000 bacteria you inhale with each breath in the average office building.Or the 10 million bacteria in each glass of tap water.
Microbiologists have now added something else to the list of things too gross to contemplate: The deluge of bacteria that hit your face and flow deep into your lungs in the morning shower.
Showers in New York carry a particularly high dose of a microbe related to tuberculosis called Mycobacterium avium. The bacterium and its close cousins can cause a variety of exotic chest complaints, including lifeguard's lung, hot tub lung and Lady Windermere's syndrome.
This unwelcome peek behind the shower curtain has been provided by a group of microbiologists headed by Norman R. Pace of the University of Colorado. As part of a project to measure microbes in the indoor human environment, they looked at shower water, in part because in showers bacteria are incorporated into fine droplets that can be breathed deep into the lungs.
Conventional tests depend on growing cultures of the bacteria to be identified,but because most species cannot be grown in the laboratory, a majority of bacterial species are missed. Pace's method examines the genetic material directly, without the need for culturing bacteria.
He has turned up more than 15 kinds of bacteria in showers across the country,from Tennessee to Illinois, Denver and New York, he reports this week in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .Aside from the thought of being sprayed in the face by a bacterial cocktail every morning, the shower bacteria present no serious danger, with the possible exception of the M. avium. Pace said this microbe could be a risk to people whose immune system was compromised.
The bacteria get into shower heads from the water and build up there, so the dose is highest when the shower is first turned on. Running the water for 30 seconds before stepping in would mean fewer bacteria in one's face, Pace observed.
Also, the bacteria seem to find metal shower heads a less hospitable niche than plastic ones.
M. avium tends to be a particular problem in municipal water supplies,Pace said. The reason is that cities treat their water with chlorine, a poison that kills most bacteria but gives avium a selective advantage.
Pace's news for New Yorkers is not all bad. He has also been testing the air in the city's underground railway systems.Apart from a lot of aerosolised iron particles, presumably ground off the track by the wheels, the underground railway air is remarkably fresh and pretty much equal to outdoor air. The reason is that the movement of the trains pumps fresh outdoor air into the tunnels.
Another paradox of city life: It seems it is healthier to inhale the underground railway's air than the shower's mist.
Pace explained that his shower and underground railway projects arose from a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York, which was interested in how to detect microbes that might be used in a bioterrorist attack.
The foundation's officers decided that it was first necessary to understand the natural microbial background in people's houses and public places. The y commissioned Pace, a distinguished microbiologist, to determine what these background levels might be.
Pace said he was still taking showers,which he deemed no more dangerous than getting out of bed in the morning."The yuck factor isn't nearly as great as people may think it is," he said.
But after the findings about showers,he did throw away his scummy plastic shower head and got a metal one instead.
Microbiologists have now added something else to the list of things too gross to contemplate: The deluge of bacteria that hit your face and flow deep into your lungs in the morning shower.
Showers in New York carry a particularly high dose of a microbe related to tuberculosis called Mycobacterium avium. The bacterium and its close cousins can cause a variety of exotic chest complaints, including lifeguard's lung, hot tub lung and Lady Windermere's syndrome.
This unwelcome peek behind the shower curtain has been provided by a group of microbiologists headed by Norman R. Pace of the University of Colorado. As part of a project to measure microbes in the indoor human environment, they looked at shower water, in part because in showers bacteria are incorporated into fine droplets that can be breathed deep into the lungs.
Conventional tests depend on growing cultures of the bacteria to be identified,but because most species cannot be grown in the laboratory, a majority of bacterial species are missed. Pace's method examines the genetic material directly, without the need for culturing bacteria.
He has turned up more than 15 kinds of bacteria in showers across the country,from Tennessee to Illinois, Denver and New York, he reports this week in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences .Aside from the thought of being sprayed in the face by a bacterial cocktail every morning, the shower bacteria present no serious danger, with the possible exception of the M. avium. Pace said this microbe could be a risk to people whose immune system was compromised.
The bacteria get into shower heads from the water and build up there, so the dose is highest when the shower is first turned on. Running the water for 30 seconds before stepping in would mean fewer bacteria in one's face, Pace observed.
Also, the bacteria seem to find metal shower heads a less hospitable niche than plastic ones.
M. avium tends to be a particular problem in municipal water supplies,Pace said. The reason is that cities treat their water with chlorine, a poison that kills most bacteria but gives avium a selective advantage.
Pace's news for New Yorkers is not all bad. He has also been testing the air in the city's underground railway systems.Apart from a lot of aerosolised iron particles, presumably ground off the track by the wheels, the underground railway air is remarkably fresh and pretty much equal to outdoor air. The reason is that the movement of the trains pumps fresh outdoor air into the tunnels.
Another paradox of city life: It seems it is healthier to inhale the underground railway's air than the shower's mist.
Pace explained that his shower and underground railway projects arose from a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York, which was interested in how to detect microbes that might be used in a bioterrorist attack.
The foundation's officers decided that it was first necessary to understand the natural microbial background in people's houses and public places. The y commissioned Pace, a distinguished microbiologist, to determine what these background levels might be.
Pace said he was still taking showers,which he deemed no more dangerous than getting out of bed in the morning."The yuck factor isn't nearly as great as people may think it is," he said.
But after the findings about showers,he did throw away his scummy plastic shower head and got a metal one instead.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
FUN PIECES FROM SCRAPS
All creative minds are invited to witness the wonder of recycling in the "Scrap Lab Exhibition 2009: Reloaded" which showcases over 50 pieces of art, furniture and appliances brilliantly created out of scraps at the Grand Hall,1st floor of Siam Discovery, from today (Sept 18) until Sept 23.
The exhibition is part of Eco Projects by Siam Centre and Siam Discovery, which aims to create outside-the-classroom experience for participating students and encourage them to produce wonderful work of art from wasted materials under the "reduce,reuse and recycle" concept.
Joining the project are students and professors from Kasetsart, Rangsit and Thammasat universities,with Assist Prof Singh Intrachooto as consultant.
The creative works on show are created by students and participants of a workshop held earlier.They include a chandelier and a lamp made from lightbulbs, a variety of recycled bags, a chair,multi-purpose boxes, wall sculptures and more.
Those wishing to learn to transform scraps into work of art are also invited to a Scrap Lab workshop scheduled from Sept 19-20.
For more information about the event and workshop, please call 02-658-1000 ext 215.
The exhibition is part of Eco Projects by Siam Centre and Siam Discovery, which aims to create outside-the-classroom experience for participating students and encourage them to produce wonderful work of art from wasted materials under the "reduce,reuse and recycle" concept.
Joining the project are students and professors from Kasetsart, Rangsit and Thammasat universities,with Assist Prof Singh Intrachooto as consultant.
The creative works on show are created by students and participants of a workshop held earlier.They include a chandelier and a lamp made from lightbulbs, a variety of recycled bags, a chair,multi-purpose boxes, wall sculptures and more.
Those wishing to learn to transform scraps into work of art are also invited to a Scrap Lab workshop scheduled from Sept 19-20.
For more information about the event and workshop, please call 02-658-1000 ext 215.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Charming stars from the Land of the Rising Sun
Every country has its own symbolic icons that make it well remembered by other populations. Many of them possess unique features and some even come with amazing tales, making them popular beyond the coasts of their land of origin.
Owl piggy bank (3,900 baht).
How could we imagine the cute beckoning cat with a raised paw from Japan could find its way to station itself happily at the entrance of nearly every restaurant and shop in the Kingdom?
It must be the lovely characteristic or the reputedly attracting power of Maneki Neko, also called Fortune/Lucky Cat, that wins the hearts of many Thais. We don't seem to care if the smiling feline has its right or left paw raised and at what height, as long as it is sitting proudly on the desk or accompanying us everywhere as a charm accessory.
The Daruma doll, likewise, is a symbol of good luck and completion in Japan. With no arms and legs but a round face with a moustache and beard, the doll seems to look more sacred to us as it's said to be modelled after an ancient Buddhist monk in a sitting meditating position.
Looking a bit scary due to its horns, bulging eyes and sinister looking smile and sharp teeth, Oni is the demon of Japanese folklore which is, however, widely accepted as a good luck symbol.
Japanese style cloth bags (50-180 baht).
It is also credited with bringing good health, safety, peace and avoiding disaster. That's why having an Oni devil mask decorating your wall should be a good omen.
While Totoro, one of the greatest cartoon characters, is as famous among Japanese children as Winnie the Pooh is among British kids, the thumb-sucking Monchhichi monkey is also well-loved in some European countries. It's affectionately called Kiki in France and Chic-a-boo in England.
Having those little iconic figures here and there around your place and everywhere as a companion should make you give Japan the thumbs-up for coming up with so many cute icons for the world to enjoy.
Owl piggy bank (3,900 baht).
How could we imagine the cute beckoning cat with a raised paw from Japan could find its way to station itself happily at the entrance of nearly every restaurant and shop in the Kingdom?
It must be the lovely characteristic or the reputedly attracting power of Maneki Neko, also called Fortune/Lucky Cat, that wins the hearts of many Thais. We don't seem to care if the smiling feline has its right or left paw raised and at what height, as long as it is sitting proudly on the desk or accompanying us everywhere as a charm accessory.
The Daruma doll, likewise, is a symbol of good luck and completion in Japan. With no arms and legs but a round face with a moustache and beard, the doll seems to look more sacred to us as it's said to be modelled after an ancient Buddhist monk in a sitting meditating position.
Looking a bit scary due to its horns, bulging eyes and sinister looking smile and sharp teeth, Oni is the demon of Japanese folklore which is, however, widely accepted as a good luck symbol.
Japanese style cloth bags (50-180 baht).
It is also credited with bringing good health, safety, peace and avoiding disaster. That's why having an Oni devil mask decorating your wall should be a good omen.
While Totoro, one of the greatest cartoon characters, is as famous among Japanese children as Winnie the Pooh is among British kids, the thumb-sucking Monchhichi monkey is also well-loved in some European countries. It's affectionately called Kiki in France and Chic-a-boo in England.
Having those little iconic figures here and there around your place and everywhere as a companion should make you give Japan the thumbs-up for coming up with so many cute icons for the world to enjoy.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
THE TORSO BECOMES A TRASHCAN IN THE WORLD'S TOP HOUSEWARES SHOW
Squeeze lemons on a pair of breasts or chuck the trash into a lifelike life-sized posterior.
After contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, whose recreated skulls fetch record prices on the art maket, designers increasingly are basing objects for everyday life on all sorts of body parts.
"The human body has become a source of inspiration," said trendspotter Francois Bernard at the Maison and Objet trade fair, one of the world's top home shows taking place in Paris this week.
There were chairs covered in hair from Austria, internal organs doubling up a swater-bottles from Denmark, and porcelain fingers and hands beckoning to be used as coat hooks.
A Dutch garbage bin titled "Fill Bill" came in the shape of a man bent over double a the waist, his open posterior ready for the trash.
"The body has been very much in focus in Western society, in plastic surgery and the obsession with exercies, but only recently has featured strongly in art," added Bernard. "The body, natre, life forms, are a primary influence."
Alongside a stool pretending to be a brain and a chair a skull - iconic pieces from Ukraineborn designer vladi Repaport-came pieces closer to Mother Nature than to her earthlings.
Desinger darling Philippe Starck's latest creations are tall womb-like seats topped by hanging gardens, while tiny nomadic apartment gardens that can hang upside down or be moved around were on show by France's Green works.
"After the economic crisis, people want to be protected and enveloped. Designers are inspired by the softness of nature," said trend-watcher Vincent Gregoire.
Exploring the possibilities of low energy lighting as the world prepares to do away with incandescent lighting, a young Dutch duo connected actual dandelions to a light-emitting diode circuit to produce rivers of soft natural light.
"The little luminous sculpture reconciles nature and technology," said Drift Design.
Another technologicall lighting effor ttitled Fiat Lux was a lamp whose sphere-shaped switch levitates int he air when the light is on and attaches to the lampshade magnetically when the light is switched off. "the user becomes a magician," said designer Constance Guisset.
Another innovation is a concrete wall that doubles as a sound system.
"People want to stay close to mother nature, to authnticity, to the past," said award-winning architect Vincent Van Dysen. "They are attracted by purity."
After contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, whose recreated skulls fetch record prices on the art maket, designers increasingly are basing objects for everyday life on all sorts of body parts.
"The human body has become a source of inspiration," said trendspotter Francois Bernard at the Maison and Objet trade fair, one of the world's top home shows taking place in Paris this week.
There were chairs covered in hair from Austria, internal organs doubling up a swater-bottles from Denmark, and porcelain fingers and hands beckoning to be used as coat hooks.
A Dutch garbage bin titled "Fill Bill" came in the shape of a man bent over double a the waist, his open posterior ready for the trash.
"The body has been very much in focus in Western society, in plastic surgery and the obsession with exercies, but only recently has featured strongly in art," added Bernard. "The body, natre, life forms, are a primary influence."
Alongside a stool pretending to be a brain and a chair a skull - iconic pieces from Ukraineborn designer vladi Repaport-came pieces closer to Mother Nature than to her earthlings.
Desinger darling Philippe Starck's latest creations are tall womb-like seats topped by hanging gardens, while tiny nomadic apartment gardens that can hang upside down or be moved around were on show by France's Green works.
"After the economic crisis, people want to be protected and enveloped. Designers are inspired by the softness of nature," said trend-watcher Vincent Gregoire.
Exploring the possibilities of low energy lighting as the world prepares to do away with incandescent lighting, a young Dutch duo connected actual dandelions to a light-emitting diode circuit to produce rivers of soft natural light.
"The little luminous sculpture reconciles nature and technology," said Drift Design.
Another technologicall lighting effor ttitled Fiat Lux was a lamp whose sphere-shaped switch levitates int he air when the light is on and attaches to the lampshade magnetically when the light is switched off. "the user becomes a magician," said designer Constance Guisset.
Another innovation is a concrete wall that doubles as a sound system.
"People want to stay close to mother nature, to authnticity, to the past," said award-winning architect Vincent Van Dysen. "They are attracted by purity."
Saturday, September 12, 2009
UP TO BT1 BN IN SALES EXPECTED AT HOME EXPO
Home-buyers will be treated to a collection of residential projects worth more than Bt10 billion at the Thailand Exclusive Property Show 2009, starting today at Siam Paragon.
Developers of 13 residential projects, offering homes ranging from condominium units to luxury detached houses, are also offering a wide range of inducements to drive sales.
The event, organised by the Thailand Real Estate Association, will run until September 20.
Association president Kittipol Pramoj na Ayudhya said the show would offer residences for buyers from every segment of the property market. The range will include condominium units priced from Bt1.9 million to more than Bt10 million and single detached houses, double houses and townhouses in Bangkok and resort destinations such as Rayong and Hua Hin priced from Bt3 million to more than Bt100 million.
The residential projects taking part include Issara @ Sukhumvit 42, the Ratchaprasong project, Link Advance by Tararom Group, Fine Home @ River Charoen Nakorn, The Fine by Fine Home at Aree Soi 4, My Resort at Phetchaburi, Diamond at Sukhumvit, Charn Talay at Hua Hin, Phuphatara at Rayong, Golden Heritage @ Ratchapreuk, Golden Monaco at Bang Na and the Thanyathani project by NC Housing.
People who buy a residence at the event will get a gift voucher for two nights at Anantara Hotel in Hua Hin or Trang, Kittipol said.
Now is a good time to buy or invest in residential property because of low mortgage interest rates, he said. Investors will get the best prices on properties that will generate returns averaging 6 or 7 per cent per year - far better than interest on bank deposits.
"Customers who buy at this time will get tax incentives from the government's stimulus package for the property sector - which expires in March next year - as well as the best conditions from property developers," he said.
The organisers are hoping to generate sales of between Bt600 million and Bt1 billion from the 10-day show.
Fine Home Housing Development managing director Sukit Triwanapong said his company was expecting sales of at least Bt50 million from the event. It is offering to fully furnish a home up to a cost of Bt200,000 as a special promotion for customers buying from The Fine by Fine Home at Aree Soi 4 during the show.
Because of the signs of economic recovery, he believes now is a good time to buy a home.
"Our customers began to increase in the third quarter of this year. The number of visitors to our projects increased by 10 to 20 per cent over the number in the first half of the year. As a result we believe this is a good time for home-buyers to buy a residence," he said.
Vilailux Development general manager Teeravat Pipatdhitakul said demand for new homes in Rayong had continued - especially from foreign buyers coming from Scandinavian countries.
"We believe that this event will be a good time for buyers and investors because they will get the best conditions from property developers," he said, adding that his company would also offer special promotions.
NC Housing managing director Somchao Tanterdtham said his company would launch what it called its E-Quick Plus promotion for buyers from its residential projects at the show.
E-Quick Plus will offer price discounts of up to Bt1 million per unit, depending on the type of residence. Customers will also get gift vouchers for furniture or home appliances if they speed up the transfer of residential properties. The customer who achieves the fastest transfer will receive a free package tour for two to Maldives.
"We expect sales worth between Bt20 million and Bt30 million from this event," Somchao said.
Developers of 13 residential projects, offering homes ranging from condominium units to luxury detached houses, are also offering a wide range of inducements to drive sales.
The event, organised by the Thailand Real Estate Association, will run until September 20.
Association president Kittipol Pramoj na Ayudhya said the show would offer residences for buyers from every segment of the property market. The range will include condominium units priced from Bt1.9 million to more than Bt10 million and single detached houses, double houses and townhouses in Bangkok and resort destinations such as Rayong and Hua Hin priced from Bt3 million to more than Bt100 million.
The residential projects taking part include Issara @ Sukhumvit 42, the Ratchaprasong project, Link Advance by Tararom Group, Fine Home @ River Charoen Nakorn, The Fine by Fine Home at Aree Soi 4, My Resort at Phetchaburi, Diamond at Sukhumvit, Charn Talay at Hua Hin, Phuphatara at Rayong, Golden Heritage @ Ratchapreuk, Golden Monaco at Bang Na and the Thanyathani project by NC Housing.
People who buy a residence at the event will get a gift voucher for two nights at Anantara Hotel in Hua Hin or Trang, Kittipol said.
Now is a good time to buy or invest in residential property because of low mortgage interest rates, he said. Investors will get the best prices on properties that will generate returns averaging 6 or 7 per cent per year - far better than interest on bank deposits.
"Customers who buy at this time will get tax incentives from the government's stimulus package for the property sector - which expires in March next year - as well as the best conditions from property developers," he said.
The organisers are hoping to generate sales of between Bt600 million and Bt1 billion from the 10-day show.
Fine Home Housing Development managing director Sukit Triwanapong said his company was expecting sales of at least Bt50 million from the event. It is offering to fully furnish a home up to a cost of Bt200,000 as a special promotion for customers buying from The Fine by Fine Home at Aree Soi 4 during the show.
Because of the signs of economic recovery, he believes now is a good time to buy a home.
"Our customers began to increase in the third quarter of this year. The number of visitors to our projects increased by 10 to 20 per cent over the number in the first half of the year. As a result we believe this is a good time for home-buyers to buy a residence," he said.
Vilailux Development general manager Teeravat Pipatdhitakul said demand for new homes in Rayong had continued - especially from foreign buyers coming from Scandinavian countries.
"We believe that this event will be a good time for buyers and investors because they will get the best conditions from property developers," he said, adding that his company would also offer special promotions.
NC Housing managing director Somchao Tanterdtham said his company would launch what it called its E-Quick Plus promotion for buyers from its residential projects at the show.
E-Quick Plus will offer price discounts of up to Bt1 million per unit, depending on the type of residence. Customers will also get gift vouchers for furniture or home appliances if they speed up the transfer of residential properties. The customer who achieves the fastest transfer will receive a free package tour for two to Maldives.
"We expect sales worth between Bt20 million and Bt30 million from this event," Somchao said.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Export markets will require a greener approach
Strict environmental regulations in key markets could cause Thai furniture exports to slump unless local manufacturers start making more eco-friendly products,experts say.
Local firms need to become alert to the increased demand for green products and the fact that they could save costs by using more efficient manufacturing processes, said Somchai Chatratana, deputy executive director of the Technology Management Center, a state agency that provides technological assistance to the private sector.
"Five years ago, promoting the concept of eco-friendly products would have been impossible because manufacturers were scared of higher costs. But now we have to give more importance to it,"said Dr Somchai, speaking yesterday at the Woodworking Forum 2009, which focused on boosting the competitiveness of Thai furniture.
Many countries are moving to ban products with a large carbon footprint.International standards, such as the Green Label, are being increasingly used to verify products' environmental impact.
Such initiatives would effectively become non-tariff barriers for Thai furniture exports to developed countries if the sector does not shift to greener production techniques, said Dr Somchai.
Thailand's main furniture export markets are Japan, the US and Britain,according to the Thai Furniture Industries Association.
The sector's export figures for the first seven months to July plummeted to $500 million from $1.2 billion in the same period last year.
Nudjarin Ramungul, a researcher with the National Metal and Materials Technology Center, said eco-friendly products had become more popular since the beginning of the economic crisis as consumers are more conservative.
"We are seeing pollution controls on products to ensure they contain the least amount of resources and that they create the least damage to the environment.This is what we call sustainability," she said.
Many countries are discussing levying green taxes. Products would be taxed according to the amount of carbon dioxide created by the manufacturing process. If producers cannot show improve-ments, they will be taxed heavily.
"Japan, for instance, has a policy to eliminate waste at the very start of the production cycle, whereas European countries include waste fees in products that cannot be destroyed," said Dr Nudjarin.
Government agencies such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) have played a key role in encouraging manufacturers to become more green focused.
The NSTDA acts as a matchmaker between researchers and business operators. Its industrial technology assistance programme supports the private sector in developing technologies.
"By adjusting the production cycle to become more efficient on waste management and energy costs, the product's overall cost will be lower," said Dr Somchai.
Thailand still has a long way to go due to a lack of eco-design experts and the fact that many firms are simply not interested in being more green, said Prin Boonkanit, and engineering manager at Eco Design Consultant Co.
"The Thai government has no business paradigm, even though the country shows high potential to develop towards the trend given the strong skills of its [furniture] designers," Dr Prin said.
Only about 20% of Thailand's furniture products are considered to be ecofriendly, said the TFIA.
"In the future we should place importance on the life cycle of a product,starting from production to waste management," said Dr Prin.
Local firms need to become alert to the increased demand for green products and the fact that they could save costs by using more efficient manufacturing processes, said Somchai Chatratana, deputy executive director of the Technology Management Center, a state agency that provides technological assistance to the private sector.
"Five years ago, promoting the concept of eco-friendly products would have been impossible because manufacturers were scared of higher costs. But now we have to give more importance to it,"said Dr Somchai, speaking yesterday at the Woodworking Forum 2009, which focused on boosting the competitiveness of Thai furniture.
Many countries are moving to ban products with a large carbon footprint.International standards, such as the Green Label, are being increasingly used to verify products' environmental impact.
Such initiatives would effectively become non-tariff barriers for Thai furniture exports to developed countries if the sector does not shift to greener production techniques, said Dr Somchai.
Thailand's main furniture export markets are Japan, the US and Britain,according to the Thai Furniture Industries Association.
The sector's export figures for the first seven months to July plummeted to $500 million from $1.2 billion in the same period last year.
Nudjarin Ramungul, a researcher with the National Metal and Materials Technology Center, said eco-friendly products had become more popular since the beginning of the economic crisis as consumers are more conservative.
"We are seeing pollution controls on products to ensure they contain the least amount of resources and that they create the least damage to the environment.This is what we call sustainability," she said.
Many countries are discussing levying green taxes. Products would be taxed according to the amount of carbon dioxide created by the manufacturing process. If producers cannot show improve-ments, they will be taxed heavily.
"Japan, for instance, has a policy to eliminate waste at the very start of the production cycle, whereas European countries include waste fees in products that cannot be destroyed," said Dr Nudjarin.
Government agencies such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) have played a key role in encouraging manufacturers to become more green focused.
The NSTDA acts as a matchmaker between researchers and business operators. Its industrial technology assistance programme supports the private sector in developing technologies.
"By adjusting the production cycle to become more efficient on waste management and energy costs, the product's overall cost will be lower," said Dr Somchai.
Thailand still has a long way to go due to a lack of eco-design experts and the fact that many firms are simply not interested in being more green, said Prin Boonkanit, and engineering manager at Eco Design Consultant Co.
"The Thai government has no business paradigm, even though the country shows high potential to develop towards the trend given the strong skills of its [furniture] designers," Dr Prin said.
Only about 20% of Thailand's furniture products are considered to be ecofriendly, said the TFIA.
"In the future we should place importance on the life cycle of a product,starting from production to waste management," said Dr Prin.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ikea defends its new catalogue typeface
Ikea, the Swedish furniture chain, said on Sunday it never expected such a backlash after switching typeface in its latest catalogue.
The company's decision to make its first such font change in 50 years from the iconic Futura typeface to the Verdana one - has caused a worldwide reaction on the Internet. The catalogue - which the company advertises as the world's most printed book - was distributed last month.
"We're surprised," said Ikea spokeswoman Camilla Meiby."But I think it's mainly experts who have expressed their views, people who are interested in fonts.I don't think the broad public is that interested."
Verdana was invented by Microsoft for use on a computer screen, not on paper. Its wide, open letters with space between characters are designed to increase legibility on small computer screens.
Ikea said that in order to reach many people in many different ways, it needed a font that works in both digital and print media.
"Verdana is a simple, cost-effective font which works well in all media and languages," Meiby said.
But some Ikea fans were outraged,finding Verdana less elegant than Futura.
The online forum Typophile ended its first post with the words,"It's a sad day."
A week ago, Romanian design consultant Marius Ursache started an online petition called "Ikea, please get rid of Verdana."
On Sunday, the campaign had more than 2,700 signatures.
The move to a simple, modern-looking font also fueled Twitter posts such as "Ikea, stop the Verdana madness" and "Words can't describe my disgust."
Swedish art director Christoph Comstedt disagreed.
"I don't think the average consumer will react, maybe people in the advertising business," he said.
Ikea has 246 stores selling inexpensive but stylish furnishings globally and around 140,000 staff members.
The company's decision to make its first such font change in 50 years from the iconic Futura typeface to the Verdana one - has caused a worldwide reaction on the Internet. The catalogue - which the company advertises as the world's most printed book - was distributed last month.
"We're surprised," said Ikea spokeswoman Camilla Meiby."But I think it's mainly experts who have expressed their views, people who are interested in fonts.I don't think the broad public is that interested."
Verdana was invented by Microsoft for use on a computer screen, not on paper. Its wide, open letters with space between characters are designed to increase legibility on small computer screens.
Ikea said that in order to reach many people in many different ways, it needed a font that works in both digital and print media.
"Verdana is a simple, cost-effective font which works well in all media and languages," Meiby said.
But some Ikea fans were outraged,finding Verdana less elegant than Futura.
The online forum Typophile ended its first post with the words,"It's a sad day."
A week ago, Romanian design consultant Marius Ursache started an online petition called "Ikea, please get rid of Verdana."
On Sunday, the campaign had more than 2,700 signatures.
The move to a simple, modern-looking font also fueled Twitter posts such as "Ikea, stop the Verdana madness" and "Words can't describe my disgust."
Swedish art director Christoph Comstedt disagreed.
"I don't think the average consumer will react, maybe people in the advertising business," he said.
Ikea has 246 stores selling inexpensive but stylish furnishings globally and around 140,000 staff members.
"At home" in the forest
Conscious about the need to stop waste and save the world, At Home, a newcomer to Siam Discovery, is offering an eye catcing collection f ecofriendly furniture made from reclaimed materials along with hoem decor items under the slogan "simple sensual living".
The concept is rustic chic and the style is antique. All the painted wooden pieces are inspired by nature with birds, butterfiles, flowers and furits figuring prominently. The colours are pleasing too, in pastel shades of blue, green and brown with lots of creams and white.
There are two collections on offer: the "botanical Garden" theme reflects the forest and is full of cute animals, flowers and fruits, while the "Voyage" selection is influenced by a journey with sailboats and maps.
The store is stocked with chairs, tables, cabinets, cup boards, photo frames, artwork, boxes, buckets and cushions.
>> AT A GLANCE
At Home is on the fifth floor of Siam Discovery Centre, and it's open daily fom 10am to 9pm. Call (02) 658 0507.
The concept is rustic chic and the style is antique. All the painted wooden pieces are inspired by nature with birds, butterfiles, flowers and furits figuring prominently. The colours are pleasing too, in pastel shades of blue, green and brown with lots of creams and white.
There are two collections on offer: the "botanical Garden" theme reflects the forest and is full of cute animals, flowers and fruits, while the "Voyage" selection is influenced by a journey with sailboats and maps.
The store is stocked with chairs, tables, cabinets, cup boards, photo frames, artwork, boxes, buckets and cushions.
>> AT A GLANCE
At Home is on the fifth floor of Siam Discovery Centre, and it's open daily fom 10am to 9pm. Call (02) 658 0507.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Modernform plans expansion via M&A activity
Furniture manufacturer and distributor Modernform Group is planning mergers and acquisitions next year, both domestically and abroad but especially in other Asean countries.
The move will be part of a long-term growth strategy, CEO Thaksa Busayapoka told a press conference yesterday.
The M&As will involve firms that are at least related to the furniture business, but the company cannot say now how much it will spend, because that will depend largely on the opportunity presented, he |said.
Funding can come from the company's cash flow, bank borrowing or debenture issues, depending on how much is needed. However, the company's debt-to-equity ratio is now only 0.2, giving it much leeway to assume more debt if funding must come from banks or the bond market, Thaksa said.
Modernform Group is Thailand's furniture leader. Ninety-six per cent of its revenue comes from domestic sales and the rest from exports.
Its main market is contract projects, accounting for 70 per cent of revenue. These include both residential and office developments, both private and government. The rest comes from retail sales.
The group wants to maintain annual growth of 15-20 per cent over the next three to five years, and the company must expand to meet this target, Thaksa said.
However, it achieved first-half revenue of only Bt1.13 billion for a net profit of Bt114.11 million, down 21.5 per cent and 41.7 per cent |year on year, respectively.
Thaksa said the drop in revenue and net profit was in line with the country's economic slowdown and that most of its customers - property developers - had delayed their construction projects.
This meant Modernform had to delay delivery of its products, forcing it to hold on to Bt670 million worth of inventory. Seventy per cent of that will be delivered in the current half of this year and the rest next year.
Its high inventory combined with stiff competition caused Modernform's gross margin to drop from an average of 37 per cent last year to 36 per cent in this year's first half, Thaksa said.
However, the company believes demand in the furniture market will recover in the second half, raising the gross margin to 36.5 per cent by year-end.
The company has targeted full-year revenue of Bt2.46 billion for net profit of Bt283 million, down 14.28 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, from last year.
The company expects full-year revenue of Bt3.2 billion for a net profit Bt420 million in 2011 following its aggressive expansion next year, Thaksa said.
The move will be part of a long-term growth strategy, CEO Thaksa Busayapoka told a press conference yesterday.
The M&As will involve firms that are at least related to the furniture business, but the company cannot say now how much it will spend, because that will depend largely on the opportunity presented, he |said.
Funding can come from the company's cash flow, bank borrowing or debenture issues, depending on how much is needed. However, the company's debt-to-equity ratio is now only 0.2, giving it much leeway to assume more debt if funding must come from banks or the bond market, Thaksa said.
Modernform Group is Thailand's furniture leader. Ninety-six per cent of its revenue comes from domestic sales and the rest from exports.
Its main market is contract projects, accounting for 70 per cent of revenue. These include both residential and office developments, both private and government. The rest comes from retail sales.
The group wants to maintain annual growth of 15-20 per cent over the next three to five years, and the company must expand to meet this target, Thaksa said.
However, it achieved first-half revenue of only Bt1.13 billion for a net profit of Bt114.11 million, down 21.5 per cent and 41.7 per cent |year on year, respectively.
Thaksa said the drop in revenue and net profit was in line with the country's economic slowdown and that most of its customers - property developers - had delayed their construction projects.
This meant Modernform had to delay delivery of its products, forcing it to hold on to Bt670 million worth of inventory. Seventy per cent of that will be delivered in the current half of this year and the rest next year.
Its high inventory combined with stiff competition caused Modernform's gross margin to drop from an average of 37 per cent last year to 36 per cent in this year's first half, Thaksa said.
However, the company believes demand in the furniture market will recover in the second half, raising the gross margin to 36.5 per cent by year-end.
The company has targeted full-year revenue of Bt2.46 billion for net profit of Bt283 million, down 14.28 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, from last year.
The company expects full-year revenue of Bt3.2 billion for a net profit Bt420 million in 2011 following its aggressive expansion next year, Thaksa said.
Modernform to expand through non-core firms
The SET-listed furniture company Modernform Group Plc plans to invest in non-core businesses in domestic and overseas markets next year to strengthen its business growth, says its president.
The plan to broaden its business channels is in line with its residential focus, Patana Usanachitt said yesterday.
"As new competitors keep entering the (furniture) market, it is necessary that we look to invest in new businesses as well as in new markets," Mr Patana said."This is our vision for the next five years as we expect good returns ... from increased sales."
Modernform's core revenue comes from two businesses, furniture and decorative products, and its three holding companies, Thai Plaspac Plc, MFEC Plc and Interface Modernform Co, which represent about 30% of total revenue.
CEO Thaksa Busayapoka said the investment would focus on the domestic market. Overseas the company will consider mergers and acquisitions and joint investments within Asia, as it can partly benefit from free trade agreements.
The executives declined to provide specific details for investment plans and budgets.
Modernform reported a 44% yearon-year drop in first-half net profit to 100.77 million baht, on revenue totalling 1.09 billion baht, a 21.78% decrease from the same period last year.
"Since the first half, we've been working very hard to cope with the impact of the recession, delays in product delivery to property projects and fierce competition," Mr Thaksa said.
The company expects to generate revenue of 2.3 billion baht this year, an 11.5% drop when compared with 2.6 billion baht in 2008.
The home furniture and decorative market in the second half is going well with developers rushing to transfer units before tax incentives expire next March,said Mr Thaksa. This has helped offset the slump in demand for office furniture.
The company currently has 670 million baht in backlog sales, about 70% of which are be realised by year-end.
It plans to launch a sub-brand for its door products Readydor by Modernform next month as part of its move to cover a wide range of furniture segments, bringing its total sub-brands to six this year.
Shares of Modernform (MODERN)closed yesterday on the SET at 27.50 baht, up 50 satang, in trade worth 1.363 million baht.
The plan to broaden its business channels is in line with its residential focus, Patana Usanachitt said yesterday.
"As new competitors keep entering the (furniture) market, it is necessary that we look to invest in new businesses as well as in new markets," Mr Patana said."This is our vision for the next five years as we expect good returns ... from increased sales."
Modernform's core revenue comes from two businesses, furniture and decorative products, and its three holding companies, Thai Plaspac Plc, MFEC Plc and Interface Modernform Co, which represent about 30% of total revenue.
CEO Thaksa Busayapoka said the investment would focus on the domestic market. Overseas the company will consider mergers and acquisitions and joint investments within Asia, as it can partly benefit from free trade agreements.
The executives declined to provide specific details for investment plans and budgets.
Modernform reported a 44% yearon-year drop in first-half net profit to 100.77 million baht, on revenue totalling 1.09 billion baht, a 21.78% decrease from the same period last year.
"Since the first half, we've been working very hard to cope with the impact of the recession, delays in product delivery to property projects and fierce competition," Mr Thaksa said.
The company expects to generate revenue of 2.3 billion baht this year, an 11.5% drop when compared with 2.6 billion baht in 2008.
The home furniture and decorative market in the second half is going well with developers rushing to transfer units before tax incentives expire next March,said Mr Thaksa. This has helped offset the slump in demand for office furniture.
The company currently has 670 million baht in backlog sales, about 70% of which are be realised by year-end.
It plans to launch a sub-brand for its door products Readydor by Modernform next month as part of its move to cover a wide range of furniture segments, bringing its total sub-brands to six this year.
Shares of Modernform (MODERN)closed yesterday on the SET at 27.50 baht, up 50 satang, in trade worth 1.363 million baht.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cotton? Oh, yes it can!
Anyone who finds cotton "boring" hasn't been to Cotton Can Do, where phakhao ma and other traditional Thai drapes become eye-catchaing hoem decor.
Talented couple Cheewin and Kesara Amornisingha began putting their creative experience at GMM Grammy and an advertising company to startlingly good use in 2005.
What began as a hobby blossomed into a store at the Bon Marche mall that sold children's clothing, tody and decorative items.
Unfortunately the shop didn't succeed, but for the 2007 Bangkok gift and houseware fairs they unveiled cosy cushions and mattresses made form cotton hand-woven by Chaiyapum crafsmen.
Traders from Singapore and Vietnam snapped them up, and the goods became best-sellers made from cotton hand-woven by Chaiyaphum craftsmen.
Traders from Singapore and Vietnam snapped them up, and the goods became best-sellers online as well.
Cheewin and Kesara now sell teir items at his sister's used-clothing boutique on Phra Sumeru Road, and last year they had anothr winning booth at the gift and houseware fairs.
The style they use is "Sino-Isaan", they say, mixing Siamese tradition with brilliant Chinese silks bearing floral paterns in vivid shades of purple, blue and red.
Their latest designs utilese materials normally used for loincloths and shirts in a tartan pattern unique to Ratchaburi and stripes from the Northeast in yellow, pink, bright blue, orange, red and white.
"We want to emphasise that Thai uniqueness through beautiful, soft textiles," says Cheewin.
"The cushions are filled with kapok, which is locally grown but has become rather rare today. It's soft and comfortable, but the one bad point about kapok is that the cushion can't be washed."
The cushions can. However, be folded in serval ways, to serve as a futon, matrss or iollow.
And coming up are lamps and chandeliers made from pha khao ma and batik. Meanwhile, if you have a special design in mind, have a special ddsign in mind, Cotton Can Do will take custom orders.
>> CAN AND WILL
- Cotton Can Do is at 505 Phra Sumeru Road, near the Passport bookstore. You have to call (081) 346 6828 to arrange a visit, but you can also see what's on offer at www.MaliCamin.com/Blog.
Talented couple Cheewin and Kesara Amornisingha began putting their creative experience at GMM Grammy and an advertising company to startlingly good use in 2005.
What began as a hobby blossomed into a store at the Bon Marche mall that sold children's clothing, tody and decorative items.
Unfortunately the shop didn't succeed, but for the 2007 Bangkok gift and houseware fairs they unveiled cosy cushions and mattresses made form cotton hand-woven by Chaiyapum crafsmen.
Traders from Singapore and Vietnam snapped them up, and the goods became best-sellers made from cotton hand-woven by Chaiyaphum craftsmen.
Traders from Singapore and Vietnam snapped them up, and the goods became best-sellers online as well.
Cheewin and Kesara now sell teir items at his sister's used-clothing boutique on Phra Sumeru Road, and last year they had anothr winning booth at the gift and houseware fairs.
The style they use is "Sino-Isaan", they say, mixing Siamese tradition with brilliant Chinese silks bearing floral paterns in vivid shades of purple, blue and red.
Their latest designs utilese materials normally used for loincloths and shirts in a tartan pattern unique to Ratchaburi and stripes from the Northeast in yellow, pink, bright blue, orange, red and white.
"We want to emphasise that Thai uniqueness through beautiful, soft textiles," says Cheewin.
"The cushions are filled with kapok, which is locally grown but has become rather rare today. It's soft and comfortable, but the one bad point about kapok is that the cushion can't be washed."
The cushions can. However, be folded in serval ways, to serve as a futon, matrss or iollow.
And coming up are lamps and chandeliers made from pha khao ma and batik. Meanwhile, if you have a special design in mind, have a special ddsign in mind, Cotton Can Do will take custom orders.
>> CAN AND WILL
- Cotton Can Do is at 505 Phra Sumeru Road, near the Passport bookstore. You have to call (081) 346 6828 to arrange a visit, but you can also see what's on offer at www.MaliCamin.com/Blog.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Art breathes life into old wood
Due to the decreasing forest coverage around the world,wood has become one of the rare natural resources yet it's still a sought-after material for many home lovers.It's the main element in furnishing products and no matter how hard we try to replace it with other synthesised materials natural wood never loses its charm despite being transformed
into new guises over and over again.
Opting for recycled wood products is an ideal
way to help conserve our planet. And neatly
combined with the art idea, the same old wooden piece can be revived into a perfect addition to any space around the room.So if you're falling for the charm of wood but running short of ideas or skills to breathe new life into your own items,just stop by the at Home shop - a new store offering an array of distinctive and stylish furniture and home decorative items made of 100% reclaimed wood with high quality and durability.
Under the "Rustic Chic" concept, the eco-friendly pieces bring you closer to nature while reflecting the simplicity and classic flavour with the help of delicate prints on the surfaces of chairs, tables, cabinets, photo-frames, boxes and even pillows.
The "Botanical Garden" collection will make your home a forest haven with beautiful flowers, birds, butterflies and fruits here and there, while the "Voyager" collection will bring you on a memorable journey with sailing boats and ancient maps.RT
All items are available at 'at Home - Simple Sensual Living' shop located on the 5th floor of Siam Discovery. For more information,call 02-658-0507.
into new guises over and over again.
Opting for recycled wood products is an ideal
way to help conserve our planet. And neatly
combined with the art idea, the same old wooden piece can be revived into a perfect addition to any space around the room.So if you're falling for the charm of wood but running short of ideas or skills to breathe new life into your own items,just stop by the at Home shop - a new store offering an array of distinctive and stylish furniture and home decorative items made of 100% reclaimed wood with high quality and durability.
Under the "Rustic Chic" concept, the eco-friendly pieces bring you closer to nature while reflecting the simplicity and classic flavour with the help of delicate prints on the surfaces of chairs, tables, cabinets, photo-frames, boxes and even pillows.
The "Botanical Garden" collection will make your home a forest haven with beautiful flowers, birds, butterflies and fruits here and there, while the "Voyager" collection will bring you on a memorable journey with sailing boats and ancient maps.RT
All items are available at 'at Home - Simple Sensual Living' shop located on the 5th floor of Siam Discovery. For more information,call 02-658-0507.
Reclaiming the environment
If you're looking for solid wood furniture but are worried about the ever-decreasing forests, you'll probably find what you need at S71 Furniture Loft store.
Opened in March on Sukhumvit Soi 71 by Sumalee Boonyen and trend specialist Marc Grzybowski, the spacious and bright showroom is stocked with plenty of furniture made from old Thai teak as well as reclaimed wood from India, China and Indonesia, all of it guaranteed by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The designs are eco-friendly too with dining furniture, stools and side tables made from quality
oak, rubber tree and other tropical hardwoods, most of them adapted from discarded furniture as well as windown frames and doors.
Recently, S71 launched its latest collection of mango-wood furniture from Chiang Mai, which looks pleasantly siple but is seriously functional. There's plenty of fun to be had in mixing and matching
too, with sculptured stools that double as side tables, lamp stands and coffee tables.
S71 Loft offeres sofas, shelves, dining tables, stools, benches, cabints, coffee tables and much
more besides. If you have a design in mind, S71 will be happy to make it to order.
>> BUM GOES HERE
S71 Furniture Loft is on Sukhumvit Soi 71 (between Soi Pridee 27 and 29). It's open daily from 10.30am to 7pm. Call (02) 381 3984 or visit www.S71FurnitureLoft.com.
Opened in March on Sukhumvit Soi 71 by Sumalee Boonyen and trend specialist Marc Grzybowski, the spacious and bright showroom is stocked with plenty of furniture made from old Thai teak as well as reclaimed wood from India, China and Indonesia, all of it guaranteed by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The designs are eco-friendly too with dining furniture, stools and side tables made from quality
oak, rubber tree and other tropical hardwoods, most of them adapted from discarded furniture as well as windown frames and doors.
Recently, S71 launched its latest collection of mango-wood furniture from Chiang Mai, which looks pleasantly siple but is seriously functional. There's plenty of fun to be had in mixing and matching
too, with sculptured stools that double as side tables, lamp stands and coffee tables.
S71 Loft offeres sofas, shelves, dining tables, stools, benches, cabints, coffee tables and much
more besides. If you have a design in mind, S71 will be happy to make it to order.
>> BUM GOES HERE
S71 Furniture Loft is on Sukhumvit Soi 71 (between Soi Pridee 27 and 29). It's open daily from 10.30am to 7pm. Call (02) 381 3984 or visit www.S71FurnitureLoft.com.
Time learns to fly
More than just devices for telling the time, the wall clock at KP Square are now among the Suan Lum Night Bazzar's most sought-after decor items. Shoppers and snapping up the innovative tickers to add a clever toch to their homes.
Italiam architect Francesco Cappucio and local art lover Kwanchai Kraivitavatana came up with the design, a follow-up to the quirky clocks they made for the 2005 Bagnkok gift and houseware fairs. For their brand they chose the name Hora-Italian for "hour"
The originals became best-sellers at Loft in Siam Discovery and at Lamptitude Light Plus, and Kwanchai found time moving quickly. Just a year earlier he'd completed a course with top Italian designer Cappuccio.
After his triumph at the houseware fairs he opened the store at the Night Bazaar.
Its white and orange walls are lined with arty clocks in shades of black and white, with 60 different forms to choose from and materials ranging from metal and acrylic to wood, as well as mechanical
systems imported from Taiwan.
There are, table clocks, calendars, CD holders and photo frames too, and if you have something special in mind, KP Square accepts custom orders.
The clock designs are simkple, with the bubbly charm of 1960s fashion, but this year they've become even more colourful and playful. The inspirations are coming from the art of the designs incorporating hearts and animals and even the map of Thailand.
The Tourism Authority should take note, because some of these timepieces are exported to Europe,
America, around Asia and even to Iran.
>> TAKE A MIRO MINUTE
- KP Square is on Soi 6 in the Suan Lum Night Brazaar's Lopburi zone. It's open daily from 8 toi 11.30pm. Call (02) 216 2246 or (084) 162 6294 or visit www.KPSuare.com.
Italiam architect Francesco Cappucio and local art lover Kwanchai Kraivitavatana came up with the design, a follow-up to the quirky clocks they made for the 2005 Bagnkok gift and houseware fairs. For their brand they chose the name Hora-Italian for "hour"
The originals became best-sellers at Loft in Siam Discovery and at Lamptitude Light Plus, and Kwanchai found time moving quickly. Just a year earlier he'd completed a course with top Italian designer Cappuccio.
After his triumph at the houseware fairs he opened the store at the Night Bazaar.
Its white and orange walls are lined with arty clocks in shades of black and white, with 60 different forms to choose from and materials ranging from metal and acrylic to wood, as well as mechanical
systems imported from Taiwan.
There are, table clocks, calendars, CD holders and photo frames too, and if you have something special in mind, KP Square accepts custom orders.
The clock designs are simkple, with the bubbly charm of 1960s fashion, but this year they've become even more colourful and playful. The inspirations are coming from the art of the designs incorporating hearts and animals and even the map of Thailand.
The Tourism Authority should take note, because some of these timepieces are exported to Europe,
America, around Asia and even to Iran.
>> TAKE A MIRO MINUTE
- KP Square is on Soi 6 in the Suan Lum Night Brazaar's Lopburi zone. It's open daily from 8 toi 11.30pm. Call (02) 216 2246 or (084) 162 6294 or visit www.KPSuare.com.
The fabric of a healthy life
Apart from serving its "protective function" to the interior of a house, curtains also play a vital role as one of the most popular decorative items deemed indispensable in many households.
Advisably, it's somewhat necessary for house owners to be more fastidious when it comes to picking the right curtains for the right room since different styles emanate different feelings, impressions and even the personal taste of the owners.
Living room
Comparatively, a living room is like the showcase of the house where curtains will be first and frequently seen, both by the residents themselves and their guests.So curtain choice for this room must be beautiful and, absolutely, remarkable which can make the entire room more livable.
To maintain congruence of the living room with the whole ambiance of the house, curtains in this zone must be in line with the main decorative concept of the house.
"Curtains now come in various styles such as classic, contemporary, and modern. Before selecting any pattern, home owners must make sure that the curtains are compatible with the overall concept of the house," explained Sirichai.
According to Sirichai, for those who plan to buy a new house, the first thing they have to consider is the style of their house. After choosing their place of residence, they can then choose three or four desirable colours paralleled with the hue of furniture, decorative items, and curtains.The last yet most crucial step is to select the pattern of curtain and type of fabric.
Bedroom
The bedroom is one of the most private places so a home owner can pick any curtain style or colour that suits their personal taste. But what they have to take into serious consideration is that curtains suitable in the bedroom must be able to filter light from outside.
Normally, bedroom curtains are designed to have two layers of cloth. The thicker piece will be at the front while the thinner and airier piece is at the back.This kind of curtain allows some light to get into the room during the day so people in the room can see outside from within.
"Some people do enjoy sleeping in total darkness. Now there are many styles of bedroom curtains. They are thicker and more opaque than normal designs.
"But for those who feel uncomfortable in a completely dark room but still prefer less light, curtains with a darker tone are ideal since they can block the light that can irritate their eyes. Besides, such kinds of curtains are pleasing to the eyes, too,"explained the curtain designer.
Dining room
Now many houses are designed to have the dining room adjacent to the living room so it's more convenient to hang a similar kind of fabric but the pattern should be slightly different to make the room more proportionate. Most importantly,the shade of curtains in the dining room must be bright and lively since a darker tone can make members of the family lose their appetite.
"The dining room also plays a vital role for a healthy life. It's not exaggerated to say that its style, design, and tone absolutely have an effect on our eating routine. Nice and stylish curtains can help us relish our meal," stressed Sirichai.
Stairway hall
For any houses that have high and long windows in the area of the stairway,curtains used for this area must be eyecatching since it is the most noticeable spot of the house.
According to Sirichai, curtains used to decorate the hall at the stairs come in countless styles and they are all popular among curtain lovers. But whether the curtains will look magnificent or not depends heavily on whether they are hung properly.
"Though the windows in the stairway hall are small and short, we can hang longer curtains to make the windows look higher and larger.
"The curtains can be more graceful with other accessories like a chic pendant used to tie the curtains or silver hooks used to hang the curtains," explained Sirichai.
Other rooms like the children's or for elderly people also need suitable curtains since its mood can affect emotions.
Curtains used in a child's room should be bright in tone while those used in an elderly person's room should look solemn and simple.
"All home owners should bear in mind that beauty is not enough when it comes to the selection of curtains. You must consider their practical function, price,and materials used.
"Most importantly, fabric used to design curtains must be friendly to our health. It must be more endurable and not easily gather dust," emphasised the curtain master.
Advisably, it's somewhat necessary for house owners to be more fastidious when it comes to picking the right curtains for the right room since different styles emanate different feelings, impressions and even the personal taste of the owners.
Living room
Comparatively, a living room is like the showcase of the house where curtains will be first and frequently seen, both by the residents themselves and their guests.So curtain choice for this room must be beautiful and, absolutely, remarkable which can make the entire room more livable.
To maintain congruence of the living room with the whole ambiance of the house, curtains in this zone must be in line with the main decorative concept of the house.
"Curtains now come in various styles such as classic, contemporary, and modern. Before selecting any pattern, home owners must make sure that the curtains are compatible with the overall concept of the house," explained Sirichai.
According to Sirichai, for those who plan to buy a new house, the first thing they have to consider is the style of their house. After choosing their place of residence, they can then choose three or four desirable colours paralleled with the hue of furniture, decorative items, and curtains.The last yet most crucial step is to select the pattern of curtain and type of fabric.
Bedroom
The bedroom is one of the most private places so a home owner can pick any curtain style or colour that suits their personal taste. But what they have to take into serious consideration is that curtains suitable in the bedroom must be able to filter light from outside.
Normally, bedroom curtains are designed to have two layers of cloth. The thicker piece will be at the front while the thinner and airier piece is at the back.This kind of curtain allows some light to get into the room during the day so people in the room can see outside from within.
"Some people do enjoy sleeping in total darkness. Now there are many styles of bedroom curtains. They are thicker and more opaque than normal designs.
"But for those who feel uncomfortable in a completely dark room but still prefer less light, curtains with a darker tone are ideal since they can block the light that can irritate their eyes. Besides, such kinds of curtains are pleasing to the eyes, too,"explained the curtain designer.
Dining room
Now many houses are designed to have the dining room adjacent to the living room so it's more convenient to hang a similar kind of fabric but the pattern should be slightly different to make the room more proportionate. Most importantly,the shade of curtains in the dining room must be bright and lively since a darker tone can make members of the family lose their appetite.
"The dining room also plays a vital role for a healthy life. It's not exaggerated to say that its style, design, and tone absolutely have an effect on our eating routine. Nice and stylish curtains can help us relish our meal," stressed Sirichai.
Stairway hall
For any houses that have high and long windows in the area of the stairway,curtains used for this area must be eyecatching since it is the most noticeable spot of the house.
According to Sirichai, curtains used to decorate the hall at the stairs come in countless styles and they are all popular among curtain lovers. But whether the curtains will look magnificent or not depends heavily on whether they are hung properly.
"Though the windows in the stairway hall are small and short, we can hang longer curtains to make the windows look higher and larger.
"The curtains can be more graceful with other accessories like a chic pendant used to tie the curtains or silver hooks used to hang the curtains," explained Sirichai.
Other rooms like the children's or for elderly people also need suitable curtains since its mood can affect emotions.
Curtains used in a child's room should be bright in tone while those used in an elderly person's room should look solemn and simple.
"All home owners should bear in mind that beauty is not enough when it comes to the selection of curtains. You must consider their practical function, price,and materials used.
"Most importantly, fabric used to design curtains must be friendly to our health. It must be more endurable and not easily gather dust," emphasised the curtain master.
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