Page 68 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 4 February-March 2018

HOMES

Giant oriental lanterns hang over the entryway Tassels are a favourite decor piece for Rahila

oriental lattice framework used to hang clothes. “I just loved the pattern and
told the store-owner to make me a table from that,” she says as I lean down to
get a closer look.

The concept of transforming something antique into a striking centrepiece
isn’t just limited to that ornament alone. One item in the entryway near her
front door is particularly fascinating. An opium bedframe found in Chatuchak
Weekend Market several years ago found a new life as a mirror when Rahila
had a glass plate set into it. Her TV room is also filled with plenty of unique
ethnic relics from the two Korean chests on either side of her sofa to the pastel-
coloured Burmese temple offering box in the corner next to the window. “Of all
the pieces I bought from the UK when I moved back to Bangkok, I kept only a
select few,” she shares. “For instance, the dining table which I bought 20 years
ago from Chiang Mai is made from recycled teak.”

Another precious keepsake is the framed piece of fabric hanging on the wall
between the TV room and living room area. It was her late mother’s wedding
saree and features embroidery made with threads of real gold. Underneath
that sits yet another cultural artefact — a Burmese wedding trousseau that is
intricately crafted with flower motifs.

Besides anchoring each space of her home with stand-out key pieces, colours
are another way Rahila creates contrast, catching the eye with a stunning
bookshelf unit that breaks up the main open area into the living room and dining
room sections. A yellow and lavender portrait of an Australian Jacaranda tree
takes pride of place here, while on either side, red birdcages are hung with
yellow tassels for visual impact. “Birdcages are another favourite of mine. I
Rahila Malik

68 Masala Magazine
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018