Page 69 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 6 Junel - July 2018

Spacious living area

“ Comfort is As we enter through dark wooden double doors, we are
immediately greeted by a lounge area elegantly adorned with
always our elaborate traditional pieces. These include an embellished
Persian carpet, an antique coffee table and plush leather
sofas, which frame the entire living space beautifully. The
top priority. “ furniture’s rich brown tones are accentuated by the contrasting
brightness of the white back wall and vibrant cushions from
IKEA. However, it is undeniable that the room’s focal point rests
on the large abstract painting that hangs under studio lights.
The lady of the house, Sukanya Aryapratheep, mother to two
daughters, Malini and Manika, and son Ab, reveals that every
painting in the household has been created by her husband and
celebrated artist, Asoke.

As we tour this sweeping apartment, it is obvious that the
family is a huge fan of the creative arts. In addition to the vast
collection of paintings, there is a diverse selection of hardcover
books by authors Pablo Picasso and Gore Vidal that sit on
various countertops, while paperbacks of all genres are nestled
neatly on shelves. It is while browsing that our attention is
grabbed by a large stone Buddha statue sitting atop a white
pedestal, highlighted by a gleaming maroon wall behind. “This
is centuries old,” explains Sukanya, before elaborating on how
the interiors of the home, including the antiques, are an honest
refl ection of the family’s history and inspiration. “We own a lot
of interesting pieces. But this isn’t a museum. It’s a home, so
comfort is always our top priority.”

The cleverly constructed open-plan layout has allowed for
plenty of space, which the family utilises in an interesting
manner. An example is a quaint sitting area adjacent to the
kitchen, ideal for sipping on a cool drink or relaxing with a book.
Sukanya points out one piece in particular, a wooden chest that
has been in the family for over 20 years. “Our love for antiques
has led to a collection of various pieces from all over the
country,” she shares, revealing that most were purchased from
bazaars, such as Baan Tawai in Chiang Mai.

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One of Asoke’s eye-catching paintings