This August, together with Merdeka and our Homegrown issue, we are highlighting locally-grown brands that are excelling in their chosen craft. These six Malaysian furniture and home décor brands will add a pop of colour and a touch of modern tradition to your homes.
By Hogen
Penang-based design studio By Hogen was founded in 2022 by Neoh Kim Hin and Goh Boon Sin. Focusing on “style, substance and a sprinkle of fun”, their furniture aims to bridge tradition with innovation in functional forms that are both practical and delightful. With a collection of four essential pieces including the Unfold couch, Collarbone armchair and the XO coffee and side tables, by Hogen’s designs are a reimagination of the basics, made to both blend in and accent your spaces.
W byhogen.com | I byhogenofficial
Bendang Studio
With over 31k followers on Instagram, Bendang Studio is no stranger to homebodies with a keen eye for fine tableware. Founded by Rozana Musa, an art and design graduate who set up a small studio in her mum’s kitchen back in 2008, the brand has since grown to earn the attention of prominent establishments like Beta KL, Blackbyrd, De.Wan by Chef Wan and ATAS at The RuMa Hotel & Residences. The name bendang is a Malay word that describes the muddy land of the paddy field, and the name came about as Rozana originally used the clay found in the paddy fields near her home. Bendang Studios pieces can be found online on their site, or in-person at their studio in Melaka, at Ilaika in Petaling Jaya, and at Rotan Lot in Subang.
W bendangstudio.com | I @bendangstudio_official
Kedai Bikin
A scroll on Kedai Bikin’s online store will send you waves of nostalgia from your parents’ home (or grandparents’) with its 50s and 60s-inspired furniture. Yet, Kedai Bikin’s collection of classic Malaysian furniture and home décor manage to exude a contemporary twist that makes them truly one-of-a-kind. Aside from the house-made selection, the brand also sources products from other makers, allowing small-time artisans to earn commissions from sales.
Rotan Lot
Malaysians who grew up in the 20th century would be familiar with at least one rattan piece of furniture back home. Created with the aim of bringing the glory days of rattan/rotin into the modern context, Rotan Lot prides itself in designing evergreen furniture such as rattan benches, chairs, coffee tables, daybeds, headboards and storage, among others. Today, the brand’s beautifully crafted pieces can be seen in the stores of Fern Batik Collective and Lululemon, in fashion campaigns with Uniqlo and in the offices of design agency Studio Kanta, just to name a few. If you’ve been inspired to pick up these nostalgia-inducing pieces for yourself, head over to their showroom in SS19 Subang.
Mad3 Studio
Like Kedai Bikin, Mad3 Studio has a knack for forging a link between old and new. Created by three friends who share a common interest in handcrafted furniture, this KL-based design studio specialises in traditional-looking chairs with a contemporary edge. These chairs are handmade from cords and incorporate traditional handiwork that add a quintessentially Malaysian touch to your home décor.
W mad3studio.com | F MAD3 Studio
Rattan Art Furniture
With Rattan Art, chances are you’re already familiar with their handcrafted rattan furniture, as you can find their pieces in several restaurants and cafes including Gai by Darren Chin, Jibby by the Park, The Hungry Tapir and more, as well as in hotels like One&Only Desaru. Established in 1954 in Muar and starting with small rattan crafts, the business moved into larger furniture pieces in 2004. Rattan Art offers custom and bespoke rattan and wooden furniture for residential and commercial clients, which are available to view in their showrooms in Ampang and PJ or online on their website. Whether you’re looking for a custom dining table or TV console, or just need an end table or knick-knack tray to add a touch of warmth to your bedroom, Rattan Art can deliver.
W rattanart.com.my | I @rattanart_handmade_my
Continue exploring ideas for the home here.
Featured image: by Hogen.
Photos courtesy of respective brands.