No doubt, Bangkok has its fair share of issues that hover over the urban landscape. From developers chasing out communities to make way for even more condominiums to the lack of greenery -- and don't get us started on the state of footpaths and the Jackson Pollock-inspired electrical wires we have proudly exhibiting all around town -- there's clearly a lot for our eyes to take in.
But take a look beyond the obvious eye-sores and you might just find the exact opposite. We did a little digging and found seven stunning spaces that are just waiting for design-lovers to check out. And here's where you can find them.
JIM THOMPSON HOME FURNISHINGS SHOWROOM
(Open daily 9am-7pm. 9 Surawong Road. www.jimthompsonfabrics.com, 02-632-8100)
Forget what you think you know about the brand. Yes, we know the name is familiar (at least one of our family members owns the elephant-pattern neckties). But what we had no idea about was that there is something sizzling hot happening right now in the Home Furnishing department and during our visit to the grand opening of the showroom we were met with one hell of a surprise.
Contrary to Jim Thompson's reputation for only dabbling in silk, the showroom features an array of its collection of wallcoverings, fabrics and much more in a real-life setting you can walk through. You'll be able to see how each one looks and feels on the wall or upholstered on furniture. In short, the showroom displays the versatility and endless possibilities of its products in one complete sensory experience. The eye-popping designs and vibrant hues will seriously bring out the secret interior designer in you.
PATOM
(Tue-Sun 9:30am-7pm. Sukhumvit Soi 49/6 but the easiest way to get there is via Thong Lor Soi 23 and 25. www.Fb.com/patom.organics, 098-259-7514)
It's hard to believe that such a place exists within the proximity of Thong Lor, what with those condos popping up and taking up every inch they can of that particular soi. Getting to it might require some navigating skills as you'll have to go through some small lanes and sharp turns. It's certainly worth a visit to this organic store though as you'll be met with a modern minimalist structure surrounded by huge trees and plenty of flora.
Pop by for a quick lunch or coffee and pick up some of the fantastic organic products like coconut hair serum and lemongrass soap. You can test the range of body care products there and then as sinks are provided. Do note that when you purchase Patom's products, you'll be supporting the brand's ethos of sustainable and balanced living as well as local organic farmers in Nakhon Pathom. Food-wise, they serve up healthy (but tasty) delights, made fresh daily and sold in a box in which you are free to eat there or take out on the go.
PRIMROSE AVENUE
(Open daily 10am-9pm, closed on Tue. Sukhumvit Soi 31 Yaek 4. www.Fb.com/Primroseave, 062-538-9666)
You might remember this three-story building from a while back when it was home to Aston Dining Room & Bar. Sad as we are to see the restaurant has closed down, we are stoked to hear that a new tenant has taken over this beautiful building blanketed in overhanging foliage. Think industrial meets Gothic-style garden.
On the ground floor is a cafe serving up creative mocktails, quick lunch dishes and sweet treats. We can't think of a better place to grab a refreshing beverage and hide out amongst the greenery and under the shade. If it gets too hot, there's always the air-con area to seek refuge in. Upstairs, you'll be able to find a small boutique shop selling leather bags and fancy eyewear.
98 WIRELESS
(98 Witthayu Road, www.sansiri.com/condominium/98wireless)
Dubbed the most expensive property in Thailand, this towering 25-storey luxurious residence is as magnificent as its price tag. A two-bedroom apartment here will set you back only about 70 million baht. What you get though is a prime address and an extremely opulent living space to match. Anne Carson Interiors is behind every inch of this beautiful property; from the unique three-storey chandelier, the gorgeous mahogany doors and the ultra-sleek business lounge to the elegant salon and the grand hallways. It comes as no surprise to find a familiar equestrian-themed décor throughout, seeing as it was Ralph Lauren who entrusted Ms Carson to be the interior designer of 98 Wireless Road.
Walking around here feels like you're a million miles away from Bangkok. Think Manhattan meets Mayfair or Hamptons-chic meets an enigmatic Scottish manor. In short, this plush space is one hell of a design wonder and has certainly raised the standard of contemporary luxury in Southeast Asia.
DECORUM
(Open Mon-Fri Noon-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm. 3 Ari Samphan 5. 086-533-5255)
The hip neighbourhood of Ari welcomed this brand new space just last week. The two-storey building stands out in the quiet residential soi and you can easily spot its bare concrete walls and glass window panes. Industrial-cool meets Savile Row swarve, the place sticks mainly to minimal designs but its leather furniture and vintage pieces do add a nice cosy touch. The first floor of Decorum is dedicated solely to Kamakura Shirts, where customers can come in to browse and shop for quality shirts at wallet-friendly prices. Whether it's the classic button-down collar, the cutaway or the spread -- you can find it here. Those who are familiar with the brand know of the care they put into making artisanal-quality shirts and how extremely difficult it is to actually find a store outside of Japan and the US.
We hear that Decorum is talking to various barbers and shoe repairers and that in the near future, this spot may turn into a very cool hangout spot for sartorialists.
OPEN HOUSE
(Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. 6/F, Central Embassy. www.Fb.com/openhouse.ce)
This is exactly what Bangkok has just been dying to have and finally, Central Embassy has made it happen. Designed to be a co-living space, it features a huge library of books -- of which you can browse through or buy -- an array of cafes like Egg My God, Bao & Buns, Paris Mikki, Peppina and many others. There is also a co-working area that's fitted with a meeting room and an exhibition space inside a white-washed, three-storey art tower curated by the team from Serindia Gallery as well as a play-area for kids.
Modern spacial design with an emphasis on vast open areas, a casual seating layout and plenty of natural light makes Open House an ideal place for anybody to utilise and enjoy. Whether you're looking for a place to study, pick up a book, hangout, or just grab a bite, this place is definitely worth checking out.
A beautiful space that welcomes creativity, productivity and delicious eateries? We'll say yes please to that!
CHANG CHUI
www.changchuibangkok.com, 081-817-2888)
(462 Sirindhorn Road; nearest BTS station: Victory Monument.
Undoubtedly, one of this year's most hyped about project is Chang Chui, the mega art space which is set to open at the end of the month. Set on 11 rai of what used to be a rubbish dump site, it was the revolutionary Somchai Songwattana who looked beyond its initial ugly past and with collective efforts from his artistic circle, has turned this piece of land into a creative paradise.
Somchai's determination to instill the idea that nothing is useless for our -- let's face it, rather wasteful -- society, is translated in his decision to use reclaimed materials like corrugated metal for the roof and panels, old window grills for decoration, and even vintage, not new, furniture.
The massive plane that you'll see right in the middle is a decommissioned model from the defunct Thai Sky Airlines that was sitting idle, until the Chang Chui team acquired it, deconstructed it and moved it piece by piece to the sight. It has now been given a renewed purpose and is the new home of Andy Yang, a Thai chef who was awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant in New York City back in 2010. We are eagerly waiting to see what will be on the in-flight menu here.
Aside from restaurants and cafes, there will also be a co-working space that aims to unite all generations to share ideas and learn from each other (OK, millennials, here's where to go if you ever want to vent out the problems you have with the baby-boomers in the office), a theatre showcasing plays every month as well as documentaries and independent movies, a craft beer bar, an exhibition area, retail spaces and a jam-house for musicians.
