After that day, I decided to live with design in a sunlit house - Kelly
If a silhouette and the impression of a home can return to the artist's reaction to photography at that time, film photography may provide us with another direction, allowing the atmosphere to tell a story – where there is light, there is an image.
During this home visit to the residence of Michael, who has a background in architecture, it's revealed that he has been sharing design-related articles on his blog "Design Mania" since 2002. Twenty years have passed, yet his passion remains undiminished, and he has even delved deeper into the core of the industry. At Michael's home, we not only witness a life infused with the soul of design but also discover that this is truly a dream home surrounded by design.
Some say that to truly understand a person, start with what they buy. As we explore Michael's various spaces, our bodies recall the experience of treasure hunting at flea markets during European travels: every collection hides a story if you just inquire. The enthusiasm of design enthusiasts to share their finds is vividly confirmed in this home visit.
Discussing a multi-circular oxidized mirror from Dutch designer friends, "...a few years ago, I saw their design online, wrote to their studio, and bought it from them..." and chatting about a broken yet still poetically charming balloon light, "...this was originally in my son's room... it became a target for my son's aim..."
"The beauty of chairs often arises from the inadvertent harmony and rhythm that forms."
In addition to Italian design being Michael's favorite, every piece is an extraordinary item that will undoubtedly leave its mark on design history. The curated design styles range from Bauhaus, Memphis, Italian design, Danish design, Nordic design; designers from the West to the East, including Achille Castiglioni, Isamu Noguchi, Jean Prouvé, René Faublée, Poul Kjærholm, Paolo Nava, Mogens Koch, Mario Bellini, Sōri Yanagi, and more – this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Truly living up to the self-mockery of being someone who buys horse saddles in the east, bridles in the west, bit heads in the south, and long whips in the north.
Owning these exceptional pieces is enough to leave people in awe, but integrating them into a space is indeed the most challenging part. Without the depth and breadth of proper pairing, it can fall into mere craftsmanship. Who occupies the central position in the space? How can the central position be supported while allowing each exceptional piece to stand out? What is the secret to creating a personal sanctuary? It turns out the answer is taste.
"Taste is often more of a verb than an adjective; learn to 'savor' before understanding 'flavor.'"
From the captivating B&B Italia Diesis sofa exuding a majestic and laid-back vibe, paired with the intriguing Vincent Van Duysen VVD 2 armchair (described by Michael as 'not of this world'), to the substantial caramel-toned low-back B&B Italia Camaleonda providing an anchoring block, complemented by the unpretentious Ivory Coast Senufo tribe four-legged wooden stool and the Agape marble Eros coffee table sculpted like a work of art—an invisible convergence zone forms, outlining the contours of McDonald's living room atmosphere.
"Taste is readily available, but it's not an accumulation of wealth. Money can expand the scope of taste, but it won't endow you with taste, just as money can let you travel the world but won't give you an international perspective. Money can let you savor gourmet cuisine but won't make you a gourmet. Money can be a nourishment for taste, but without knowledge as a foundation, no matter how many delicacies you taste, you won't truly appreciate them, leaving only fat and meat behind!"
"The origin of design is the pursuit of beauty, and beauty is the natural expression of harmony inside and out. Beauty is the depth confidently displayed after the tempering of reason and sensibility. Ultimately, beauty is a calm and firm view of life and existence."
KIMU often searches for contours and impressions in lines, seeks balance in diverse materials, gives ambiguity in paper a defined volume (Rice Ball Light), provides a sensual form to the rational function (DUO Candle Warmer). Despite hearing rumors about Michael's collection, experiencing it firsthand makes one marvel at his mastery of eclectic styles. Through Michael, we see how products, when in the hands of different owners, manifest different souls. Where there is light, there is an image; where there is design, there is a story. Thank you, Michael, for allowing our designs to engage in a dialogue with these classic pieces across time and space.
Text: KIMU design / Photography: CameZa
