Eclectic Aesthetic and Plant Stylist
Yuty Huang
Showcasing the Beauty of Eclecticism with KIMU
For KIMU, the most anticipated moment after the creation of each product is seeing how it comes to life in your space. This is because we believe that incorporating the owner's style can give a product a unique soul.
Every space, every person, and every carefully chosen object tell different stories, and the combinations and arrangements of these elements reveal the unique beauty of eclecticism. This time, as KIMU intersects with Yuty, we encounter a new soul.
Transitioning Eclectic Aesthetics through Greenery in Cultural Fusion
Yuty's experiences of studying in Italy and working internationally have cultivated a habit of drawing inspiration and nourishment from various cultures. Stepping into Yuty's home and studio, you can distinctly feel the mix of styles and cultural elements. "Many people may not know that my brand has a subheading called eclectic style." This eclectic aesthetic, infused with influences from exotic and Southeast Asian colonial styles, has consistently been a part of Yuty's brand philosophy.
For Yuty, KIMU's The New Old series exudes this charm. The simple lines combine Eastern and Western design vocabularies, and the delicate hardware contrasts with the tactile qualities of paper and wood. It's a deco choice that instantly transforms a space with just one piece. In addition, Yuty suggests that those looking to create a mixed home style can use natural elements to harmonize and transition. Choosing suitable plant postures and pots can serve as focal points to brighten up the space.
Choose the right, and the space will be closer to life.
"When decorating a space, I usually start by intuitively feeling the existing tone of the space. The subsequent process is, in contrast, very rational." While Yuty may be emotionally driven to bring various plants into her home, the rational side of her contemplates practical questions such as whether the plants can survive in the space. "Therefore, once there is a plant lamp, there are more choices and variations when arranging indoor plants."
Speaking of the current trend of minimalistic design, Yuty introduces her experiential principle as a plant stylist: "choose the right." Balancing between decorative and practical elements, ensuring that each object is not only visually pleasing but also closely aligned with real-life needs, is Yuty's primary philosophy for interior decoration.
"Considering that plants are much like people, you can understand the fundamental profile of foliage cultivation." We often say that a person's character is shaped by their upbringing. Yuty points out that many foliage plants originate from environments under forest canopies, lacking the physiological adaptation to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Hence, attentive care is crucial for indoor cultivation. Providing the necessary six to eight hours of light for plants indoors necessitates a reliable and soft plant lamp as a supplementary light source.
Especially in Taiwan, where sunlight can be excessively intense during summer and autumn, and periods of insufficient sunlight occur in spring and winter, "using a plant lamp throughout the year is a standard practice for plant cultivation."
Yuty x KIMU: A Style Lamp for Shared Enjoyment Between Humans and Plants
The majority of plant light bulbs available are often large, making it challenging to find suitable fixtures that enhance the overall aesthetics of the space. Yuty, having previously experimented with DIY transformations without overcoming the challenges associated with high-intensity colored light required for plant growth, notes that "aside from affecting the indoor ambiance, the intense light can be discomforting for people beneath it."
KIMU addressed this issue by redesigning one of their classic products, transforming the original extendable lampshade into a magnetic-suction structure. Users can effortlessly attach and detach the lampshade as needed. When humans and plants need to coexist for an extended period, attaching the lampshade creates a relatively soft light source without compromising functionality. This jointly-designed plant lamp perfectly resolves the longstanding issue that has troubled Yuty, echoing her often-repeated mantra: "There's no problem that a lantern can't solve."
Text: KIMU design / Photography: Zih-Sin, Jian
