A Creative Haven in Jakarta
Aedi Design Bureau worked closely with a young couple to create a warm yet refined space that reflects their commonalities and differences
hen a young Jakarta couple sought to create a home for themselves, they approached Aedi Design Bureau ‘for our ability to craft homes that resonate deeply with their inhabitants’, says Aedi founder and design director Eko Priharseno. The design team and their clients went deep, exploring the couple’s shared love of books, the husband’s love of social gatherings and the wife’s quieter passion for contemporary art.
There is a clear duality here, one the designers immediately sought to address, via both contrasting tones and textures and in spaces that balance energy with intimacy throughout the 350-square-metre space. ‘A dedicated mini salon for her self-care rituals epitomises this tailored approach, while open bookshelves celebrate their shared intellectual pursuits,’ says Priharsono.
To meet the brief and create the desired aesthetic, much of the furniture was designed by Aedi. The design team also doubled the storage space to take the couple’s evolving needs into account. ‘We designed with a ten- to fifteen-year horizon in mind,’ says Priharseno.
The spacious layout was ideal for the couple’s needs. A generous bedroom area was reimagined to further expand the space, and now connects to a workspace and wardrobe, creating a private sanctuary where the wife can paint or relax.
Materials were selected with a warm but refined ambience in mind. Charcoal-finished wood, oak and walnut veneers are enhanced by brass accents that define spatial boundaries. In the living room, handwoven rattan ceilings are a standout, and were crafted with care by skilled artisans from rattan craft centre Cirebon. ‘This feature adds warmth, texture and natural elegance, while reflecting our commitment to supporting local talent and sustainable practices,’ explains Priharseno.
These custom veneer patterns were created to complement the apartment’s high ceilings and connect all material elements to create a flow that, says the designer, ‘feels intuitive yet deliberate’. Lighting further enhances the atmosphere, with the iconic Voiles by Céline Wright providing a warm, ambient glow in the dining room.
More than half of the furniture was custom designed, including custom wardrobes, a marble-topped dining table and a coffee table, all ‘bridging contemporary design and exemplifying our attention to detail,’ Priharseno says. These inegrate seamlessly with iconic pieces such as the Get Back sofa by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba for Poltrona Frau and Eero Saarinen’s Womb chair.
There’s also Indonesian art by the likes of Wayan Yusa Dirgantara, Tuyuloveme and Bunga Yuridespita, with each work ‘chosen to resonate with the clients’ aesthetic sensibilities,’ says Priharseno.
The overall feel is welcoming, tactile and replete with refined elements, just as the designer intended. When asked for his favourite part, Priharseno points to the dining room, with its soaring ceilings and seamless connection to the kitchen. ‘It exudes elegance and warmth,’ he says.
Images by Adaptasi
