Christopher Ong – Art on a budget

Christopher Ong is a Malaysian designer based in New York City. He built his career in interior design with Island Outpost, created by Christopher Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures. Designing hotel interiors in South Beach, Jamaica and the Bahamas evolved into Interior Lifestyle Atelier, Christopher’s interior design consultancy and home product line of candles, crystals and pillows.

Christopher Ong is a Malaysian designer based in New York City. He built his career in interior design with Island Outpost, created by Christopher Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures. Designing hotel interiors in South Beach, Jamaica and the Bahamas evolved into Interior Lifestyle Atelier, Christopher’s interior design consultancy and home product line of candles, crystals and pillows.

ASIANCE: How has your upbringing in a small, rural town in Malaysia influence your design style?

Ong: I grew up with various ethnic groups and was exposed to different religions and lifestyles. Malaysia was a British colony at the time. This gave me both an Eastern and Western perspective which has directly influenced my design style.

ASIANCE: What can one expect when they sit down with you to redesign their living space?

Ong: A lively conversation! I want to learn about my clients’ lifestyles and their dreams. Learning everything from their music to fashion sense and favorite foods helps me “sculpt” their space.

ASIANCE: You have branched out from interior design to be a “lifestyle” designer, launching a line of scented candles, crystal ware and decorative pillows. What drives and inspires you?

Ong: I believe that life is made up of small but important moments. These little moments should be comfortable, beautiful and balanced and I strive to create products that embody these elements.

ASIANCE: What is your next project?

Ong: I would like to expand into bath and body products. I believe in creating your own mini spa at home. Life is stressful, and having the convenience of a home spa to help you unwind is just another way to maintain a healthy balance in life.

ASIANCE: Any relaxation tips you’d like to share with our readers?

Ong: Draw a bubble bath, light a scented candle, pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some soothing music and relax! After all, tomorrow is a new day.

ASIANCE: What advice do you have for people looking to blend Asian influences into their current home decor?

Ong: Asian art and furniture are versatile and blend easily into most places. Often, Asian pieces are available in a rich brown or neutral color palette that complements most home decors. Remember to consider the color, shape, scale and proportion of the furniture you already have.

ASIANCE: Your favorite home stores?

Ong:Takashimaya, 693 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022, tel:(212)350-0111, website: www.takashimaya-ny.com

ABC Carpet & Home Co., 888 Broadway New York, NY 10003, tel: (212) 473-3000, website: www.abchome.com

For more information on Christopher Ong:
www.christopherong.com
2020chrisong.blogspot.com

Text: Mabel Cheah and Paul Bilson
Michelle Revere’s terrace and Vietri dishes
Photographer: Steven Speliotis

ONG Aesthetics:

The rush, the crowds, the traffic, the city!
New Yorkers, Parisians, Londoners need not forget about the ART of LIVING at home
City dwellers need not be intimidated by doing it yourself
Surprise your loved one with creativity in your kitchen, terrace, fire escape, floor
Pay attention to detail and you can accomplish the ART of LIVING on any budget:

~ SPLURGE ~

Vietri

Seashell dinner plate $48.00
Starfish side plate $38.00
Starfish water glass $34.00
Starfish wine glass $34.00
Total for 2 = $320.00 US (approx)

~ RECESSION PROOF ~

Pier 1
Maria dinner plate $6.00

green leaf bowl $6.00
Maria Salad plate $5.00

green plate $5.00
Tall tumbler glass $3.00
Total for 2 = $30.00 – $50.00 US (approx)