ARTFUL LIVING
Renowned for her exquisite taste in interior design with prestigious residential and commercial projects across the country, as well as her own sophisticated sartorial choices, VICHADA “DAO” SITAKALIN is in a league of her own
WHEN IT COMES to the world of luxury interior design, Vichada “Dao” Sitakalin is deemed a powerhouse in the industry. As co-founder of Quattro Design, design director at Premier Group’s luxury resorts – Rayavadee (Krabi), Tamarind Village and Raya Heritage (Chiang Mai) – as well as the creative force behind the renovation of Jim Thompson’s Bangkok Home Furnishings showroom, Dao’s creative philosophy and eclectic personal style makes her a visionary through and through. Prestige chats with the stylish and eloquent interior designer at Baan Sansiri Pattanakarn, Sansiri’s latest ultra-luxury residential project that takes its design cue from the Regency architectural style, in the upscale Pattanakarn neighbourhood.
In your opinion, what are the biggest trends at the moment in interior design?
I think people are more daring these days. Previously with Thais, I feel they played it safe and went with interiors that were very predictable. Now people are putting their soul into designing their home. For instance, using personal collectable items, objects that have been passed on to them from their family or collected through the years, rather than buying a set or collection from a showcase. These days, Thais know what they want and are aware of their style. They don’t follow trends. I think it’s important that your home reflects who you are.
What’s your personal style and taste when it comes to interiors?
I am very eclectic. I like to mix old and new, formal and casual, and juxtaposing pieces from different eras. I like using one-of-a-kind vintage items – be it furniture, chandeliers, lamps etc, and maybe even reupholster them, because it adds character to the space. I love having conversational pieces in a room, something that is very eye-catching and you can have a conversation about with your guests. I also love working with colours, textures and patterns.
What are your first impressions of Baan Sansiri Pattanakarn?
The architectural style definitely stands out for me. It is very influenced by the Regency period; it’s classic with clean lines and appealing to the eye. The layout of the whole property is quite unique as well and the
homes are spacious. Aside from the design, I think Baan Sansiri Pattanakarn is a community, which is very important.
In your opinion, what are the most impressive aspects of this development?
The fact there are only 36 units built on 37 rai of land – that is a very generous size for a community. The environment feels very safe. It’s a community that you can raise a family, where your kids can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about anything.
With world-class projects like this, Sansiri is setting new benchmarks for the luxury real estate sector in Thailand, wouldn’t you say?
The project is definitely setting a very high standard for the Thai real estate market – this is something we need. The project is not only luxurious, but liveable too. Sansiri has put soul into the homes and you feel the warmth as you step in. Thai families usually live together as a big unit, so the layout and the space has been thought through very cleverly.
What is your take on the very classic and elegant Regency theme?
The Regency style will never go out of date, that’s for sure. The homes are elegant, look luxurious, yet are also very classic. I think they have done very well in keeping with the design and colour scheme of the era as well as the overall landscape, which is appealing to the eye. Inside, the units are spacious with high ceiling; making it grand, yet homely.