“Anti-luxury design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and functionality over opulence and extravagance. It seeks to create spaces that are understated yet meaningful, promoting a sense of well-being and harmony with one's surroundings, while rejecting overt displays of wealth or status.”
THE ASSOCIATION
When JQ Ong founded the company in 2012 , he gave the name “The Association” . The definition of "Association" by Cambridge Dictionary is “a group of people who work together in a single organization for a particular purpose.”
Apart from the designer, we believe it takes a whole "village" which includes vendors and workers to see an idea or design take shape. Every individual performs a vital role in the process of designing and building.
Just as the dictionary defines “association”, we are a group of people who work together for a single purpose and our purpose is to design and transform spaces into a sanctuary and experience for our clients and their end users.
ANTI-LUXURY DESIGN
Anti-luxury design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and functionality over opulence and extravagance. It seeks to create spaces that are understated yet meaningful, promoting a sense of well-being and harmony with one's surroundings, while rejecting overt displays of wealth or status. Characteristics include natural materials, understated aesthetics, and a focus on practicality rather than ornamentation.
Functionality : Practicality and usability take precedence over ornamental features. Furniture and decor serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, with an emphasis on comfort, usability, and versatility.
Celebrating Timelessness: Anti-luxury design eschew trends and instead focus on creating spaces that stand the test of time. This involves selecting enduring materials, minimalistic design elements, and timeless color palettes that won’t go out of style, ensuring that the space remains relevant and appealing for years to come.
Authenticity over Opulence : Instead of prioritizing expensive, status-symbol furniture or decor items, anti-luxury design values authenticity and individuality. Spaces may feature random, unique, handcrafted pieces or items with a personal story behind them, rather than mass-produced luxury goods. Unlike traditional luxury design, which often prioritises flawless perfection, anti-luxury interiors celebrate imperfections and the beauty of authenticity. This can include leaving natural materials in their raw state, showcasing the patina of aged furniture, or incorporating handmade items with unique quirks and irregularities.
Beauty in Simplicity : While anti-luxury interiors may eschew flashy ornamentation, they still prioritize beauty and aesthetics. Rather than showcasing opulent decorations, the emphasis is on essential elements and functional design. This beauty arises from the simplicity of forms, the quality of materials, and the harmony of proportions rather than from overt displays of wealth or extravagance.
Emphasis on Experience : Anti-luxury design focus on creating spaces that promote comfort, relaxation, well-being and meaningful experiences for the occupants. This could involve thoughtful spatial layouts that promote social interaction or areas designed for relaxation and contemplation. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and natural elements contribute to a sense of tranquility and harmony.
Natural and Authentic Materials : Anti-luxury interiors often feature natural materials such as wood, metal, marble, granite and organic fabrics. These materials bring warmth, texture, and a connection to nature. Brick, cement and plywood finishes are also used to bring authenticity into the space.
Sustainability : Environmental consciousness is a core principle of anti-luxury design. This includes using eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and prioritizing energy-efficient solutions. Upcycling and repurposing existing items are also common practices.
Adaptability and Flexibility : Anti-luxury spaces are designed to be adaptable to the needs and preferences of the occupants. Furniture and layout choices may prioritize flexibility, allowing for easy reconfiguration or repurposing of spaces over time.
Overall, anti-luxury design is a holistic approach that goes beyond mere aesthetics to create spaces that are authentic, sustainable, and enriching for the lives of those who inhabit them. It’s about creating environments that prioritize people over possessions and experiences over extravagance, fostering a sense of well-being and connection to both the space and the world around us.