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Solohome at X-tra
Based in Jakara, Indonesia, Solohome is a boutique-furniture company that produces exclusive precious wood furniture, which emphasises unique design and special attention to detail. Solohome furniture has a signature of generous proportions, an unmistakable feel of grandeur and luxury, but at the same time, they are not the least bit intimidating due the choice of a warm material - wood. And only premium Indonesian wood.
Solohome engages in a philosophy that aims to create timeless designs that reflect the lifestyles of the affluent as well as to the distinctive traditions of the different cultures of Asia. Solohome's designs also parallel the advancements in utilitym technology and intercultural influences.
The designs are powered by a twenty-year old partnership between Jaya Ibrahim and John Saunders. Although coming from different cultural backgrounds, the two share the same artistic vision and work as a team to create their own unique range of East-meets-West furniture.
Jaya was born and brought up in Java, Indonesia, and studied and lived in England for twenty years before returning to his homeland. It was this acquired European perspective merged with his return to his Javanese rotts that gave rise to his unique blend of furniture. The style of the furniture was meant to be visual dialogue between the past and the present. It was never the intention to discard the past to create a rootless present.
John, on the other had, is British. Trained as a graphic designer, he has worked on various film and stage projects in London before discovering his passion in furniture and interior design. With a love for Asia, John joined Jaya in his Solohome venture.
Jaya and John collaborate on most of the pieces in their collection, with a selective few that they design as individuals. If you have met the both of them, it is not difficult to tell that both are quite the opposite of each other in terms of character, and this perhaps explains the successful partnership, as one complements what the other lacks. Jaya comes across as one who is vocal and expressive, while John looks the strong silent type. While each is on extreme ends, both are respectful of each other's ideas and full of praises for one another.
As Jaya said of John, "John is a perfectionist. He will not give up until he is fully satisfied with what he sees. As for me, I tend to stop at some point, as I believe that one can never be completely satisfied with a design. There's always the next time to be better. And John, being British, is sometimes more sensitive than I am when it comes to the Javanese culture. After all, I grew up here, and some things I just simply take for granted but John is able to appreciate more than me."
And John said of Jaya, "Jaya is very good in concepts. Usually he comes out with the overall concept and we will both sort out the details together."
Apart from furniture design, Jaya and John have also made a name for themselves in the design of hotels and resorts, usually undertaking both the furniture and interior design of these hospitality establishments. To date, they boast of an impressive list of interior design projects for hotels and resorts worldwide, and several private houses and public buildings in Indonesia. Some of their projects include Amandari in Bali and Amanjiwo in Central Java, Indonesia, The Four Season's Jimbaran and The Oberoi in Bali, Indonesia and The Leela Palace, in Udaipur, India, The Hacienda Uayamon and Torre Polanco in Mexico, The Setai in Miami, USA, T8 Club and Restaurant in Shanghai, China - and these, are just the tip of the iceberg.
When asked if they would ever consider using other materials such as steel and glass for their furniture, the two men said, "That is exactly what we are rebelling against."
Article by Kelley Cheng
Courtesy of ish magazine