by Emily Dobby
How is an aesthetic shaped?
The visual philosophy of Monarch Furnishings is very much driven by a feeling.
That feeling is the experience of a Balinese resort-meets-working West Coast home with a splash of atelier Brancusi. Think lush plants, dappled sunlight, natural materials, contemporary but timeless shapes and local art to complement the furniture. Clients visiting Monarch are made to feel relaxed and inspired; quite possibly like they are on vacation.
All furniture imported by Monarch is a blend of Western Australian design and Indonesian craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade by skilled artisans from sustainably grown timbers and can be showcased on their own as a sculptural work.
“Perth is far from everywhere else in the world but close to Bali, so it’s one of the most popular vacation destinations for Western Australians. Tony (the owner) grew up in Perth and we have very special memories of family vacations that we took during our years there,” says co-owner, Karen Martin
The Bali resort aesthetic that comes through in the design of the furniture is a direct response to this close relationship between the two places.
The owners of Monarch are also very inspired by the concept of the entire space being an artwork, a la Brancusi.
Brancusi believed that art was not only in the sculptures themselves, but that their spatial relationship was integral to the art as well. He would move the pieces around until he felt that the objects had reached their ideal place.
Designers who work with this Balinese-meets- Brancusi aesthetic include Spaciz, Michelle Matte Interiors and Nygaard Interiors.
Tony and Karen advise clients to build their aesthetic around key treasured pieces. The more you love a piece, the easier it will be to shape the aesthetic of the remaining space.
