Do your rooms spark joy? Does your wall colour make you feel happy? In today’s uncertain world, our everyday spaces are increasingly becoming havens of positivity and renewal. It’s no surprise that bold, vibrant furniture or ‘feel-good’ designs are popping up everywhere.
“People want to be happy, and design can help uplift our spaces and well-being,” observes Jennifer Barre, Roche Bobois’ International Franchise Director. Here’s where Roche Bobois takes the lead in this emerging trend by blending playful elegance with impeccable craftsmanship in their portfolio of high-end furniture. Their designs, characterised by vibrant hues, daring forms, and bespoke details, elevate aesthetics and imbue spaces with a profound sense of joy and emotional well-being.
Inspired Designs
With the brand’s debut in Malaysia, design fans can now experience Roche Bobois’ iconic pieces, like the Mah Jong and Bubble sofas, alongside the latest launches, such as the Bombom collection by Joana Vasconcelos at Forest Furniture’s Bangsar showroom. The 408 m² showroom features large bay windows, sleek wooden claustras, vegetal walls and a generous ceiling height to display the brand’s innovative premium-quality furniture pieces in an exclusive, architectural setting reinvented by the Roche Bobois Design Office in Paris.
“We are excited to bring Roche Bobois to Malaysia and offer our customers a curated selection of our most iconic and latest collections,” says Logan Lim, Managing Director of Roche Bobois Malaysia.
Mah Jong
The timeless Mah Jong sofa collection, designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971, is renowned for its revolutionary modular design, allowing endless configurations from just three basic elements. Each cushion is meticulously handmade in dedicated workshops, dressed in exclusive fabrics designed by different designers to highlight its versatility and creative flair.
The latest edition displayed in the showroom features Kenzo Takada’s culturally inspired design. To ‘dress’ the Mah Jong modular sofa, Takada took inspiration from ancient kimonos used in the Noh Theatre, re-interpreting their patterns and colours to create refined and sophisticated harmonies symbolising the three times of the day: Morning (Asa), Midday (Hiru), and Evening (Yoru).
Another top favourite is the Bubble sofa by Sacha Lakic, which features organic shapes, handcrafted details and unique materials, exuding plush comfort.
Bubble
Reaching Our Shores
Roche Bobois’ journey into the Malaysian market began several years ago when they were expanding into Asia. Malaysia emerged as a promising destination, blending the allure of luxury with a vibrant market ripe for sophisticated interior design.
“Malaysia, with its dynamic economy and appreciation for luxury interiors, became a natural fit alongside other key Asian hubs. Nevertheless, it was important for us to find the right partner,” Jennifer says.
The pivotal moment came during a chance encounter between Roche Bobois and Forest Furniture’s Managing Director, Logan Lim, at the Salone del Mobile in Milan.
“Two years ago, I met Mr. Lim, whose passion for luxury interior design and appreciation for Roche Bobois instantly clicked with our vision. He really understood the brand and its core values. He’s also very committed and pays a lot of attention to details, always striving to offer the best level of service. So, for us, he’s the dream partner for Roche Bobois,” Jennifer shares.
From left to right: Cleo GUITTON, Area Manager International (Roche Bobois); Jennifer BARRE, International Franchise Director (Roche Bobois); Logan Lim, Managing Director (Forest Furniture)
Unique Offerings
As a newcomer in the luxury furniture market in Malaysia, Roche Bobois brings a refreshing twist to our dynamic design scene. Renowned worldwide for its playful sophistication and meticulous attention to detail, Roche Bobois introduces vibrant colour palettes and innovative modular concepts that stand out amidst established brands.
“What sets Roche Bobois apart in Malaysia,” Jennifer explains, “is not just our bold designs and vibrant colours, but our commitment to customisation. For instance, a client may see a certain piece and fall in love with it – but is unsure whether the colour works. The good news is they can choose among so many different fabric options that they can make the piece their own. They can transform it into what will feel right for them. Moreover, the team at Forest Furniture are experts at Roche Bobois products, and they will be happy to guide either the clients or assist the designers in guiding their clients in selecting the right pieces.”
From left to right: Astrolab 2.0, Bombom Outdoor, Aqua
Design Excellence
Roche Bobois’ close relationship with renowned designers has also been instrumental in the brand’s evolution. Collaborations with globally recognised artists and designers such as Marcel Wanders, Kenzo Takada, Ora Ito, and more recently Jiang Qiong Er, and leading couture houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Missoni Home have allowed it to successfully establish itself as a global brand which prides itself on offering clients a personalised approach to creation and design.
“Each designer brings a unique perspective,” Jennifer notes, “yet they all contribute to our core values of innovation and craftsmanship. These collaborations allow us to push boundaries while staying true to our heritage. Plus, we make our network of factories and manufacturing know-how available to designers. Sometimes, designers come to us with challenging ideas or challenging projects they never thought could be done, but we manage to find the right workshop to bring them to life!”
Montgolfiere
Trending Elements
Looking forward to 2025, Jennifer anticipates a shift towards softer, more organic designs. “I’ve noticed other brands that were initially more conservative are now becoming adventurous with soft tones like soft pinks, terracottas, and similar hues, adding warmth to spaces,” she says.
Cleo Guitton, Area Manager International of Roche Bobois, adds: “Rounded and organic shapes are also becoming a key element, with nature as inspiration. Our collection features natural materials like marble and wood, beautifully combined for an organic feel. You can also contrast these materials with soft colours. For example, with Mah Jong, you can pair it with soft and natural tones,” she shares.
Bom Bom Outdoor
Jennifer also highlights their latest sofa collection, Bamboo Mood, by Franco-Chinese artist and designer Jiang Qiong Er: “This collection, unveiled at Salone del Mobile, beautifully unites tradition with contemporary aesthetics. ” Bamboo Mood aims to evoke the rich symbolism of bamboo within Chinese culture, serving as a profound metaphor for integrity, resilience, simplicity, and harmony.
Bamboo Mood at Roche Bobois, Milan
As Roche Bobois continues to evolve in Malaysia, Jennifer expresses gratitude for the warm reception from Malaysian homeowners and designers alike. “We are thrilled to bring Roche Bobois’s legacy of luxury and creativity to Malaysia. Also, we will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Bubble soon! So stay tuned for more exciting updates,” she concludes.
ROCHE BOBOIS @ FOREST FURNITURE
No.265 & 267, Jalan Maarof Bukit Bandaraya
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: https://www.roche-bobois.com/en-MY/contact
Web: https://www.roche-bobois.com/en-MY/
Article: Lily Wong
Photos: Creative Home team and Rocher Bobois
