Ensuring That Everything Within Its Bounds Belongs”
In a world that never seems to stop buzzing, Ken and Hui Zhi have managed to create their own core of contentment. Their home isn't just a place to live, it's their personal retreat from the chaos outside. The power couple, both esteemed practitioners and teachers of yoga with a following that spans the globe, have woven their philosophies and beliefs into the very fabric of their home.
Lovingly created and curated, home is a journey, a philosophy, and a daily practice. Within its walls, every object has a purpose, every space tells a story, echoing the couple's journey towards a life lived intentionally. In this haven, the concept of home transcends the mundane, evolving into a sanctuary of serenity where the soul is nurtured, and the spirit is kindled.
Their home speaks in the quiet tones of Japanese-centric minimalism, a testament to their travels and a tribute to the art of creating space, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It is a dialogue between light and shadow, form and function, the individual and the collective spirit of family. In essence, it's a home that practices the Pranayama of space, breathing life into every nook, inviting light to fill the expanses, and allowing the energy to flow freely, unobstructed.
In Ken and Hui Zhi's home, the dining area holds a special charm, distinguished by a long, inviting bench that replaces traditional chairs. This choice is no mere design whim but a deliberate move to cultivate intimacy and warmth at their table. The bench, with its uninterrupted line and lack of barriers, invites family and friends to slide closer, physically and metaphorically reducing the space between them. Here, meals become more than just shared plates; they transform into shared moments, where conversations linger and bonds strengthen. It's a thoughtful embodiment of their belief in the power of togetherness, mirrored in every meal gathered around this simple yet profound piece of furniture.
From the thoughtful use of a neutral colour palette and to the strategic choice and placement of furniture that encourages posture, interaction, and adaptability, every element is a nod to a life lived with purpose. The home evolves as a fluid space, adapting to the needs of Ken, Hui Zhi, and their son, reflecting a commitment to not just inhabit a space, but to imbue it with life. The pandemic, having reshaped the notion of home as a multifunctional space, finds its echo in the flexibility and thoughtfulness of their home's flowing spaces and design choices.
Their home boasts areas dedicated to the couple's passions and practices. Ken's favourite spot, the yoga class corner, is a testament to the harmony of movement and stillness. It is a sacred alcove where body and soul are stretched to unimaginable limits, in the pursuit of balance. It is a testament to the power of immense possibilities between the physical and spiritual well-being. Hui Zhi's realm of tranquility, the study bathed in an abundance of natural light, serves as a muse for her creativity, where the simplicity of design meets the complexity of thought.
In the cultivation of their home, Ken and Hui Zhi have embarked on a journey of Vinyasa, where the placement of each item, the design of each space, is fluid yet intentional, each movement and choice flowing into the next, creating a seamless tapestry of life and living. Their home is a physical manifestation of Sthira and Sukha — steadiness and ease — offering stability in its structures and joy in its open, light-filled spaces.
In their world, every element, from the layout of the living spaces to the organisation of the fridge, speaks to a philosophy of intentional living. They approach their home as a sacred space, ensuring that everything within its bounds 'belongs'—not just in its physical place but in its alignment with the home's electro-magnetic force. Items that disrupt this harmony are not held onto but gently released, creating an environment where energy flows unimpeded.
The organised minimalism in their home mirrors the clarity and focus of a meditative mind. The discipline of their yoga practice is reflected in the meticulous order of their living space. Everything, from the arrangement of furniture to the contents of their fridge, is curated with an eye toward simplicity, utility, and beauty. This extends to their approach to consumption; each acquisition is deliberate, chosen not only for its aesthetic or function but for its ability to integrate seamlessly into the existing harmony of their home.
To Ken and Hui Zhi, objects are not mere possessions but silent guardians of memories and philosophies. Ken's cherished Mizuya Tansu-inspired console table stands as a symbol of functionality interwoven with beauty, a nod to traditions that celebrate the artisan's touch. Hui Zhi's treasured items, a glass door kitchen cabinet and collection of Maneki Neko figurines, symbolizing prosperity and goodwill, adorn their home. Each piece, with its own aura, is a chapter in their ongoing story, a blend of aesthetic pleasure and meaningful depth.
Even in details as minute as their choice of cutlery, their philosophy of intentional living is evident. Each item is chosen with foresight, ensuring that replacements can be easily found, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and ease. This meticulous attention to detail ensures a continuity and cohesion that enhances the sense of peace and order that defines their home.
Beyond the tangible, it is the lifestyle of Ken and Hui Zhi that truly embodies the essence of their home. They live by the ethos of clean living, this principle permeates every aspect of their existence. Their diet and timely eating habits, like their space, is carefully planned, to embrace the purity and nourishment of whole foods. The simplicity and cleanliness of their lifestyle are manifest in the energy that pervades their living spaces.
Amid the demands of their work and the world outside, Ken and Hui Zhi carve out sanctuaries of time and space for themselves, guarding their moments of solitude and reflection with vigilance. Their home, with its tranquil corners and serene spaces, serves as the ideal setting for this rejuvenation. It is within these walls that they retreat to recharge, to breathe deeply, and to cultivate the inner peace that fuels their mindful approach to life.
In the pulsating heart of Kuala Lumpur, where skyscrapers reach for the clouds and the streets thrum with excess, Ken and Hui Zhi's sanctuary stands as a testament to the belief that our spaces can be a reflection of our deepest values, a place where the spirit of mindfulness breathes life into every corner, every choice, every moment spent within its embrace.
Their journey is a vivid reminder that in the fast-paced rhythm of contemporary life, there exists the possibility of creating homes that are not just places to live but sanctuaries that mirror the essence of who we are and aspire to be. Ken and Hui Zhi have woven a story not only of a life lived with intention but of practising a mindful lifestyle that profoundly influences the harmony of their beliefs. Their narrative beautifully illustrates the power of mindfulness and intention in shaping our living environments and, by extension, our lives.
Arthouse by Hogen ~ 002 . Word by Theresa Suthen . Photography by Hui Zhi