Modern Asian Living. Wongvipa Devahastin Na Ayudhya

boxy cream upholstered armchair is adjacent a checked leather side table.

      In the dining area an Italian dining table and chairs sit below an elaborate wrought-iron chandelier. The windows are clothed in sheer white drapes; on left, an elegant plant stand from the owners' company Leather Paragon, fashioned from the wood of the rubber tree with a wrapping of leather, complements tall red amaryllis blooms perfectly. The wooden salad bowl in center of the table is a local buy.

      Floor-to-ceiling paneled and tinted windows run the length of the generously proportioned living room. Furnished simply in tones of beige and brown, the custom-crafted corner sofa with bolsters encourages relaxed lounging. A rectangular box in tan leather in the foreground is sized for magazine storage, while two different styles of pouf and a cylindrical, layered lamp (all from Leat her Paragon) are featured. Reed mace secured with a leather band makes for a minimalist arrangement in a mock croc leather vase, also from Leat her Paragon.

      Beneath a wall with inset display niches sits a console with three drawers designed to look like a traditional Chinese console. It is from Leather Paragon's most recent collection and was shown at the B. I. G. Fair in April 2004 for the first time. It is made from rubber wood and the cow leather used has a small crocodile imprint in dark brown.

      A two-toned console from rubber wood and topped with lizard-imp cow leather is placed in master bedroom across the courtyard. Beneath wooden trunk with al lid, while on top are two identical vases housig amaryllis lilies.

      Detailed workmanship different leather toned checks on a side table. Three-drawer console wine or champagne featuring a stainless steel inner and a leather outer with handles. Close-up detailing of the dining metallic chandelier. of a ring-leg nest of tables where frames are in wood and the tops are from woven rattan leather (it comes in three colors); above is a ceramic pot Chiang Mai. Leather on wood. Reed mace secured with a leather in a mock croc leather All items from Leather Paragon.

      COOL BLUE

      The marine-inspired palette of this Pattaya apartment came about more by accident than design - but makes for a fitting decor scheme as it overlooks the marina. Furthermore, it is owned by a couple who love the sea, own a luxurious yacht, and like to sail whenever possible. Apt then, that blue is the dominant color.

      That, along with the liberal use of organics and unusual Eastern art, makes this a unique space. The French Oriental Art dealer owner, Jean-Michel Beurdeley, and his Thai wife Patsy divide their time between Paris and Bangkok - and use the condo on weekends when they want to go sailing. The Beurdeley's love of art and the sea is evident at every turn.

      The first thing one sees on entering the apartment is a custom-designed screen made from woven rattan slotted into a nearly square, dark wood frame. Hand-crafted by Udom Udomsrianan, it prevents people outside from looking in when the entrance door is open, and also has good feng shui. "We were attracted by the simplicity of the natural material and the modernity of rattan and water hyacinth furniture from Udom," explains Jean-Michel, "His pieces look like modern sculptures."