Over the past decades, adaptive reuse has been utilized as a sustainable alternative for the built environment. It involves repurposing existing buildings for a new use, allowing the past to remain while serving a modern purpose. Here, structures facing potential demolition or no longer serviceable are seen as sources of raw materials for new projects. […]
Curating Timeless Homes: IDr. Wilan Dayrit and the Art of Living Well
With an understated yet pragmatic approach, IDr Wilan Dayrit transforms residences into sanctuaries—spaces that are comfortable, relaxed, and timeless. Two of his recent projects exemplify this philosophy, each tailored to the lifestyle and personality of a discerning homeowner, yet united by Dayrit’s careful curation and the craftsmanship of the furniture pieces and elements he selects for each home.
At the core of Dayrit’s ethos lies a simple belief: interiors must first and foremost be functional. “The more a person lives in a space, the more they should appreciate its details,” he says. He describes his work as curating havens—sanctuaries that are comfortable, relaxed, and timeless. Bedrooms must be “sleepy,” living areas should invite conversation, and every object should serve a purpose. While the aesthetic may vary, the guiding principle remains the same: simple, thoughtful direction that allows life to unfold naturally.
A Formal Yet Inviting Urban Home
This home belongs to a family rooted in the South, yet eager to claim a slice of the city as their own. They wanted a space that could act as a second home—a retreat that offered the familiarity of domesticity while maintaining the refinement of a hotel. Here, formality and warmth coexist: structured lines meet cozy corners, and carefully considered details make every moment feel intimate.
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Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the Maxalto Alcor console, which displays a striking sculpture by Ramon Orlina and sets the tone for a home where art and design coexist seamlessly.
The home embraces an open layout that encourages movement and interaction. The living area features the B&B Italia Atoll sofa paired with Diesis small tables by Antonio Citterio, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. Nearby, an informal dining or play area is defined by the B&B Italia Allure O’ table, with Maxalto Caratos chairs and an Alcor storage unit in the background. This space is perfect for casual meals, family activities, or relaxed socializing with friends.
Adjacent to this, the formal dining area centers on the B&B Italia Tobi-Ishi table, paired with Jens chairs. Refined yet practical, the space reflects the family’s love for shared meals and their tradition of buffet-style dining, combining elegance with everyday ease.
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B&B ITALIA Tobi-Ishi table by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Jens chairs by Antonio Citterio.
“The bedroom is intentionally sleepy,” he says, emphasizing his philosophy. Anchored by the Maxalto Alcova bed and accented with a Fendi throw blanket, the room is designed as a sanctuary where one can completely unwind. “Function comes first. Every piece, every detail, serves a purpose. A bedroom should be restful above all, and here it is—comfortable, calm, and timeless.”
A Cosmopolitan Sanctuary for Everyday Living
Meanwhile, another client sought a home that would accommodate an evolving lifestyle, blending practicality with an air of romance. “This home is very much a reflection of her life—cosmopolitan, confident, and laidback,” says IDr Wilan Dayrit. Approaching a new chapter, his client wanted a residence that would grow with her, accommodating both her routines and her moments of leisure. Every detail was tailored to her needs, blending practicality with a sense of romance. Her curated collection of paintings and furniture pieces tells a story of a life well-lived, with spaces designed for conversation, relaxation, and connection.
For this home, the design journey began with the Boffi kitchen, which became the heart of the residence. Its open-plan layout seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating a space that is practical yet inviting. Two Boffi kitchens—Hide and Xila—express contrasting personalities: Hide introduces warmth with thermo-treated Acacia doors and soft Ecolak Cloud accents, while Xila brings clarity with Lasermat Kos White cabinetry and walnut veneer open compartments. “Hide and Xila speak to each other through materials—natural, modern, and grounded. They are the pulse of the home, where cooking and daily life come together seamlessly,” says Dayrit.
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To balance the architectural precision, Dayrit introduced the B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa, softening the atmosphere with its playful, modular form. A Diesis small table, a Febo armchair, and an Alcor storage unit complete the ensemble, combining elegance with everyday practicality. “This is where she reads, entertains, or simply relaxes,” Dayrit explains. “The room needed to feel intimate yet flexible—inviting life to happen naturally, without forcing it.”
The dining area is designed for calm, effortless gatherings. They chose dining chairs with a café-like feel to foster a relaxed, social setting—reflecting the homeowner’s vision of comfortable, cosmopolitan living.
Function, Personality, and Lasting Value
Though designed simultaneously, the two residences reveal distinct personalities: one reflecting oriental formality, the other romantic cosmopolitanism with New York and French sensibilities.
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Both clients, longtime friends of the designer, gave him full creative freedom. The result is a pair of homes that carry his unmistakable imprint while celebrating the individuality of the women who inhabit them.
In both residences, furniture does more than decorate; it shapes life and atmosphere. The homes are unified by Dayrit’s careful curation and the craftsmanship of B&B Italia, Maxalto, and Boffi, creating spaces that are elegant yet comfortable.
Dayrit encourages homeowners to view luxury furniture as a long-term investment. “Many hesitate to buy luxury home pieces, yet we spend so much on shoes and bags. The return on investment for your home is immediate. After the pandemic, we’ve all come to value our living spaces more than ever,” he explains.
Asked what he is most proud of, the designer resists pointing to a single corner or vignette. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of seeing the home as a total work of art—a gesamtkunstwerk where every detail contributes to the whole. “Every nook and cranny was well thought of. I’ve always believed design should be appreciated in its totality.”
Photos courtesy of Focus Global.
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