Kunyarat Pladisai poses under one of the arched nooks in her home
Boasting a wonderful view of the city’s skyline, Kunyarat Pladisai’s residence at the Marque Sukhumvit on Sukhumvit Soi 39 opens with a tribute to the pale blue 4pm sky above, as she welcomes us from a private elevator to the identically blue-shaded and marbled vestibule of her new home with an elegant gesture that befits the accomplished ballroom dancer she is.
While our photographer roams to scope out shots, Kunyarat launches into the animated story of how she and husband Chatchai came by the property. “The previous owner had plans for a full renovation and so had removed all the furnishings and fittings, even the flooring and the doors. The whole 195-square-metre space was completely barren. But before anything could be done to the interior, they put it up for sale. We saw it and thought wow, a clean slate to work with.”
Kunyarat quickly realised that the task of decorating and furnishing the unit from scratch was going to be a monumental task, but she was determined to enjoy the process. “Chatchai gave me full control over the design choices—sensible man,” she laughs. “From the walls and the doors to paint, wallpaper, flooring, carpets, tiling, furniture and soft finishings…you name it, I hand-picked it.”
The living room is the family’s favourite hangout and offers a great view of the city pitched against the sky
to mind—more specifically European capital chic. A statue of an iron hound beside the main doors, which are azure blue and sport golden numerals and a lion head adornment, reinforces the feeling. “We got it in London while we were visiting our son who is at school in the UK,” Kunyarat explains, referencing 16-year-old Justin, who is currently studying at King Edward’s School in Witley. “We specifically requested this shade and sheen of gold and carried it back ourselves in our luggage,” she laughs.
Moving in from the foyer, visitors immediately encounter an eclectic collection of trinkets on a blue side table with a lavish marble top. Above it, masquerade masks hang on the pale blue wall, which are streaked with white to resemble ephemeral clouds. “I chose the colours to match the views on a late sunny afternoon,” Kunyarat explains. “At the right time of day the walls and the view almost merge into one.”
An iron hound and gilded chair wait to welcome guests
The family had purchased the Marque Sukhumvit unit before they moved into their Vittorio condominium home in 2018. “The plan was to live at Vittorio while this unit was refitted and then move in here, but I confess it took longer than anticipated. There was a lot of waiting involved. I wanted to get specific furnishings and materials in certain designs and that takes time. And I wanted to get it right and not have to make frequent changes,” the lady of the house says, which is why what followed was a meticulous two-year journey of interior work.
Located on the 42nd floor, as soon as the private elevator opens to the marbled anteroom, which contains just a gilded chair and mirror, the phrase capital chic comes
The foyer opens out to a spacious living room with large glass doors giving access to a balcony with a jacuzzi. To the right, a small guest bathroom immediately catches one’s attention: it sports birds accompanied by the sound of chirping. The wallpaper is themed after the tropics and has papier-mâché parrots to give a sense of origin to the cacophony of bird caws and chirps. The blue wall theme continues into the living room. The walls, bordered with gold, give a hint of Parisian opulence, as do moulded columns on the walls. A gold-framed glass chandelier hangs above adding to the sophisticated feel. In combination, the room exudes an atmosphere of solidarity harkening back to the classical age. “Choosing the right furniture to match the style and colour of the walls was a difficult task.” Kunyarat concedes.
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Masquerade masks hang above a collection of trinkets and family photos 
The decor of Kunyarat’s home often takes inspiration from nature 
The dining table with its red and navy chairs offers a fantastic view 
The outdoor jacuzzi offers great views while soaking 
A Fendi Casa Cameo bed takes pride of place in the master bedroom
Between two golden shelves filled with books, pictures of her family and her ballroom dancing awards, a grey Fendi Casa sofa with silk Hermes throw cushions act as a centrepiece to the living room. “It is a favourite spot for the whole family,” Kunyarat laughs. “One piece of furniture I simply had to have though is this egg chair,” she says as she sits on a 60th anniversary limited edition egg chair by Arne Jacobsen. A gorgeous Bonheur coffee table with an antique golden sheaf-shaped base sits between the television and the family’s favourite hangout. Next to the living room is the unit’s kitchenette and wet bar overlooking a glass dining table and beyond that is the splendid balcony.
Kunyarat admits that with her son studying abroad and her husband often away on business she has plenty of free time to herself. “Most mornings, I sit here at the bar and have coffee and then I tidy up and then get on with whatever project I’m working on. Originally a three bedroom unit, the self-confessed fashionista converted the third bedroom into a walk-in closet. The bedroom that connects to the living room functions as a guest room and as Justin’s room when he’s home from school. It has its own ensuite bathroom adorned with a Gucci designer rug and toilet seat cover.
All is neatly organised in Kunyarat’s walk-in-closet 
The master bedroom’s bathroom is decorated with all things Chanel 
The guest room is featured among neutral grey colors 
The guest bathroom features papier-mache birds and the sound of their chirping
At the opposite end of the dining area is the master bedroom. Pure white walls greet the eye and contrast well with the wooden flooring. Immediately to the right is the walk-in closet. Kunyarat slides open the doors and warm yellow light spills out to reveal a meticulously neat array of apparel ranging from designer shirts, skirts and dresses to collectibles and accessories. A grand make-up table fitted with customised lighting is tucked away in the corner. The fashionista admits that this is also where she spends a lot of her time. “Part of my routine is coming in here to organise my wardrobe. Each area of the closet is sectioned out for a particular type of clothing. I organise everything in here to resemble the fashion zones in a department store,” she laughs. The image is complete with brand-name boxes arranged on the shelves above.
The master bedroom was designed with the grandeur of a belle epoch hotel room in mind. The first view of it is an arched nook featuring the interlocking circles of Hermes’ Fil d’Argent wallpaper. A papier-mâché swan from Liberty in London completes the look. Floor to ceiling windows flood the room with natural light and offer those fabulous city views. A small workstation is set opposite a grand Fendi Casa Cameo double bed. “It was kept in the warehouse for a year,” Kunyarat laughs. “At the time we were still working out the renovations to the room. They were worried that I didn’t want it anymore.” The marbled ensuite bathroom features an inviting bathtub and all things Chanel, from rugs to towels. An antiquated sink with a golden faucet and handles provides a satisfying retro contrast.
After two years of work Kunyarat says the apartment’s interior is largely complete. Elegant and yet homely with memories from the family’s frequent travels on view, it is a space that she can really call her own. And for her next improvement project? “The balcony—I think it’s time to start a small garden.”
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