As far back as he can remember, Yung Ong visited his father’s office and furniture showroom on the weekends. “You could say I was brought up in the industry,” he quips. Growing up in a family business that specialises in office systems furniture, Ong became inspired by the possibilities of interior design.
From an early age, he recalls spending his playtime crawling under desks and tables with He-Man and Transformer figurines. He would create forts and alien landscapes with all the furniture in the showroom. As a result, he learned how things are engineered and constructed, and began appreciating the beauty of shapes and forms.
In his family’s furniture business, Ong quickly discovered his love for the field, leading him to become the executive director of the luxury furniture retailer, Proof Living. Prelude Living is his latest foray, a brand founded on his vision to redefine luxury furniture.
Blending modern and traditional elements in a way that creates timeless and elegant spaces, it reflects his innovative spirit. In this interview, we learn about Ong’s new venture, the furniture brands he loves, and the style of his own abode.
What is Prelude Living’s design philosophy?
Prelude Living was founded on the principle of effortless luxury. Our goal is to blur the lines between modern and traditional design, creating a lifestyle designed to last a lifetime. The foundation of our ethos is timeless pieces that enhance everyday living while providing unparalleled comfort and style. We serve two main categories of consumers. Specifically, those looking for an eclectic style with a slant towards the maximalist, along with a modern classic look that focuses on modular furniture’s utilitarian nature.
What factors do you consider when bringing a new furniture brand to Singapore?
While I sometimes get caught up in my desire to help the homes here become more stylish and beautiful, I also focus on what local customers want. The quality of the product, the reputation of the brand, and the way it aligns with the demands of our market are all factors I consider when choosing a new furniture brand. Besides offering unique value propositions, we want brands that complement our existing portfolio.
Which are some of your favourite brands at Prelude Living, and why?
Eichholtz from The Netherlands is ideal for people who want to decorate their home maximalistically. USM Haller is another favourite because its modular systems are both visually striking and extremely versatile. USM’s commitment to Swiss quality, sustainability, and innovative design aligns perfectly with our values at Prelude Living. Its pieces are exceptional because they can seamlessly integrate into home and office environments.
In your portfolio of furniture retail brands, what makes Prelude Living unique?
It is our introduction to living in luxury. You don’t have to compromise whether you want to live in a maximalist environment or minimally at a price point that’s more affordable than the upper tier of the most recognisable luxury labels. As a company, we take pride in providing personalised service. Our showroom is designed to inspire and engage, emphasising the creation of spaces that reflect individual styles and needs.
In your home, what is your design philosophy and what is your favourite piece of furniture?
There isn’t one style that I gravitate towards. It’s probably a occupational hazard for me to appreciate many styles, since I see so many beautiful interiors and furniture every day.
In my home, I decided to commit to what I’d term as a modern Italian resort aesthetic. It’s based on the art and colours of Paola Lenti, one of my favourite brands at Proof Living. I feel calm yet inspired when I look at her colours and textures that are unique and patented. Her shapes and materials always give me a sense of comfort and purity when I arrive home at the end of each day.
I love flopping onto the Paola Lenti Sabi Sectional and being surrounded by the space, softness, and colour of it. It makes me feel better about my day. My home is a place of comfort, functionality, and timeless elegance. I invest in quality pieces that bring joy and last, like the custom-designed USM in my study that I love. With its versatility, I can adapt it as my needs change.
