Celeb@Home: Gary Wong

Since stepping into the spotlight, how do you think it has changed your life?
I wouldn’t say that fame was a major change in my life, but the singing and acting side was something that I was interested in since young. Those years in the spotlight were definitely a highlight in my life. From the people you meet, the places you go and the connections you make – it was certainly an interesting stage in my life.

And now that you’ve backed away from the limelight, do you miss it?
All of that wasn’t a career for me. It was rather a passion and interest, and a great experience in the end. I’m the type of person that wants to look back on life knowing I have no regrets. I don’t want to be the one that questions “what if?” in the future.

So tell us a little about what you’re doing now?
Well now I have gone into the family business. My dad, who recently retired from his business, started a stainless steel factory, so now I have taken the ropes and am the Managing Director of SB Kitchen Equipment.

Stunning art pieces by Janiz Chan are ornately positioned around the space adding colour and an oriental twist to the modern European interior.

The custom-made 9-foot long dining table by Art Of Tree is beautifully accessorised with More Design chairs.

You’re clearly no stranger to success – What do you think is key to success?
I’m still far away from being called successful. But if you asked me, I would say working hard is the only thing to success. This business that I am currently running was set-up by my dad and he wasn’t a very educated person, yet he built this incredible business because of pure hard work. For as long as I can remember, I always just remember him putting in so much work, effort and passion. For someone who isn’t educated, but has managed to build a factory and open many branches around Malaysia – he is definitely my role model and it just proves that hard work is the key to success.

And we are in total agreement! So, do you want to talk about your brand new pad?
This is my new home. It’s a 3-bedroom condo and has a little of everything. I personally don’t know how I would describe the style of this but I did want to aim for something contemporary with classic influences and touches, so that’s why it’s minimal and based around earthy tones. Although it looks simple, it took a lot of hard work and time to get it look like what it looks like today.

How hands-on were you with this project?
All of the ideas and concepts actually came from myself. Of course I got interiors designers, Genesiz Gendesign and various contractors to help me realise my ideas and concepts.

Well it’s a beautiful space!
Thanks. I actually installed lots of mirrors into the space to make it look bigger and give the impression of higher ceilings, especially around the dining area – it gives it a much grander touch. Also, all around this place you will find linen, like the sofa and the dining chairs – I love linen. It’s a very delicate material, but it’s my favourite. Around the space you can see a lot of accessories, art, plants and flowers too – I feel like they bring life to a house and turn a room from drab to fab.

Do you have a favorite spot in your home?
I would say the dining area, specifically the dining table. I spend a lot of time with my family – we do a weekly Sunday dinner, so this 9-foot solid wood dining table from Art Of Tree with bespoke dining chairs from More Design is the perfect spot. I also spend a lot of time with friends, so this area is my go-to place for entertainment and good times.

How has your fashion style influenced this interior?
I would say that my fashion style has evolved over the years. These days my style tends to be minimal and basic, which I have tried to incorporate into the interior design. When I look back on some of the things I used to wear, like bright, branded, colourful things, I cringe. Simplicity is definitely key these days, and that is what I wanted to achieve for my home too – simplicity. At the end of the day, the space had to be comfortable and relaxing, much like how you should dress yourself – in clothes you feel comfortable in.

What’s your best piece of advice to share with those who are planning on renovating their home?
I would say invest your money for the long run. Be brave enough to be yourself and trawl the trends for what you love, not what’s fashionable. That way you’ll still love your home next year, and the year after, and the year after that too. Don’t worry about what others will think, design what reflects you and surround yourself with things that make you happy.

So how do you feel about interior trends?
I think it’s the same as fashion trends. You shouldn’t follow them blindly. You should pick what suits you the best and it’s the same with interior design – pick something which represents you rather than choosing something just because it’s ‘in’ and it’s the ‘style’.

Okay, and finally…can we expect to see you back in the spotlight again?
You never know! But right now I’m just going to focus on the family business and just be here for my family and friends.

The post Celeb@Home: Gary Wong appeared first on Malaysia Interior Design, Home-living Magazine.