Sonar Ukiyo by Shania Tahir
Conceived within the Sonar Homes collection and guided by the ethos of “Ukiyo” — a cherishing of the present — the interior expresses clarity of intent. Clean lines, natural textures and a neutral palette lay the foundation, while dark timber, vivid patterning and symbolic Batak motifs are layered with care. The effect is contemplative rather than decorative, aligning with wabi-sabi sensibilities and a preference for understatement.
Spatially, the house reads as open and fluid while preserving distinct purpose within each room. A Japanese-style genkan establishes a ceremonial arrival. A corridor, curated with North Sumatran landscapes framed in gorga, extends the narrative with restraint. Moments of cultural expression are both intimate and assured — a karaoke room punctuated by bold Batak paintings and Japanese-patterned frames, and common areas anchored by tactile elements: a three-meter rattan sofa, Ulos-inspired wall covering, and a custom carpet referencing the raked patterns of a karesansui garden. Even the white stones placed outdoors are chosen with attentiveness, contributing to a grounded, timeless atmosphere.
Materially, the home privileges touch and tone over gesture. Woven rattan ceilings, gorga patterning reimagined in muted hues, and Ulos-inspired accents are calibrated to sit comfortably within a serene base palette. Indonesian-made furniture forms the project’s core, augmented by selective international pieces that sustain the narrative without excess. Throughout, the composition balances symbolic meaning with day-to-day utility.
A measured dialogue between heritage and contemporary living, Sonar Ukiyo by Shania Tahir composes Japanese restraint with Batak cultural memory to create a home of calm precision and quiet depth in Menteng, Jakarta.
The living domain brings modern comfort into dialogue with Japanese aesthetic clarity. A custom-crafted dining table anchors gatherings, while plush seating, a sculptural wall installation, and curated books and objects contribute to a composed, contemplative character. Large windows admit generous natural light, softening edges and amplifying the neutrality of the scheme, as warm timber and refined furnishings introduce quiet warmth.
The kitchen continues this language — functional, evenly lit, and visually calm — with a focus on utility expressed through proportion, finish and light. Across the home, the palette is consistent and dignified, allowing crafted details and subtle textures to read at close range.
Private spaces maintain the same poise. Four bedrooms offer a sense of refuge, their atmosphere shaped by gentle neutrality and culturally inflected details. The master suite becomes a measured retreat, where premium bedding and restrained references to both Japanese and Batak traditions create a setting for rest without spectacle.
Sonar Ukiyo neither imitates nor merely juxtaposes its influences. Instead, it integrates them with clarity, allowing heritage to inform contemporary life in ways that feel natural and enduring. Grounded in craft, light, and tactility, the home carries a quiet confidence — a place made for presence, care and lasting calm.
