Simon Chong Explores the Art of Transparent Decor in Design
- siuwunho
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Transparent materials possess a unique ability to imbue a space with visual lightness, artfully balancing the concepts of “lightness” and “heaviness.” Simon Chong masterfully employs glass, acrylic, and matte textures to create furniture and architectural elements that flow seamlessly, showcasing both a refined aesthetic and captivating spatial rhythm
In contemporary spatial design, transparent materials serve as a luminous and multi-layered vocabulary. They transcend the conventional boundaries between solidity and void, allowing light and shadow to dance freely, expanding spatial perception, and fostering a harmonious interplay of rigidity and softness. Simon Chong expertly integrates transparent components to enhance the three-dimensionality of furniture and architectural details, introducing subtle visual layers that invite occupants to fully immerse themselves in the enchanting interplay of light and shadow.
Consider an armchair adorned with transparent armrests, lending the space a sense of freedom and dynamism. Frosted glass lamps cast an elegant ambiance with their gentle glow, while a glass-doored kitchen island showcases the inherent texture of the materials and enriches the open visual experience. Transparent materials, however, are more than mere design elements; they serve as a medium for emotional connection, infusing the environment with a sense of dynamic rhythm. As Simon Chong articulates, “Transparent materials are a metaphor for design. They not only preserve the openness of a space but also facilitate a gentle transition through visual layers. The interplay of light and shadow is the true essence of the space.”
When objects assume transparency, light and shadow become the dominant language of the environment. Simon Chong meticulously interweaves light and materials through design, ensuring that every detail resonates with rhythm. For instance, a transparent coffee table creates captivating layers of light and shadow within a room, allowing the furniture’s structure to harmonize with its surroundings. The transparent design of a candlestick allows candlelight to reflect a delicate warmth within the glass, infusing the space with a serene and tranquil emotion. These thoughtful details not only amplify visual openness but also bestow depth, making the space a source of delightful exploration. The utilization of transparent materials brings not just a sense of visual lightness but also epitomizes subtractive design, where superfluous barriers and decorations are eliminated, thereby enhancing the fluidity of the environment and its emotional resonance, offering individuals a space to breathe within the dense urban landscape.