Pang Ascha takes Koktail on a tour of her polished and photo-ready home

[This story first appeared in Koktail Magazine Issue 4.]

All photos by Manit Dejsupha.

What do Fifth Season and QQ Dessert have in common? The trendy clothing store and the Taiwanese dessert chain are both owned by Ascha “Pang” Charoenrasameekiat, the stylish entrepreneur whose home we visit for this issue.

Only a six-minute commute from her two Thonglor-based businesses, Pang’s dream house, a visually-striking, three-storied, white-washed residence with creeping figs, is tucked away in a tranquil soi away from the urban chaos. A nod to her former apartment life, a single framed door thrusts open to a charming arched entryway where white floor-to-ceiling cabinets flank geometric tiled floors. And what are these many cabinets storing, you ask? Over 100 pairs of Pang’s shoes that will give Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money. One of the cabinets is generously allocated to her younger brother, the other tenant in the house.

The living room, kitchen, and dining area can be found together at the heart of the house with no dividers in between. This singular common area is surrounded by relaxing neutral-toned walls that stretch the height of two floors. Pang attests to many cosy nights of catch-up sessions in this central space and a personal hosting record of 15 guests. “I got lucky,” says the homeowner. “This isn’t a really spacious area but, because of the high ceiling and giant window panes, it looks so much more open.”

The living space

Taking it all in, I soon realise that the curved lines from earlier will be a theme throughout the house. “I think there is something so intriguing about them,” she enthuses about her arches, though admittingthat she had to hold back on her original vision for them.

Listening to her father’s wise advice for balancing style with functionality, Pang’s research on archways led to the realisation that it wasn’t “the more the merrier” and at worst, could pose safety hazards. To make up for the arches that will never be, she has instead planted playful elements, such as kooky-shaped chairs, handpicked knobs, and interesting light fixtures to add more personality to the decor.

On the second floor, Pang’s bedroom is a well-curated Pinterest page come to life. As a content creator for her brands, she decided to double up and design her home with Instagram scene-setting in mind. The well-lit room demands special attention towards an arched reading nook and a sundial night lamp. For an alternate photogenic corner, a plush emerald velvet sofa and sleek full-body mirror are ready for that #ootd shot. 

At the summit of Pang’s prized furnishing is a sage green dresser with delicious cream-and-caramel-coloured drawers, reminiscent of a melted chocolate bar. After searching high and low for a bold piece to slide under her TV, the dresser by Art Resources won her over at first sight. Pang points out that the piece’s marble-like effects are the result of authentic dyed goat leather, which means that no two pieces will be identical.

The master bedroom with Pang’s prized Art Resources dresser and cosy reading nook

The home of a fashion boutique owner would not be complete without an impressive walk-in closet, and Pang’s wardrobe does not let us down. Unveiled from the bedroom via a dramatic tug on a curtain, the rich dark blue with muted pink accents sets itself apart from all the other rooms. A jewellery island takes centre stage in the closet, displaying the fashionista’s charming everyday bling under the glint of a chandelier. 

“Having a beautiful space that supports my work is one of the joys in my life.”

Striking a balance between work and play, Pang has incorporated a balcony garden that can be entered via her office and bedroom. This self-grown plot of green was the homeowner’s escape during the Covid lockdown. Mediterranean house plants and more geometric tiles contribute to the patio’s European aesthetic. In addition to the little Eden, Pang is an avid flower arranger, sprinkling the Japanese art of ikebana throughout the house to soften the spaces. 

If we’ve learned anything about Pang’s home after finishing the tour, it’s that the house has been meticulously planned to serve both form and function in the homeowner’s day-to-day life. There is a certain satisfaction with having a home so picture-perfect for a purpose. Pang puts it like this: “The moment I open my eyes in the morning and see the sun rays peek through the window, I can immediately grab a product and take some photos. Having a beautiful space that supports my work is one of the joys in my life.”