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What makes a house a home? The adage says that a home is a social construct; the feeling of comfort and safety, drenched in nostalgia. Others say ‘home is where the heart is’, implying that a home is not in a stationary location but one that changes constantly depending on the people who live there. All these descriptors have one thing in common: familiarity. Of course, the people we love help to make a house feel like a home, but perhaps the most basic thing for this transformation is personalisation. There are many ways to personalise your home, but the easiest (and simultaneously, the hardest) is through furniture. A choice in sofas can explain a hundred things about someone. An IKEA cabinet can expose someone as a college student, a spendthrift budgeter, or just someone who really loves IKEA! An intricately carved teakwood swing with gold filigree in someone’s veranda might be a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Furniture, too, tells a story. Nobody knows this better than Suman Kulpakdeesinghworn, founder of luxury furniture brand: FurYouLiving.
What inspired you to create your own furniture brand?
I have always been fascinated by how furniture can transform a space. The obvious response would be the change in looks, but the feeling it evoked in people was equally interesting. When I looked around the industry, I felt a true lack of pieces that were luxurious and beautiful, yet still practical for everyday use. That’s what inspired me to create FurYouLiving. I wanted to create a brand where the pieces being sold were more than just furniture. My products would convey a certain lifestyle; a statement of elegance and confidence.
Where did the name “FurYouLiving” come from? What was it inspired by?
The name comes from the idea of “Furniture for You”—something personal, timeless, and created with a customer in mind. I wanted a name that felt modern and stylish but also one that carried warmth. “FurYouLiving” reflects my vision of designing furniture that isn’t meant to just fill your home. It should become a part of your story.
How would you say FurYouLiving differs from other furniture brands in the market?
Unlike many brands that focus only on mass trends, FurYouLiving emphasises luxury craftsmanship with a personal touch. Some of our work is drawn first and then discussed with the factory for suggestions on what is feasible and what can be improved. Then, I return to the drawing table to finalise designs after making appropriate changes. Our signature use of gold and rose gold accents makes our collections stand out. We offer customers pieces that feel exclusive and timeless. Sometimes ideas are just conjured out of thin air. I am inspired by countless things, from LEGO sessions with my son to downtime in hotels during trips overseas. We don’t just sell furniture; we create an atmosphere of charm and individuality that elevates every home.
A woman running a business has her own set of challenges. What are some of the challenges you have faced?
To be honest, in this day and age, it is very normal for women to run businesses. That being said, there are still unique challenges that women, including myself, face. From being underestimated in negotiations to managing both business pressures and personal responsibilities, I manage a challenging flow in the workplace and then have to seamlessly shift into family mode as I listen to my children, guide them through their homework, and share their triumphs and worries. At times, I’ve had to prove myself twice over to be taken seriously. But those struggles shaped me into the person I am today. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting my own instincts
What advice would you give those in the community, especially women, who wish to start their own business?
My advice would be to start before you feel ready. It sounds odd, but if you’re waiting for a perfect moment, don’t. It will never come. Build something small, learn along the way, and never be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes make the best teachers. Most importantly, stay true to your vision. As women, we often juggle many roles, but that is what makes us unique. It gives us the innate ability to innovate, nurture, and lead with heart.