Q. This is your second connection with Mangrove since the Champree pop-up. Could you introduce the story behind this Knock Knock Nondy’s room?

During the Champree pop-up, the focus was on how to display the products effectively. This time, I worked with the idea of creating a space I'd genuinely love to live in. The space has a cozy vibe, and I wanted to create an atmosphere that feels comfortable, restful, and inspiring.

Q. You have 60,000 Instagram followers as an influencer. How did you start communicating through space? 

As a product designer, I naturally have a keen interest in objects. I'm particularly fond of interior props and furniture, so I enjoy decorating my own space. By sharing my tastes, I wanted to connect with people who have similar interests, and as I began, I learned from the thoughts of those who actually purchase the products and from people with diverse tastes, which has given me valuable insights as a designer. For that, I am truly grateful.

Q. The color green always seems to be the star in your space. Is it a particularly loved color for you? I'm curious about its personal significance. 

Using green as a focal point feels soothing. I've wondered why I like green so much. When I had to transfer to a university in the Chungcheong region, I commuted every weekend from Seoul for two years. During those trips, I often contemplated my future and various thoughts while looking at the green fields, mountains, and landscapes passing by the window, which made me feel peaceful. Since then, I've grown fond of green-colored items.

I think cultivating my space is akin to cherishing myself and nurturing the moments of my day-to-day life.

Q. It feels like you're someone who expresses yourself through space. Mangrove has members who decorate their rooms with their own unique personalities. What does it mean for someone to have their own room?

I believe it’s a collection of items that one personally 'chooses', down to the smallest piece, making it an inevitable expression of personal taste. You could say it’s a representation of one’s own autonomy. Similarly, I feel that building a space is like cultivating one's inner self. When my room is messy, my thoughts feel cluttered too. So, having and tending to my own room is akin to cherishing myself and nurturing the moments of my day-to-day life.

Q. Is there a specific spot you particularly care for when arranging your space? Could you describe the focus for this Knock Knock exhibition? 

My desk space is the most cherished. Given my profession, I spend a lot of time at my desk, so I focus on it the most even at home. When I was an office worker, I’d keep items on my office desk that I personally liked. Since it's a space I spend the most time in, I try to create a place that feels comfortable and imbued with my personality.

Q. Please introduce the 'Day-Off-Project', a project and brand you run personally. 

It’s a brand that develops interior props, small furniture, and furniture based on product design. Though I'm a product designer, my interest in planning and marketing fuels my desire to personally partake and learn through this project. I also occasionally design stationery products. My goal is to provide a sense of calm to those with similar tastes, a sense of novelty to those with different tastes, and create objects that accompany moments of inspiration found throughout daily spaces.

The side table 'Piscina:table' in suite 1507 is designed and produced with the hope that you’ll find both small and large inspiration while reading or jotting down notes during your break.

Since it’s the space I spend the most time in, I strive to make it the most comfortable and filled with my essence.

Q. As a freelance designer, the boundaries between rest and work must often be blurred. How do you create those gaps?

The boundaries between work and rest are indeed blurry. Even with well-laid plans, things don’t always go as intended. During busy periods or deadlines, I sometimes have to pull all-nighters or work early mornings, but I try my best to finish everything before dinner when possible. To achieve this, I need to be fully immersed in work during its designated hours.

It’s challenging to adhere to self-imposed rules since I still consider myself a novice in managing them. But I know I need downtime to let new thoughts emerge, so I try to stick to a routine of relaxing my mind in the evenings—writing in my journal or zoning out while listening to music!

Q. There are many items visible, each kept in its own neat order. Could you share tips on efficiently organizing small spaces? 

It’s a bit of a design tip, but maintaining a layout seems to make everything look orderly. By 'layout', I mean aligning the lines of the objects. Place taller items towards the back and shorter ones at the front, and match the horizontal lines of the edges of each item for a cleaner look.

Q. Is there any item you collect repetitively, that you always feel a desire to own more of? 

Items that store records and Coca-Cola merchandise! I love to jot things down, so I have a constant interest in objects for storing paper or journals, sketchbooks, and the like. I enjoy browsing for these items a lot. Each one holds valuable records, so I grow an affection for the products that house them.

As for Coca-Cola products, I’m a cola enthusiast, so I’ve been collecting them. I love the slightly vintage feel of the Coca-Cola brand and enjoy gathering the unique packaging or merchandise that frequently come out. I’ve received many as gifts from friends, each carrying memories to cherish.

In the evenings, I try to relax my mind as much as possible.

Writing in my journal or zoning out while listening to music!

Q. Besides the familiar spaces seen on Instagram, is there a place where you often go to refresh?

I often visited the Han River since I was young. I frequently go to the Jamwon and Banpo areas. When the sun sets, sipping a can of cola while gazing at Namsan calms any sadness and amplifies joy. It also brings a sense of serenity. I enjoy riding bikes there at night too.

Nowadays, I often visit Seongsu-dong when I’m bored. Partly to study what’s trendy and popular, I like the distinctive vibe of Seongsu-dong. In the midst of factories, the vibrance of seemingly raw, hip establishments is something I really enjoy.

Q. Have you ever thought about who you'll live with after forty?

I hope to live with two cats and someone I love, as long as I’m healthy.

Q. What does home mean to you?

I think of it as a mirror. A reflection of myself as I truly am.

Q. When and where do you feel the most yourself?

In the wee hours of the morning, in my room, with my phone on do-not-disturb, writing in my journal, snacking, and listening to music. Though I'm typically extroverted, I need moments of solitude like these to feel like my life is more firmly rooted. It's when I calmly reflect on what I'm doing now and what I plan to do next, making it the moment I feel most honest with myself.

Written by | Shin Da-bomi

Photos by | Choi Mo-rae