Founded almost 30 years ago, Janine started off selling Laura Ashley fabrics and home decorative items to the Malaysian beau monde who just loved anything Anglophile. Founded by Datin Gaik Merican and her daughter-in-law Lynda Janine (and hence the namesake), Janine has followed interior trends reflecting what was in vogue for home décor – from English chintz to Indonesian teak furniture. Having evolved through the times, today Janine has found its own voice and is known for its emphasis on classics with a dash of current trends in style.
From their specially designed European hand crafted furniture made from rich cherry wood, walnut or mahogany to their fabrics in luxurious silks, linens or cottons in a myriad of colours and textures to their fine china and crystal, Janine is known as the premier place for the crème de la creme of Malaysia to go to when they want their home decorated with class, style and exquisite taste. Customers of Janine consist of royalty, dignitaries and the who’s who of Malaysian society.
The current director of Janine, Karina Merican, daughter of the founder, sat down with us for this exclusive interview with Luxurious Magazine.
Could you list the brands which you carry in Janine?
For Fabric & wallpaper: Andrew Martin, Camengo, Casamance, Christian Lacroix, Clarke & Clarke, Colefax & Fowler, Designers Guild, Gaston Y Daniela, GP & J Baker, Harlequin, Houles, James Hare Silks, LSA, Marimekko, Morris & Co., Nina Campbell, Osborne & little, Sanderson, William Yeoward, Zoffany
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For Furniture: Mostly brands from Spain, Indonesia, Holland, UK, China & Malaysia. We also have our own special designs made locally with any fabric from our extensive library.
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For Tableware: Portmeirion, Spode, Sophie Conran (daughter of Terence Conran of the Conran Shop), Marimekko, LSA glassware (handmade)
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For Home Accessories: Designers Guild (cushions), a lot of home accessories sourced from various brands in Europe.
Do you think interiors also have trends and fads like fashion? If so, what is the current look that Janine is promoting now?
Most definitely. Fashion is a huge influence in the design industry and interiors should not be excluded. For the past few seasons, we
have seen lots of ombre on the runway and we are definitely seeing it in homes as well. Designers Guild has created beautiful ombre-inspired fabric and wallpaper in various colours, like mint (which was also a trend in Spring/Summer 2012). Currently, we are in love with the industrial look. Its distressed characteristic and feel gives us a warm feeling of nostalgia.
What is your definition of stylish living?
Your style should always be something you feel comfortable in and most represents you. Stylish living doesn’t mean luxurious and grand furniture. Whether your style is anti-clutter (minimalistic) or influenced by your travels (eclectic), your home is the place you come home to after a long day at work. Forget about whatever’s outside the front door!
Have you any favourite fabrics or colours?
Our current favourites are displayed in the showroom. We love the pastels and painterly fabrics of the latest Designers Guild collection, the Ikat-inspired fabric from Osborne & Little & Andrew Martin, the luxurious French fabrics from Casamance and of course, country-chic fabrics from Sanderson, Zoffany and Nina Campbell.
You mentioned about computer-generated images on fabrics (is that the correct term?) which company does that? Is that for curtains and wallpaper mainly?
Digital print on fabric. Christian Lacroix of Designers Guild & Designers Guild.
Who is the typical Janine customer?
We have built a strong clientele who have been with us since we started in 1982. Their children, having grown up amongst our furniture, also build their homes with us at Janine. Right now, we are trying to reach a younger demographic, that’s why we started the online store. (www.janine.com.my)
Is there a certain look or style which can define Janine?
Janine is all about classic style and our products will see you through the years. As Yves Saint Laurent said – fashion fades but style is eternal!
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