About · in practice since 2018
Hello, I'm 
Kinan.
Kinan Arunika is an interior designer based in Yogyakarta. Since 2018, Kinan has designed homes, cafés, restaurants and guesthouses across Java and Bali, starting from local materials and natural light.
I grew up in an old house in Kotagede, where morning light came in through glass roof tiles and the tiled floor was cool underfoot.
After nine years designing restaurants and hotels in Jakarta, I came home to Yogyakarta to work more slowly: fewer projects, more time on site, and a direct line to the makers of every piece of furniture.
I work on my own, with one draughtsperson and a network of contractors and makers I've known for years. That is why I only take on a few projects at a time.
Three things I hold to
- 01
Light first
Even the most beautiful room feels cramped when the light is wrong. Every project starts with a light study, not a furniture catalogue.
- 02
Honest materials
Wood that looks like wood, stone that feels cool underfoot. Materials that age beautifully cost less than ones that need replacing.
- 03
Made to be used
A room that photographs well but is tiring to live in has failed. I design for an ordinary Tuesday.
How it works
From an empty room to handing over the keys.
-
01 · Week 1
Listen
We meet on site. I measure the space, photograph the light at different hours, and listen to how you live your days.
-
02 · Weeks 2–3
Plan
Layout plans in two or three options. This is where circulation, the big pieces of furniture and what comes down are decided.
-
03 · Week 4
Light
A study of natural and artificial light: which lamps are for work, which for dinner, and which windows need opening up.
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04 · Weeks 5–6
Materials
Samples of wood, stone, fabric and tile on the table. Most come from makers I know in Jepara, Cirebon and Gunungkidul.
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05 · Week 7 onwards
Built
Construction drawings and a budget for the contractor, then, if you want, I oversee the build down to the last bit of styling.
The path here
- 2014
Graduated in Interior Design, Bandung Institute of Technology.
- 2015
Junior designer at an architecture studio in Jakarta: eight restaurants and two boutique hotels.
- 2018
Moved home to Yogyakarta and opened an independent practice.
- 2022
Kabin Pinus featured among the best small homes by a national design magazine.
- 2025
Wisma Jati completed: a 1930s house restored into an eight-room guesthouse.
Studio
Jl. Suryodiningratan No. 18, Mantrijeron, Yogyakarta
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (WIB). Studio visits by appointment. A free 30-minute first consultation every Thursday, by video or at the studio.
