Cover Award-winning architect and mum of three Katrine Cheong shares how her own experience of motherhood shaped her design vision for her luxury confinement care concept in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Little Precious Postnatal Care)
Award-winning architect and mum of three Katrine Cheong shares how her own experience of motherhood shaped her design vision for her luxury confinement care concept in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: Little Precious Postnatal Care)
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The mum of three tells Tatler how her own experience of motherhood shaped her design vision for her award-winning confinement care concept in Kuala Lumpur
Katrine Cheong knew she wanted to be an architect as young as 10 years old.
Growing up in a humble home located one floor above a shop lot, Cheong was used to her small, window-less partitioned room with just a mattress on the floor. “While it was a challenging environment, it ignited a determination in me to create something greater—not only for myself but for others as well,” she says, adding that those experiences shaped her identity as a person and a designer. “Living in such a humble and practical space made me appreciate the importance of thoughtful, well-designed environments.”
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Above The Sapphire Suite at Little Precious Postnatal Care’s branch at KL EcoCity
The Sapphire Suite at Little Precious Postnatal Care’s branch at KL EcoCity
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In 2020, Cheong launched Little Precious Postnatal Care in Malaysia—offering holistic postnatal care services in a resort-like setting that feels more like a luxe sanctuary than a confinement centre.
When designing this space in Kuala Lumpur, Cheong threw the rulebook out the window, instead leveraging her experience as an architect, designer, and (most importantly) a mother of three to create a thoughtfully crafted and comfortable space.
“I knew I wanted it to be a place where mothers could truly relax and feel comfortable,” Cheong says. “When I became a new mum for the first time 16 years ago, confinement centres with full professional baby and mother-care teams didn’t exist, and I struggled to find reliable support.”
“I was lucky to have good support from the hospital and a confinement lady that I hired, but there was no one to address important aspects of postpartum care. I realised a more holistic approach was necessary, and I wanted to create a place where different professionals could address various needs, providing comprehensive care for both mother and baby,” she adds.
Above Katrine Cheong, founder of Little Precious Postnatal Care (Photo: Fady Younis)
Above Katrine Cheong, founder of Little Precious Postnatal Care (Photo: Fady Younis)
Katrine Cheong, founder of Little Precious Postnatal Care (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Moved to create a space of recovery and healing for mothers, Cheong envisioned a luxury resort experience and stuck to her guns throughout the process, in spite of challenges and criticism.
“Although space limitations meant we had to operate in a commercial building rather than a bungalow in a green area, I still wanted to create a calming environment. I incorporated elements that featured retro gardens, banana leaves, and elephants, which symbolise protection and relaxation,” she says.
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The lounge area at Little Precious Postnatal Care
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Ultimately, Cheong was rewarded for listening to her instincts. Since opening, Little Precious Postnatal Care has garnered several design awards, including the prestigious MIID Reka Award 2021 for Design Excellence, the Asia Pacific Property Award 2021 for Best in Public Service Interior in Malaysia, and the Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) Award Winner 2021.
“We introduced a concept where mothers don’t feel isolated or restricted—instead they feel pampered as if they’re embarking on a rejuvenating retreat. Ultimately, it’s not just the design but the entire experience that supports mothers in overcoming the challenges of early motherhood and postpartum recovery.
“We also integrated features like music and art therapy weekly and on-site physiotherapists to provide mothers with active, professional care mentally and physically.”
Above The postnatal care centre’s design incorporates natural wood tones, greenery, soothing colours, and carefully curated lighting to facilitate recovery
The postnatal care centre’s design incorporates natural wood tones, greenery, soothing colours, and carefully curated lighting to facilitate recovery
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A design philosophy of empathy
To create a space that not only enhances comfort but also fosters a sense of community and reduces the stress that comes with early motherhood, Cheong incorporated several design elements based on the five senses.
Lighting was designed to be warm white, avoiding the harsh and office-like tones of pure white lighting while avoiding overly dim yellow lighting. Natural light for bedrooms was a non-negotiable element, carefully bypassing the risk of creating an enclosed feeling that can come with long stays.
Despite being in the heart of the city, the centre’s nature-inspired design evokes a sense of being amidst greenery with not-so-subtle hints of flora and fauna all around. “I incorporated green walls with banana leaf and forest decals to evoke calmness and the feeling of being on a retreat,” she says.
“The design incorporates natural wood tones, greenery, soothing colours, and carefully curated lighting that shifts throughout the day—bright and energising during the day, and dimmed and calming in the evening,” adds Cheong. Illustrations of cheetahs and elephants make their way across the wall decor, adding a playful touch to an overall elegant interior design theme.
Even the senses of smell and touch are tastefully covered. “We chose the iconic white tea scent known for its soothing, mellow, and relaxing properties , creating a peaceful and serene ambiance as soon as you walk through the doors,” Cheong adds.
Natural white oak wood floors were chosen for their warm texture and subtle natural scent, further enhancing this calming atmosphere.
Not unlike a boutique hotel, bedroom suites were styled to exude a calm and peaceful setting. From 400-threadcount bedsheets to custom-made beds with latex and memory foam for support, every design and furnishing detail aligned with the goal of aiding mothers’ postpartum rest and recovery.
“We also looked into ensuring that there was more back support in the padding of the beds we catered to mothers who had just gone through caesarean sections,” says Cheong.
Above Cheong’s experience as a mother impacted the design and service offerings at Little Precious Postnatal Care (Photo: Fady Younis)
Cheong’s experience as a mother impacted the design and service offerings at Little Precious Postnatal Care (Photo: Fady Younis)
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The communal aspects of interior design at Little Precious Postnatal Care showcase the importance of spaces in bringing women together—a concept that Cheong is well aware of.
“One of the key features is the common area located on the sixth floor. It serves as a welcoming space for mothers to connect with each other,” she says. “This area resembles a cafe-like ambiance designed to encourage interactions between mothers going through the same postpartum period, giving them an opportunity to form friendships and even create baby groups. It’s a space to form meaningful connections, make friends, and feel supported during this transformative time.”
“For new mothers dealing with anxiety, being able to share experiences and hear advice from more experienced moms can be incredibly comforting.”
A firm believer in collaboration, Cheong believes men and women bring different perspectives to the table, and with that—a rich diversity of design ideas. But when it comes to designing spaces for women, being a woman in the postpartum care industry especially certainly has its advantages.
“I think female architects have a deeper understanding of the market and the challenges people face, particularly in designing spaces for women,” Cheong says. “We feel the ‘pain points’ because we live them, and that perspective leads to designs that are not only functional but empathetic. All my experiences came together to influence the overall vision of Little Precious. I wouldn’t have been able to create a place like this without that foundation.”
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
