Elegantly designed basins and mirrors with shiny accents (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Cover Potager, designed by 932 Design (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Elegantly designed basins and mirrors with shiny accents (Photo: Bricks Begin)

Take a peek into the best locations for that perfect selfie on National Selfie Day (June 21)

One of the most anticipated parts of the Met Gala is not just the extravagant gowns seen on the red carpet on the first Monday of May but the now infamous bathroom selfies. Captured in various stages of intoxication and sometimes behaving badly in fabulous couture, many of these images went viral.

While the Met Gala bathroom won't win any points for its unflattering lighting and standard-issue white tiles, we propose instead five appealing locations to capture your own.

Either part of a restaurant or a beauty salon, these thoughtfully designed spaces set the mood for the ideal selfie.

Read more: Inside five delightfully designed dessert spots in the Klang Valley

1. Else

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Else  (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Else (Photo: David Yeow)
Else  (Photo: David Yeow)

Else has distinguished itself as one of the city's most design-led spaces, balancing heritage and modernity with beautiful artistic gestures.

Malaysian design firm Studio Bikin was tasked with conceptualising the design and overseeing the restoration, which features regional artwork and locally crafted furnishings. The washroom adjacent to Raw Kitchen Hall has a large modern painting with expressive flourishes and vibrant colours, a vaulted ceiling and a long timber sink.

45, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

See also Inside the highly anticipated Yellow Fin Horse with Jun Wong

2. De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan at Bangsar Shopping Centre

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De Wan BSC  (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
Above De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
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De Wan BSC  (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
Above De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
De Wan BSC  (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
De Wan BSC  (Photo: The Space Storyteller)

De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan in Bangsar Shopping Centre prides itself on offering a modern Malaysian culinary experience in an equally exuberant space designed by Genius Loci.

The restroom in the private room reflects the maximalist aesthetic with a botanical wallpaper in autumnal colours, marble detailing, a Venetian mirror and a playful pair of monkey lights.

De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan, F1 & F6, Level 1, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur; Open daily 10am-10pm

Don't miss: 10 locations in Malaysia to get on the Wes Anderson trend

3. Bu Tian

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Photo 1 of 2 Bu Tian (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 2 Bu Tian (Photo: David Yeow)
Bu Tian  (Photo: David Yeow)
Bu Tian  (Photo: David Yeow)

Designed by White Spade, Bu Tian's minimalist design was a deliberate move to focus the sense of taste of this dessert cafe's signature tea-based treats.

The washrooms continue along this vein with rustic touches like pebbled flooring and prairie floral arrangments by Floratorie.

BuTian Desserts, 16-1, Jalan Indrahana 1, Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur; Opens daily 11am-7pm except Wednesday

Read more: Ephemeral beauty: What is ‘Wabi Sabi’ and how to incorporate it into the home?

4. bōl

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bōl  corridor (Photo: David Yeow)
Above bōl corridor (Photo: David Yeow)
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bōl  (Photo: David Yeow)
Above bōl (Photo: David Yeow)
bōl  corridor (Photo: David Yeow)
bōl  (Photo: David Yeow)

Located in a white-washed pre-war terrace on Jalan Sin Chew Kee, bōl offers a contemporary take on classical Peranakan fare. This fusion of East and West, old and new, is mirrored in the restaurant’s interiors, where contemporary design sensibilities are juxtaposed against the vintage charm of colonial-era architecture.

Designed by one of its owners, Kian Liew, who is also head of global interior design for an international hospitality group, the washroom is a zen space with design flourishes like the sculptural chair by renowned Singaporean designer Nathan Yong.

bōl ,15, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur; Open Tuesday-Friday 6-10.30pm, Saturday- Sunday 12-3pm, 6-10.30pm, closed Monday

See also: The best 10 green homes in Malaysia

5. The Starhill

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Photo 1 of 3 The Starhill washroom (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 The Starhill washroom corridor (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 The Starhill washroom corridor (Photo: David Yeow)
Starhill washroom  (Photo: David Yeow)
Starhill washroom corridor  (Photo: David Yeow)
Starhill washroom corridor  (Photo: David Yeow)

Part of Shanghai-based Kokaistudiosfirst major project in South East Asia, the overhaul of The Starhill shopping mall transformed and updated the space for a new generation of visitors and welcomed daylight into the space by introducing a skylight.  

This airy ambience infuses the redesigned piazza all the way to the main entrance of the complex's basement dining destination, The Starhill Dining. The photogenic restrooms were also revamped to echo the studio's tropical glasshouse theme with mosaic floral designs.

The Starhill, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, ; Open daily 11am-10pm

Don't miss: Inside 5 delightfully designed dessert spots in the Klang Valley

6. Potager

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Terengganu-born artist Nasrul Rokes’ artwork graces the space (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Above Terengganu-born artist Nasrul Rokes’ artwork graces the Potager washroom (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Terengganu-born artist Nasrul Rokes’ artwork graces the space (Photo: Bricks Begin)

Potager’s Japandi-style space at Bamboo Hills, crafted by award-winning Singapore-based firm 932 Design, showcases an extraordinary fusion of gastronomy and art.

Visual art pieces by talented Malaysian artists like Adli Nazrin, Mulaika, Marisa Ng and Alicia Lau adorn the restaurant, including in the warm-toned washroom.

Read more: The rise of the design-led restaurants and cafes in Kuala Lumpur

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Photo 1 of 3 Elegantly designed basins and mirrors with shiny accents (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Photo 2 of 3 Graceful rounded edges of the polished stone counters (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Photo 3 of 3 Light timber accents bathed in warm ambient light (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Elegantly designed basins and mirrors with shiny accents (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Graceful rounded edges of the polished stone counters (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Light timber accents bathed in warm ambient light (Photo: Bricks Begin)

Here, Terengganu-born artist Nasrul Rokes’ Rintik Peristiwa graces the space with a mesmerising interpretation of rainfall using a blend of soil and acrylic.

Here, light timber accents and louvred panels, bathed in warm ambient light, surround the stone counters. Elegantly designed basins and mirrors with shiny accents taper off in graceful rounded edges, completing the sophisticated aesthetic.

P-11, Bamboo Hills, Off Lebuhraya DUKE Highway, 51200 Kuala Lumpur

See also: Inside 5 tastefully designed restaurants at Bamboo Hills

7. 176 Avenue

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Photo 1 of 2 Natural light floods through a pivoting round window by the reception (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Photo 2 of 2 Graceful curves exude softness and a sense of serenity (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Natural light floods through a pivoting round window by the reception (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Graceful curves exude softness and a sense of serenity (Photo: Bricks Begin)

While not strictly a washroom, 176 Avenue’s outlet at The Court, KLGCC Resort offers prime selfie opportunities amid the undulating space DualSpace Studio has designed for the all-in-one beauty salon.

Natural light floods through a pivoting round window by the reception, illuminating the space with graceful arched ceilings, curved walls and bespoke carpentry that exude softness and serenity.

Don't miss: Home tour: A pair of houses in Ipoh, Malaysia, one with a spectacular staircase

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Photo 1 of 2 The streamlined hair cut area in the centre (Photo: Bricks Begin)
Photo 2 of 2 The pod area with gradient shades of blue (Photo: Bricks Begin)
The streamlined hair cut area in the centre (Photo: Bricks Begin)
The pod area with gradient shades of blue (Photo: Bricks Begin)

The central hair cut area features a striking membrane ceiling above a round column, complemented by an onyx acrylic lightbox and minimalist table.

Whereas, in the pod area, gradient shades of blue create private, comfortable havens. Each pod features adjustable basins, rotatable chairs, and mirrors, and which patrons can close the doors for a fully immersive, personalised pampering experience.

3, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur

Read more: The best hair salons in the Klang Valley

8. Lax. Retreat

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Photo 1 of 3 Lax. Retreat, designed by Studio Kanta (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 A reimagined space that breaks away from the conventional salons (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 Thoughtful design touches revolve around femininity (Photo: David Yeow)
Lax. Retreat, designed by Studio Kanta (Photo: David Yeow)
A reimagined space that breaks away from the conventional salons (Photo: David Yeow)
Thoughtful design touches revolve around femininity (Photo: David Yeow)

The female-only retreat celebrates the beauty and simplicity of self-care amidst a reimagined space that breaks away from the conventional rigidity of typical spa services in the city.

Designed by Studio Kanta, the thoughtful design touches revolve around femininity and serenity, contributing to a sense of flow and ease, enhancing the overall feeling of relaxation and personalisation. 

See also: 13 of the most beautiful spas around the world for a relaxing wellness holiday

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Selfie opportunities await in the coral-hued space (Photo: David Yeow)
Above The coral-hued space creates a warm and inviting ambiance (Photo: David Yeow)
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A sense of flow and ease (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Soft, tactile curves that are pleasing to the eye (Photo: David Yeow)
Selfie opportunities await in the coral-hued space (Photo: David Yeow)
A sense of flow and ease (Photo: David Yeow)

The coral-hued space creates a warm and inviting ambiance, with soft, tactile curves that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also gently guide patrons from one area to the next, where potential selfie opportunities await.

2-17, Level 2, The Linc KL, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

Don't miss: 5 stylish spas to know in the Klang Valley

9. Curvena

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Photo 1 of 2 A space that radiates warmth and cosy elegance (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 2 A towering lighting installation highlights a plush knitting sofa (Photo: David Yeow)
A space that radiates warmth and cosy elegance (Photo: David Yeow)
A towering lighting installation highlights a plush knitting sofa (Photo: David Yeow)

Thanks to DualSpace Studio, this homegrown centre approaches slimming and wellness with a holistic take in a space that radiates warmth and cosy elegance, where each element exudes understated luxury and charm.

In an earth-toned setting, a green-hued marble reception counter with curvilinear profiles greets patrons beside cascading giant knitting curtains. Whereas, a towering lighting installation highlights a plush knitting sofa, offering a perfect spot for a quick selfie.

Read more: Milan Design Week 2024: 10 key pieces to elevate your home

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Green-hued marble counter and giant knitting curtains (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Green-hued marble counter and giant knitting curtains (Photo: David Yeow)
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Rice paper behind the lockers casts a soft, soothing glow (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Rice paper behind the lockers casts a soft, soothing glow (Photo: David Yeow)
Green-hued marble counter and giant knitting curtains (Photo: David Yeow)
Rice paper behind the lockers casts a soft, soothing glow (Photo: David Yeow)

Beyond doors with knitting-inspired handles, rice paper behind lockers casts a soft, soothing glow. This serene backdrop provides an ideal setting for those seeking tranquillity, as well as a picturesque environment for capturing memories.

G-07, The Park 2 Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 5, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

See also: Home tour: A designer couple’s meditative home in Selangor, Malaysia

10. Cher’s

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The sunken waiting area with acrylic elements (Photo: TWJPTO)
Above The sunken waiting area with acrylic elements (Photo: TWJPTO)
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The salon’s palette is dominated by light earth tones (Photo: TWJPTO)
Above The salon’s palette is dominated by light earth tones (Photo: TWJPTO)
The sunken waiting area with acrylic elements (Photo: TWJPTO)
The salon’s palette is dominated by light earth tones (Photo: TWJPTO)

This other interior design from DualSpace Studio embodies the hair salon brand’s ethos of comfort and transparency, resulting in a monotone setting befitting both human and four-legged patrons.

Upon entering, the sunken waiting area features striking acrylic elements, most notably the layers of plated arrangement above the sunken sofa, cleverly displaying the salon’s name when viewed from below.

Don't miss: Home tour: An elegant Kuala Lumpur penthouse inspired by desert landscapes

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Photo 1 of 2 An inviting space for the four-legged patrons as well (Photo: TWJPTO)
Photo 2 of 2 The design blends transparent and matte finishes (Photo: TWJPTO)
An inviting space for the four-legged patrons as well (Photo: TWJPTO)
The design blends transparent and matte finishes (Photo: TWJPTO)

The salon’s palette is dominated by light earth tones, skillfully applied across various materials. From tiles to textured paint, and the central stone-covered island, the design blends transparent and matte finishes, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere for a picture or two.

2-07, The Park 2 Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 5, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur

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