Cover Jun Ong, co-founder of POW Ideas and Jasper, tuxedo cat (Photo: David Yeow)
Jun Ong, co-founder of POW Ideas and Jasper, tuxedo cat (Photo: David Yeow)
1 / 1
Furry friends are part of our family, especially in these spaces designed to be specifically pet-friendly
As pet ownership booms, it’s only logical that ‘barkitecture’ and pet-friendly design are rapidly gaining popularity. Gone are the days when pets were assigned a random corner of the house; these days, their owners are creating dedicated spaces for their furry friends.
From a chic interior design studio in Penang with a dedicated cat playroom to an architect’s bohemian bachelor-cum-cat pad in Kuala Lumpur and a tropical paradise for human and pet guests who are pampered equally in George Town, here are three inspiring spaces.
Jun Ong’s home, Kuala Lumpur
Above Jun Ong, co-founder of POW Ideas and Jasper, tuxedo cat (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Jasper has little cubby holes in the cabinets (Photo: David Yeow)
Jun Ong, co-founder of POW Ideas and Jasper, tuxedo cat (Photo: David Yeow)
1 / 2
Co-founder of POW Ideas, light artist and cat-dad Jun Ong lives with Jasper, his tuxedo-breed rescue cat.
Ong, who describes Jasper as territorial, dominant, curious, playful, affectionate and loves art, tells us more about their shared home.
See also: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok: A luxe urban retreat for creatives and their furry friends
Above Ong designed the built-ins for maximum cat fun
Ong designed the built-ins for maximum cat fun
1 / 1
What’s your home like, and how did you design your home to accommodate your pet’s needs?
We live in an old low-rise walk-up flat from the 1980s in Taman Desa. It’s a split-level unit with lots of sunlight and windows around a courtyard. I kept the design minimal yet raw with accents of colours and textures through quirks, vintage furniture and custom pieces.
I love collecting art too. It’s a small flat, but I wanted more spaces for Jasper to climb, so I designed vertical ramps, nooks for him to explore and have vantage points of the street below.
Don't miss: 10 Stylish Homes With Dog and Cat-Friendly Designs
Above Jasper running up and down the ramps (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Jasper enjoys watching birds from his perch (Photo: David Yeow)
Jasper running up and down the ramps (Photo: David Yeow)
1 / 2
What’s your favourite part of the space?
The kitchen, I love cooking and hosting.
Does your pet enjoy the space?
Yes, but he enjoys my bed the most.
What’s your pet’s favourite part of the space?
The staircase that links the living and rooms as it overlooks a courtyard and his favourite beings to look at, pigeons.
Read more: Inside 6 artistic cafes in Penang’s historic buildings
Nevermore Group office, Penang
Above Chong with Elijah (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
Above The cats watch the world go by from the large windows (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
Chong with Elijah (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
1 / 2
Partners in life and work, Chuah Say Yang and Chong Su Min, are the founders of the design firm NEVERMORE and Xcent Design Consultancy, respectively. They have three cats, two British Shorthairs, playful Jose and shy Ramen and one affectionate Ragdoll, Elijah.
Chuan gives us a tour of their chic, cat-friendly new office in Penang.
Tell us about your new office.
When designing the new office, we allocated a room for our cats’ food, water and litter box. We also included elements like the holes in the sliding door to the pantry to satisfy their peeping habits.
See also: 5 inspiring heritage homes in Penang
The cats watch the world go by from the large windows (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
1 / 2
Do your pets enjoy the space?
As much as they enjoy the company of our co-workers, they also enjoy checking out our new clients and meeting new people.
What’s your favourite part of the space?
We love the tiny door we designed for the cat room and the wall panel filled with mounting holes that allow us to switch the configuration of the climbing shelves and sleeping pods. From time to time, our cats get to experience new adventures.
Don't miss: Studio tour: A creative couple’s bohemian studio in Penang
Above The cat playroom (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
Above Little details designed just for the cats (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
The cat playroom (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
1 / 2
What’s their favourite part of the space?
Most of the time, you’ll find our cats napping in the compartment underneath the workstation that was purposely designed for our cats. They like to hide themselves under the table because they feel more secure.
Jose loves to roam around in the office, and the open space workstation is his runway. Being the bossiest cat, Ramen loves sitting on the director’s chair.
Would you have done anything differently?
If we had a bigger studio, we could build more climbing shelves along the wall for our cats to explore and perch at higher levels, but overall, we are happy with the results as we believe they enjoy the space very much.
Read more: Embrace serenity with these 7 Japandi-style plants
Noordin Mews, Penang
Above Plenty of open air spaces in Noordin Mews
Plenty of open air spaces in Noordin Mews
1 / 1
Located in the heart of Penang’s UNESCO heritage zone, Noordin Mews is a 1920s Peranakan shophouse turned hotel. Belinda Boey, General Manager of Noordin Mews, explains how the charmingly restored hotel is also proudly pet friendly.
What are the pet-skewed facilities available?
We’ve been a pet-friendly hotel ever since we opened our doors. Although fur kids will not be able to enjoy a dip in the pool, we welcome them to enjoy lounging and dining with family in the living area or at the poolside.
We provide various pet amenities—be it a pet welcome pack, pet sitter, or the loan of pet wellness items but most importantly, the hotel and team genuinely welcome fur kids with open arms.
See also: The Most Expensive Condominiums and Penthouses in Penang
Plenty of open air spaces in Noordin Mews
1 / 3
What design features were included in the hotel for pets?
The room's interiors are mostly hard furniture and furnishing, accommodating the pet’s presence and comfort.
How about food, is breakfast included for pets?
We are partnering with Dogfood.com.my, which specialises in healthy and balanced dog meals at a small charge. We also provide a range of fresh, balanced nutrition and quality dog food packs for the convenience of our guests.
What kind of pets are allowed at Noordin Mews?
We will welcome them in as long as they fit through the door! We’ve had dogs, cats, birds, chameleons, rabbits, monkeys, guinea pigs, sugar gliders and much more.We’ve had dogs, cats, birds, chameleons, rabbits, monkeys, guinea pigs, sugar gliders and much more.
Don't miss: 5 magnificent multi-generational family homes in Malaysia
Above Lounging by the pool
Lounging by the pool
1 / 1
Does Noordin Mews have regular pet guests?
We’ve had many returnees, some coming twice a year for a staycation with their pets. Their pets have already made us their home in Penang!
Is there a favourite spot in the hotel that the pets love?
Our landscaped garden area is very popular with pets. As pets generally love being outdoors, our airy garden is the favourite hangout spot. Also, it’s one of the perfect places for some Instagram-worthy pictures!
NOW READ
Home tour: A warm minimalist home in Selangor, Malaysia
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
