5 Exquisite Modern Asian Homes in Malaysia

Chic and classic, modern Asian interiors have a pure aesthetic that looks contextual in our environment

Balancing heritage and modernity, the modern Asian home is a timeless style that always looks elegant. There’s something about its serenity and soothing forms that resonates beautifully with the streamlined feel of a modern home.

Not to mention how it looks contextual in our local environment and is a pleasing way to pay homage to our Asian heritage.

It is the perfect opportunity for many to incorporate inherited furniture and cultural vintage collectables into their home, adding character and personal narratives to a modern setting.

Here are five homes that personify this visually beguiling style.

1. A Fan-Shaped Home In Kuala Lumpur

Photo 1 of 2 The underside of the fan-shaped roof is meticulously detailed (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

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First, the house needed to be feng shui compliant, and second, the architecture must have an oriental feel, with the altar as the main focus of the house.

Above Modern furniture inhabit the living room

After considering these requests and considering the unusually shaped site, the architect was inspired to design a house based on the form of an oriental fan.

Beneath the timber ceiling, the main altar at the entrance was designed as an intricate Chinese jewellery box with a two-storey high atrium lobby framed by an intricate teak wood trellis and glass.

2. A Minimalist Home With a Tree Growing Inside

Photo 1 of 2 Light coloured timber underlines the zen concept (Photo: TWJPTO Studio)

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Referencing traditional Japanese interior architecture, this semi-detached renovation in Mont Kiara is a warm and welcoming home for a young family.

Designed by Pins Design Studio, the designers created a nature-inspired minimalist interior, which successfully transformed the existing "dreary residence into a light and airy abode".

Photo 1 of 4 The tree casts shadows and filters light into the space

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At the heart of the space is a tree merging with a long counter that begins at a raised platform within an internal courtyard resembling a Japanese chabudai before extending horizontally to form the dining table.

The chabudai is a short-legged table common in traditional Japanese homes and telegraphs the correct design language for this home's zen concept as the horizontality of this dining table generates a sense of balanced proportion while visually linking the different elements in the space.

3. An Atmospheric Modern Oriental Home in Malaysia

Photo 1 of 3 A leitmotif of timber wall cladding running throughout the home (Photos: The Space Storyteller)

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A home for a family of five, the double storey home is located in Gamuda 25.7 and designed by Madness Design Studio.

The clients requested a presentable yet warm and cosy home, and opted for a modern oriental style.

Photo 1 of 2 Japanese inspired wallppaper depicting monkeys in an onsen

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The client also had unique feng shui requirements, hence the oriental elements in specific places like the entrance foyer where the designers integrated the modern design with touches of Asian elements.

4. A Heritage Home In Penang

Above The main foyer showcases original tiles (Photos: Chris Leong)

Interior designer Raymond Lee was tasked by his client to create a modern, functional home out of a century-old shophouse on Kimberley Street in George Town, Penang.

He wanted to respect the architecture of the space but didn’t want to create a museum-like environment. As such, he set out to deliver the design of a home where his clients could enjoy traditionally crafted spaces with all the modern-day comforts.

Photo 1 of 3 The modern poster bed is a romantic gesture

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Working with respected conservation architect Tan Yeow Wooi, restoration works were carried out before the more modern touches could be implemented.

Antiques and vintage Straits Eclectic pieces were balanced with more contemporary pieces from Janine, Gudang, Urban Edge, and Ashley Homes, including a selection of tribal rugs from Nasim Carpets.

5. A Modern Home Inspired by Korean Hanok in Shah Alam

Photo 1 of 2 The living room is the heart of the home (Photos: Yang Zhen Siang)

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ENDO's (Effendy Nadzri Design Office) modern Asian-inspired home for a family of four, a cat, and two rabbits is a soothing haven in The View, Serai Saujana, in Shah Alam.

With an unobstructed view of Saujana Golf Club, the client asked for an intimate, calm home with Asian sensibilities that celebrated their roots.

Photo 1 of 2 Charming pockets of zen found throughout the house

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As avid collectors of oriental furniture and modern design pieces, they wished to have their prized pieces displayed throughout the house.

The traditional Korean hanok tea room inspired the dining room with lattice sliding panels and an oriental dining set. This tableau was lit by a custom lantern-inspired pendant light and presided over by traditional oriental art called Munjado (Painting of Words).

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Topics

home tour modern asian interior design malaysian homes architecture

Tatler Asia

5 Exquisite Modern Asian Homes in Malaysia

1. A Fan-Shaped Home In Kuala Lumpur

2. A Minimalist Home With a Tree Growing Inside

3. An Atmospheric Modern Oriental Home in Malaysia

4. A Heritage Home In Penang

5. A Modern Home Inspired by Korean Hanok in Shah Alam