Juxtaposing the modern design elements and classic detailing, modern classic homes are anything but stuffy as these five Malaysian homes elegantly demonstrates

The modern classic interior draws inspiration from classic design such as Victorian, Art Deco, even Greek and Roman. Combined with modern touches, you’ll get a timeless and subtly sophisticated home, which these five Malaysian homes showcase beautifully.

1. A penthouse for a fashion icon in Kuala Lumpur

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Photo 1 of 3 The social hub combines living, dining and kitchen spaces. Photos: David Yeow
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Located in the Star Residences in downtown Kuala Lumpur, this penthouse belongs to international fashion icon Datuk Jimmy Choo. The 1,754 sq ft space was designed around the renowned shoe designer's tastes and personality by award-winning interior designers OD&A.

It was conceived as a venue for Choo to entertain his guests and friends in the city, and as an inspirational hub for him to display and work on his beautiful new creations. The overall inspiration for this project was celebrating his legacy and influence. Since many of Choo’s designs are bespoke, the designers also wanted the furniture to have personal touches.

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Above The handsome master bedroom showcases updated classics like the Capitone armchair
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Above The dining table legs spell out Jimmy Choo’s initials

The luxurious modern classic space balances Choo’s past and present. Staying true to Choo’s local Asian heritage, cultural and nostalgic elements from the designer’s upbringing were showcased with touches of oriental flair.

Regarding the overall colour palette, the striking blue was inspired by Choo’s unique sense of style. A homage to Choo’s legacy of bespoke shoe designs, many of the furniture pieces were designed specifically for Choo, with his initials carefully incorporated in the form by local craftsmen.

Read more here.

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2. A Parisian chic penthouse in Selangor

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Photo 1 of 2 Upholstered furniture soften the stone detailsPhotos: The Space Storyteller
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Located in suburban Subang Jaya, this sprawling penthouse with an excess of 3,000 sq ft of space was designed by the Nevermore Group for a young couple with two children.

The designers settled on a contemporary Parisian concept with dark wood accents to ensure the space felt warm and welcoming while retaining an elegant ambience. A sense of arrival was created from the foyer, which was reconfigured to correct some layout errors and now features a hidden door adorned with commissioned artwork.

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Above Arabescato Orobico marble from Italy, which was applied to the island counter and dry kitchen cabinet drawers
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Above The hidden door is a decorative flourish

In keeping with the refined Parisian feel, material choices were carefully curated. Precious stones were favoured, like Arabescato Orobico marble from Italy, which was applied to the island counter and dry kitchen cabinet drawers. Bookmatch Dyna beige marble, also from Italy, was applied liberally throughout the powder room, concealed behind a hidden door close to the dry kitchen

Upholstered furniture in neutral colours and sophisticated shapes from Timeless Design adds the finishing touches to the home and a soft touch to the palette of dark wood and sleek stone. The chic project took home an award at the Asia Pacific Property Awards in London in 2022.

Read more here.

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3. A mansion in Kuala Lumpur with a dedicated wing for luxury cars

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Photo 1 of 3 A sense of grandeur is evoked as guests enter the foyer (Photos: Lawrence Choo)
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Known as The White Mansion, Box Interior Design created a palatial home which honours its owner’s love for the modern classical style and penchant for exotic cars.

Located in Ampang Jaya, the massive 24,000 sq ft land saw the existing house being demolished and a new structure built to meet the client’s requirements of having higher ceilings and a much bigger built-up area.

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Photo 1 of 2 The designer linked the bungalow with a glass bridge to a standalone building that houses a garage
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The colonial-style bungalow showcases the characteristics of neoclassical design, namely the ornamental pediment, decorative copings, and lattice windows in symmetrical form. Instead of the conventional overhang pitched roof, the 2.5-storey house is topped with a pitched shingle roof without overhang, which creates a vaulted ceiling and a cosy loft-like area inside.

Interior design was kept upscale yet tasteful with a precise curation of subtle colours and sleek lines to abet a sense of calm for its residents. Detailing is well-crafted with fine wainscotting and cornices to further the chosen modern classic aesthetic.

Read more here.

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4. A modern french penthouse in Kuala Lumpur

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Photo 1 of 2 Angles are softened with a timber cladding (Photos: TWJPTO Studio))
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Located in a penthouse in downtown Kuala Lumpur, a modern French concept was decided on for the client, who lives alone with her adorable poodle. This choice was arrived at by Pins Design Studio to create a distinctively artistic atmosphere for the client, who's an avid art collector who’s also a design enthusiast.

To match her high taste and fondness for bespoke design, the designers employed a neutral backdrop to combine various stylish materials and designer furniture. 

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Photo 1 of 3 Rattan finishing was used for the wardrobe’s doors, continuously wrap around the adjacent walls and the door that leads to the master bathroom
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In the living room, diverse standalone pieces are elegantly presented via a harmonious interplay of tones and textures. A plush and curvy sofa is complemented with an abstract-shaped coffee table, while the flat TV screen is set against a white panelled wall that gently curves at the corner.

The dining room is highlighted by a table with legs that resemble Roman pillars. At the same time, a cluster of balloon-like lamps illuminates the area with a cosy glow, and rattan dining chairs infuse the space with a natural appeal.

Read more here.

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5. A pre-war terrace house with a modern interior in Penang

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Photo 1 of 2 The long narrow living room leads to the dining room (Photos; The Space Storyteller)
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The home of Partners interior designers Chuah Say Yang and Chong Su Min, who head design firms NEVERMORE and Xcent Design Consultancy respectively, is located in a transformed pre-war terrace house in the heart of George Town, Penang.

The narrow two-storey property was afflicted with the problem most terrace houses face: the lack of natural light. The solution was solved by gutting out most of the house's original interior, implementing an open concept, and introducing skylights to allow light to penetrate the space.

 

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Photo 1 of 3 The ultra-modern kitchen in black FENIX laminate features handless cabinet doors and drawers with Blum mechanisms
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Arabescato Orobico marble from Italy was installed on the bar counter, while natural solid teak wood flooring laid in chevron patterns creates a classy mood for the bedrooms.

The home is finessed with elegant furniture sourced from the couple's suppliers and accented with designer pieces such as the modern classic icon Moooi Smoke Chair by Maarten Baas and Southeast Asian decorative elements collected during trips to Bali, Singapore and Bangkok.

Read more here.

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