Cover Jaclyn Lee and Johnny Doran’s mid-century inspired penthouse in Malaysia (Photo: Tatler Homes)
Jaclyn Lee and Johnny Doran’s mid-century inspired penthouse in Malaysia (Photo: Tatler Homes)
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Step inside properties that celebrate the past across Singapore and Malaysia
Vintage-inspired architecture and design have an undeniable allure that captivates both homeowners and designers, and are being seen in more and more luxury homes across Asia.
These spaces blend the charm and elegance of the past with the sophistication of modern amenities. Many present a refreshed take on design styles that draw from the the rich cultural heritage and diverse historical influences of Asia, as well as some western architectural styles.
From ornate colonial mansions and traditional bungalows to mid-century modern elements and 1960s layouts, these character-filled residences in Singapore and Malaysia that offer refined living experiences while preserving cultural identity.
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A heritage bungalow in Singapore with vintage charm
Above The outdoor areas are clad in encaustic jade-green tiles and furnished with custom pieces
The outdoor areas are clad in encaustic jade-green tiles and furnished with custom pieces
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Originally built in the 1970s, this restored Singapore bungalow—on its 6,400 sq ft plot of land—exudes an almost palpable sense of tranquillity.
Before its redesign, the original house immediately captivated its owners, a family of four, who turned to Goy Architects for their experience in reworking heritage buildings and signature use of tailored material palettes.
The architects made the home feel like the family’s own space without crossing the line into the erasure of its history, and retained features include well-maintained terrazzo floors and intricate wrought-iron grilles. There are also architectural elements made for the tropical climate, such as an overhanging roof, patio spaces—perfect for outdoor entertaining—and a layout that promotes natural cooling and air circulation.
Read more about this home here
A 1960s Balinese bungalow in Malaysia
Above Seamless indoor and outdoor living
Seamless indoor and outdoor living
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This unassuming 1960s bungalow in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, has undergone a remarkable transformation: known as KamaRia House today, the 10,000 sq ft abode has been reimagined into a sanctuary of art, inspiration and tranquillity by its owner Ramli Ibrahim, a performing arts luminary.
Ramli, along with architect Joost Van Grieken, opted to remove the grills from the original build for an airier design, embraced the natural elements of the surrounding lands and sourced traditional furniture and sculptures from Bali and Sumba Island that would complement KamaRia’s unique character.
Read more about this home here
An endearing monochromatic townhouse in Singapore
Above When outdoor dining is not in the cards, the family can comfortably set up their meals in this charming dining room, sheltered from the elements
When outdoor dining is not in the cards, the family can comfortably set up their meals in this charming dining room, sheltered from the elements
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Victoria and Rob Garrett and their two sons moved into this townhouse near the Singapore Botanic Gardens during the pandemic. Built in the 1920s, the black-and-white bungalows here housed non-commissioned British officers and their families, and are currently state-owned, but the British couple were able to do a lease takeover from the previous tenants.
The restored space is the ideal canvas for an eclectic mix of furnishings: think Balinese-style artisanal furniture, second-hand outdoor rattan pieces and modern works by lesser-known artists—they build on the visual history of the family and their experiences.
Read more about this home here
A mid-century inspired penthouse in Kuala Lumpur
Above The newly renovated penthouse is a clear open space
The newly renovated penthouse is a clear open space
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An overarching theme of mid-century design runs throughout Jaclyn Lee and Johnny Doran’s 1,800 sq ft penthouse in Tivoli Villas, Bangsar, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They hired Priscilla Ng, co-founder of interior design studio Paul + Pris, to transform their space and merge modern architecture with their period tastes.
Stand-out pieces from that period include the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, which Lee and Doran collected when they lived in New York City, and an elegant TV cabinet that was imported from Denmark. Playful geometry, organic simplicity and quirky minimalism can also be found in newer pieces that offer mid-century modern aesthetics.
Read more about this home here
An artistic, black-and-white Singaporean bungalow
Above In the children’s bedroom, Phunk’s ‘Army of Love’ and Tan Chin-Chin’s ‘Buddha’s Face 3’ are among the accent pieces
In the children’s bedroom, Phunk’s ‘Army of Love’ and Tan Chin-Chin’s ‘Buddha’s Face 3’ are among the accent pieces
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Art and history-loving Claudia and Hogi Hyun were so enraptured by the black-and-white heritage buildings of Singapore, they made one property their primary residence for nearly three decades.
The couple felt strongly about having a sense of place and a sense of history in the house, so they furnished it with standout pieces from their eclectic collection of art and antiques, with some items dating back as far as the Qing dynasty.
Read more about this home here
Amalissa Hall was the style writer at Tatler Hong Kong. Primarily focused on writing digital articles, she covers news, tracks trends and interviews experts from the fashion, beauty and wellness industries, as well as entertainment spheres. Interview highlights include Formula One driver Alex Albon, award-winning costume designer Jany Temime and prolific make-up artist Lisa Eldridge.
She has also produced print stories featuring make-up artists, perfumiers and other upcoming figures discussing Asian representation on social media, sharing industry insight and trends as well as explaining new approaches to wellness in Hong Kong.
