Cover Modern and vintage live harmoniously side by side in James Koh and Dinesh Rao's light-filled space (Photo: David Yeow)
Modern and vintage live harmoniously side by side in James Koh and Dinesh Rao's light-filled space (Photo: David Yeow)
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The Tatler editorial team picks their favourite local home tours
Malaysia has more than its fair share of beautiful homes, and we at Tatler have the privilege of having a peek into many of them.
From tropical modernist to Japandi, modern classical to minimalist, the sheer diversity of Malaysian homes allows us to enjoy a range of styles.
Sizes also vary from compact urban apartments to rambling bungalows in the countryside, not to mention the number of people living in them.
With Merdeka just around the corner, the Tatler editorial team shares our favourite local home tours.
Read more: 5 magnificent multi-generational family homes in Malaysia
A chic modern kampung house in Kuala Lumpur by IDent_3
IDent_3' s updated kampung house (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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IDent_3's Nik Ida Juliana has somehow reached into my mind and brought my dream home to life.
This 8,000 sq ft house incorporates traditional and tropical architecture – something that remains surprisingly rare in Malaysia, considering how much there is to learn from it in terms of sustainability and resilience against the region's volatile weather.
Modern and minimalist without sacrificing cosier, lived-in elements, it was a delight to discover this unique kampung house in Kuala Lumpur.
- Zue Wei Leong, senior style writer
See also: Embrace serenity with these 7 Japandi-style plants
James Koh and Dinesh Rao's relaxed Kuala Lumpur home full of art and design
James Koh and Dinesh Rao's confident mix of provenances and styles makes for a warm and welcoming living room (Photo: David Yeow)
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The colourful and quirky details of James Koh and Dinesh Rao’s home have a charming sense of old and modern elements that resonate a lot with me. I particularly like how they carefully curate the furniture and art, mixing styles like modern plastic dining chairs and classic mid-century pieces.
Whimsical and lively without being too much, I can see myself lifting some inspiration here for my own dream home. Special mention: The orange bathtub in an otherwise monochromatic bathroom is simply just chef’s kiss!
- Sim Wie Boon, digital editor
Don't miss: 7 awe inspiring modern churches worldwide
An eco-retreat in Serendah, Malaysia built by A3 Projects
Burnt clay bricks are an effective feature wall (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
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The only thing better than designing your dream house and living in it is having the know-how and ability to design a cosy home for your parents in their retirement.
A3 Projects architect Choon Sin Ho’s gorgeous eco-retreat for her parents in Hulu Selangor beautifully captures the lifestyle needs and preferences of ‘the client’ while remaining respectful of the landscape and its greenery.
– Tania Jayatilaka, senior digital writer
Read more: Home tour: A pair of houses in Ipoh, Malaysia, one with a spectacular staircase
The luxuriously appointed home of Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari
The living room in Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari's home (Photo: David Yeow)
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I love that the colour scheme of Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari's home largely centres on a muted colour palette, enough for their furniture and decor to stand out and “pop” without looking too over-the-top.
Coupled with plenty of large windows and open layouts, it gives such a light and airy feel. Plus, I’m obsessed with how each room/space has its own distinct character—I could live in the kitchen! Oh, and the cat is a cute addition, too, of course.
- Lainey Loh, digital director
See also: Press paws: 3 beautiful pet-friendly spaces in Malaysia
A sleek Kuala Lumpur apartment with a sushi counter-inspired kitchen
The 'sushi counter' by Pins Design Studio (Photo:TWJPTO)
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To me, what makes a house a home is its beating heart in the kitchen. While I’ve seen many a pristine kitchen with all-marble finishes and grandeur with the sleekest appliances, there’s nothing like a homey kitchen that is built around the act of sharing food with loved ones.
That is not to say that massive kitchens aren’t my thing, but sometimes having a warm, cosy, and practical space like this home and its kitchen just does the trick. Plus, the home’s neutral colour palette, open space, and natural elements made for a winning combination in my eyes.
- Amanda Fung, writer, Tatler Dining
Don't miss: Home tour: A compact Japandi apartment in Kuala Lumpur
An architect and gallerist's home in Kuala Lumpur with an introverted approach
The internal garden is completely private (Photo: Bricks Begin)
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It's always hard to choose a favourite, but this “introverted house” by architect Chun Hooi Tan, director of Core Design Workshop and his wife, an art gallerist, struck the ideal balance for me.
Serene and sleek yet warm and welcoming, the pops of yellow and softening greenery were cleverly placed so that they appeared effortless. Ample natural light and ventilation are always plusses, while the well-curated artwork adds personality.
- Jennifer Choo, Tatler Homes editor-in-chief
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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.
