Cover A baby grand and neutral furniture form a charming alcove

Space 3 Design transformed an abandoned house into a fresh modernist haven with fine detailing and designer furniture

Located in the upscale gated development of The Airie in Sri Damansara, this bright light-filled home is a far cry from its original state. The 4,250 sq ft semi-detached unit had been left empty for seven years and as a result, suffered from the results of not being maintained adequately. This was not a deterrent for Greyson Tan of Space 3 Design who had met the client as a referral from another client.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 4 The light-filled living room
Photo 2 of 4 A view of the surrounding greenery
Photo 3 of 4 The staircase is a focal point
Photo 4 of 4 A continuous expanse to the kitchen

 “The client was very proactive. We went for site visits together and studied the site issues together,” says Tan. “It was quite challenging with the site being empty for so long and had retained some damage and was very dirty. We wanted to maintain the existing site yet minimise and reduce any problems that might cause in future.”

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 Fresh apple green was chosen for the dining room chairs
Photo 2 of 3 Secto lights provide warm light
Photo 3 of 3

After discussions with the clients who were a couple with four children, Tan started sketching and sourcing references from design websites. Mood boards were then created based on the mood selection and the design developed from there. “The client’s input was valuable in the design process especially as it helped us to understand their requirements,” explains Tan.

Don't miss: Top 5 Malaysian Home Tours of 2021

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 A sky light baths the kitchen with natural light
Photo 2 of 3 Timber and dark edging for the sleek kitchen
Photo 3 of 3 A small breakfast nook in the dry kitchen is useful

With regards to materials, Tan chose mostly imported items brought in from Taiwan, Singapore, and Italy. “We chose imported materials as we found that the quality required less maintenance which would mean less trouble for the client in the future,” states Tan. 

Tatler Asia
Above Stone walls add a touch of lux
Tatler Asia
Above Blonde coloured wood evoke a Scandinavian vibe

“For example, we installed imported large-format 1mx3m porcelain tiles in the living, dining and dry kitchen as the large format makes the spaces look tidy, enlarges the scale of the spaces and has a protective coating that prevents dirt.” Tan also explains that wherever possible green materials were proposed to the client as the first option.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 4 The four children have a dedicated space for their work
Photo 2 of 4
Photo 3 of 4
Photo 4 of 4

Once the damaged parts were removed and whatever required repairing were rectified, the designers proceeded to add character to the space with simple but effective finishes and beautiful detailing: “We took out time to get exactly the right design and went through 4 months just for discussions on the detailing of the carpentry design and accessories and material selection, material selections. We went through every detail step by step so that the client fully understood the design.”

Don't miss: TikTok's Top 5 Home Decor Trends for 2022: Glassware, The ‘It’ Colour, and More

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 4 The master bedroom is a peaceful haven with functional details
Photo 2 of 4
Photo 3 of 4
Photo 4 of 4

As with the material, the furniture was also imported with a preference for clean lines and Scandinavian brands like Muuto and Secto. For the sofa, the designers went with style and durability, especially with the heavy use it would receive from the client’s four children and sourced a sofa system from King.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 A chic map of the world adorns the wall of the children's room
Photo 2 of 3 More than just decorative, the round objects are also hooks
Photo 3 of 3

The completed results pleased the clients very much as the bright airy space was a drastic change from the original state: “The client is satisfied with the house and surprised that we turned this house, which was left vacant for eight years, into something that looks brand new and is modern and comfortable. 

NOW READ:

10 Statement Staircases That are the Centrepieces of These Homes

Mood Board: Luca Nichetto on Combining His Italian and Swedish Design Influences

Home Tour: Inside Camille Co-Koro And Husband Joni's Chic Scandinavian Abode

Credits

Photography  

David Yeow

Topics