Cover A blue velvet sofa makes a statement in the living room
A blue velvet sofa makes a statement in the living room
1 / 1
EMPT Studio's home in Mont Kiara is a simple but detailed canvas for a young family
Ideally, a home for a family, especially a young one, should grow with the family unit. This was the idea behind EMPT Studio's house for a couple who had just had a baby. Fittingly so as this young Penang-based interior design studio's tagline reads: "We give life and purpose to a space."
Located in Mont Kiara, the apartment was a generous 2.900 sq ft but was not in good condition when the designers visited it. "It was partially renovated 10 years ago by the previous owner but the condition was very old, and it didn’t fit the client’s idea of how he wanted to live with his family," recalls Jamie Kok, co-founder of EMPT Studio.
Don't miss: Serotonin Boost: 9 Fun Decor Pieces for Happy Spaces
Arches add a classical vibe
1 / 2
The client was a young couple who had moved a few times in the past years due to the nature of the husband’s work but decided to settle down in Kuala Lumpur after having a baby.
After contacting the designers through social media, the designer visited the site with the client and could see the potential of turning it into a "warm and lovely yet stylish home" despite the condition of the site.
The core idea was to frame each space within its section with a custom partition wall creating a uniform wall design throughout the shared space. To this end, the designers excavated usable space for cabinetry and terminated the joining edge with half-cylindrical wooden strips to complement the classical setting.
Don't miss: Home Tour: A Modern European Home in Penang
Above Herringbone flooring
Above Textural walls were added behind the niches
Herringbone flooring
1 / 2
The framed wall and corridor used a different wall finish to resemble an alternate dimension hidden underneath the interior’s primary setting. "This creates a unique visual experience around the house, with arches and rounded corner details used inside the ‘framed wall’ to soften and blur all the sharp edges," states Kok.
The kitchen’s floor tile arrangement is also one of the highlights, not only contributing to aesthetic aspects but also acting as a substantial material for day-to-day usage, which is also one of the client’s favourite details.
Don't miss: 5 Most Envy-Inducing Holiday Homes in Malaysia
Ronan Bourellec prints add a splash of colour
1 / 2
Kok used imported American walnut laid in a herringbone pattern as the primary flooring material throughout the living area and bedrooms to create a rich and dominant backdrop and bring warmth into the space.
Micro cement plastering was used in the ‘framed wall’ to create textural contrast. Implementing different sizes of half-cylindrical wooden profiles on the wall and concave patterns in the cabinetry design escalate the visual amusement.
Don't miss: Home Tour: A Rose Gold Wall Makes the Living Room in This Singapore House Shine
Rounded corners abound in the kitchen
1 / 3
Silver mink marble was used as a material for the kitchen top with custom round edges, and a selection of solid brass handles for cabinetry doors further the design agenda.
All bedroom doors were replaced with full-height doors to complement the full-height windows in every room and to encourage clients to leave their doors open to facilitate natural light and air circulation into the flat.
Don't miss: Home Tour: A Minimalist Home in Kuala Lumpur with a Tree Growing Inside
Above Neutral colours in the bedroom
Above The bathroom is kept neat and simple
Neutral colours in the bedroom
1 / 2
All furniture was sourced from local manufacturers, and the sofa was upholstered with blue velvet to create a statement piece in the living room.
The client loves rattan furniture, so the designers picked a set of black stained wooden chairs with rattan backrests to complement the dining table and a kangaroo chair for the living room. Vibrant abstract prints by renowned French designer Ronan Bouroullec on the dining wall add a splash of colour.
NOW READ
Home Tour: An Octopus, a Gold Entrance and More Fun Surprises in a Glamorous Duplex
8 Feng Shui Tips for a Harmonious Dining Room
Home Tour: A Modern Bungalow in Selangor, Malaysia With Bespoke Details
Credits
Photography: David Yeow
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.
