Neutral furnishings from luxury brands like Minotti complement the artwork, while a black floor lamp adds architectural interest to the space
Cover Neutral furnishings from luxury brands like Minotti complement the artwork, while a black floor lamp adds architectural interest to the space
Neutral furnishings from luxury brands like Minotti complement the artwork, while a black floor lamp adds architectural interest to the space

Aspect Ratio Interior Atelier transformed a condominium into a curated art sanctuary in Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur

In the vibrant enclave of Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur, Kian Liew has transformed a 1,163 sq ft condominium into a living art gallery.

As the maiden project for Aspect Ratio Interior Atelier, which he recently co-founded, this space represents not just a home but an avenue for artistic expression for this multi-talented creative, who is also chef-owner for highly regarded modern Peranakan restaurant Bōl.

Here, Liew resides with his partner Pat Hong, a consulting firm partner, and their two dogs, Steffi and Chester.

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The hallway adorned with eclectic artwork, including sculptures by Chen Wen Ling and Shui Jian Guo and a painting by Syed Fakaruddin
Above The hallway adorned with eclectic artwork, including sculptures by Chen Wen Ling and Shui Jian Guo and a painting by Syed Fakaruddin
The hallway adorned with eclectic artwork, including sculptures by Chen Wen Ling and Shui Jian Guo and a painting by Syed Fakaruddin

“Wouldn’t it be nice to live in an art gallery?” Liew recalls thinking when conceptualising the design. This simple yet profound question became the foundation for their home’s transformation.

The condominium, while not extensively renovated, has been thoughtfully altered to maximise its potential as a showcase for the duo’s art collection.

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This hallway celebrates bold colors and playful forms, with a mixed medium piece by Syafiq Harizul and a tiger-shaped rug
Above This hallway celebrates bold colors and playful forms, with a mixed medium piece by Syafiq Harizul and a tiger-shaped rug
This hallway celebrates bold colors and playful forms, with a mixed medium piece by Syafiq Harizul and a tiger-shaped rug

White-washed walls serve as a canvas for an impressive array of contemporary pieces, including works by Chinese and Malaysian artists.

Natural light floods the space through strategically placed sheer window treatments, while carefully positioned track lighting highlights individual artworks.

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The sleek modern living room featuring a striking red circular wall sculpture as the centerpiece
Above The sleek modern living room featuring a striking red circular wall sculpture as the centerpiece
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The balcony transforms into an artistic retreat with a striking white sculpture set against a lush green wall
Above The balcony transforms into an artistic retreat with a striking white sculpture set against a lush green wall
The sleek modern living room featuring a striking red circular wall sculpture as the centerpiece
The balcony transforms into an artistic retreat with a striking white sculpture set against a lush green wall

Perhaps the most striking feature is the balcony, where a bronze sculpture by Xie Ai Ge rises elegantly above a reflecting pond set against a verdant green wall.

Inside, the open layout creates a seamless flow between living spaces, subtly defining zones with furniture arrangements and rugs.

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Photo 1 of 2 The living room showcases Liew and Hong's art collection, featuring a vibrant contemporary piece above a designer armchair
Photo 2 of 2 Neutral furnishings from luxury brands like Minotti complement the artwork, while a black floor lamp adds architectural interest to the space
The living room showcases Liew and Hong's art collection, featuring a vibrant contemporary piece above a designer armchair
Neutral furnishings from luxury brands like Minotti complement the artwork, while a black floor lamp adds architectural interest to the space

“Our favourite spot is undoubtedly the dining area,” Liew says. With an unconventional table height of 650mm, the space doubles as both the dining room and lounge, eliminating the need to transition between entertaining areas.

The furniture selection reflects a deliberate restraint, featuring pieces from prestigious brands like Maxalto and Minotti that complement rather than compete with the art. Natural materials such as solid timber and marble provide rich contrasts to the contemporary pieces on display.

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The dining area features a lower 650mm table height, allowing for seamless transitions between dining and lounging
Above The dining area features a lower 650mm table height, allowing for seamless transitions between dining and lounging
The dining area features a lower 650mm table height, allowing for seamless transitions between dining and lounging

Despite its apparent simplicity, the design proved challenging to execute. “Our contractor quipped that while the design might appear straightforward at first glance, the intricate details make it one of the most complex projects he’s ever tackled,” Liew shares with a smile.

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The minimalist design includes high-end appliances and a spacious countertop, perfect for the executive chef homeowner's culinary pursuits
Above The minimalist design includes high-end appliances and a spacious countertop, perfect for the executive chef homeowner's culinary pursuits
The minimalist design includes high-end appliances and a spacious countertop, perfect for the executive chef homeowner's culinary pursuits

The art collection is impressive and diverse, featuring works such as the aforementioned bronze Tai Chi sculpture by Xie AiGe, a tongue-on-cheek Made In China sculpture by Shui Jian Guo and Chen Wen Ling’s provocative Stop Staring At Me in red on bronze.

Malaysian artists are well-represented, with pieces like Azaikmal Ahmad Rashid’s The UnNorm Circles and Syed Fakaruddin’s Tower adding local context to the collection.

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Photo 1 of 3 The master bedroom epitomises luxury condo living with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic Kuala Lumpur views.
Photo 2 of 3 A custom headboard anchors the space, while curated black and white photography maintains the art gallery concept
Photo 3 of 3 An ingenious reading nook carved into a wood-paneled alcove provides an intimate space for relaxation. The built-in daybed, adorned with an Hermès throw, exemplifies the attention to detail found throughout this residence
The master bedroom epitomises luxury condo living with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic Kuala Lumpur views.
A custom headboard anchors the space, while curated black and white photography maintains the art gallery concept
An ingenious reading nook carved into a wood-paneled alcove provides an intimate space for relaxation. The built-in daybed, adorned with an Hermès throw, exemplifies the attention to detail found throughout this residence

For Liew, who practised interior architecture for over twenty years before founding Aspect Ratio Interior Atelier with Ter Mei Sim and Ter Mei Ching, this home is both a personal sanctuary and a powerful debut project. The location, with its tree-lined streets and proximity to urban amenities and natural spaces, provides the perfect setting for this artful refuge.

In this thoughtfully curated space, every detail has been considered, from the precise termination of datum lines to the positioning of each artwork, creating a home that truly lives up to its concept: an art gallery where life unfolds daily.

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Credits

Photography: David Yeow

Topics

Jennifer Choo
Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

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.