Cover The living room has a view of the pool
The living room has a view of the pool
1 / 1
Lux Studio Interior merges opulence and comfort in this gracious home in Shah Alam, Malaysia
Sumptuous luxury hotels provided the inspiration for this 6,000 sq ft semi-detached house located amidst the lush greenery of Elmina East Garden, Shah Alam. As successful business owners, the clients were jetsetters and thus were no strangers to checking in and out of the finest hotels around the world.
The pandemic, however, with its lockdowns and closed borders, reminded them of just how important it was to create a home environment that might recapture some of the glamour of travel.
Read more: Home tour: A minimalist Malaysian home with whimsical touches in Johor
Above Softly curved seating
Above The home was inspired by the elegance of Mayfair interiors
Softly curved seating
1 / 2
The overall concept that eventually emerged was that of ‘Contemporary Timeless Luxury’, a theme which would be guided by the aesthetics of opulent interiors in Mayfair, London. Linda Uzir, director and principal director of Lux Studio Interiors, explains the design story in her own words: “The main brief was to create a luxurious sanctuary that would be functional but homey at the same time–a ‘staycation home’ to be precise!”
From the start, it was apparent that this collaboration between the clients and the designer was ideal for all involved. The clients had approached Linda via social media because they felt a real “resonance with the flair and vibes of Lux Studio Interiors”.
See also: Home tour: Kourtney Kardashian’s modern Mediterranean sanctuary in Southern California
Textural contrasts elevate the shades of taupe
1 / 5
As for Linda, she immediately felt a strong connection with the couple and their teenage daughter.
Furthermore, the designer relished the opportunity to dive into a full turnkey project–one in which she would be involved in every stage of the whole process, from the initial planning, through the construction and installation of built-in elements, to the selection of furnishings.
Don't miss: Home tour: A minimalist Malaysian home with whimsical touches in Johor
The journey home
Neutral colours are enlivened by astute material choices
1 / 2
It was no small feat to transform the original building into the dream home envisioned by the clients.
“The house needed a total facelift, both for the interior and for the exterior,” says Linda. This entailed such extensive work that the only structural feature that persisted was the staircase. Everything else–including the roof, the layout, and the façade–was replaced, revamped, or overhauled.
Read more: How celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard crafts glamorous homes
The modern classic vocabulary extends to the outdoor spaces
1 / 2
All in all, the renovation took up two full years before finally being completed. One reason why the process was so complicated was that they were working with a semi-detached unit.
Extra care had to be taken so that the renovation did not damage the adjoining unit in any way. Of course, it did not help that the construction work was impacted by the various Covid lockdowns.
See also: 14 terrace houses in Malaysia with amazing renovations
Neutrals were applied to the kitchen as well
1 / 4
The final result is a home that reflects the lifestyle of the clients. Practicality was of the essence here: the design has an elegant simplicity which lends itself to everyday use. The three living areas allow for varied groupings and social interactions; the entertainment room boasts a huge cinema screen and karaoke system; and the master suite boasts a home office as well as a capacious walk-in wardrobe.
Various design choices support the central theme of luxury travel. One might notice the indulgence of a 27 x 12 ft heated salt lap pool, or else our attention might be drawn to the date palm trees at the side of the house which add a touch of the Mediterranean to the landscaping.
Don't miss: 5 gorgeous restaurants in museums around the world
Material world
Above Neutrals were applied to the kitchen as well
Neutrals were applied to the kitchen as well
1 / 1
To achieve the opulent impression of a luxury hotel, it was important to ensure that all the finishings worked together in harmony. At the same time, there had to be sufficient visual interest.
Linda explains: “The pattern, the colour, and the objects have to complement each other without the whole design becoming too ‘matchy-matchy’”. Coherence was created by relying on a basic palette of natural stone, wood and steel throughout the house. After that, nuances were added to distinguish each space.
Read more: Studio tour: An iconic Malaysian choreographer and dancer’s Balinese-inspired haven
Off-white walls highlight the ethereal feel of the abode
1 / 2
The most apparent distinction would be that between the upstairs areas (which are more private) and the downstairs areas (which are more sociable and family-oriented). With the downstairs areas, there is a tendency towards harder textures.
This is seen in the Arabescato marble that clads the island in the dry kitchen, the hardware in champagne-good stainless steel and brass, and even the wood panelling in white taupe in all of the living areas. Upstairs, though, the bedrooms have a softer, more serene mood. We find soothing colours, full wall-to-wall carpets and drapes from ceiling to floor.
See also: Revel in this lavish Peranakan townhouse on Melaka’s erstwhile Millionaires’ Row
Pleasing shades of soft pink
1 / 2
The furniture choices help to lend character to each successive space. Certain pieces were bespoke items designed by Lux Studio Interiors–these were produced by local craftsmen and artisans.
Besides that, there are pieces by international design brands scattered throughout, including Caracole, Eichholtz, Jim Thompson fabrics, and Ralph Lauren Home. This effort to infuse different spaces with different personalities was so effective that, Linda shares, “The clients even gave each space a different hotel name!”
NOW READ
4 natural wabi-sabi homes in Malaysia
4 memorable real-life residences featured in this awards season’s nominees
Credits
Photography: BricksBegin
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
