Home Tour: a modern classic Penang home imbued with quiet luxury

Chaos Design Studio's modern classic reimagination of this family home in Penang merges timeless elegance with contemporary sleekness

The state of Penang comprises not only the island but also what is colloquially known as the mainland, with Butterworth being one of the important cities there.

Butterworth has a slightly slower pace and understandably more land than the island, yet it has all the attractive qualities of the northern state, which has seen more homeowners make their homes there.

This was the case for this couple, which had two growing children, who bought a semi-detached house in a Butterworth suburb to establish a home where they would enjoy living yet showcase their preferred aesthetics. To transform the house, they were referred to Penang-based Chaos Design Studio.

A patterned rug adds visual detail to the living area

Photo 1 of 4 The living area

Photo 2 of 4 A corner of the living area

Photo 3 of 4 A patterned rug adds visual detail to the living area

Photo 4 of 4 The monochromatic palette

“We wanted to create a home which seamlessly merges timeless elegance and luxury with modern simplicity, creating spaces exuding prestige and generational status,” explains Charles Khor, creative director of Chaos Design Studio.

Above Different stones were chosen to add contrast

Above The staircase is encased in timber cladding

They then set out to craft a union between classical beauty and contemporary chic in all design aspects, transforming the entire home into a sanctuary of elevated living.

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The handsome wooden panelling anchors the open plan living space

Photo 1 of 4 The open plan living area

Photo 2 of 4 The dining area

Photo 3 of 4 The dining area exudes a sense of calm

Photo 4 of 4 The handsome wooden panelling anchors the open plan living space

“At its core, this signature style blends classical grandeur with sleek modern aesthetics, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance while preserving modern design simplicity,” muses Khor.

Sophisticated touches add to to the dry kitchen island

Photo 1 of 3 Sophisticated touches add to to the dry kitchen island

Photo 2 of 3 Sculptural bar stools

Photo 3 of 3 The bar has sleek lines

A curated palette of neutral and earthy tones wraps around the surroundings.

This limited palette was deliberately deployed to harmonise the classical and modern elements.

Above Dove grey built-ins in the wet kitchen

Above Matching shelving

Custom and store-bought modern furnishings, such as Nero Black Marble walls and White Calacatta Marble dining tables, infuse every corner with a sense of grandeur.

“These choices boast clean lines and minimalist designs, enhancing the play of light throughout the home,” explains Khor.

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Photo 1 of 4 The upstairs landing

Photo 2 of 4 A small family nook upstairs

Photo 3 of 4 Neat and ordered lines

Photo 4 of 4 The family nook

Simple does not necessarily equate to tedium, especially with layered nuances.

This includes the integration of concave designs in elements like the kitchen island, dresser, and ceiling, along with classic wainscotting detailing, custom-made PVD-coated stainless-steel racks, ornate mouldings, classical columns, arches, and soft, natural textures. All of these introduce depth and visual intrigue without overwhelming the contemporary design.

Dark wooden panelling in the master bedroom

Photo 1 of 6 Floating shelves

Photo 2 of 6 Beautifully detailed built-ins

Photo 3 of 6 The chic walk-in wardrobe

Photo 4 of 6 An arched vanity table

Photo 5 of 6 Dark wooden panelling in the master bedroom

Photo 6 of 6 The master bedroom is serene

Bedrooms do not veer from the permeating concept of quiet elegance, although both kids’ rooms feature a more whimsical side.

With forest-green wainscotting and Scandinavian-style furniture, the designers display how chicness and designing for younger inhabitants need not be mutually exclusive.

Simple but elegant pieces were chosen for the kids room

The wall paper in the kid's room is more whimsical

Photo 1 of 4 Dark green panelling for the kids room

Photo 2 of 4 Simple but elegant pieces were chosen for the kids room

Photo 3 of 4 A lighter palette in the kid's room

Photo 4 of 4 The wall paper in the kid's room is more whimsical

The overall result is beyond what the homeowners imagined, and the designers are pleased with their studio’s ethos.

Khor concludes: “Chaos Design Studio’s philosophy revolves around the artful integration of intricate classical elements, merging classical beauty with modern simplicity. Through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, we imbue a sense of quiet luxury throughout the entire home.”

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Credits

Photography

TWJPTO

Topics

Home Tour Penang Home Modern Classic Malaysian Interior Design Luxury Interior Design

Tatler Asia

Home tour: A modern classic Penang home imbued with quiet luxury