Cover An arched opening frames the dining space, where custom Indonesian-made furniture meets natural rattan elements
An arched opening frames the dining space, where custom Indonesian-made furniture meets natural rattan elements
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Interiorscapes Consultancy has crafted a residence where curved ceilings, sustainable features, and minimalist design feature in this contemporary family sanctuary
In Shah Alam, Selangor, a 4,158-square-foot semi-detached house demonstrates how contemporary design can honour tradition and innovation.The three-story residence, completed recently, seamlessly blends minimalist aesthetics with organic forms, creating spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming.
“We wanted to reflect a rich blend of traditional, modern design elements, creating a harmonious environment that prioritises comfort, functionality, and aesthetic balance,” says Lin Siu Ching, creative director of Interiorscapes Consultancy, who led the transformation of this newly constructed property.
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The living room's custom curved ceiling design creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow
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The home’s most striking feature greets visitors immediately upon entry: a custom plaster ceiling design incorporating repetitive curved elements of varying sizes.
“When the lighting interacts with the space, it forms layers of soft shadows and depth, which brings out the sense of dimensionality,” Lin explains.
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Above The living room's custom curved ceiling sets the tone for the home’s modern aesthetic.
The living room's custom curved ceiling sets the tone for the home’s modern aesthetic.
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The ground floor flows seamlessly from the living room to the dining area through an arched opening, an architectural choice that Lin says “provides separation between two spaces while lending a sense of continuity and openness.”
The material palette here is a study in contrast, balancing rich dark wood with light warm beige and rattan elements. A surprising touch of green fish scale mosaic adds unexpected visual interest.
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Above Soft organic shapes
Above An arched opening frames the living space
Soft organic shapes
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In both the dry and wet kitchens, Dekton countertops marry durability with sophistication. The wet kitchen, featuring a bold combination of greenish blue and light beige, showcases custom spray-painted carpentry with shaker cabinet doors.
“We chose clean-cut 90-degree lines to highlight the modern yet traditional design,” Lin notes. The house’s sustainability credentials are impressive, with solar panels crowning the roof and LED lighting throughout. Natural ventilation was also a key consideration in the design process.
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An arched opening frames the dining space, where custom Indonesian-made furniture meets natural rattan elements
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Upstairs, five bedrooms plus a prayer room offer private retreats. The master suite includes a thoughtfully designed walk-in wardrobe where Lin’s team faces the challenge of limited natural light.
Their solution was elegant: “We had to improvise by putting the dressing table near the small window, with a make-shift pop-up dressing mirror for the client to still enjoy the natural light while doing makeup,” she says.
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Above Handcrafted green fish scale mosaic tiles create a subtle yet striking backsplash
Above Scalloped tiles are a charming splash back
Handcrafted green fish scale mosaic tiles create a subtle yet striking backsplash
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The wardrobe’s rattan-panelled doors, topped with subtle arched engraves, exemplify the home’s attention to detail. LED lighting along the top skirting brightens the space, while the beige colour palette maintains the airy feel found throughout the house.
What makes this project particularly notable is the homeowner’s embrace of change. “With her previous family home designed in a Balinese style, what attracted us to this project was her willingness to try a new approach,” Lin reflects. She allowed us to be a little more adventurous by incorporating slight tinges of colour into her kitchens.”
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Forest green cabinetry and Dekton countertops blend luxury with functionality in the open-plan dry kitchen
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The furniture includes custom-made sofas designed by Interiorscapes and a dining set crafted in Indonesia.
The decor, carefully curated by the homeowner through local shops and online sources, adds personal touches throughout.
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Soft neutrals and plush fabrics create a serene sanctuary in the master bedroom
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The result is a home that feels both designed and lived-in, modern and timeless. “The house doesn't feel heavy,” the client, Puan Azura, shares.
Indeed, the designers achieved a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements that creates a warm, welcoming space. The thoughtful placement and design of the furniture further amplify the room’s spatial qualities, creating a well-balanced environment.
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Above LED-lit rattan-paneled wardrobe doors in the walk-in
Above LED-lit rattan-paneled wardrobe doors
LED-lit rattan-paneled wardrobe doors in the walk-in
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This balance of aesthetics and functionality, tradition and modernity, represents a new direction in Malaysian residential design.
As Puan Azura opines, “It’s not a cookie-cutter design that we usually see in magazines. This makes the home unique and special to our family.”
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Credits
Photography: Pixelaw Photography
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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.
