Cover The 'sushi counter'
The 'sushi counter'
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Full of striking details, this apartment in Kuala Lumpur boasts a kitchen inspired by Japanese sushi counters
These days, cooking at home has transcended mere function as the popularity of culinary content, cheffy tools and gourmet ingredients continue to soar. For this couple with a home in one of the older condominiums in Kuala Lumpur, food is a shared passion and they wanted their kitchen to take centre stage as the heart of the home
To create this and a warm yet vibrant atmosphere for this 1,418 sq ft unit, they turned to Pins Design Studio. Using a predominantly neutral colour palette comprising white, grey, and black, the designers preserved a calm and cosy environment amid a simple backdrop of local materials like nyatoh wood veneer finish.
The counter is complete with a bench
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The problem with many condominiums was the lack of natural light and ventilation so the designers wanted to ensure plenty of both. Initially, the existing kitchen layout was dark and cramped, with walls blocking sunlight from the balcony and views of the living spaces. So the designers removed the walls and opened the space using sliding doors to bring in natural light and ventilation throughout the unit.
They also wanted to preserve the existing marble floor, which was exquisite. As such, all demolition works were carefully executed to minimise damage to the existing floor and wall skirting. In addition, all removed pieces of wall skirting were salvaged to be reused in other parts of the new renovation. The marble was then repolished to restore its opulence when it was installed in 1995.
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Natural light now baths the space
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Local nyatoh wood was used to construct most of the furniture. Naturally immune to termites, this was a deliberate eco-conscious choice as for every nyatoh tree felled, three are replanted.
In the living room, a sofa with a wooden frame anchors the space while adding a point of visual interest to the surrounding neutral-toned finish and bringing out the marble floor.
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Open plan living
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The sofa is also set against a wall with a series of matte white rectangular tiles that go all the way to the kitchen. The neat and repetitive motifs of the tiles contrast yet help refine the existing floor's texture.
Throughout this home, colour and furniture are essential in tying the interior concept together.
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The oval shaped dining table was custom made
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"To ensure design consistency, we custom-made the loose furniture in all critical spaces. Accent hues like red, blue, and green complement the neutral palette. In contrast, various lush green plants enliven the room with a nature-inspired vibe," muses Yew Shin Leong, design director of Pins Design Studio.
"While they may seem like minute details, the strategic application of these natural elements effectively creates an engaging home brimming with a bright and cosy ambience."
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The view from the kitchen
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To cater for the client's love for cooking, the kitchen is designed to be the home's focal point. The designers created a functional cooking space in the kitchen that also allows the client to entertain guests while she cooks.
"Since there was limited space to work with, we created a separate dry kitchen that faces the foyer. Based on a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant concept with an open countertop space, this kitchen creates a warm and welcoming transitional experience as a person moves from the dining area to the living room and the balcony," states Leong.
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The serene master bedroom
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The dining table features a combination of black and red tones for the adjacent dining area to infuse the space with a bold appeal. The table, accompanied by rattan chairs, is a focal point in the home, bridging the gap between the vibrant tones and natural textures.
One design challenge was overcoming the master bedroom's tight layout where the designers went with an unexpected solution.
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The sink is now a unique design detail
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"We relocated the washbasin from the bathroom to a corner in the master bedroom. The blue-painted finish of the washbasin counter, when combined with the adjacent nyatoh wood door that conceals the bathroom, sets an artistic vibe," says Leong.
In the bathroom, silky smooth concrete surfaces, matte white wall tiles, and terrazzo flooring come together beautifully to create a sculptural effect that is elegant and contemporary at the same time.
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Credits
Photography: TWJPTO
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.
