Cover This Kuala Lumpur home by WHBC took home Best Architectural Concept for the Tatler Homes Design Awards - Malaysia this year (Photo: David Yeow)
This Kuala Lumpur home by WHBC took home Best Architectural Concept for the Tatler Homes Design Awards - Malaysia this year (Photo: David Yeow)
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Discover the appeal of Malaysian homes through the Tatler Malaysia team’s handpicked selection of inspiring interior tours
In Malaysia’s diverse architectural landscape, homes span a remarkable range of styles and sizes. From sleek urban apartments to sprawling countryside estates, the nation’s homes reflect a rich blend of cultural influences and contemporary design trends.
As Malaysia approaches its independence day celebrations, the architectural landscape is a manifestation of the country’s evolution. Styles range from tropical modernist to Japandi, modern classical to minimalist, each home telling a unique story of its inhabitants and their aspirations.
The variety extends beyond aesthetics to scale and function. Compact city dwellings showcase ingenious space utilisation, while expansive bungalows embrace the luxury of land. These homes, regardless of size, embody the spirit of Malaysian hospitality and family life.
In this curated selection, the Tatler Malaysia team offers a glimpse into some of the country's most captivating residences.
Read more: Ultimate Malaysian Home Tours guide: 7 stunning homes in Penang
A home designed like a jewel box by A Design Atelier
A Design Atelier’s bungalow in Selangor (Photo: Pixelaw Photography)
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There are two things I love about houses and interior design—texture and lighting, and the perforated cladding in the ‘jewel box’ feature encapsulates both! The light reflected from the sun and the moon at all times of the day creates a visually stunning effect that will never go out of style.
Also, the spacious design built for entertaining guests breathes life into the space, making what I think transforms a house into a home. That, combined with built-in water features, lush greenery for added ambience, and solid stone walls for privacy and aesthetics, ticks off my checklist for a gorgeous, practical space. And, of course, bonus points for the canine lamp. What’s not to love?
Quinny Tan, senior social media executive
See also: 14 tranquil modern resort-style homes around Malaysia
A modern bungalow transformed into a wabi-sabi haven by Nevermore Group
Nevermore Group's modern bungalow in Perlis (Photo: The Space Storyteller)
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My favourite Malaysian home tour is this stunning house in Perlis by Nevermore Group. I’m completely drawn to its clean design and simplicity. The choice of materials and the different textures throughout the space are just perfect. The colour scheme feels so me—I could absolutely see myself living there! This home truly captures everything I love in design.
Mawar Proehoeman, Homes account director
Don’t miss: 5 profound Japanese design principles that are very demure and very mindful
A stunning brutalist home with futuristic design elements by Jing Wong
Beurre House (Photo: Bricks Begin)
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It is a breath of fresh air to see a home with a captivating façade that differs from the usual ones around the country. This home showcases creativity in design, such as the whimsical detailing on the concrete and the rounded edges. While the exterior catches the eye, the home's construction principles are equally noteworthy.
The architectural principles of Brutalism do align with many sustainable building practices of today, and this home exemplifies how to bring design elements from the past into the future, particularly in terms of sustainability and biophilic features that connect occupants with nature.
Celeste Goh, Homes senior writer
Read more: 5 outstanding Brutalist buildings that seem out of this world
A tropical terrace transformed by OTCQ Architects
A transformed terrace home in OUG by OTCQ Architects (Photo: Lin Ho)
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To me, this house designed by OTCQ Architects is a breath of fresh air in every sense of the word. I’m particularly drawn to the ‘removing’ rather than ‘adding’ philosophy that the designers use to cut through the clutter, creating a sanctuary that reflects our society’s (or rather my own) current desire to pare down and focus on what truly matters.
The design effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, capturing the essence of tropical living with abundant natural light and thoughtful ventilation—a real masterclass in simplicity and sustainability, in my opinion.
Lastly, I love the use of materials in the home. The exposed brick walls and concrete elements give it a rustic feel, while the abundance of ceiling height and greenery bring life to the entire structure. Also, the soft curved divider in the bathroom has an elegant and unique touch. Very demure, very mindful, very cool-sy.
Sim Wie Boon, digital editor
See also: Home tour: Kourtney Kardashian’s modern Mediterranean sanctuary in Southern California
A Japandi home in Kuching with hidden details by J Hous Studio
A Japandi home in Kuching by J Hous Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
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I love this home tour because, at once, it brings me back to my two favourite cities: Copenhagen and Tokyo. The blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese elegance is further emphasised in this home with its simplicity and strong connection to nature.
As someone who lives with two teenagers, I am particularly drawn to the practicality of the spaces, for example, those ingenious hidden storage that are seamlessly integrated into the display shelves. Not to forget that curved ceiling! Which I feel unifies two of the most beloved design concepts—wabi-sabi and hygge—into a cohesive space.
Lynette Ow, editor-in-chief
Don’t miss: Upcoming Not A Hotel Setouchi fuses Scandinavian and Japanese design values
A serene family home with a wraparound balcony by WHBC
This Kuala Lumpur home by WHBC took home Best Architectural Concept for the Tatler Homes Design Awards - Malaysia this year (Photo: David Yeow)
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WHBC’s distinctive minimalist approach, which harmoniously blends clean, functional designs with a profound sensitivity to local context and natural elements, has long captivated me. This Kuala Lumpur family residence, featuring a wraparound balcony, exemplifies their mastery and is my favourite home tour.
The house’s scale strikes a perfect balance, exuding a homey atmosphere while showcasing meticulous details that speak to expert craftsmanship. Far from a sterile showcase, this home is thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted for authentic living, allowing the family to grow and evolve alongside the lush garden that surrounds it.
The crowning feature is undoubtedly the glorious wraparound balcony. This space offers a sense of seclusion while immersing its residents in nature, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience that epitomises tropical modern design. It’s no surprise that this home took Best Architectural Concept in this year’s Tatler Homes Design Awards.
Jennifer Choo, Homes regional managing editor
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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.
