Cover S/LAb10 included reflective pillars to reflect the lush greenery for this home in Johor (Photo: David Yeow)
S/LAb10 included reflective pillars to reflect the lush greenery for this home in Johor (Photo: David Yeow)
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Explore the most stunning homes in this ultimate guide to Malaysia’s southern state, Johor
In the southern reaches of Malaysia, where tradition meets modernity, Johor’s architectural landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. Here, a new breed of homeowners is redefining luxury living, marrying opulent design with a distinctly Malaysian sensibility.
These homes, featured in Tatler Homes’ exclusive home tours, showcase a bold fusion of East and West. Soaring ceilings and expansive windows frame lush tropical gardens, while interiors boast a curated mix of local artisanship and international designer pieces.
From sleek, minimalist villas that echo the clean lines of Italian design to sprawling estates that embrace their equatorial environment, Johor’s elite is crafting spaces that are as much personal statements as they are sanctuaries.
As Malaysia’s southernmost state continues its rapid development, these homes usher in a new era of sophistication and style, challenging perceptions and setting new standards for tropical luxury living.
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1. A colourful home full of whimsical touches
The pastel “Good Time Patio” was inspired by David Hockney (Photo: David Yeow)
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A vibrant joie de vivre infuses this bungalow in Horizon Hills, Nusajaya, reflecting the personalities of its owners, CH and Evon Goh, and their family. Spanning over 4,000 sq ft, the home marries modernity with privacy, serving as a perfect canvas for their creativity without needing extensive renovations. The elegant layout of the existing floor plan allowed for intuitive use of space.
The Gohs, owners of Best Home Furniture, transformed the house with a keen eye for detail and quality. The main alteration was combining two rooms into a larger master bedroom, with the original master bedroom reassigned to their teenage daughter, Lenny, and a third bedroom to CH’s mother. They also converted the internal courtyard into a covered space for Lenny’s piano and study area, relocated the wet kitchen outside, and established a new dry kitchen indoors.
Above The grand piano was placed in what was once the internal courtyard (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Colour has been embraced throughout this home including the living room (Photo: David Yeow)
The grand piano was placed in what was once the internal courtyard (Photo: David Yeow)
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The design process, led by Rix Wong of Plateau Design Studio, was marked by a close collaboration. Rix, a family friend, guided the project with a blend of professionalism and personal touch.
The final design evolved naturally, blending colonial elements like monochromatic tiles with a vibrant, eclectic mix. The ‘Good Time Patio,’ adorned with bright pastels and evoking a California vibe, is a nod to CH’s favourite artist, David Hockney, and encapsulates the home’s playful yet sophisticated spirit.
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2. A home that embraces the Australian backyard lifestyle
The lush parkland feels like a seamless part of this home (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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In Iskandar Puteri, a family residence designed by S/LAB 10 embraces the outdoors and celebrates a “backyard lifestyle”. Built on a 150 sq m plot in Leisure Farm, the house draws inspiration from Australian homes, emphasising privacy and openness in its backyard and courtyard. The design features practical elements like louvred shutters for sun control and cross-ventilation for natural cooling, aligning with the client's preference for comfortable minimalism.
Durable materials with a neutral colour palette were selected to create a cohesive and enduring aesthetic. Custom-made terrazzo floors in the common areas provide timeless style, while oak timber floors in the sleeping areas offer warmth and calmness.
Whimsical furniture adds playfulness to the home (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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The home’s personality shines through in its unique design elements, such as the geometry of the courtyard covering, the reversal of ‘back’ and ‘front,’ and playful features like a trapezoidal window overlooking the common area, a diagonally placed bookcase in the study, and ribbon-like white bannisters and railings.
The common area is further enlivened by furniture from local brand Big Brain, known for its unexpected shapes and bright colours. This quirky approach adds a layer of individuality to the residence, making it a harmonious blend of practicality, minimalism, and vibrant design.
Read more here
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3. A modern home designed as an oasis of rest
A home which exudes effortless elegance (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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Nestled in the high-end enclave of Horizon Hills, this 6,300 sq ft bungalow epitomises understated luxury and meticulous craftsmanship. Designed by Alan Chan, founder and creative director of The Kreare Design, the home reflects a shared passion for refined simplicity with his clients.
Perched on a slope, the house offers panoramic views of the surrounding golf greens and low hills, inspiring the open layout of the living and dining areas. The design thoughtfully incorporates shadow lines and soft transitions between spaces, with exquisite details such as a sculptural staircase and a front door subtly adorned with a Chinese character motif.
Simple lines define the house profile (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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Inside, the home showcases a careful curation. Furniture, lighting, and objects are selected to complement the contemporary design language, featuring brands like B&B Italia, Flexform, and FLOS, alongside bespoke pieces crafted by Chan. The bungalow’s unique structure, appearing as two levels from the front and three from the back, enhances its connection to the scenic landscape.
Spread over three floors, the five-bedroom residence is a sanctuary that blends style and functionality. Chan’s vision of modern elegance, combined with the client’s tastes, has created a tranquil retreat that embodies the evolved definition of luxury—subtle, sophisticated, and deeply harmonious with its surroundings.
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4. An effortlessly elegant multi-generational family home
All interior views were orienteered to the serene swimming pool (Photo: Pixelaw Photography)
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In Nusajaya, Team BJ Design transformed a double-storey bungalow overlooking the Horizon Hills golf course into a masterpiece of understated luxury. The clients desired a home that balanced sophistication with warmth, catering to their family of six and frequent business entertaining.
The house begins its story at the main entrance, where a discreet street view gives way to an impressive interior with angled views towards a central courtyard swimming pool. This sense of arrival is highlighted by a feature wall framed by a bronze screen, adding an elegant touch reminiscent of high-end boutiques.
Adjacent to the foyer, the powder room boasts gold-tinted stainless steel walls, a curvaceous pedestal sink, and Philippe Starck’s Starck V mixer, creating an organic and luxurious feel. The formal living room, accessed through a plant-lined bridge, features a double-height ceiling and a striking Alaskan marble wall, setting a grand yet refined tone with Minotti furnishings.
The stunning view is captured when the designers extended the balcony (Photo: Pixelaw Photography)
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For casual gatherings, a second seating area overlooks the pool, blending sophistication with comfort through Minotti and Turri pieces. A nearby bar area, complete with a Gaggenau cooktop, is perfect for entertaining guests with fine spirits and private chef dinners.
The airy dining room continues the theme of low-key luxury. It features curvy, customised Turri furniture inspired by automobile design, a nod to the client’s passion for cars. Twin chandeliers add a modern twist to the space.
Upstairs, the private family areas include leisure spaces and bedrooms, accessible by both a main and a spiral staircase. The family room, with its relaxed Minotti furniture and a well-equipped bar/kitchenette, serves as a favourite retreat.
Read more here
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5. A minimalist home with whimsical touches
Living spaces extend effortlessly to the outdoor (Photo: TWJPTO)
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Supernormal Studio has transformed a spacious residence in Horizon Hills by adding a 1,000 sq ft extension, increasing the total built-up area to 7,500 sq ft. The original three-story corner bungalow now boasts a seamless blend of architecture, interior design, and landscape design, creating a harmonious integration with its surroundings.
The open-concept layout of the main living areas fosters an airy sense of space and fluid movement throughout the house. The design palette is calm and sophisticated, featuring soft tones and seamless finishes.
Above The modern chandelier is a focal point (Photo: TWJPTO)
Above High ceilings allow natural light in (Photo: TWJPTO)
The modern chandelier is a focal point (Photo: TWJPTO)
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Supernormal Studio aimed to make homeowners feel as though they were living within a private garden. To enhance privacy, they retained the original three-story structure but added various layers of boundary walls. The uncomplicated geometry of the single-story extension and new pool fits seamlessly into the existing structure, emphasising clean, effortless lines.
Large glazing panels connect different parts of the house, ensuring that natural daylight reaches every corner. This thoughtful design allows the residence to breathe and integrate with the lush landscape, embodying a sophisticated yet serene living experience.
Read more here
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6. A bungalow dressed in pink and gold
The house stands on a leafy street in Johor Bahru’s Leisure Farm development (Photo: MarcusL Photography)
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A sprawling 9,903 sq ft bungalow in Nusajaya has been transformed into an elegant family home by Singapore-based firm Designworx Interior Consultant. The property, situated on a generous 17,227 sq ft plot in the exclusive Leisure Farm community, belongs to a couple with three young sons and their household staff.
The design team, fresh from completing the family’s Singapore penthouse, embarked on an ambitious project to create a space that balances sophistication with family-friendly functionality. The bungalow's renovation included significant extensions, adding a larger car porch, guest accommodations, and a formal study.
Above Pink flooring imbues this corridor with a rosy hue (Photo: MarcusL Photography)
Above A glass-flower installation brings a romantic air to the dining area (Photo: MarcusL Photography)
Pink flooring imbues this corridor with a rosy hue (Photo: MarcusL Photography)
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What sets this project apart is its bold use of pink and gold hues throughout the interior, elevating the transitional style beyond its typically neutral palette. From matte pink wardrobe finishes paired with wildflower wallpaper to gold-inlaid guest rooms, the design creates a uniquely personalised atmosphere.
The home’s private spaces reflect the family’s individual tastes, including a formal study inspired by a Korean drama and themed children's rooms. High-end touches, such as Art Deco-inspired furnishings and auctioned artworks, complete the luxurious yet livable environment.
Read more here
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7. A home with lush greenery centred around the pool
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A British expatriate couple with children studying in Nusajaya found their ideal home in Ledang Heights. Situated on a lush, undulating plot, their vision for a home that embraced the natural landscape led them to S/LAB 10.
The site’s challenging terrain, with slopes varying over five meters, inspired a tiered design featuring suspended planes, cubic volumes, and a central infinity pool. The design integrates seamlessly with the landscape, minimising land alteration and emphasising open-plan verandas that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for entertaining while ensuring privacy.
Doors which open up completely allow for seamless indoor and outdoor living (Photo: David Yeow)
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The entrance, marked by concrete panels and a timber-slat gate, exudes a robust, protective feel. Inside, the design employs timber, concrete, and marble, balancing visual weight with simple detailing. Guests are greeted at the lower ground level and ascend floating concrete steps to the main living areas, which open onto the pool and lush greenery, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.
Distinctive spiral staircases in the wings add architectural drama, while carefully curated furniture, including pieces from Timothy Oulton and Baxter, enhance the interior’s character. The family hall, adorned with peacock blue wallpaper and timber flooring, offers a vibrant contrast, showcasing the family’s artwork and furniture.
Read more here
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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.
