Malaysian mum's home in Alor Setar exudes modern vintage vibes

Nor Shakila at her favourite spot at home, which is her kitchen. Photos: @madame.syakila

Homemaker and mother of two Nor Shakila Amarudzi loves to furnish and style her double-storey semi-D house in Alor Setar, Kedah, which is also her hometown.

She and her husband moved in when her first child, a boy, was two months old in Sept 2018.

Doing away with renovations, they furnished it with basic furniture pieces, eager to start their new life as a family in a place of their own.

However, shaping the home to what it is today – a contemporary interior with clean lines and rustic and vintage hints – took some experimenting of sorts.

“I’m not an expert in home design but I do think that the theme for my home is Modern Vintage. My home’s theme was always changing since I didn’t know much about home design initially. Over the years, I think I’ve found the theme that suits my soul,” said Nor Shakila, 28, whose son, Muhammad Eusoff Alfie, is now five and her daughter, Mia Medina Maryam, is two.

The entryway has a timeless appeal.

Recently, her house was featured in #ighometourmalaysia under the theme #ightmentryway.

#ighometourmalaysia is a local home tour group on Instagram hosted by a small group of home decor enthusiasts to inspire each other and share ideas on home design and decor.

“For my entryway, the design concept is vintage modern, or I might say, timeless? I wanted it to look simple.

“I decided to put a console table and some decorations. The console’s laminate is quite rustic, matched with a big modern vase and a leafy branch that gives an air of simplicity.

“I hung up a few vintage paintings to make the entryway look more English and placed baskets for practicality. I put throw blankets in the baskets so that I don’t have a messy living room,” said Nor Shakila, whose Instagram handle is @madame.syakila.

“For the stairs, I have a rustic stool with a round faux clay vase that I DIYed and a dried branch that I found at the playground to make the decor look more balanced. I think the colour palette is important to make one area look appealing,” she added.

Nor Shakila shops for affordable items in furniture stores and home furnishing outlets, as well as online. The thrifting and DIY enthusiast has also put together a few items by herself, like a floor lamp in her bedroom, which she spray-painted gold, assembled and embellished with jute rope.

The faux fireplace done up by Nor Shakila's friend.

“For my console table and fireplace, I had my friend who’s really talented, make them. I just showed her the inspiration from Pinterest and she did it for me,” said Nor Shakila, who loves all things vintage and English designs.

Nor Shakila’s favourite part of the home remains the kitchen.

“I love it even though it doesn’t have built-in cabinets. My husband and I always discuss about having a kitchen make-over with built-in cabinets but I love it the way it is now. My kitchen decor gives me peace. I love the vibe.”

For the upcoming Raya festival, she has only set up her dining area, focusing on the tablescape.

“A scented candle is necessary for me because it creates a peaceful ambience. Plus, it helps to get rid of cooking smells,” said Nor Shakila, who also gives private Maths and English tuition on weekends.

Drawing from her own experience in home decor over the years, she has this tip to share.

“When it comes to decorating your home, it’s all about you. Your home defines you. I’ve read somewhere that ‘the design of your home can be an expression of yourself and you build a story through the colours and style that you choose’.

“When you’re decorating your house, avoid following other people’s designs or concepts just because you see that it’s cool but it doesn’t suit your personality.

“In the end, you will never feel it’s enough. Comparisons steal our joy. Don’t compare your home to other people’s. It’s not about how the house is designed or decorated, it’s about how you feel living in your own home,” she said.