Malaysian 3-storey bungalow transformed into elegant, contemporary home

The swing is one of the owners’ favourite spots in the house. Photos: IDW Design & Build

Although there’s something beautifully timeless about a classic aesthetic, there’s no rulebook when it comes to modern interior design.

And that’s what makes a luxurious 4,500sq ft (418sq m) home in the Kuala Lumpur city centre so inspiring.

Rabiatul Adawiyah, founder and chairman of IDW Design & Build, was tasked to invigorate the elegant three-storey, zero-lot bungalow with rich textures, colourful furnishings and exuberant design.

“We had designed the owner’s home a few years earlier but at that time, we only provided them with a design package and they did the renovations themselves.

“Since they loved what we provided, they called us back to do a full home renovation for them this time,” explains Rabiatul.

The three-storey, zero-lot bungalow was made over with rich textures, colourful furnishings and exuberant design.

The makeover began in 2019 when the owners reached out to Rabiatul with the idea of upgrading their home.

The owners – the husband works in construction while his wife has a successful home business – wanted their home to reflect their progress in life.

“It was an incredible opportunity to showcase how much their lives had changed in such a short period of time and turn their home into an investment since the wife was doing a lot of live videos for her business within the home,” Rabiatul recounts.

“It took some time initially for me to grasp what they wanted with this renovation but after constantly communicating with them via video calls and Zoom meetings (this was during the Covid-19 lockdown period) I understood what they wanted to achieve,” says Rabiatul, who gleaned her clients’ aesthetics as contemporary and elegant.

“I was determined to introduce special materials, textures and finishes throughout to give the house the substance and richness that it needed.”

The patio offers an awesome place to kick back and relax.

The owners’ preference for luxurious materials and vivid hues dictated many selections. And Rabiatul wanted the home to reflect that effortlessly.

Take, for example, the living room area.

“It did not have a focal point, no main wall to start from so we had to work with what we had.

“We used textures and furniture to create personality and differentiate spaces,” the designer shares.

“The owners also worked with us to develop social zones that were both deeply close to the family and vividly cosmopolitan,” says Rabiatul.

For evidence, look no further than the TV room on the upper floor, which sports a large custom-made sofa.

“I was looking for a way to make this space comfortable enough so the whole family can relax together.

“That’s when we decided to make the sofa extra large, almost like a bed so everyone can fit and chill on it,” adds Rabiatul.

Fabulous finishes

Throughout the home, an opulent, layered sensibility prevails.

Soothing greys and creams, gold and pops of colour embellish the bedrooms and kitchen area. Sleek, custom furniture keeps the vibe light and modern.

“Almost everything is artisanal or custom-

In the master bedroom, a refined wooden background adorns the wall behind the lush bed, creating a sophisticated visual effect.

made, with some pieces by local artists and craftspeople,” Rabiatul notes.In the master bedroom, a refined wooden background adorns the wall behind the lush bed, creating a sophisticated visual effect.

The room also has a seating area that combines sumptuous fabric in an exciting warm yellow for a lavish touch.

For the children’s bedrooms, Rabiatul took into account that the mother wanted the rooms to cater to their growth.

“We knew durability would be key,” Rabiatul explains. “Because having kids doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. You can have nice things; you just need to make smart decisions.

“For the son, we customised a bunk bed that had an attached slide in blue and added motoring details all over the room.

“Meanwhile, for the girls, we went with a more striking room with cosy reading nooks, mixed with textures and splashes of blush pink.”

The girls’ room was fitted with cosy reading nooks mixed with textures and splashes of blush pink.

By paying attention to the needs of the children, the design of the rooms also guarantees that it is a chic space as well as a hangout spot when they have friends over.

Rabiatul and her team also worked hard to renovate the outdoor space.

When she had trouble finding the perfect swing for the gazebo, a custom one was designed instead.

“I wanted to add a layer of movement and organic shape so it was quite the challenge to find one that could match the gazebo space.

“In the end we designed it ourselves and it turned out to be just what we wanted,” she shares.

“It’s now one of their most favourite spots, where the owners spend a lot of time at. They often insist that guests who come over sit on the swing at least once!

“And this is something that I would consider a win – being able to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional as well,” she adds.