Warmth and wanderlust fill every discernible corner of this spacious condominium in the heart of Pavilion Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, informed by the owner’s travels and panache for entertaining friends at home.
The former hotelier’s stints in various locations for an international five-star chain saw her living in Vietnam, Chennai and parts of China before her retirement after 30 years of award-winning service.
“I’d always envisioned what my retirement would be like, that I’d go for long walks, travel or host dinners with friends,” she says.
“And now, I’m actually doing it.”
The 2013sq ft (187sq m) condominium was meant to be an investment piece but the owner moved in during the pandemic, which coincided with her retirement.
Together with a friend, the owner curated a series of mementos to remind her of her sojourns and friendships.
“My travels allow me to purchase some wonderful things,” says the owner.
Some provide natural talking points.
Out in the terrace is a wooden bench repurposed from an old sampan acquired in Singapore.
It is where the owner enjoys sundowners with a good book, taking in the view of the sunset over Jalan Conlay.
Other curios have been acquired through sheer providence and lend the space an eclecticism that is at once charming, with every piece telling a story.
These include a collection of vintage black-and-white photographs acquired in Shanghai and rescued just in time before the shop and entire street made way for development.
Elsewhere, a Le Thong painting hangs near the entrance of her apartment.
“I’m glad I acquired this piece as I am told he no longer paints in this style,” she says.
An elegant post-modern Chinese rocking chair sits in the corner of the owner’s living room, the proceeds of its sale contributing to a children’s charity in Shanghai.
The owner’s travels extend to the guest bedroom where the bedding is from India, pillowcases with French lace trim from Vietnam and rug from Peru.
The owner’s own bedroom is filled with more personal touches.
Two teddy bears gleaned from her years at the hotel guard the entrance of her walk-in wardrobe.
It is the kitchen and living space that fills the owner’s time the most.
Her well-thumbed Ottolenghi recipe books have provided for many a feast at her dining table. “His recipes are easy and delicious!”
These days, her dining menus have included recipes from lauded London eatery Dishoom to the delight of her guests who dine from her extensive collection of Spode tableware, its signature blue-and-white bone china perfectly showcasing her culinary efforts.
“My sister gave me one plate and it sort of grew from there.”
When asked about them being too precious to use, she shrugs, eschewing any sense of preciousness.
“They should be used, yea,” she says generously. Her latest acquisitions for dining and entertaining are all vintage finds.
The flatware features mid-century white whalebone pieces, another collection sparked by a gift.
“One of our regular guests would give me a piece of whalebone flatware that he salvaged from a car boot sale each time he visited and I managed to find an entire set intact in Australia.”
Her new pride and joy are a set of vintage crystal champagne coupes and a set of vintage lead crystal brandy snifters.
The owner’s personality is present even in the generic wall display she got online in a hurry before moving in, the bright yellow of the pictures alluding to her warm character.
“It’s a lovely space and lovely area,” she says of her abode.
More importantly, “It’s a house that should be filled with people,” she says.
“That’s why I’m always inviting friends over.”
A home, essentially, in its truest sense.
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The owner enjoys entertaining her friends in her home, and the cosy living room is welcoming. Photos: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias
Mementos from her travels fill the owner’s home.
The teddy bears are reminders of the owner’s years as a hotelier.
A collection of a vintage black-and-white photographs acquired in Shanghai and rescued just in time before the shop and entire street made way for development.
The generic wall display, acquired online in a hurry before the owner moved in, brightens up the dining area.
The owner’s travels extend to the guest bedroom where the bedding is from India and pillowcases with French lace trim from Vietnam.
The wooden bench repurposed from a sampan on the balcony is perfect for sundowners.
An elegant post-modern Chinese rocking chair sits in the corner of the owner’s living room.
