Malaysian retail consultant's home a rich showcase of art, culture and heritage

The vivid painting, 'Warriors of Fortune' from Borobudur watches over the living area. Photos: The Star/Yap Chee Hong

An established retail consultant in the industry, Jimmy Chiam has had a hand in being part of iconic retail landmarks such as Suria KLCC and The Gardens Mall.

“I was in charge of bringing in a number of well-known brands within these walls. And retail is all about the details and that moulded my creative instinct that you see in my home today,” says Chiam, managing director of CCN Consulting.

Walk into his three-storey link house and you’ll find yourself plunged into a thrillingly colourful atmosphere. Antique Chinese porcelain and large abstract mirrors share the same space as a modern leather sofa and traditional chairs in the living area.

On another wall, a large vivid painting called Warriors Of Fortune from Borobudur, Indonesia watches over the entire space.

Part eclectic with a dash of character, here is a house that confounds contemporary expectations. Ask most homeowners what they value most about their interiors and the word ‘lightness’ usually tops their decorative list.

But here, Chiam has taken a different tack, shunning sun-saturated modernity for a cheerful palette of fun prints and eclectic furniture.

Chiam's extensive collections of paintings, artefacts and artwork fill almost every corner of the home.

Nestled in a quiet part of Rawang, Selangor, the house packs a lot into its 4,000sq ft (371sq m) space. The proportions are charming, with low ceilings throughout, glass exterior walls with sliding doors, and an outdoor terrace at the side of the house.

“I bought this house about 10 years ago and it was the first home I bought just based on the (floor) plan,” reveals Chiam.

“I moved in in 2019 and had thought it’d be my weekend home but I’m happy that I decided to make it my main home.

“Thank goodness I moved in before the pandemic as that allowed me to slowly put the house together. This house received a lot of tender loving care because of Covid!” shares Chiam.

It’s not hard to see why. His extensive collections of paintings, artefacts and artwork fill almost every corner of the home.

“I barely did any structural changes to the house. It’s really in the interiors that all the work went in,” reveals Chiam.

Staying true to his heritage, Jimmy has dedicated a room filled with priceless Chinese antiques.

His experience of travelling the world left Chiam with a craving to use colour and pattern, and a love for the arts.

So when it came to the interiors, he did not hold back.

“When it comes to mixing and matching the different elements, I say don’t be afraid. Go with what you like and enjoy. One of the things I really enjoy is collecting art. What draws me to an art piece is the difficulty of creating that artwork,” he says.

Chiam’s love for cooking and baking also sees him spending quality time in the kitchen, where a clever mix of tones and contrasting shapes link the three functions of the place – cooking, eating and entertaining – together.

“It’s a way for me to destress and it also allows me to entertain friends at home in a relaxed environment,” shares Chiam.

Designed for entertaining, a glamorous dining area was created in the living room with a 10-seater dining table and modern designer Egg chairs to maximise space and seating.

The modern dining table and designer Egg chairs seat 10 people comfortably.

Coincidentally, this love of entertaining has led Chiam to host private dining experiences at his home. Already, he has had friends and acquaintances come over and organise intimate get-togethers.

“We serve up a five-course meal that features unique Asian dishes that have been elevated and given a fine-dining touch,” says Chiam.

The private dining is only for a maximum of 10 guests and by referral only.

Creating a sense of joy with art

Amazing pieces from Malaysian artist Kide Baharudin’s whimsical works depicting busy scenarios and a host of characters fill a section in the kitchen.

As you head up to the first floor, artwork from architect Bill Bensley that features humour mixed with vivid details line the staircase walls. Other notable works include those from Malaysian painter Suzlee Ibrahim, local young artists from UiTM, plus embossed acrylic paintings from China and by Australian artist Charles Billich.

On the first floor, Chiam has dedicated a family corner to a traditional mahjong table and black-and-white pictures of his family. Here also sits a large antique temple bell from his first trip to China many years ago.

Chiam says what draws him to an art piece is the difficulty of creating that artwork.

“I’m just drawn to bells. (This piece) is so beautiful and I wanted to display it in all its glory. So it works perfectly here as a room divider between the family corner and the TV room,” he shares.

Meanwhile Chiam’s more subdued and neutral-toned master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe can be found on the top floor.

Taking cues from luxurious hotel rooms, he opted for a soft earth tone to dominate the room and added colourful hues in the form of a rug from Iran and art pieces.

”With my room I wanted something calmer and a more relaxed feel. I leave all the bright colours downstairs,” laughs Chiam.

“Another thing that I love collecting during my travels are carpets, so I’ve got a few from Iran, Tibet and other places. It’s my way of enjoying art and to be embraced by this play of textures and colours,” he adds.

We couldn’t agree more.