Malaysian couple turns small apartment into chic home that meets their needs

The interior style of Nor Syahida's home is characterised by a blend of neutral and bohemian elements. Photos: @rumasantai_

In many households, a laundry area is a purely functional space for chores but in Nor Syahida Adila’s home, it also serves as a cosy nook.

“As I designed this space, I had a vision of it being more than just a laundry area. I wanted it to serve as my personal indoor garden.

“To bring this vision to life, I added low maintenance indoor plants. This has transformed my laundry days into a therapeutic experience, allowing me to tend to my indoor plants while taking care of laundry tasks,” she said.

“The focal point of the design revolves around the terracotta potted plants and the breeze blocks, which contribute to the space’s cool and airy ambience,” shared Nor Syahida, 31.

For her creativity, that space was selected by @ighometourmalaysia – a local home tour group on Instagram hosted by home decor enthusiasts to inspire one another and share ideas on home design and decor – under the theme #ightmlaundryarea for its unique appeal.

The focal point of the laundry area revolves around the terracotta potted plants and the breeze blocks, which contribute to the space’s cool and airy ambience.

The financial planner shares her 850sq ft (79sq m) three-bedroom apartment in Setia Alam, Selangor with her husband, having moved in in 2019.

Nor Syahida further shared about how she maximised space in her home, which is characterised by a blend of neutral and bohemian elements.

“In my apartment, my design ethos centres around optimising functional space. It’s essential that every area serves a multipurpose role, prioritising utility over mere decoration,” she said.

Dominating her home are warm tones that include materials like wood and rattan.

“I’ve consistently had an affinity for wood and rattan elements. They infuse the space with a sense of warmth and cosiness,” said Nor Syahida, who shares her home decor journey on Instagram (@rumasantai_).

Her kitchen is compact yet functional, even featuring a bar counter.

“I adore the seamless colour coordination between my kitchen cabinets and the dining area wall. Given our kitchen’s limited space, we made the strategic choice to incorporate a bar counter.

Given their kitchen’s limited space, the couple decided to incorporate a bar counter there.

“Its incredible functionality allows me to comfortably sit while chopping vegetables and preparing meals, saving me from the need to stand throughout. The chopping board on the bar counter isn’t just decorative; it’s a practical tool I use daily,” she shared.

One of the rooms has also been turned into a home office.

“My home office boasts a minimalist charm, designed on a shoestring budget. I’ve included essential items such as a chair, a desk and a noticeboard to create a functional workspace.”

Nor Syahida’s favourite spot in the house is her living room.

“The honeycomb shelf serves as the centrepiece of my home. The seamless combination of warm and neutral tones, complemented by a touch of green from an artificial plant, establishes a space that I truly consider exceptionally inviting,” she said, adding that she plans to improve her currently empty hallway in the near future.

When it comes to decorating small apartments, she has this to share: “Select a concept that truly resonates with you and enjoy every moment of the decorating process. Embrace your unique ideas, as it’s your living space after all.

“Stick to your budget and consider gradual upgrades in line with your financial plan. Ultimately, find joy in the journey of creating a space that feels uniquely yours.”