Dunggun | A Serene Scandinavian Home in Terengganu

This project began with a completely unexpected connection—an inquiry that came to us from a business listing page. For this newly built detached house in Terengganu, we were tasked with turning a blank canvas into a functional and beautiful family home. Our scope included everything from selecting hard materials and space planning to crafting the final interior design. After our initial meeting over Zoom, the project quickly and seamlessly moved into the design phase.

As life space planners, our mission is to understand our clients so deeply that the very first design concept feels like a perfect fit. Seeing the look of instant satisfaction on the client’s face during our first presentation was a rewarding validation of this approach. It confirmed that we had captured their vision and lifestyle right from the start, making the entire design process a smooth and joyful collaboration.

Foyer: An Intriguing Welcome

We created a distinctive entryway by installing a thoughtful partition between the foyer and the dry kitchen. This arrangement creates two semi-defined zones, adding a subtle sense of mystery upon entry. We complemented this with subtle ground-level accent lighting that highlights the verticality of the space and provides a gentle glow at night. To embrace natural light, we integrated glass bricks next to the main door, ensuring the space is bright and welcoming, especially during the golden hour.

Dry Kitchen: Scandinavian Serenity

The dry kitchen embodies a tranquil, gray-toned Scandinavian aesthetic. We created a harmonious balance with calm wood textures and expansive white surfaces to enhance the sense of space and contrast. To prevent the design from feeling ‘muddy,’ we introduced clean black arched iron lines that provide a crisp, modern outline. A touch of unique craftsmanship is seen in the bespoke kitchen island, which features a beautifully curved edge, adding a soft and distinctive element to the space.

Living Room: Uncluttered Comfort

The living area was designed to be a place of relaxation and freedom, not dominated by bulky custom furniture. Our focus was on strategic soft furnishings and a custom ceiling design to define the space, with the only bespoke element being the TV cabinet. This practical piece was built to discreetly manage wiring and avoid clutter. Underfoot, 800mm x 800mm tiles with an earthy gray limestone texture were chosen to ground the room, providing a subtle yet luxurious foundation that speaks to a refined sense of detail.

Dining Room: Cozy & Connected

The dining area was intentionally positioned against the bay window, creating a cozy and intimate space that offers a direct view of the outdoors. It was designed to be a place of quiet contemplation and shared meals, proving that a dining room doesn’t need to be grand to feel perfect. To enhance functionality, we created a display nook for daily essentials and books, ensuring they are always within arm’s reach. A custom-designed sliding door further defines the space and ties the entire aesthetic together.

Kitchen: Timeless Simplicity

In the kitchen, we followed a principle of timeless simplicity. The combination of clean lines and matte black handles creates a look that is both comfortable and stylish, adding a subtle touch of elegance. A generously sized window was deliberately included, turning the simple act of washing dishes into a brighter, more pleasant task.

Master Suite: Bold Scandinavian Details

To elevate the Scandinavian aesthetic in the master suite, we took a bold approach by installing a herringbone solid wood floor, a detail that was not yet a mainstream trend at the time. We layered the space with an abundance of soft furnishings to create a sense of comfort and texture. The double-layered headboard adds depth and detail, while the interplay of clean straight lines and gentle curves creates a harmonious and visually interesting flow.

Master Bathroom: A Vibrant Retreat

For this young couple, we designed a master bathroom with a vibrant and expressive style. The walls are adorned with light green tiles, introducing a sense of vitality and color, while black fixtures add a modern, fashionable contrast. We paid meticulous attention to the lighting design to ensure the space remains a comfortable and relaxing sanctuary for moments of quiet solitude.