Step into a distinctive double-story semi-detached house transformation located in Penang, our team completed the full spatial design for this charming residence in 2021. This project holds a special significance for our team, as our initial connection with the homeowners blossomed entirely online during the Covid-19 MCO period.
Despite never meeting in person until the project’s completion, a remarkable rapport was built, fostering a relationship based on deep trust and mutual understanding. The homeowner, particularly the lady of the house, placed immense confidence in our design vision, entrusting us fully to create a home that perfectly captured their family’s essence and lifestyle.
This collaborative journey, though begun remotely, allowed us to push creative boundaries and deliver a truly personalized living space. Let’s take you through the key areas and the design concepts behind them.
Entrance Foyer
Upon entering, a deliberate change in flooring level clearly defines the entrance foyer’s ‘dust zone’ or transition area. We utilized large 3×6 feet tiles here, not only to enhance a sense of grandeur but also to minimize grout lines, making the area easy to clean and maintain.
To the right, the unified color of the cabinetry elegantly highlights the prominence of the altar area. A simple, full-length mirror allows for a final check before heading out. Smaller items are neatly tucked away in drawers and cabinets, maintaining a clean look.
Living Room
The living room embraces a simple yet stylish aesthetic. An vibrant orange sofa was chosen as a focal point, injecting color and a modern feel into the space. The homeowners’ child has a passion for playing the piano, and they requested a dedicated space for this. In the floor plan design, we strategically placed the piano area to the left side of the main hall, near the entrance foyer. To give this corner presence and character, we incorporated a genuine red brick feature wall, allowing the family to gather and enjoy piano performances.
Coffee Corner & Dog’s Nook
Turning to the right, a cozy little corner unfolds – a dedicated coffee station designed for the lady of the house. It’s a space for her beloved coffee machine and accessories, offering the simple joy of brewing and savoring a cup every morning upon coming downstairs. Cleverly utilizing the often-underused space beneath the stairs, we designed a snug haven specifically for the family’s dog, ensuring even their furry friend has a designated spot.
Dining Room
The dining area features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows paired with solid wood furniture, creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. We recall during the initial design presentation that the homeowner specifically requested detailed design concepts for the dining room. They wanted a clear idea of the style of dining table and chairs to purchase, as well as details like the pendant light fixture style, showing their meticulous involvement in every detail.
Wash Area
This area was originally a toilet, which we decided to remove. Noticing the existing water pipes, we seized the opportunity to create a convenient wash area here. This allows children and adults alike to easily wash their hands upon returning home or before meals without needing to go all the way to the kitchen or main bathrooms. We maximized the utility of this space wherever feasible.
Kitchen
The kitchen is truly the heart of the home for the lady homeowner, who uses it extensively for preparing two meals almost daily. Our design philosophy focused heavily on functionality, maximizing storage efficiency, and finally, refining the overall aesthetic style of this high-traffic area.
Functionality was paramount, with clear zoning for storage, baking, and a dedicated beverage station. Where possible, we assigned specific spots for each appliance to ensure clean and clutter-free countertops. Frequently used appliances have their permanent designated places. The ‘N’ shaped layout creates a flow that feels like a journey into this culinary haven.
An immovable column was cleverly integrated into the design. The front serves as a feature wall and display area, while the fragmented space behind was ingeniously utilized to house the refrigerator.
Dry Kitchen Lighting
Given that the dry kitchen lacks direct natural light from windows, we extensively used indirect lighting techniques to enhance its brightness and create a warm ambiance.
Wet Kitchen
Facing space constraints but wanting the functionality of an island? The mobile island was the perfect solution! When not engaged in heavy cooking or entertaining, it can be placed aside for extra storage. For parties or intensive cooking sessions, it can be easily moved to a central position, significantly increasing workspace and efficiency for chopping and food preparation.
Laundry Room
This practical area includes ample storage, a dedicated washing machine platform, and space for essentials like laundry baskets and buckets.
Downstairs Toilet
Designed primarily for guests, the downstairs toilet features distinctive design elements to make it a unique and memorable space.
Downstairs Guest Room
This room is furnished with a simple wardrobe and desk. The desk provides a comfortable spot for guests to work or handle personal matters, recognizing that a desk is often more frequently used by guests than the wardrobe. The aim was to create a comfortable, almost hotel-like ambiance.
Upstairs Hall
This area serves as an aerial yoga space for the homeowner. It features a large mirror, simple storage for equipment, and a surface for music players. A unique window design allows the homeowner to control the level of privacy during her practice, enabling full focus on her yoga world.
Boys’ Room
Designing for two boys of different age groups presented a fun challenge. For the younger son, the room features an eye-catching headboard design right as you enter, combined with a generously sized reading area.
Lighting, both artificial and natural, was a key consideration in this long room. To increase natural light, especially for the younger son’s space which initially lacked a direct window, the designer intentionally incorporated a window borrowed from the adjacent yoga area.
A stylish feature wall and rope wall in the middle subtly divide the space. This proportional design allows light to penetrate, preventing the room from feeling cramped while adding visual interest and a playful texture suitable for a child’s space.
The older son’s room adopts a classic white and grey color scheme, creating a sleek, modern style that includes all necessary storage space.
Daughter’s Room
When discussing her daughter’s room, the homeowner mentioned that despite her young age, her daughter is mature and composed. She preferred a design that wasn’t overly childish. We opted for an “Insta-style” aesthetic, focusing on abundant white, complemented by appropriate use of light wood tones, and accented with touches of muted or ‘dusty’ pink to add hints of youthful charm without being overtly childlike.
You might notice two desks – is that unusual? For a girl’s room, a vanity area is often essential when space permits. So, in addition to a study desk, we designed a separate space where she can comfortably get ready. The placement utilizes natural light, the ultimate tool for flawless makeup and beautiful photos! A dedicated relaxation corner also fosters a good reading atmosphere.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom features a generous bay window designed to be larger than typical. This oversized proportion creates a comfortable environment where adults and children can gather for reading or chatting. It’s even spacious enough to potentially accommodate a child sleeping with the parents if needed.
Behind a cleverly concealed door lies another “paradise” for the lady of the house: a comprehensive walk-in closet. Two parallel rows of storage provide ample space planned for bags, a vanity area, and separate sections for loungewear and going-out clothes.
Master Bathroom
The homeowner desired a distinctive feel for the master bathroom, particularly a connection to wood tones. We aimed for a resort-like ambiance. To address the moisture inherent in bathrooms while incorporating the look of wood, we utilized aluminum ceiling panels with a wood grain finish. The countertop material was selected from Italian imported waterproof materials, and robust ventilation systems were installed, ensuring both aesthetics and practicality.
This Penang residence project stands as a testament to how a strong client-designer relationship, even one that began virtually, can result in a deeply personal and meticulously crafted home. Every corner, from the practical entrance foyer to the private sanctuaries of the bedrooms and the highly functional kitchen, was designed with the specific needs and personalities of the family in mind. We focused on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhance daily life through thoughtful planning, clever storage solutions, and the strategic use of materials and lighting. The transformation of this double-story semi-detached house showcases our commitment to translating individual aspirations into tangible, beautiful, and livable spaces, proving that distance is no barrier to creating the perfect home.
