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Friday, November 20, 2020

Quality design meets exceptional ideas. These interior designers in Kuala Lumpur offer only the best solutions and strategies to create spaces that combine function with artistic outcomes.

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A & A Design Concept & Contract Established in 1997 as a standalone boutique interior design firm, A & A Design Concept & Contract Sdn Bhd has grown from strength to strength to become today’s leading player in distinct luxury for interior spaces. A multi-award winning brand, A&A strives to become an international authority on distinct luxury and benchmark for interior, exterior and structural designs. From stately residences to cutting edge corporate offices, every space bears the hallmarks of their cornerstone philosophy: discover, design, deliver. aa-group.com.my

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One Roof Design One Roof Design is an established team of experienced and dynamic professionals specializing in interior design, build/renovation, residential and commercial product sourcing as well as purchasing and creative marketing services. The company provides one-stop-solution of creative services under one roof for residential and commercial projects. www.oneroofdesign.com

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IQI Concept An award-winning interior design firm based in Kuala Lumpur, IQI Concept specializes in residential and commercial turnkey solutions for a wide clientele from different industries. Known for their distinctive design flair, this fresh and dynamic interior company strives to deliver excellent services and high quality work to their clients. No matter the size and scale of the project, IQI approaches each one of them as a partnership between their client and their team. To date, they have an impressive portfolio of high profile projects ranging from premium residential developments, stylish commercial interiors to exciting retail and F&B spaces. Whether clients are seeking to create the perfect home or office environment that matches their lifestyle and preferences, IQI Concept draws on their years of experience and expertise to give clients the best interior design solutions. www.iqiconcept.com See more of their best interior design projects here.

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SQFT Space Design Management Whether a property show unit, corporate office, retail establishment or private residence, SQFT offers outstanding design and incredible value. From the smallest project to the largest , their singular objective is to work with clients to create an environment that transcends the mundane into signature works of art that engage senses. Founded and run by some of industry’s best talents in interior design & Architecture which is based in Kuala Lumpur, their client's project is managed from day one by a dedicated team to ensure the masterpiece is planned, designed and implemented to perfection. www.sqft.com.my See more of their amazing projects here.

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Turn Design Interior Incorporated in 1998, Turn Design Interior is an established Malaysian company specializing in interior design for homes, condos, offices and more. To date, the company has been awarded many contracts from the government as well as from private sectors. www.turndesign.com.my

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Well-designed and high quality doors and windows are important to ensure your home is safe, comfortable and stylish at the same time. These two essential elements also play a significant role in bringing natural light, air and views from the outdoors while offering you privacy and security. To help you make better window and door choices, Malaysia's leading aluminum door and window manufacturer, Window Elements highlights some of the key points that you should take into consideration.

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#1 ENSURING A SECURE HOME One of the main functions of your windows and doors is to keep your home safe and sound from intruders, bad weather, and in some cases - even mosquitoes! While they keep unwanted elements out and offer you privacy, they should also allow views and natural air and light into the home at the same time. When it comes to home security, the ArxTech Swing Door System from Window Elements comes highly recommended. At first glance, these aluminium doors are ultra-stylish, which means they blend perfectly into modern homes. But there's more to these doors than meet the eye. Designed as a security mesh door to replace bulky traditional steel bar doors, this system ensures optimum security by using a multi-point locking system which secures both the top and bottom of the door panel. For windows, Windows Element advises homeowners that it is always ideal to get systems that are specially designed to improve natural ventilation, especially for Malaysian weather. For instance, the Breezway Altair Louvres allow fresh air to permeate homes so that the indoor temperature can be naturally reduced and thus decreasing the need for air-conditioning systems. When closed, Altair Louvres seal tight to provide superior wind and water performance and offer a range of glazing options to suit the Asian climate.

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#2 WINDOWS AND DOORS THAT LAST It's a pain when you have to replace your doors or windows every few years because of wear and tear. While it is not a major renovation, it is still a tedious project that takes up time, money and effort. It is this reason that every homeowner should invest in high quality windows and doors that are durable and hardy against our hot and humid weather. The ArxTech Casement Window from Window Elements proves to be one of the most flexible yet sturdiest systems in their collection. A security mesh system which serves to replace traditional grille bars and mosquito netting, these casement windows are also built with high performance features. Through meticulous research and testing, ArxTech offers a window system with high levels of thermal performance and a multi-point interlocking system that is able to withstand high levels of daily use and abuse (i.e. pushing and pulling forces). When you are looking for a quality door, make sure that it is made from high quality materials. The Optima 88 Folding Door from Window Elements is made from premium grade aluminium which provides strength, security, durability, user-friendly functionality and minimal maintenance. As they are made from weather-friendly materials, these folding doors are suitable as an exterior door that links to outside patio, balcony, garden or swimming pool deck.

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#3 COMFORT AND EASE There's nothing more annoying than constantly having to use force to open tight windows or dealing with doors that won't close properly. Whether you want them closed, semi opened or fully opened, a good example of doors built to work efficiently is the Optima 68 Sliding Door from Window Elements. This door gives you that graceful and smooth motion, so you can open and close with great ease and comfort. No more pushing and pulling with frustration or awful screeching sounds just to get in and out.

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#4 VERSATILE VARIETY More than just openings on buildings, windows and doors also contribute to the beauty and style of your home. As each home has its own design characteristics, it's essential to have different window and door options that fit different layouts to select from. Window Elements offer customers a wide range to choose from and if you are spoilt for choice, their experienced consultants can help you with selecting the best windows and doors solution for specific space requirements. For example, if you happen to like a more minimalist-styled look, the brand recommends their Optima 29 Casement Window which features a sleek appeareance and comes with an array of styles, shapes and sizes to fit different specifications. There are also different glass, powder coated colour or wood grain finishes to match your preferred interior style.

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#5 EASY TO MAINTAIN Window Elements also points out that it is best to opt for windows that are easy to maintain. Blinds, for example are known to be really difficult to clean. However, the brand's WinBlind collection has a air tight enclosure which means you will no longer need to dust and clean your blinds so often as this nifty feature keeps dust at bay.

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Check out how Window Elements' collections enhance beautiful homes in these videos:   https://www.youtube.com/embed?v=Erj7f9Kh384' frameborder='0' allow='accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture' allowfullscreen>   https://www.youtube.com/embed?v=kcGep_jkSwA' frameborder='0' allow='accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture' allowfullscreen>   Find out more about Window Elements' amazing windows and doors on their website: window-elements.com.

Friday, November 20, 2020

An island counter often ends up seeing more use than a dining room, with the casual setting and proximity to the kitchen - and in urban homes, island counters are usually the de facto dining space. Since you would be having most of your meals there, we thought it prudent to assemble the most inspiring island counters we have seen recently to give you some ideas.

1. Minimalist Monolith Interior design by: Nu Infinity

To frame the projecting dining surface, a faux archway is integrated over this island counter and laminated in a dull shade of greyish brown to complement the neutral palette of the décor. Besides being a purely aesthetic feature, this framing structure provides a point from which other decorative features such as pendant lights can be hung to personalise and illuminate the space.

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2. Country Kitchen Interior design by: Yong Studio

With an abundance of space to spare, this centrally positioned island counter is given a countryside treatment - with its sides panelled in vertical wood planks and whitewashed to mirror the decorative faces of the cabinetry and the backsplash of glossy white tiles. The panelling on the sides of the island counter is echoed in dark brown with the addition of a pair of matching bar stools, while lighting is provided by a pair of simplistic shaded lamps in white to adhere to the prevailing palette.

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3. Drop-Down Dining Interior design by: Design Spirits

So as not to interrupt the visual expansion of the kitchen by way of the reflective wall, this island counter is supported by a converging pair of steel box pipe legs and kept slim with a simplistic panel of wood laminated in matte white to match the surrounding cabinetry. The implied mobility of this design reduces the visual weight of the island counter, rendering it as a diminutive and centrally located fixture in this compact kitchen.

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4. Natural Flavour Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing

The conventional design of this island counter is given a twist to fall in line with the use of natural materials in this conjoined dining and kitchen space. While the island counter’s functional surface is formed out of engineered stone in plain white to contrast against the natural shades and lines in the surrounding surfaces, the decorative face is rendered in bare cement to catch the array of shadows thrown by the legs of the accompanying stools.

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5. Transported Shades Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

Even with an island counter of conventional design, it is possible to apply the simple repetition of colour to achieve a cohesive décor imbued with meaning. The decorative face of this island counter repeats the pale green of the backsplash, producing a swathe of greenery that appears as foliage when viewed in combination with the minimalistic bar stools in dark wood. The message is punctuated with an assortment of floral decorations situated at the base of the island counter's projection.

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6. Levitating Surface Interior design by: Casa Indah Design The centrally located island counter appears to float in a sea of reflective surfaces - a slab of engineered stone in white projects from the end of a false wall, with a sleek triangular foot covered in mirrored panes acting as support. The opaque and black accompanying stools serve as the visual foot of the island counter in bold contrast with the reflective surroundings and the white countertop.

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7. Lightweight Design Interior design by: Yong Studio

The minimalist nature of this island counter can be spotted in the use of a single narrow length of wood plank to serve as the functional surface and black pipes in the wine rack and stool legs. The location of this island counter - in what was apparently once a doorway, adds to its minimalist personality.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Besides being places of temporary respite, the average living room offers the kind of space that would be suited for small art installations rivalling high street galleries. Here are five ways to take advantage of any extra space in your seating lounge, to turn them into exhibits of artistic expression.

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Interior design by: Casa Indah Design 1. Arte Ensemble

Combine a collection of both common objects and unrelated rarities for an artful and dramatic arrangement that straddles surrealist and dadaist expression. In the decorative corner of this living room decorated by Casa Indah Design, a briskly-whitewashed panel acts as a country-inspired backdrop for a collection of seemingly unrelated objects presented on a piece of furnishing in the midst of an existential dilemma.

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Interior design by: Casa Indah Design 2. Style Fusion

It takes a certain boldness to combine unrelated themes into a cohesive interior, as was done in this living room - with furnishings of modern and minimalist designs located in close proximity to decorations reminiscent of the countryside. A dispersed sprinkling of country-inspired decorations, in the hide rug as well as both hard and soft representations of wood, help to tie together the two ordinarily contrasting themes.

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Interior design by: The Roof Studio 3. Overt Focus

The modern convention presented in this living room is given an artful twist with the inclusion of a single armchair nestled into the inside of a mask. The stoic human face, formed out of the armchair's high back, surprises the naive eye and adds a dose of eccentricity to a relatively reserved interior appointed with modern and minimalist furnishings.

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Interior design by: Homlux Interior Furnishing 4. Discrete Organics

The unified colour palette and fine lines of this elegant interior are complemented by natural forms presented in tight clutches of flora and a solitary statuette depicting a wild cat. The sandstone shade of these architectural finishes and furnishings contribute towards a tone reminiscent of the desert, creating potential for an oasis to be painted - as demonstrated by the tiny potted plants contained within glass bell covers on the paradoxically luxurious and minimalist coffee table.

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Interior design by: Jashen Interior Design 5. Vintage Homage

Expressions of style in architectural finishes can only say so much, rather than stopping with planes of homogenous finishes in brick and wood, this home office embraces vibes of the past by presenting a collection of plaques in vintage designs over the walls and cabinet doors.

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Click here for more living rooms.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Here are the decorative styles and features you can expect in the coming year.

At the start of every year, we take a look back across the entire breadth of imagery we have collected over the last 12 months, to find the decorative features with the staying power to make it into the next year and onward. After considerable analysis and critiquing, we believe we have arrived at a guide for what to expect in 2018 - at least in the realm of interior design.

1 Classical Features We expect to see a continuation of classical features such as shaded chandeliers and plaster wall moulding adorning luxurious spaces in the coming year. While the world's burgeoning economies have been experimenting with regionally-relevant styles, neoclassicism of European influence has proven to be a dependable approach to fall back on - especially when overt opulence is the intended image.

A number of discrete details have been incorporated into this dining space in order to bring the classic style to modern times: reflective trim around the dining table, metallic picture frames, and recessed area lighting hidden in the crevices of the ceiling. Designer: IDS Interior Design

2 Dark Wood With natural materials such as wood and stone seeing greater use in our homes this past year, we expect to see a continuation of wooden decorative features and furnishings in dark shades to appeal to modern sensibilities - especially when paired with an immaculate expanse of white.

This bar exudes luxury with dark wood laminate, white stone, and golden reflective accents serving as trim on the cabinetry. Designer: Metrics Global

3 Indoor Greenery Keeping in tune with our collective ambitions for ecological stability, another decorative feature gaining in rapid popularity is the humble indoor plant. Although previously spotted in vases or pots, really turning that dial labelled "Plants" all the way up and letting nature into your home does more than add some colour to the interior - you get higher quality air too.

While the wall creepers in this case may not be living - on account of the wood floor presenting a practical problem in plant care, the mimicry serves to amplify the few green accents in this space. Designer: Nu Infinity

4 Industrial Influence With the large swathes of formerly industrial properties being converted into homes and centres of commerce around the world, we foresee a resurgence of post-industrial style represented by bare concrete and re-purposed wood or metal. Even in modern structures, we believe that materials that would have previously gone to waste are increasingly being given new life as decorative and functional features.

Bare ceilings and a majority of concrete surfaces create a hard, sombre look that is cool yet fashionable. Designer: X-Two Concept

5 Metallic Accents With the global consciousness finally sliding into a restorative mode at the tail end of 2017, we foresee a declining dependence on heavily processed materials such as gilded metals. Despite that potentially inflammatory forecast, metallic components will continue to surpass other materials such as wood in terms of the physical and aesthetic properties (such as damage resistance and translucence) that make them indispensable in particular furnishings and fixtures.

Metal is used to keep the profiles of furnishings and light fixtures minimal, providing the interior with a greater sense of space. Designer: Humbert & Poyet

Wondering what colours to expect in the coming year? Get it direct from some of the people who make your paint.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Decorating with your amore in mind? We combed through bedrooms throughout the country - and abroad, to rank the five coziest bedsteads for eliciting feelings of romance. Before the evening's events draw to a close and things inevitably lead back to the bedroom, be sure to have these decorative features in place to help your amorous ambitions along.

5. Monochromatic Simplicity

Making the most out of a few select trappings in their signature brand of monochromatic minimalism, Nu Infinity's arrangement speaks of wild passions: reflective panels frame a print of a zebra's patterns - strategically situated on the walls above the bed; a deep pile carpet in grey provides a comforting layer for bare feet to linger on; and a diminutive clutter tray adorned with the tools of aromatherapy provides the clearest signal of romantic intentions.

Designer: Nu Infinity   4. Classically Feminine

Crisp, classically appointed architectural finishes and furnishings saturated in pale shades lend this bedroom a delicate and decidedly feminine elegance. The combination of daylight, or soft yellow lighting at night, help to bring out the tones of peaches and cream provided by the decorative wall treatments and fabrics. Amorous intentions are made clearer with the placement of a circular tub in view of the bed.

Designer: S/Lab 10   3. Thoughtful Transition

The classical furnishings, intricate patterns in wallpaper, and exquisite lighting fixtures are the key elements in this bedroom helping to create an amorous vibe. A functional feature of special note is the thoughtful arrangement of seating around a coffee table equipped with refreshments to create an intimate space for romantic interludes.

Designer: Hue Art Design   2. Exotic Excursion

Conceived by interior designer, Nikki B, and situated within a gated community in Dubai, this bedroom exudes an exotic allure without resorting to the archetypal shades of romance. This intimate bedchamber in the desert presents decorative stone accents and elaborate fabrics in alternating swathes of blue and gold - the regional palette associated with luxury.

Designer: Da Fonesca Design   1. Glamorous Detail

This bedroom hits all the checkpoints in our list of things that make a bedroom exude romance: warm wood flooring contrasting against reflective accents on the walls, a circular bedstead displaying classical tendencies in the button-back upholstery, and just the right amount of shimmer in the materials.

Designer: Gusto Design

Friday, November 20, 2020

The volume of air that comes with double-height ceilings typically calls for the use of impressive lighting fixtures that do more than just provide illumination - they inevitably become one of the focal points of attraction in living spaces. We combed through some delectable mansions, bungalows, duplexes, and penthouses to put this guide together and help you pick out the ideal chandelier (or other lighting fixture) to suit the extra-high ceiling of your décor.

Classical Chandeliers Equally appropriate in classical interiors as for lending an eccentric streak to modern settings, the many variations of glass or crystalline, and shaded or bare chandeliers are a requisite feature for anyone wanting a dependable style choice that can add a layer of elegance to a wide range of interiors.

A classically inspired chandelier is a safe option to lend an aura of elegance to transitional or eclectic décors. Designer: The Roof

Curved Chandeliers A more common type of modern chandelier spotted in transitional and minimalist settings, the curved surfaces make for lower profile fixtures that do not intrude into the airspace. By virtue of their curved profiles and small size, many identical pieces can be hung together in staggered lines to depict heavenly bodies.

Occupying less space than a conventional chandelier, the relatively small size of these metallic orbs enables the arrangement of multiple pieces in an array. Designer: Turn Design Interior

Large-Scale Floor Lamps Take advantage of the abundance in ceiling space by incorporating an extra tall, floor-mounted lighting fixture. An imposing floor lamp represents an alternative focal point on an unanticipated plane and helps to preserve the volume of air provided by the high ceiling.

The abundance of airspace in double-height spaces invites the use of over-sized floor mounted lighting fixtures. Designer: Turn Design Interior

Wall-Mounted Lights Maximize the conservation of airspace in your living room with low-profile lights mounted to walls. This arrangement can be used to highlight decorative walls higher up in the void while providing adequate task lighting and without hampering the intimate mood.

Instead of an intrusive lighting fixture hanging in mid-air, this space presents discrete wall-mounted lights to produce an intimate atmosphere. Designer: IDS Interior

Slim Spotlights If the dim illumination provided by wall-mounted lights is inadequate, or if you just want to highlight decorative furnishings nearer to the floor, consider using simple down-lights to obscure ceiling features in favour of highlighting furnishings on the ground.

Pursuing a recording studio motif, this living room features utilitarian and low-profile down-lights to retain the sense of volume in this space. Designer: Motto Designs

Friday, November 20, 2020

While white is a commonly used colour in kitchen spaces to maintain a clean atmosphere, some may want a little bit of a divergence with other colours from a neutral pallette to suit the rest of their home, or get a little bit creative with other colours to add some vibrance to their décor. Here, we take a look at the Top 5 colours for your kitchen.

Designer: Yong Studio

White Likely the most common pallete used for kitchens, the absence of colour contributes towards an immaculate atmosphere in kitchens with either modern or traditional stylings. The uniformity of white - stretching from ceilings, walls, backsplashes, countertops, cabinetry, and down to flooring makes these typically small areas of the home seem more spacious.

Designer: Pocket Square

Grey

The popularity of a using grey in kitchens emerged with the rise of the modern palette and granite countertops. The colour grey is most effective in a kitchen appointed with steel fixtures and reflective accents. Designer: GDY Design & Construction

Black Although typically confined to decorative accents, a kitchen is transformed into an inviting and elegant space when black is used as the base colour.

Designer: Nu Infinity

Brown The natural shades of wood are ideal for both modern and country-styled kitchens, with darker shades creating a majestic effect and pale tones exuding a rustic flavour.

Designer: Nu Infinity

Blue While pastel shades are associated with rustic interiors, modern kitchens can also benefit from the bespoke factor provided by saturation in a surprising hue of blue.

Designer: Viincology

Friday, November 20, 2020

Enhance the Christmas mood at home with these beautiful lighting ideas that add a spark of joy in every corner.

Create a focal point at your dining table by using an attractive pendant light accompanied by festive centrepieces beneath it. Choose a colour theme - for instance gold to bring on a touch of elegance. (Image credit: Luxxu)

Minimalist-looking lighting works well when paired with festive decoration. (Image credit: Boca do Lobo)

Whether you pop one up in your porch, on feature walls or at entryways, mounted wall lights with a festive theme easily infuse homes with a Christmas ambience. (Image credit: Lights4fun)

Decorate a corner with Xmas features. To enhance the look, hang fairy lights across the wall and brighten the space up with candlelight. (Image credit: Lights4fun)

More Christmas decorating tips here. 

Friday, November 20, 2020

If you find yourself wondering how to make your spaces more festive this Christmas, consider using centrepieces to enliven your dining table. Here are a few simple ways to whip up a good-looking decor piece for your tables.

Fabrics A decorative tapestry such as oriental table runners or a simple cloth serves to underscore centrepiece arrangements with a layer of texture and to protect dining surfaces from scratches. Anything as overt as plain fabrics dyed in red or green to tartan and plaid textiles in subtle colours will evoke the Christmas spirit in varying degrees.

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Thematic Decorations As with fabrics, decorative objects can be as obvious as cut branches of red European holly (Ilex aquifolium), snowflakes in crystal, and figurines depicting the requisite characters of the season - or as understated as pine cones and a variety of edible berries.

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Silverware Associated with prosperous clan gatherings during the holiday season, the reflective sheen of silverware conjures impressions of snow-covered landscapes. As food will inevitably be found scattered over dining surfaces - often before the whole family even sits down for dinner, consider integrating silver-gilded containers of edibles or beverages into centrepiece arrangements.

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Glassware Glassware and other crystalline decorations can be used as an alternative to silver containers to add some shine to centrepieces. Glassware such as snack bowls and beverage pitchers, or thematic crystalline decorative objects are best appreciated in direct light to add a measure of intricate elegance to the centrepiece.

Lighting Candles and accent lighting can applied adequate lighting for diners as well as be part of your centrepiece arrangements while maintaining an intimate mood. Turn up narrow downlights directly over centrepieces to heighten metallic and crystalline decorations and improve task lighting with a scattering of tea candles or paraffin lamps.

More Xmas decor tips for every room in the house here. For timeless centrepiece decor for dining tables, check out this article.