In this 1,300 sqft unit at Irama Wangsa, KL, the overall layout and structure of the unit did not present any issues to the owner. But he wanted a more soft and subtle finishing that is also easy to clean and maintain. It’s safe to say Muji automatically comes to mind, but we were also thinking of ways to take it a step further by introducing more premium looking finishes like stone/ marble looking tiles.

Some level of flexibly needed to be incorporated into this bachelor pad as his family from outstation occasionally visits, but his main day-to-day usage should not be compromised.

Discipline here refers to materials selection, picking a 1 or 2 main colors/ textures and sticking to it. As you can see in the common area, the white and oak laminates are the same throughout. When selecting the vinyl flooring, the main goal was to match the laminate color (we would use the same laminate on the floor if we could!).

Even the new floor tiles at dining and Dry Kitchen area, we wanted a primarily white or off-white tone so that it doesn’t appear to be a third color in the scheme.

In the situation where we wanted to explore using another color, we would then use that in a different room. Here in the Master Bedroom, we switched direction an went with a darker walnut wood texture for the vinyl flooring on the platform and wardrobe to create a contrast with the existing timber flooring that was already provided by the developer.

Instead of physical segregation, the owner wanted to visually separate pockets of spaces within a bigger area instead of having an open feeling. Hence, vinyl flooring was introduced at the Living area that contrasts the off-white floor tiles, with a matching timber ceiling, replicating a Japanese tea-house/ tea area.

The area leading to the guest room and guest bath is also cordoned off using white timber partition and concealed door, further leading the eye to the view of the Living room and the greenery beyond.

Even in the Master Bedroom, instead of having the whole room in a platform, we also created areas without them that are walkway or general sitting/ lounging area.

I don’t think I can talk about compact living without using the word “flexible”.

The low storage console at Living Area has castor wheels below to enable movement as that area may be used as a Yoga deck. It could also be used as extra sitting area should the need arise. Guest Room platform also has multiple combinations to cater to different usage.

While it may look like an overkill where the platform at Master Bedrooms seems to large, the owner also wanted to leave room for future additional or adjustments, further promoting a flexible home situation. I’m guessing it was a good investment as it could have been a perfect home from home area during the lockdown not too long ago.

My interpretation of being Zen is not always having very little or having a space that is as bare as possible. It just means being in a mental-state of peace and calm. Sometimes, these state of mind can come from enjoying personal belongings that has its intrinsic meaning.

Although it may seem contradictory, pocket of open shelves within carpentry works are used to display the owner’s personal belongings and collectibles. Not only does it make the home more meaningful, I think it opens up the space and cabinets to not look like plain stacked up boxes.