Malaysia Houzz Tour: Remodelled Bungalow is a Special Retreat

A luxurious oasis that blends modern comforts with traditional motifs awaits the owners of this house from across the Causeway

Verlaine Marquez 1 September 2019

Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.

Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More

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Looking to have an accessible and homely escape from the stresses of the city (not to mention soaring Singapore property prices), a professional couple from Singapore purchased this two-storey, five-bedroom house in East Ledang, a residential township in Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya), Malaysia. Iskandar Puteri is located within Iskandar Malaysia, a flourishing mixed development project that is set to transform the Johor region. “They wanted a large landed property with a pool and facilities, which is also close enough to get to Singapore easily and quickly,” says Singapore-based interior designer Elliot Barratt, managing director of Elliot James, who was at the helm of the renovation.

Provided with only a basic shell of a property, Barratt and his team worked on the couple’s request to incorporate a mix of modern and traditional Balinese/Southeast Asian styles. “It was a dream project for us in many ways as we always pride ourselves on our combination of traditional interiors with a sense of modernity,” says Barratt. The design is simple yet elegant, where a number of statement pieces owned by the clients stand out against a classic background.

Elliot James

Photos by Ken Tan
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple from Singapore
Location: East Ledang, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
Size: Floor area of 540 square metres (5,800 square feet); land area of 800 square metres (8,600 square feet)
Project duration: 9 months

The intricately carved Balinese door, juxtaposed against modern lines and a monochromatic palette, makes a striking statement at the main entrance. It sets the tone for the modern Balinese style that pervades the house.

Elliot James

Stepping into the home, one can sense the subtlety exercised in furnishing the spaces. Three antique Vietnamese pottery pieces on plinths greet guests in the double-height foyer. Behind them, to the right of the foyer, is the first of the two living rooms. The formal living room is furnished with custom-made suede sofas and a mammoth chrome and stone coffee table. A large bamboo silk rug demarcates the sitting area, while a pair of table lamps frame the abstract artwork on the wall.

Elliot James

The living room is framed on two sides by glass doors, providing the space with a full view of and easy access to the pool and patio. Sheer linen drapes that gently billow in and out of the room soften the rigid lines of the space and add to the relaxing ambience.

Elliot James

To the left of the foyer and formal living room is the open-concept dry kitchen. Sleek countertops and chrome lighting gleam against the white walls and wood-finished cabinets.

The owners enjoy hosting guests and wanted entertaining spaces that deliver both function and comfort. The designer responded by creating ice troughs in the kitchen island, a practical feature especially for parties. The dining area is anchored by a pair of large pendant lamps and a long 12-seater table giving ample seating for guests. The area is furnished simply with a collection of ceramic plates that are displayed on backlit ledges.

Elliot James

An unfurnished hall in between the second living room and the terrace is one of the several ways to access the pool area.

Elliot James

Another enviable feature of the house is the pool deck surrounded by lush greenery and a pergola. “The original floor plan didn’t include the pergola at the rear. This was an addition further down the line but felt like a perfect fit,” says Barratt. “It merges the indoor with the outdoor. There was no covered outdoor space before, so it fit seamlessly into the vision.” The pergola was built with a roof trellis for an all-weather outdoor lounging space.

Elliot James

Heading up to the second level, the master bedroom is dominated by a four-poster bed. Just like the communal areas downstairs, the bedroom sticks to a pale colour palette and is minimally furnished. Suspended above the bronze side tables are two chain mail pendant lights that bring a unique texture to the whitewashed wood finish of the bed.

Elliot James

Pendant lights: Tigermoth Lighting

Elliot James

Barratt and the owners agreed to make good use of the spacious footprint on the second level by creating separate his-and-her walk-in wardrobes. To the left of the master bedroom is the male client’s wardrobe, which features a natural wood finish. “Bronze bone handles add a touch of masculine glamour to the space,” says Barratt.

Elliot James

Two guest bedrooms were merged into one to make way for the female client’s walk-in wardrobe. While the other wardrobe has a closed door system, this one utilises an open concept, putting her belongings in plain view. Complete with backlit shoe storage, handbag shelving, island storage units, sizeable hanging space, dressing table and make-up chair, this spacious walk-in closet is a fashionista’s dream come true.

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