6 ways to decorate your house based on Malaysia’s top designers

Ken Yeang considers himself to be an “ecologist” first and “architect” second. He was bestowed with the country’s highest honour, Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN) in 2003 for his ecologically sustainable designs and urban planning. He has won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, The Prince Claus Award, PAM and UIA Auguste Perret Awards, to name just a few.

The environmental benefits of green roofs are well known. How about building a green roof for your home that preserves Ken Yeang’s visions for modern homes and also provides better insulation for the interiors? You can also use this space as a terrace garden to be enjoyed in the evenings or during the weekend.

However, this is not a weekend DIY. The existing roof needs to be reinforced and prepared for this purpose. So do not shy away from seeking expert advice – call a professional. 

Kenneth Yeh is renowned for designing environment friendly small homes. His Shelter@Rainforest won the International Architecture Award 2014 in Darwin, Australia. He is also aware about the requirements of compact family friendly homes.

To design a room that emulates his design principles, give priority to comfort and try to keep it uncluttered and well organised. Opt for sustainable materials, keep the colours subtle and the décor elegant.

Kuala Lumpur based architect Eleena Jamil is creating ripples with the design of the Bamboo Playhouse in Perdana Botanical Gardens. This is not the first time that her designs have managed to rouse such interest.

Bamboo is not too common in modern homes, but this is changing with each passing day. You too can introduce bamboo roofing, furniture, blinds or flooring into your home. They are affordable, eco friendly and easy to maintain, and are an apt homage to Eleena Jamil’s ingenious designs.

Hijjas Kasturi is responsible for quite a few of Malaysia’s iconic contemporary structures including The Telekom Tower of Kuala Lumpur. The octogenarian architect is the recipient of prestigious PAM and Asean Awards among others.

Hijjas Kasturi’s versatile portfolio has something for everyone. Consider giving your kitchen a trendy brutalist makeover. Use exposed concrete walls and flooring to add an element of surprise in the interiors. Introduce bold accents to partly neutralise the excessively edgy nature of the raw concrete.

Kamil Merican is one of Malaysia’s leading names in contemporary architecture and design. He has already bagged several awards for his works, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, PAM Awards and Riba International Award. He not only spends his time thinking about innovative design solutions but also guiding young architects from various Malaysian universities.

To live in a house that invokes his visions, design it in such a way that building a seamless connection with the surroundings becomes easy. Install large windows that keep the flow of natural light uninhibited. Try creating an expansive interior by opting for a double height living room.

Landscape designing is somewhat of a neglected field and often landscape architects fail to receive due recognition. However, NG Sek San is striving to change all this, and more. His works are making green living possible in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Unfortunately, in modern cities there aren’t many people who own a piece of land big enough to create their dream garden. If you are one of the lucky few, then why not consider designing it in line with Ng Sek San’s ideas? Decorate your garden with trees and shrubs – choose locally available species that are more capable of withstanding the elements of nature, or decorate your terrace with a vertical garden and potted plants. 

Seek close association with nature, and let peace and happiness seep into your life. Above all, live in a stylish home and be proud to flaunt designs made popular by our national design heroes.

What are those “things” that every Malaysian home would love to have? Curious to know? Read this and find out for yourself.