When STUARTS DESIGN®️ took on the renovation of this newly completed semi-detached home in Cyberjaya, the goal wasn't just to create a beautiful space. The clients wanted a home that reflected their Indian roots while still feeling modern, luxurious, and practical for everyday living.
From the choice of marble and warm timber finishes to the handcrafted peacock feature wall inspired by India's national bird, every detail was thoughtfully considered to bring their vision to life. We had the opportunity to speak with the design firm to learn more about the 26-week renovation journey, which came with a total budget of RM1.3 million.
About the clients and their home
Our clients are a husband and wife from India, both in their early 40s, who have been living in Malaysia for the past 2 to 3 years. The husband works for a trading company, while the wife is a full-time housewife.
They have a 4-year-old daughter, and as you might expect, most of their lives revolve around her. They spend the majority of their free time together as a family, creating a home that's centred around spending quality time with one another.
They also have 2 full-time live-in domestic helpers who help with the day-to-day running of the household. Every few months, their parents and other family members come to visit, often staying for 3 to 4 months at a time. Aside from family gatherings, they lead a fairly quiet lifestyle, with friends only dropping by occasionally.
Located in Cyberjaya, the family lives in a 2,833 sqft double-storey semi-detached home with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. One of the main reasons they chose this property was its convenient location – it is just 20 minutes from the airport, which makes frequent work trips much easier for the husband.
They had been living in a nearby neighbourhood before purchasing this home and had always loved the area for its friendly neighbourhood, peaceful surroundings, lush greenery, and relaxed atmosphere. Compared to busier parts of the city, they appreciated the less congested traffic and quieter environment.
About the home’s design
When the homeowners approached us for their renovation, they already had a few ideas in mind. One of their biggest priorities was to transform their side yard into a patio area where they could unwind and enjoy quality time together as a family.
Another important request was to design a home that would be easy to maintain. With a young child, frequent visits from extended family, and a busy household, the homeowners wanted a home that looked elegant and polished, without requiring constant upkeep.
Based on their feedback, we proposed a modern luxe design for their home. Rather than relying on bold statements or overly decorative elements, we focused on thoughtful details and high-quality materials to create a home that’s sophisticated yet welcoming.
The design blends clean contemporary lines with softer touches throughout the home. Features like curved mirrors, rounded edges, textured finishes, and subtle concealed lighting help balance out the structured cabinetry and geometric forms, giving the interiors a softer and more welcoming feel.
To bring the whole look together, we kept the colour palette warm and neutral. These tones complement the modern luxe style while giving the home a timeless appeal.
About the renovation works
The renovation completely transformed almost every part of the home. To make the layout feel more open and connected, we removed a few existing walls and reworked several areas of the house. The result is a brighter, more functional space that's better suited to the family's everyday lifestyle.
The entryway
The transformation is noticeable from the moment you step into the home.
Originally, the entrance had a long, narrow hallway that led to the living area. To make the space feel more open and connected, we removed the wall between the kitchen and hallway, then added a bronze mirror along the hallway to reflect the newly opened kitchen. This change helps create a brighter, more spacious feel as soon as you walk in.
To elevate the entrance, textured paint was applied to the ceiling, paired with decorative lights and soft cove lighting to create a more luxurious and grand appearance.
For the flooring, the existing tiles were replaced with 2’ x 4’ marble-look tiles to create a more seamless and elevated look across the common areas. To achieve a refined finish, we used epoxy grout, with several grout colour options tested on-site before choosing the final shade that best complemented the overall design.
The open plan living room
As you walk further into the home, the hallway opens up into the living and dining room which are designed as one spacious, open-plan area. To add more character and soften the overall look, we installed a false ceiling with curved details, paired with cove lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
For the main living spaces, we used a combination of neutral tones like olive green, cream, and dark brown to create a bright, airy, and welcoming atmosphere. The soft colour palette not only makes the space feel more spacious but also provides a timeless backdrop that complements the home's modern luxe aesthetic.
The highlight of the living room is the Orobico marble TV feature wall. Its bold natural veining instantly catches the eye, adding warmth, character, and luxury to the space.
The dining area
Stepping into the dining area, one of the first things to catch your eye is the custom 3D peacock wall art that serves as the focal point of the space. We worked with an overseas artist to create this custom piece, making it a unique feature designed specially for their home.
More than just a decorative element, the mural adds depth, texture, and character to the space. Framed by custom wine cabinetry with gold accents and soft lighting, it blends beautifully with the modern luxe interiors while giving the dining area its own personality.
One of the challenges during the dining area renovation was getting the curved cove ceiling just right. Since the homeowners often host family gatherings, they wanted a dining table that could comfortably fit up to 8 people.
After installing the false ceiling, we realised the curve design looked smaller than expected. To make the proportions feel more balanced, we had to readjust the false ceiling to best suit the dining area. We also switched the dining table from a rectangular to square shape to complement the curved ceiling design and create a more cohesive look.
The kitchen and laundry area
One of the biggest changes in the kitchen was removing the existing wall to create a more open-plan layout. This helps the kitchen feel more connected to the rest of the living spaces. It also allows the homeowner to keep an eye on her daughter playing in the living room while she’s busy preparing food in the kitchen.
The kitchen floor was also raised to match the hallway level, creating a seamless transition between spaces while making it more wheelchair-friendly and safer for their young child.
One of the homeowners’ requests for the kitchen was to include an island. An L-shaped kitchen island was added to maximise the workspace while also creating a casual space for the family to gather or chat with guests when they visit.
To make the kitchen more practical, we also incorporated smart storage solutions by making use of every available corner. We added features like pull-down shelves in the upper cabinets to improve accessibility, making it easier for the homeowners to store and reach their kitchenware or cooking essentials.
To keep the kitchen open and bright while separating the laundry area, we added a pocket glass sliding door and glass blocks. This allows the homeowners to separate the laundry space while still letting natural light flow through, keeping the kitchen feeling spacious and connected.
The yard bathroom transformed into a pantry
Another layout change was converting the existing yard bathroom/powder room into a pantry. Since the family rarely used the space, they decided to repurpose it into something more practical for their daily needs.
The new pantry provides extra storage for kitchen essentials, helping to keep the main kitchen neat and organised while making better use of the available space.
The master bathroom
On the upper floor, one of the biggest renovation changes was the master bathroom. They wanted a larger shower area, so we reconfigured the layout by relocating the shower to face the sink.
To make the shower experience more comfortable, practical details like built-in niches, a seating area, and an “invisible drain system” using a seamless tile insert drain were added — a feature often seen in luxury hotels.
Combined with light-toned tiles, gold accents and warm lighting, the bathroom now feels like a spa-inspired retreat.
The master bedroom
Just like the rest of the home, the master bedroom uses a warm mix of neutral tones like brown, grey, and dark blue, paired with layered lighting to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere for resting. Different textures are introduced throughout the room to add depth and a more tactile feel, while built-ins and gold accents bring in the modern luxe touch.
One of the standout features in the master bedroom is the wardrobe design. Instead of looking like a typical wardrobe, one section was designed to seamlessly blend in with the wall panelling and become part of the overall look. This creates a more cohesive and refined look while still providing practical storage.
On challenges encountered
Working with the homeowners was a positive experience overall. However, there were times when communication became a little challenging as English was not their first language. Occasionally, their design ideas, preferred mood, or specific requirements were interpreted differently from what they had envisioned.
To make sure everyone was on the same page, we took extra time to discuss their preferences, explore different options, and understand the reasons behind their choices. This helped us bring their ideas to life and create a home that truly reflects their needs and lifestyle.
To sum up
In the end, the homeowners were thrilled with how the project turned out and how their vision was brought to life. They shared that the new layout has completely transformed the house into a home that better reflects their family’s lifestyle and daily routine.
For us, seeing their ideas come together into a space that feels comfortable, practical, and truly personal was a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
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