A Peek Inside Some of the Most Stylish Homes in Penang

There are plenty of ideas to steal for your Penang home.

Penang is one of the UNESCO states that constitutes a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. The island’s architectural style is a great design inspiration for any homeowner living in this state.

From modern to retro design, check out these stylish homes that reflect Penang's diverse mix of cultures.

1. A modern luxe condominium in Penang | Renovation cost: RM260,000

This 1,800 sqft condo by Catappa Design Studio is all about modern luxury done right. The moment you step inside, a curved wall panel at the foyer sets the tone for the rest of the home. The living area feels effortlessly chic with ivory sofas and a marble-top coffee table, while the dining area features a sleek glass display cabinet that shows off the homeowner’s wine collection.

The dry kitchen keeps things just as stylish, with white cabinets and a stunning marble island adorned with gold veins. There’s also a hanging glass cabinet which adds a nice touch to the space and is perfect for displaying the owner’s glassware, liquor and collectibles.

Even the lift lobby and secondary living room are thoughtfully designed. It features a custom-built cabinetry that doubles as display space for tea sets, art pieces and daily essentials. Overall, the wood textures, marble details and gold accents help to tie the entire home together, creating a timeless appeal to the space.

2. A contemporary abode in Bayan Lepas | Renovation cost: RM200,000

This 4-bedroom dual-key condo in Bayan Lepas was given a contemporary makeover by H&E Design. The goal was to create a calm and comfortable dreamlike hideaway that feels simple yet stylish.

The design sticks to neutral tones, using stone, linen, wood, and metal for a warm, balanced look. Smoked timber cladding and natural stone walls add texture, while light materials keep the space bright and inviting.

The use of natural materials continues throughout the home, featuring limewash walls, split-faced travertine stone, herringbone wood flooring, and custom woodwork, all enhanced by thoughtful lighting and statement fittings. The open-plan kitchen and dining area keep a clean, minimalist look with built-in appliances hidden behind sleek cabinetry, while a long dining table maximises seating and creates a seamless flow between the two spaces.

3. A minimalist condominium with pops of green in Penang | Renovation cost: RM170,000

This 845 sqft condo in Penang was given a simple yet stylish minimalist makeover by Mini Design Studio. The space feels calm and inviting, thanks to its light cream tones paired with touches of dark green that add depth without overpowering the look. A few well-placed potted plants bring in a hint of nature, giving the home a fresh, balanced vibe that feels instantly relaxing.

To make the most of the limited space, the designers chose furniture with slim legs, which helps keep the space looking open and airy. There are no bulky rugs or excessive wall décor found throughout the house, keeping everything neat and uncluttered.

The open-plan layout and built-in furniture also help the condo feel more spacious and connected, proving that even a compact home can look clean, cosy, and effortlessly modern.

4. A modern condo that’s filled with personal touches | Renovation cost: RM120,0000

This 1,290 sqft condo in Penang stands out with a modern design full of personality. It’s far from cookie-cutter, featuring a playful mix of curves, sharp lines, and geometric shapes that can be seen in the lighting fixtures, furniture, and built-ins, giving the space a unique and dynamic vibe.

Slim partitions help define different areas without making the home feel cramped, while also doubling as display spaces for the owner’s collections. Unique light fixtures and small trinkets are thoughtfully placed throughout, adding fun touches and making every corner interesting to look at.

Built-ins add both style and practicality, with clever features like a window bench in the bedroom and an extended island doubles as the dining area. These details keep the home organised and functional while maintaining a cosy feel. The black-and-white palette keeps the design modern, while pops of beige and yellow add warmth and energy to the space.

5. A cosy family-friendly condominium in Penang | Renovation cost: RM200,000

This 1,350 sqft family condominium in Penang was given a warm Japandi-style makeover by Spades Concept. The design combines the simplicity of Scandinavian aesthetics with the natural charm of Japanese design, creating a space that feels calm and inviting.

Light wooden materials are used throughout, from the furniture and flooring to the kitchen cabinets and island base. It is paired with white and grey tones, giving the home a soft, airy feel.

The built-ins are designed with clean lines and a seamless look, using hidden doors and handleless cabinets to maintain a clutter-free appearance. This design approach not only enhances the home’s minimalist appeal but also makes it easy to maintain. With plenty of storage and simple, functional layouts, the space feels open, tidy, and perfectly suited for comfortable everyday family living.

6. A condo in Tanjung Bungah with exquisite oriental design | Renovation cost: RM300,000

This 1250 sqft condominium by Space Up Design stands out as a harmonious blend of oriental influences and modern aesthetics. The home features bold colour choices, particularly the elegant and regal combination of dark purple and green. These hues create a striking contrast against the backdrop of off-white walls, evoking a sense of opulence and luxury.

To enhance the lavish ambiance, elements such as ice jade marble and gold accents are used generously throughout the home. The ice jade marble counter in the dry kitchen, for example, brings a cool and calming element to the space, while the gold accents in the bathroom add a touch of sophistication and grandeur.

As you explore the house, you'll come across a tea room with well-lit cabinets displaying an extensive collection of teapots and teacups. The tea room provides a serene environment for the homeowners to relax and fully immerse themselves in the tradition of Chinese tea culture, which is still popular among locals today.

7. A bright and airy condo in Bukit Mertajam | Renovation cost: RM500,000

Designed by JZone Interior Design, what sets this spacious 5,000 sqft bungalow apart from other cookie-cutter units in its neighbourhood is its unique layout and practical design. Notably, the absence of a traditional 'formal' dining area (which is very common in Malaysian homes), because the homeowner prefers quick meals over long conversational ones. As a solution, the designer incorporated a dining table extension adjacent to the kitchen island for the homeowners to enjoy quick meals instead.

While most Malaysian homes feature floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets in the kitchen, the owners do not perceive the need for them because they are difficult to access (and are frequently left unused). As a solution, the designer employed a wood panel ceiling to bridge the gap between the walls and the upper cabinets to maintain visual continuity while preventing dust accumulation at the top of the cabinet in the kitchen area.

The master bedroom on the second floor, on the other hand, has been expanded to include a walk-in wardrobe, a vanity, and a study area, while the children's bedroom balcony has been converted into a study area. The designer also installed large windows to help brighten up the children’s bedroom, and a built-in wardrobe was fitted to boost the room's functionality.

You can read about the entire renovation story here.

8. A contemporary dark luxe bungalow in Penang | Renovation cost: RM1,200,000

Located in the heart of Penang, this modern bungalow renovated by CreteArt Design Studio & Constructions exudes elegance, sophistication, and a touch of boldness in every corner.

The highlights of this home are the entryway and the living area, where an impressive display of KAWS and Bearbrick collections takes centre stage. The artfully arranged figurines are showcased behind a glass door, creating a store-like feel. The addition of white light as a background enhances each figurine, making them stand out even more and becoming a conversation starter for anyone who visits.

Similar to the living room, the rest of the home boasts a rich, dark colour scheme. This can be seen everywhere, from the built-in units in the walk-in wardrobe to the tiled floors, marble walls, vanity, sanitary fittings, and even the blinds in the master bathroom. Meanwhile, warm lighting emphasises the dark theme's dominance.

9. A modern condo in Relau with dramatic flair | Renovation cost: RM200,000

This 1140 sqft condominium has been completely transformed by Vuemont Signature Interior Design into a modern home, where black dominates the interior to create a bold and sophisticated ambiance.

Throughout the house, there’s a mix and match of different dark tones, with black as the primary shade. It can be seen in places such as the bathroom doors, walls, and sanitary fittings. To prevent it from feeling too gloomy, a bold red accent colour and LED lighting have been incorporated (in the bathroom), striking a perfect balance between dramatic and inviting.

In the living room, the designer has taken a creative approach by using a projector instead of a traditional flat-screen TV. The projection creates a large, immersive screen that makes it a perfect space for movie nights and a fun gathering spot for friends and family.

Another notable highlight of this home is the master bedroom, where a ‘floating’ bed with LED lighting underneath acts as the room’s centrepiece. Meanwhile, the textured feature wall behind the bed serves as a captivating focal point, adding a touch of edginess to the room. A leather chair further enhances the masculine vibe, creating the perfect corner for reading a good book.

Looking to renovate your home?

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