Despite the Modest Size, This Selangor Home Boast 2 Dining Areas

The home also comes with a private Jacuzzi on the balcony!

Ruma Kita has over millions of views on their Instagram account, and we were keen to take a closer look at the property ourselves. As soon as the owner agreed to be interviewed, we headed to Bandar Rimbayu, Selangor, where this property is located. The facade clearly stood out from the rest of the cookie-cutter homes in the neighbourhood, and the moment we stepped inside, we felt as if we had been transported into a Muji-inspired haven.

During the house tour, we discovered that the homeowner, Shadee Hizami owns a design and build company, RekaBrick. We talked about his home’s design concept and what went into transforming this intermediate terrace into a tranquil modern zen retreat for his family of 4.

About the Shadee and his family

​We are a family of ‘nomads’. My wife and I have been happily married for 10 years and throughout the years, we’ve relocated 11 times. We relocated frequently early in our marriage due to my wife's job as a lecturer, as well as for business and because we were expecting a child.

In 2020, my wife and I decided to start our own design and build company following our successful renovation of my aunt’s house. After showcasing my aunt's newly renovated home on our social media (where my wife helped to visualise the renovation through sketches and I sourced the best contractor for the renovation), we received several project requests. This marked the beginning of our business incorporation.

Our company specialises in constructing bungalows from the ground up and providing interior design services. I serve as the CEO, while my wife, who previously studied town planning, now leads the design team at RekaBrick. What began as a duo has now expanded into a team of 26 and growing. As our business expands, we relocated to a larger office, leading us to move our office to Bandar Rimbayu.

Currently, we are residing in a rental property near our office. Initially, I had no intention of purchasing a house, but our tenant wanted to sell the property in which we are currently staying. While searching for another rental property, I came across this neighborhood and specifically this house. I inquired with the agent about its availability for purchase. After the agent contacted the owners, I acquired this house in February 2023 and promptly began renovating the space.

This residence covers an area of 1700 sqft and consists of a two-storey with 3+1 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Despite being a sub sale unit, the house is practically brand new as the owner never occupied or leased it, providing us with a fresh starting point.

About their design choice

I loved reading Japanese manga when I was young, and now, as an adult, I love to travel to Japan with my family. I was inspired by the calming vibe of Japanese houses, but I also appreciate the cosy and relaxing ambience that they may lack.

Hence, we opted for a modern Zen design concept. While there are Japanese influences in this home, we also made sure it was comfortable. To soften the Japanese aesthetic, we incorporated soft furnishings and blended them with modern elements. In terms of colour scheme, we used a lot of beige, light brown, and off white, which creates a bright, light, and spacious environment.

About the house renovation

Growing up, I noticed that there was limited interaction among family members because my siblings and I liked to spend time in our respective rooms. We only gathered during meal times. One of the main reasons was because the house we lived in was gloomy, dark, and cluttered.

I came to realise that the design and layout of the house played a crucial role in enhancing the lifestyle of the family. With this in mind, we incorporated these principles into the renovation of this house. Despite the limited square footage, we were able to create an inviting space that encourages interaction and can accommodate a lot of guests.

The living room

On the lower floor, we created an open-plan concept that seamlessly connected with the outdoor area. We chose this open concept layout so that we can accommodate a large group of guests (more than 10 people), and when you’re sitting on the bench in the dining area, you are still able to interact with people sitting in the living room. Basically, there’s plenty of space for people to sit and mingle.

The dining areas

Behind the living room sofa, we installed a platform that separates the living area from the dining area without the need for a wall. This setup also creates two distinct dining areas; one with chairs and another with cushions and a low table, as often seen in Japanese homes.

Adjacent to the Japanese-style dining area is a sliding door that opens to the Japanese Zen garden. We constructed a deck at the same level as the platform, extending the indoor space seamlessly to the outdoors. This setup allows us to enjoy the outdoor breeze while sipping a cup of tea or stargazing at night. And the best part is that even if you are sitting outside, you can still interact with people sitting inside the house by simply opening the sliding doors, which effectively transform into an expanded living area.

The kitchen

Adjacent to the dining area, there’s an island bar designed for food serving and preparation. What sets this island apart is its integrated pop-up socket, which we installed for phone charging or for plugging kitchen appliances. When not in use, the pop socket can be easily retracted, creating a tidy and organised appearance.

Since the kitchen is small, we had to optimise the space well. We installed glass windows under the stove and sink, allowing plenty of natural light to enter the space and creating a sense of openness.

Behind the kitchen counter, there is a cabinet with a pocket door to keep the space from being cramped when people walk by. We built a socket so that we could store and use kitchen appliances here as well. So, when my wife is cooking on the stove, she can also use other kitchen equipment, making multitasking easier.

Last but not least, the open kitchen layout allows my wife to keep an eye on our children while she prepares meals.

Multipurpose room

Next to the kitchen, a fluted wall conceals the doors to the guest bathroom and spare bedroom.

We converted this spare room into a multipurpose room that could serve as a guest room or an extra workspace whenever I need some privacy. To keep the room from feeling cramped, we installed a wardrobe that is flushed to the wall by hacking down the wall that links to the store room (under the stairs). Furthermore, there is hidden storage beneath the platform to maximise storage capacity.

Tech features found throughout the house

I like the idea of a smart home, so I decided to make mine one. The entire house is equipped with motion sensors, which switch on and off automatically when someone is present or leaves. This helps to save electricity.

Every switch in this house can also be operated via voice command, phone app, or physical buttons. For example, if I want to switch on the air conditioning system before I get home, I can just use my app. Even the drapes and blinds have a smart feature that allows the blinds to automatically close during the day when the sun shines into the house, preventing heat inside the house.

The stairs

Initially, there was a dead space under the stairs. We converted this area into a storeroom by installing a panel wall and a hidden door which is located next to the dining area.

We transformed the original railing on the staircase with wooden railing and installed soft ambient lighting beneath it to create a relaxing mood and a transition to a more comfortable environment, as all of the bedrooms are located upstairs.

The kids’ bedrooms

The upper storey has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. My daughter's room is designed with a soft pink colour scheme, built-in cabinets, a dressing area, and a study table. Despite the limited square footage, the split-level platform helps to create the illusion of a bigger space. Even the wardrobe is designed to look like it is floating, creating the impression of more room.

In my son’s bedroom, we created a separation between the sleeping area and the entrance for privacy purposes. Behind the wardrobe, there’s a platform bed with ambient lighting, which creates a cosy sleeping area. There is also a study table right next to the bed where he can do his homework or study.

The master bedroom

I wanted the master bedroom to be the most comfortable place for my wife and I to rest, so the atmosphere is very laid-back and warm. To achieve this relaxing ambience, we used plenty of wooden materials, such as wall panels as a focal wall and a built-in wardrobe. We also introduced soft round edges and curve elements to help soften the overall look of the space. This can be seen on the vanity mirror, the stools, and the carpet.

My favourite part of the house is the balcony area next to the master bedroom. We outfitted this space with a jacuzzi and a comfortable lounging area. This is a great place for my wife and I to spend quality time together. We also added some easy-to-maintain plants, such as cacti and leafy plants, to add some colour and a natural element to the space.

To sum up

The house renovation took around 5 to 6 months to complete and cost approximately RM400,000 to RM450,000, including furniture. The renovation took some time to complete because putting a lump sum into this renovation meant a lot of spending all at once. So we stretched the budget across 5 to 6 months to better manage our cash flow.

Nonetheless, my family and I are very happy with how the makeover turned out, and we can't wait to finally move into our new home!

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