RM160,000 Reno Turned This Condo in KL into a Cosy Japandi Abode

Inspired by the natural, clean-lined Japandi trend.

Simple, calm, and comforting, it’s easy to see the appeal of Japandi interior design. Japandi is an East-meets-West design movement that blends Japanese artistic elements and wabi-sabi philosophy with Scandinavian comfort and warmth, or hygge. Both styles gravitate towards minimalism and a relaxed way of living that’s connected to nature, which makes this fusion easy to achieve.

For these reasons, they offer a sense of calm that many city dwellers seek, which is also the reason why the owner of this Kuala Lumpur condominium chose a Japandi aesthetic for its makeover. We spoke with Neo Chin of Paperworks Studio, the interior designer behind this project, to learn more about the renovation, which cost RM160,000 and took around 4 months to complete.

Q: Hi Neo, tell us about your client and the home he wishes to renovate.

Neo Chin (NC): This property is owned by a business entrepreneur who runs an insurance agency. He is a bachelor in his 30s who has a hectic lifestyle and enjoys travelling.

He bought this apartment as an investment with the idea of renting it out to expats in the Mont Kiara neighbourhood. The renovation project sought to create a charming getaway from city life in order to boost the property’s rentability and value.

The condominium is 2960 sqft in size and has 4 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. There is also a private lift entrance that leads to a spacious open plan living space and a lanai with views of the pool and garden. The residence also includes a separate dry and wet kitchen as well as a large island that can be used as an additional dining area.

Q: What were the client's requirements for the home renovation?

NC: The client has an eclectic taste for both Japanese and Scandinavian designs; hence, we were commissioned to renovate this home with a fusion of both design styles.

Scandinavian design emphasises comfort, light, neutral hues, natural woods, and pastel accents, whereas Japanese design emphasises richer tones, simplicity, and timeless designs. When these elements are combined, they create a welcoming space that is calm and serene.

Q: What renovation works were carried out to create the desired look?

NC: To achieve the desired look, we used plenty of high-quality natural materials, neutral colours, and an open-plan layout to create a natural flow throughout the house.

Every piece of furniture in the condominium was carefully selected and considered, with nothing superfluous or unnecessary. And every item, from the largest pieces of furniture right down to the smallest accessories, contributes significantly to the overall design and feel of the area.

The entrance foyer

Although it may not be obvious in the photos, we have created a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the private lift lobby. As soon as someone enters the place, soft lighting helps to set the tone. It is a subtle but very impactful insertion.

To contain clutter, we provided storage near the lift lobby and a seating area where residents can sit while removing or wearing shoes. We also installed a large floor-to-ceiling mirror, allowing residents to glance at their outfits before heading out.

The open-plan living space

The entrance foyer connects to the open-plan living space. We wanted this area to be a comfortable and warm environment with an understated elegance, and this was achieved mainly through clean lines, tactful materials, premium furnishings, and quality craftsmanship.

On the wall that houses the wall-mounted TV, we added elevated wood panelling that stretches along the wall. It features pared-back styling, clean lines, premium laminate materials, and is complemented by textured paint walls—qualities that hallmark Japanese and Scandinavian designs.

We also furnished the living room with a custom-made wool fabric sofa, a solid wood coffee table, and a marble dining table to accentuate the Japandi aesthetic with a good dose of comfort. The lack of ‘things’ to distract the eye means the qualities of the materials used for the furniture and built-ins can take centre stage.

We also incorporated a neutral colour scheme to highlight the natural beauty of the built-ins, furniture, and decor pieces. This colour scheme also evokes a feeling of soothing calmness in the space.

Thanks to the abundance of light entering the lanai, this area is ideal for relaxing in the sun, studying, or entertaining guests. We spruced up the space with a cosy daybed, a desk, and a chair. As Japandi interior design emphasises greenery and nature, we added a Bonsai tree to provide zen and a splash of colour to the space.

The dining area

The dining area similarly features natural hues, clean lines, and an uncluttered look. Just like the rest of the furniture, we custom made the dining table using light oak material, a solid surface, and leather upholstery for the chairs. Sleek pendant lights cast a warm pool of light over the dining table, but because of their simple form and muted hue, they don’t overpower the space.

The lounge area

The furnishings in this home may be sparse, but an array of different textures keeps it from appearing cold or unwelcoming. For instance, near the bedrooms, there’s an open space that we converted into a lounge area. It is outfitted with a floating rattan cabinet, wooden chairs with complementary dainty tables, and concealed lighting that enhances the whole atmosphere.

Just like the rest of the house, there’s a perfect balance between Scandinavian and Japanese design in this area. The dark flooring and furniture, as well as the bonsai tree, embrace Japanese style, while the lighter tone of the rattan accents on the cabinets and chair upholstery, as well as the warm lighting that elevates the entire environment, reflect the inviting Scandinavian flair.

The master bedroom

The custom-built furnishings in the master bedroom round up the no-frills philosophy of the Japandi style. We maintained a calm palette in the master bedroom via soft neutrals and off-white shades.

To demarcate the sleeping area from the vanity and wardrobe space, we used black hues to keep it from being too white washed. We also added a glass divider to keep the space open and connected while creating a separation between these two spaces.

Meanwhile, the soft hidden lights under the plaster ceiling, the upholstered fabric on the bed platform, and the laminate flooring all blend harmoniously in the master bedroom, offering soothing effects.

The spare bedroom

Besides the master bedroom, the spare bedrooms also exude the warmth of the Japandi concept. A platform bed serves as a focal point while keeping the rest of the room simple and minimalist. It also comes integrated with storage and a floor seating area, which adds to the overall simplicity and practicality of the space.

Q: What are your thoughts on the project's final outcome, and what was your client’s reaction when he saw the completed project?

NC: I’m happy with the outcome of this home renovation. It is rewarding and satisfying to witness the entire process from the drawing board to the finalisation of the project with no major issues.

The client was also pleased with how his condo turned out. He praised our professionalism and valued our creative ideas and input in the design process.

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