This Modern Oriental Inspired Home Wins Qanvast Design Award

Finding the right interior designer for your home renovation can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your search, we have curated the Qanvast Design Awards to recognise outstanding renovation projects by trusted interior firms.

This year, we awarded Blaine Robert Design with his winning project; a 3 bedroom luxurious condominium in KLCC as one of the recipients of the Qanvast Design Awards 2021. We had a chat with Blaine Robert, founder of Blaine Robert Design to know more about the design process involved in transforming this residence into his client's dream home.

Qanvast: Tell us about this property and the client's request for this renovation project.

Blaine Robert (BR): Owned by a semi-retired couple, this 3,200 square foot condominium is located in the ‘golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur. It consists of 3 bedrooms with a rather large open concept living room arrangement. The bedrooms and home office are separated from the central living space to provide privacy, especially if guests are being entertained in the living room.

As all their children have already grown up and moved out, the couple wanted to downsize and re-create an environment that brought them happiness and joy, reminiscent of their cultural heritage and younger days growing up with their families.

They also requested that light and fresh elements be incorporated into the home design, while creating a seamless flow of both comfort and visual appeal.

Qanvast: What is the design concept chosen for this home?

BR: After a long discussion with the client and reviewing their current lifestyle, we proposed that a contemporary design with oriental influence would be best suited for their home renovation.

Qanvast: What architectural features, decorative details and furnishings did you incorporate to achieve this look?

BR: A smooth contemporary modern design is quite easy to produce. We use plenty of neutral hues and wood finishes to create a contemporary look.

As adding elements of cultural heritage was the aim of the preliminary design conceptualization, we added sleek cultural features on and around the solid contemporary core such as decorative metal wall installations that reflected Chinese cabinetry. It created the illusion of heavier features but in a more subtle and decorative manner.

We also used luxury hotel wall panelling features to add sophistication to the space. We then balanced the overall look and feel of the space by softening the mood with oriental elements and strong modern lighting.

Our goal was to incorporate a seamless design flow throughout the home, and this was achieved from the foyer through to the bedrooms and the home office. The foyer, living room, and dining room, in my opinion, form a strong core in retaining historical essence while making an impactful modern statement.

Qanvast: Were there any structural changes made to the home?

BR: As this was a condominium, no major structural changes were made. However, we installed hidden door panels in the power room and the storage closets to allow us to balance the overall design concept from every direction. As a result, the design flow was evident from all directions and views within the home.

Qanvast: Did you incorporate any Feng Shui elements into this home?

BR: Of course Feng Shui elements were considered when renovating this home. I believe that all things are made of energy and their positions within any home either enhances or detracts from the overall appeal.

Practical consideration was taken in the placement and installation of every aspect of this home and its sense of flow, air, light and energy was a necessary part of creating a successful outcome not only in design, but in energy flow as well.

Qanvast: Did you encounter challenges during the renovation process?

BR: Due to months of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple rescheduling, fabrication, logistics, property management restrictions and installation became an ongoing issue related to the successful completion of this project.

As a reputable interior design firm, we understand that these challenges should be handled as part of any project's contingency planning. This was an unfortunate and unexpected lesson to learn, but a good one in retrospect.

Qanvast: How long did the renovation process take from start to finish?

BR: It took us 7 month to complete this project (from client contact until handover), due to restrictions imposed by the government for MCO, as well as property management restrictions regarding site renovation, logistics and delivery.

Qanvast: What are your thoughts on the final result of this project?

BR: Like any Blaine Robert Design project, I will stand proud next to it and put my stamp of approval on it. This project is no different. I am confident that we have created a home based on our client’s vision and they will live happily in it as they move on into the next phase of their lives.

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