Malaysian semi-D with courtyard features charming modern neoclassical interior

A highlight of her home is the open-to-sky courtyard, a space of comfort and solace with greenery offered by a willow tree in the centre. Photos: @ruma.que

She may be a legal advisor by day, but her true passion lies in interior design.

In fact, Qhairawani Asyrani Ruslan engages in interior design consultation on a part-time basis.

And her own 2,627sq ft (244sq m) home located within a gated community in Rawang, Selangor is a reflection of her interest and talent in the field.

The four-bedroom, double-storey semi-D features a modern neoclassical design, chosen for its timeless elegance and versatility.

“This style combines the grandeur and classical elements of neoclassical design with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.The living room has a neutral palette and a minimalist feel.

“I chose this style for several reasons. The modern neoclassical style offers a timeless appeal that won’t go out of fashion. It allows for a balance between classical and contemporary aesthetics, ensuring that my home remains visually appealing for years to come.

“Another reason is in the elegance and sophistication that neoclassical elements bring to the interior. Features like graceful arches add a touch of grandeur to the space.

"Neoclassical design is characterised by its attention to detail. To create an opulent ambience, I added decorative elements such as vases, arched mirrors, fluted accents and gold accessories,” shared Qhairawani, 38.

The mother of two kids aged 13 and nine added that versatility is another point that drew her to the style.

“This style is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted to suit different rooms and functions within the home, from the living room to the bedroom. It offers a sense of cohesion while allowing for creative customisation,” she said.

Qhairawani added that a neoclassical design often incorporates natural materials such as stone, marbles and wood, which contribute to a sense of luxury and comfort.To add a touch of contrast to the neutral palette, Qhairawani incorporated burgundy lounge chairs alongside a cream-coloured sofa in the living room.

“The emphasis on windows and open spaces allow ample natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

“In summary, the modern neoclassical style was chosen for its enduring beauty, versatility and the perfect blend of classical elegance with contemporary simplicity, creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living environment.”

Her living room features a largely neutral palette, complemented with minimalist cabinets and carefully chosen furniture.

“Our custom-made cabinets follow a streamlined and minimalist design, featuring neutral colours, curves, marble and wood-like finishes, and decorative accents that align with the modern neoclassical concept.

“To add a touch of contrast and elegance to the neutral palette, we incorporated burgundy lounge chairs alongside a cream-coloured sofa.

“The wall near the courtyard is adorned with a combination of fluted panels and wainscoting, painted in crisp white,” shared Qhairawani.

A highlight of her home is the open-to-sky courtyard, a space of comfort and solace with greenery offered by a willow tree in the centre.

“The courtyard was an integral part of the original house design. It complements the neoclassical style, emphasising the importance of natural light. The courtyard is completely open to facilitate the flow of fresh air and allow abundant natural sunlight for the trees planted within.”

Qhairawani shares her home decor journey on Instagram. Her house was also selected recently by @ighometourmalaysia – a local home tour group on Instagram hosted by home decor enthusiasts to inspire one another and share ideas on home design and decor – under the theme #ightmvanityarea for its aesthetic appeal.The backsplash design in the dry kitchen mirrors the aesthetics of the white quartz countertops.

“For our master bedroom, we opted for a dark colour scheme. To achieve a balanced blend of masculine and feminine design elements, I designed the dressing table incorporating curved edges, an arched mirror, a marble-effect wall panel and rose gold accessories. This combination creates a visually harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look.”

With a passion for cooking, Qhairawani also gave much attention to her kitchen design, focusing on the look as well as functionality.

For the wet kitchen, the cabinets are crafted with a fluted design, while the grey countertop is made from a special durable material consisting of layers of kraft paper and resin that is easy to maintain.

“The backsplash features white tiles with subtle gold accents to harmonise with the gold detailing we incorporated in the cabinets.”

Meanwhile, a prominent feature in the wet kitchen is the arched cabinet situated above the sink.The dressing table incorporates curved edges, an arched mirror, a marble-effect wall panel and rose gold accessories.

“This distinctive arch is visible from the living room and serves as a captivating centrepiece,” shared Qhairawani.

For the dry kitchen, she opted for a shaker door design (featuring simple square indents) for a touch of elegance.

“As the dry kitchen seamlessly blends with the living area, it was essential to choose a design that complements the neoclassical concept we embraced.

“Beige was our colour choice for the cabinets, creating a serene atmosphere. To echo the neoclassical theme, which often incorporates stone, we selected white quartz for the countertops.

“This not only imparts a timeless quality but also adds a touch of luxury to the space,” she said, adding that the backsplash design in the dry kitchen mirrors the aesthetics of the white quartz countertops.

The only major renovation done to the house was the removal of the wall that separated the backyard toilet area to create space for a pantry and laundry.

“For this space, we opted for a calming green and brown colour scheme drawn from a natural palette, creating a pleasant and soothing ambience. To add a touch of uniqueness, we incorporated curved rattan doors and rattan baskets as statement pieces.”A calming green and brown colour scheme was chosen for the laundry and pantry area.

Her favourite space in the house? The courtyard, without a doubt.

“Its significance to me goes beyond just aesthetics and design; it’s a place of solace and rejuvenation that helps me de-stress from daily obligations.

“It’s a place where I can unwind, read a book or simply sit in quiet contemplation.

“The presence of a beautiful willow tree in the centre adds to the serene ambience. In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, having a dedicated space for healing and recharging is invaluable.

“The courtyard in our home offers precisely that, making it my favourite place to retreat to,” she said.

8 tips on home decor

Here are the principles that Qhairawani embraces in creating her dream home while staying true to her style and personality.The courtyard is Qhairawani’s favourite space to retreat to.

Discover your style: Explore different design styles to find what resonates with you.

Curate what you love: Collect colour schemes, themes and designs you adore in a vision board.

Sketch your vision: Create a simple layout sketch to visualise your ideas.

Design principles: Keep in mind the fundamental design principles, including balance, contrast, repetition and harmony. Apply-ing these principles to your decor choices ensures that your space maintains a sense of cohesion and visual appeal.

Balance: Distribute visual weight evenly for a harmonious look.

Contrast: Add depth by using contrasting elements.

Repetition: Reuse colours, patterns or shapes for consistency.

Harmony and unity: Ensure all elements work together for a pleasing overall atmosphere.