Malaysian home in Cyberjaya exudes warmth and tranquillity with neutral tones

Amy uses a straightforward approach in her tablescape, using two to three types of flowers in no more than three colours to achieve a clean and elegant appearance. Photos: @az.havenblessed

Amy Asmidar has always liked white, beige and wood tones, and unsurprisingly, her lovely home is awash in such colours, giving out a calm, pleasant vibe.

“Yes, my home prominently features these tones. I’ve developed an affinity for these colours over time for several reasons. Firstly, these colours exude a sense of simplicity and serenity, which aligns with my desire to create a comfortable, peaceful and inviting environment in my home,” said Amy, 37, who is self-employed.

“White and beige are also versatile, allowing me to easily change decor and furnishings while maintaining a harmonious look. Wood tones add a natural element that connects the interior space to the outside world, bringing warmth and a touch of nature indoors.

“Additionally, these colours are soothing and don’t overwhelm the senses, making them ideal for promoting relaxation after a hectic day,” said the mother of two boys aged five and seven.

Located within a gated and guarded community in Cyberjaya, the 3,140sq ft (292sq m) semi-D endlot has a generous land size of 41ft x 80ft (12.5m x 24m), with lush pockets of greenery that include rainforest trees and shrubs in the vicinity.

The cosy family room features a three-column bookshelf, cabinets, a two-seater sofa and a wall-mounted TV.

The family of four first moved into their four-bedroom home in November 2021 with basic furnishings, using furniture from their previous rented house.

“Initially, we installed lights, fans and air-conditioning in a few areas only. We began upper-level renovations, including the installation of bedroom and family area cabinets and bathroom floor work, in early January. Interestingly, we completed all these installation and renovation projects while residing in the house,” shared Amy, who shares her journey on Instagram.

The end result is a modern classic interior that incorporates natural elements like wooden furniture and woven textures to add a warm touch.

“These elements, when combined with carefully chosen decor pieces, contribute to an overall sense of cosiness and harmony within my home. In essence, my interior decor style is about creating a place of comfort where everyone feels welcome and at ease,” she said.

This extends to the tablescape on the hardwood dining table which recently caught the attention of @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. Amy’s tablescape was selected under the theme #ightmflowerdecor.Amy’s tablescape was selected by @ighometourmalaysia, a local home tour group on Instagram, under the theme #ightmflowerdecor for its appealing setup.

“I’m relatively new to tablescape arrangements. Usually, I opt for a straightforward approach, using two to three types of flowers in no more than three colours to achieve a clean and elegant appearance, a strategy I believe suits newcomers well.

“I often put together these arrangements when I’m hosting family events,” said Amy, who frequently turns to Pinterest for creative ideas and guidance.

Ultimately, it is her kitchen that has a special place in her heart.

“In my kitchen, I’ve embraced a classic and timeless design. I made deliberate choices, selecting white cream cabinets and pairing them with a sintered stone countertop and backsplash to achieve an appearance that exudes cleanliness and sophistication.

“To infuse depth and warmth into the overall ambience, I incorporated a WPC (wood plastic composite) ceiling panel and tiles that replicate the texture of wood,” she added.

The centrepiece of the kitchen is the standing cooker, which elevates the overall look of the kitchen.

“Functionality was paramount in my kitchen design. My goal was to create a layout that makes cooking and socialising effortless, with accessibility at the forefront.”

Amy also recognised the importance of having ample storage space to maintain an organised and clutter-free kitchen. Her base cabinet features an all-drawer configuration and she also had full-height wall cabinets installed.White cream cabinets go well with sintered stone countertops and backsplash in the kitchen.

Through careful planning, she also seamlessly incorporated a diverse array of built-in appliances, including a dishwasher, food waste processor and under-sink heater to streamline a variety of kitchen tasks.

All that contributes to a classic and timeless appeal while ensuring practicality and efficiency.

“The kitchen is my favourite spot in the house for various reasons. It’s often considered the heart of the home, where family and friends come together for meals and meaningful interactions.

“In the kitchen, I have room for creativity, experimenting with recipes, and providing wholesome meals for my loved ones.

“Moreover, the kitchen serves as a social hub, where conversations flow naturally, and connections are strengthened. Its warm and inviting ambience offers a sense of comfort, whether I’m sipping morning coffee or enjoying a late-night snack.

“In essence, the kitchen is a place where functionality, creativity, and togetherness converge, making it the heart of our home,” said Amy.Timber blinds, a black chandelier and patterned floor tiles complement the standalone bathtub in the master bathroom.

Another highlight in her home is the master bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub.

“Fortune favoured us in the case of the master bathroom’s floor tiles. During rectification work by the developer, we discovered some defects in the original flooring.

“Seizing the opportunity, we decided to upgrade the tiles, a decision that was not initially part of our renovation plan,” said Amy.

“This unplanned alteration allowed us to introduce a new and more visually appealing aspect to the bathroom.

“To elevate the bathroom’s overall appeal, we incorporated timber blinds and a black chandelier. Notably, the standalone bathtub was provided by the developer, conveniently enhancing the look of the bathroom.”

For the master bedroom, Amy and her husband decided to integrate various textures via a WPC ceiling panel and adding a board and batten, and shiplap wall design.

“These elements harmoniously complement the soft and neutral colour palette I’ve chosen as the cornerstone of my home concept.”The built-in study table with arched shelves design in the master bedroom.

A simple yet elegant white beige custom bedframe anchors the space, while a built-in study table with arched shelves that extend to the top of the ceiling add a distinctive element to the overall decor.

“In terms of home decor and interior design, I believe that personal preferences and comfort are of utmost importance.

“It’s crucial to create a space that reflects your style and makes you feel at ease.

“Paying attention to detail is also essential, as even small design elements can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of a room,” she said.

3 tips on kitchen design

Amy Asmidar shares some pointers on designing or redesigning your kitchen space.

1. Thorough planning

It’s crucial to emphasise the importance of planning in the kitchen renovation process. Begin by carefully planning the kitchen’s design to suit your specific needs. Gather information from various sources such as Pinterest, Instagram communities, and Facebook groups to get inspiration and insights. This planning stage should cover the kitchen’s layout, choice of materials and identifying suitable contractors or suppliers. During this phase, you can draft a budget, helping you make informed decisions on what to proceed with and what to put on hold. The kitchen features a classic and timeless design with built-in appliances and white cream cabinets.

2. Avoid rushing

Kitchen design is a critical aspect of your home, and it’s important not to rush through the process just to complete it quickly. Rushing can lead to major mistakes and the use of low-quality materials due to budget constraints. Take your time to carefully consider each element of the design and invest in quality materials, as the kitchen is a central part of your home where functionality and durability are essential.

3. Honest communications

When dealing with contractors or suppliers, honesty is key. Always be upfront and direct about your expectations and feedback. Clear and open communication can help avoid potential risks and misunderstandings, ensuring that the renovation process proceeds smoothly and delivers the desired results. Being transparent with your preferences and concerns will help create a collaborative and successful renovation experience.