Home Tour: An eclectic and colourful condominium in Kuala Lumpur

Nicknamed The Journey, this condominium in Damansara Heights by Hwa Foundry is an eclectic delight

Nestled in the exclusive enclave of Damansara Heights, this condominium, which spans a generous 2,600 sq ft, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis to infuse it with bespoke touches and couture-like details.

Lim Hwa Hong, partner of HWA Foundry PLT, who undertook this transformation, shares: “The design deliberation and documentation took some six months to complete, partly due to overseas communications as the clients were all scattered abroad.”

The homeowners, a family with international roots, had plans to use this residence as a pied-à-terre where they could escape the hustle and bustle of their cosmopolitan lives.

The beginning of the metaphorical journey

Photo 1 of 3 The stunning de Gournay wallpaper

Photo 2 of 3 The beginning of the metaphorical journey

Photo 3 of 3 The beginning of the metaphorical journey

“We met the clients in 2018 when they wanted to refresh their previous home in Taman Tun Dr Ismail,” Lim recalls.

“We used this as a litmus test for our project in this Damansara Height condominium. The prestigious postcode, amazing views, and our bespoke-designed furniture were the perfect ingredients for #HWAmazing moments—a term we often coin for every project we touch. In every move, we ask ourselves, “Does this create #HWAmazing or simply ordinary moments?” or “Is this functional, elevated, yet surprisingly flattering to look at, which creates an HWA! (whoa!) moment?”

The entry foyer with carefully grouped and curates bells arranged from India, Burma to Thailand are arranged in descending order

Above The entry foyer with carefully grouped and curated bells arranged from India, Burma to Thailand are arranged in descending order

Above The lift opens to a serene image of Buddha - a seated stone statue of nearly 3 feet in height

Inspired by the concept of The Journey, the design narrative unfolds like a captivating story. “It is a story about Buddha travelling Eastward from India and via Indochina, where he discovered the peninsula before finally landing in modern-day Malaysia,” Lim explains.

From the serene image of Buddha at the entrance to the 72 bells suspended in the foyer—a symbolic representation of Buddha’s voyage—each element evokes a sense of timeless elegance and cultural richness. This is met by a handpainted De Gournay wallpaper showcasing Early Views of India continuing into modern Malaysia’s diverse and varied narrative when one steps into the living.

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Colourful and eclectic with a magnificent view of the city skyline

The client's sofa was reupholstered a regal emerald green

Photo 1 of 3 Colourful and eclectic with a magnificent view of the city skyline

Photo 2 of 3 Eclectic fantastic

Photo 3 of 3 The client's sofa was reupholstered in a regal emerald green

The interiors showcase a harmonious blend of East-meets-West aesthetics, with custom-designed furniture and curated artworks adding layers of intrigue.

“The pair of dancing dragons shimmer with their rhinestone-gilded bodies and red Swarovski crystal eyes,” Lim notes, “enticing one to wander and explore the various artworks, collectables, and KL’s 21st-century skyline beyond the living and master bedroom balconies.”

Above The pair of China-Blue dragon club chairs

Above Artfully arranged and curated Sorrento desk and stool are paired with a classical mirror to reflect Ahmad Shukri Mohamed's artwork from the opposite wall

Each piece of furniture and décor tells a story, reflecting the client’s personal journey and heritage.

From the China-Blue Dragon Club Chairs to the meticulously restored Indian and Chinese columns supported by Chinese granite bases, every detail exudes a sense of refinement.

The chandelier is reminiscent of takes-on the shape of KL tower

The full-length mirror based on ancient Chinese coins was custom designed by HWA

A collection of Indian dancers by Sivarajah Natarajan from his Odissi series, depicts a rhythmic pattern in which a solo dancer is joined by one after another.

Photo 1 of 4 The chandelier is a mimicry of the architectural form of KL Tower in the far distant view from the balcony

Photo 2 of 4 The full-length mirror based on ancient Chinese coins was custom designed by HWA

Photo 3 of 4 The chandelier is a mimicry of the architectural form of KL Tower in the far distant view from the balcony

Photo 4 of 4 A collection of Indian dancers by Sivarajah Natarajan from his Odissi series, depicts a rhythmic pattern in which a solo dancer is joined by one after another

The designers also curated and placed the pieces with a view of the setting.

“Coincidentally and contextually, the chandelier takes the shape of KL Tower. We curated a pair of twin columns from an Indian Bungalow mimicking the Petronas Twin Towers, a custom-designed mirror inspired by an ancient Chinese mint in the form of TRX, and our iceberg coffee tables, which resonate with the angular facets of PNB 118. You could witness a dialogue between the unit and the skyline of Kuala Lumpur at dusk,” muses Lim.

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The bedhead in the guest bedroom which doubles as the elder daughter’s room who loves pink was upholstered in Peonies.

Above The bedhead in the master bedroom with scallop corners are resonating the Client's teak bed frame, is upholstered in Osborne and Little's luscious velvet from London

The master bathroom features a commisioned mural of ‘Bathing Ladies’ depicting royalty and court ladies from a palace in India, bathing leisurely in a private lake away from prying eyes

Above The master bathroom features a commisioned mural of ‘Bathing Ladies’ depicting royalty and court ladies from a palace in India, bathing leisurely in a private lake away from prying eyes

“Nearly 100 per cent of the styling objects belong to the clients,” Lim further remarks. Their heirlooms, brassware, vessels, vases, and serving plates seem to have found their exact sweet spot in this new home.”

Sustainability was also a key consideration in the design process, focusing on restoring and repurposing existing pieces. “Restoring old wing and club chairs, secretary stool, lamp shades, reusing and relocating some vintage and heirloom pieces were our ways of reducing and reusing with a touch of bling and pizazz,” Lim explains.

The designers were bold in their choices of colour and patterns

Attention was paid to the soft furnishings for a wow effect

Photo 1 of 3 The bedhead in the guest bedroom which doubles as the elder daughter’s room who loves pink was upholstered in Peonies

Photo 2 of 3 The designers were bold in their choices of colours and patterns

Photo 3 of 3 Attention was paid to the soft furnishings and newly proposed fabrics throughout were summarily represented in the master bedroom, resulting in a #Hwamazing moment!

Today, as the homeowners revel in their transformed abode, they embrace the journey of elegance that defines their home.

“Every corner feels like an Instagram moment, yet precious to the family,” Lim reflects, echoing the sentiment of the client’s younger child, who commented that returning home feels like leaving the world behind and stepping into a realm of tranquillity and beauty.

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