By Johnni Wong | Nov 15, 2009
Opulent Living
Photographs courtesy of Palazio Sdn Bhd
SASSY, lavish and bold best describe the interior decor of this Kiara Hills courtyard villa where every corner is adorned with furnishings from brands like Versace, Fendi, Mariner, Cavali and Preciosa.
From the triple-volume ceiling above the staircase where a Preciosa Chec chandelier hangs impressively, to the Patabumimart crystal lamp, the decor was envisioned to razzle-dazzle. Ironically, interior designer Roslan Zaidon, 46, confessed that he felt somewhat intimidated when he e-mailed us, asking if we would be interested to feature this project. Popularly known as Arrias to friends and clients, the designer nervously said in the car, “Please be frank, if you don’t want to feature it, it’s okay. I can take it.”
Arriving at the three-storey house that spans 702sq m (7,800sq ft), Arrias explained that each level and each room has its own distinct design feature. Suffice to say that the various levels have ample space for the formal lounge, family room, bedrooms, guest room, study, dining room, two kitchens and even a games room.
The 47sq m (527sq ft) master bedroom is decorated in what Arrias described as in the European style with a Parisian touch. Inspired by Italian designer G. C. Cappletti, he is most proud of the handpainted wall motif and bold colour scheme. Even the study features a Burberry-inspired hand-painted wall pattern as the owners also like classic English designs. Another bedroom is fitted out in the “Modern style” while the daughter’s room is pretty in pink with matching pink furniture and the son’s room is more of a riot of vibrant colours.
While the 18sq m (205sq ft) family room is done up in contemporary chic, the billiards or games room was inspired by polo clubs and equestrian pursuits, quite Victorian in concept.
When it comes to bathrooms, there are six altogether plus a powder room for guests and another bathroom for the maid.
While the feature wall of the dining room is conspicuously cladded in diamond- shaped mirror panels, the formal lounge is the room that steals the show.
Although the total interior design budget was stated as RM600,000, the luxury fittings would certainly exceed that figure.
For instance, the Bastex Royale sofa, Versace carpet, Mariner sideboard and coffee-table, Cavali consoles and more Patabumimart lamps, don’t come cheap.
The house was purchased more than three years ago and what attracted the owners was the gated and guarded community concept where security was tight. Similar properties in the area are now priced between RM5mil and RM8mil each.
The home owners were introduced to Arrias by a mutual friend and the renovation and redecorating job took four months. The only problem encountered was when the contractor could not follow the design concept as detailed.
With his bubbly personality and penchant for decorating with luxury furnishings, Arrias has just teamed up with an investor to open his own interior design company. The self-taught designer used to work for a furnishing company in Kuala Lumpur for the past 12 years.
Said Arrias, “Besides the Parisian-Bohemian style of decorating, I’m also quite fond of classic American decor with the emphasis on casual elegance and the arts. Likewise, the European design tradition also inspires me with its focus on lavish details.
“But when it comes to any interior design concept, the clients should be agreeable to the main idea and they should be open and be willing to experiment. It helps that clients understand the proposed concept.”
And when it comes to his own grand plans, Arrias hopes to create a luxe style that is distinctly Malaysian that will be recognised around the world.
I'm into the interior design business simply because of my love for beautiful interiors as interpreted by so many talented people the world over. The positive energy of a well-designed residence will definitely resonate.”
Arrias can be contacted at Palazio Sdn Bhd, Menara UOA Bangsar, Unit 1- 5 Ground Floor, 5 Jalan Bangsar Utama 1, KL. Website: www.palazioliving.com
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