By Willy Wilson | Dec 18, 2009
Looking into Wendy’s glass house
As the woman behind EUT Fashion – which owns lingerie brand Blush! and Point B department store – Wendy Eng leads a high-flying life: frequently travelling overseas to scout for the latest fashion trends.
The businesswoman, who is very fond of contemporary boutique hotels, brings back the cosmopolitan energy from her trips to her Kota Kemuning home.
Sitting on 3,000 sq. ft. of land, Eng’s stylish house emphasises functionality and practicality, which is seen in the simple layout of the house. A truly contemporary home, the juxtaposition of modern elements such as steel, mirror and glass are found in almost every corner of the house, resulting in a soothing, Zen-like ambience.
“I get inspired by a lot of boutique hotels that I stay in during my trips,” Eng says, “But if you ask me why I have such a modern house, I have only one answer for you: practicality.”
Eng insists that a house that requires minimal maintenance best suits her lifestyle since her job requires her to leave home often.
“When I come home, I just want to curl up with a good book. That said, I also want to feel beautiful, chic and glamorous at home,” she adds.
Star Property sits down with the globe trotter to discuss the practicality of a minimalist home and her life in the suburb.
This house stands out in your neighbourhood. How much renovation work went into it?
I did a total renovation and only kept the main columns of the house. I do not like the idea of an urban house with beige tiles and pink walls. I wanted a place to call home and a place that represents me.
It must have cost you a lot for a total renovation.
Surprisingly, no. It is a good idea to tear down the building and build (it) again. If you like the area, it’s not gonna be too expensive.
Why did you choose Kota Kemuning?
My parents live a few doors away and it was their wish that I lived around this area. It was quite dreadful when I moved here as my office is in town. But thanks to the highway, travelling into town is not as exhausting as I thought it would be. I do have an apartment in KL, in case I got too tired to drive back.
Let’s talk about the house. The glass façade that covers half the living room is definitely an attention grabber, yet we hardly see any windows in the house.
Frankly, I don’t like the idea of windows as they just bring in dust. And I don’t have the luxury to do housework every weekend. At the same time, I like the idea of a sun-drenched home. Therefore, a glass wall is the solution. In view of this, I think my house is very practical.
Did you know what the house would look like when you built it?
Actually, I didn’t know it was going to look like this. All I knew is that I wanted a stylish contemporary house that requires minimal maintenance. As it progressed, I had a clearer idea of the look that I wanted.
How would you describe your home?
Simple, sexy and practical. It is definitely contemporary but I try not to leave it too bare. I always make it a point to have some eye-popping decorations in the house, like that fuchsia carpet in the living room.
The colour white is everywhere….
Yes, the walls are painted white and only the kitchen is in black. I deliberately chose white because I believe that we will never run out of white paint. Had I painted my walls in say, pink, I could have a situation where I had to find a matching shade of pink when I want to repaint the walls. I also believe that the white will never go out of fashion.
What is your favourite room in the house?
Oh, I love my living room. The lush greenery next to my house is beautifully framed by the glass wall in the living room. It gives my home a resort-like feel. I also like my study, which is located next to the dining room.
What is the best thing about a minimalist home?
Apart from the easy maintenance, I think the timeless appeal is priceless. Having a glass wall is, of course, expensive. But in the long run, if you take into consideration that almost no maintenance is required, then it is a very economic decision.
What would your advice be for those who plan to renovate their home?
First of all, don’t listen to too much advice; you will end up with a rojak house. It is crucial to know what you want and to research on style, cost and materials needed. Also, do all the changes before moving in as you will not be bothered to do anymore change once you live there.
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