By Willy Wilson | April 25, 2011
Julie Woon finds harmony in contrast
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At ease: Julie Woon in her cosy living room
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Julie Woon knew from the get-go that she would one day make it big in the show business. Upon finishing her study in economics and marketing, Woon concentrated on her career as a TV host, model and actress.
Woon, who is currently the host of 8TV Quickie, is perhaps best known for her role as Nina in popular TV series, Blogger Boy.
Admittedly, her slender figure and pretty face helped build her career. But the 26-year-old lass would argue that it was her talent, determination and professionalism that played a bigger role in her journey to the top.
Woon’s accomplishment reached another milestone in November 2010 when she bought a 1,826 sq ft condominium unit in Taman Tun Dr.Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
“While scouting for a place that fit my budget and taste, I discovered this three-bedroom condominium unit. It wasn’t long before I made up my mind and bought this unit,” she says.
“The plaster ceiling and the walls were in good condition. I have to say that the previous owner did a good job at maintaining the house,” she enthuses.
Extra renovation work commenced in January, and she moved in just a few days before Chinese New Year.
Woon invited us to take a peek into her cosy home recently.
Private retreat
Designed by Silk Pavilion Sdn Bhd, Woon’s spacious condominium unit sees an open-plan layout that combines a minimalist and modern tropical concept.
With a modular L-shaped sofa, a triple-layered circular coffee table and a sleek TV console, the living area favours a minimalist concept. Meanwhile, a solid wood dining table and wooden flower decorations in the dining emphasises the elegance of tropical living.
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Clockwise from left to right:The sun-drenched living area; the countertop that separates the kitchen and the living-cum-dining area; Bukit Kiara Hills jogging track as viewed from the balcony and Julie's sophisticated master bedroom
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Off the hallway to the left is the kitchen. Separating the kitchen and the living-cum-dining is a countertop, which is adorned by metallic mosaic tiles.
“There was a wall separating the kitchen from the living and dining area. We decided to knock down the wall and built a countertop instead to make the entire unit look and feel more spacious,” Woon explains.
The bedrooms are located just behind the dining area. Maintaining minimalist concept, Woon keeps the colour palette in the bedrooms to earthy tones such as lilac, brown, white and black.
“My favourite part of the unit is my private bathroom, which dons a black-and-white theme,” she says, adding that she could spend hours relaxing in the bathtub.
The spacious master bedroom is blessed with abundant natural light, thanks to windowpanes that open up to Bukit Kiara Hills jogging track.
“I prefer to keep things minimal in my bedroom. There is a modest queen size bed and a floor-to-ceiling railing wardrobe with glass and dark wood accents. And instead of using ceramic tiles in the bedroom, I chose brown laminate flooring for all practical purposes,” Woon notes.
As for the other two bedrooms, Woon explains that they have been converted into a guest room and a study room.
Character building
Where decoration is concerned, Woon shares that she trained herself to be a smart shopper. She says that while heavy interior items must be coherent with the overall design theme, little knickknacks and decorative items can be a playful.
Take, for instance, the wall clock in the living room, which she bought from Molecule in the Home Precinct at Pavilion KL (level 5). An unusual numerical wall clock, Woon says this particular item reflects her interest in all things quirky.
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Matchmaking: Woon opts for quirky decorative items to add pizzazz to her minimalist home
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Then there’s a Baroque-style chandelier in the dining area, which is set in sharp contrast against wooden furniture. The chandelier, as she argues, reveals her artistic side.
“I bought the chandelier for RM950 in Damansara Utama. I do realise that the chandelier doesn’t really fit into the interior theme, but somehow I enjoy the contrast,” she says with a chuckle.
Woon, who travels frequently, also decorates her home with souvenirs that she bought from places she visited like Istanbul and Bangkok.
“There are little spots of creativity here and there in this unit. They may not necessarily fit into the overall design theme, but they are certainly effective in adding pizzazz to your home,” she advises.
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