By Willy Wilson | Feb 12, 2010
Photography: Eujin Lim

Danell Lee's cool bachelor pad

Malaysian Idol winner Danell Lee is more than just another reality TV success story. Growing up in a small town of Jitra, Kedah, the soft-spoken lad became a singing sensation after winning the second season of the nation-wide competition in 2005. 

“I performed regularly at various cafes in Penang at that point in time,” says Lee, who was also a student in University Sains Malaysia and a part-timer in a computer shop. 

Lee was noticed fast for his crystal clear voice. On stage, he is a consummate performer, working the crowd not with fancy dance moves or funky costumes but with a genial sincerity and a voice that can transform the glumness of an evening into something magical.

Lee eventually won the competition with over 1.2 million votes to his favour. Five years, three albums and a fancy condominium unit later, Lee is still the same affable young man that he always was.

“The only difference is that now I own my own place,” says the 28-year-old. Lee, who recently released his live concert CD and DVD, is one of a few trilingual singers in this country.

Star Property chats with Danell Lee about property investment, the unique concept of his condominium and why nothing is impossible for him.   

Cutting-edge furniture set against a dark wall.

Investment first
Lee acquired his Bukit Utama condominium in 2006. Lee had previously stayed with his uncle.

The thought of renting a place crossed his mind. But the expensive renting fees in KL made him think twice.  Of course winning a nation-wide competition, plus a promising musical career, means less hiccups when it comes to finances. But Lee insists that buying is better than renting. So he bought himself a condominium unit.

“The renting fee in KL so hight that you might as well I take loan from the bank and buy your own place,” Lee reasons.

Lee, who currently lives with his younger brother, bought his condominium unit for RM525k. Adding to that is the cost for renovation, furniture and electronic goods, which summed up to almost RM150k.

“I pay around RM2k to the bank every month,” Lee says, "I think it’s a pretty good investment."

Spaceship-inspired house
Inside every man there lives a little boy, and no one knows this better than Danell Lee.

“The décor of my condominium unit was inspired by a spaceship,” Lee enthuses, “It was my childhood dream to live in a spaceship.”

But how do you translate such an unusual concept into a 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom condominium unit? Well, Lee’s condominium unit is rather dramatic for a bachelor pad to begin with.

Contemporary design elements present in the living room, dining room, kitchen and study corner.

Cutting-edge sofa, cushions, fluffy black rugs and decorative lamps in one corner, and a dining table with a modern chandelier in another. Adding to this setting is a mirrored-wall next to the dining area. A gu-zheng sits in one corner near the kitchen; a bit out of place in a 'spaceship', nonetheless charming. 

Dark walls, white tiles and subdued lightings transform what could have been an over-the-top look into a sleek,polished and highly personalised space. The colour contrast between the walls and the tiles gives a sophisticated harmony to the whole interior setting. While most parts of the unit are coated in black paint, some parts such as the entrance are covered with grey velvet wallpaper. Donning similar dark theme is the ceiling.

“I associate dark walls with the image of spaceship,” he says with a chuckle, “But the contractor went further by suggesting that we should paint the ceiling black too!” Lee, who claims to be very much involved in the renovation and decoration process, admits that he loves the idea. 

An ornate chandelier and a mirrored-wall are the focal points of the dining area.

Asked about his preparation to welcome Chinese New Year, Lee admits he has not done much.

“I have bought some Golden Money plants (Jing Qian Shu). Given the setting of my house, I think it would be nice to keep it clean and simple,” Lee says.

Dreams come true
“I had never imagined that I could be where I am now,” says Lee of his fortunate journey, adding, “But after winning the competition, I believe that dreams do come true and nothing is impossible”.

It is a known fact that to compete in the local music industry is not easy given the fact that foreign music seems to penetrate deeper in the market. But Lee is not the one to quit.

“You have to do what you have to do to survive,” says Lee. His management from Sony Music explains Lee is currently a host for E-news, an infotainment program aired in 8TV. He also has done some cameo in local TV series.

“I have to say I have been quite fortunate to be able to make a living out of my passion,” he enthuses, “And a good living if I may add!” How true. Take a look at his spacious 3-bedroom condominium unit and you too would agree.