By Willy Wilson | Aug 20, 2010

Decorator Kem Salleh’s stylish home

Reputable: Renowned fashion designer and decorator, Kem Salleh

Reputed as one of the country’s best wedding set decorator, Kem Salleh is a familiar name among Kuala Lumpur’s who’s who. Salleh is especially known for his refined taste in decorating wedding sets. His clients include silver screen legend Umie Aida and more recently, Serina Redzuawan (Chef Wan’s daughter).

Despite being a reputable decorator, he is perhaps best known for his fashion venture with designer Ashley Wong. In the year 2000, Salleh and Wong founded Kapas Couture, which is today a sought-after local fashion house. His name is continuously associated with the brand despite having ventured out of the fashion world a couple of years back.

Salleh, who read economy and education in America, admits to have found his true passion in decorating. Unsurprisingly, his abode is tasteful and elegant. Tucked away in the east side of Kuala Lumpur, his house sits on the hillside of Ulu Klang. Although slightly distant from the city centre, Ulu Klang remains a popular residential area because of the lush green landscape it offers. But Salleh is quick to point that distance is no longer an issue.

“All thanks to D.U.K.E. (Duta Ulu Klang Expressway)! From home, I can reach Jalan Kuching, Mont’ Kiara and Sri Hartamas in 15 minutes,” he says.

Salleh claims that his corner lot house is a true reflection of his decorating aesthetic, which is elegant, off-beat and cosy. StarProperty.my visited the decorator’s stylish home recently.

Explain the layout of the house to us.
It is a double-storey terrace house with a built-up area of 1,920sq ft. The first floor sees a large living room, a television area and a dining with an attached kitchen. The second floor consists of three bedrooms and a study.

Did you renovate the house?
Yes, but a minor one. I turned a guest room (on the first floor) into a television area. I also removed the tiles in the dining area and covered the floor with teak wood instead.

Elegant: The corner lot house is a true reflection of Salleh's decorating aesthetic - elegant, off-beat and cosy

What were your considerations when you renovated this house?
My lifestyle is the main consideration. I like to throw parties and entertain guests at my house. It has always been a part of me, even when I lived in a condominium unit. But now that I live in a landed property, I dedicate the entire first floor for my guests. It can sit up to 30 guests – something that may not be possible if you live in a condominium. Making a house suit you and your lifestyle is important, as I personally believe that a house is a reflection of the owner.

What are the key design and décor elements in this house?
Wood is a prominent element in this house, but I made sure that the finishing is clean and sleek so that it looks more contemporary. There’s a hint of ethnic style with a much-needed urban aesthetic. Having said that, I did not have any specific theme when it came to my house. And really, why should I? I find that a house confined by a specific theme is rather boring.

How does this house reflect you?
I constantly change as a person. Having studied economy and education in the university, I have done nine-to-five jobs for a long time before venturing into fashion. After a decade in the fashion business, I moved on to become a professional decorator for events. Like my house, I don’t conform to a certain formulaic concept (laughs).

Where is your favourite spot in the house?
My television area! I like the fact that I can lie down, work, eat and watch television in one space (laughs).

Contemporary: Wood is a prominent element, while the finishing is clean and sleek. This gives Salleh's home a contemporary look and feel.

Which type of residence suits you best — a condominium unit or a landed property?
I have to say that condominium suits me best. As a single person, I think that the upkeep of a landed property can get very overwhelming. Yes, I love to throw parties, which may not be practical if I live in a condominium. But I like the fact that condominium requires minimum maintenance. Who knows, maybe I will move to a (bigger) condominium unit.

Share some decorating tips with us.
One’s preference in terms of aesthetic will change over time. So instead of buying trendy design and décor items, one should invest in evergreen items that are timeless and versatile.

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