By Willy Wilson | Dec 3, 2009
Profile picture courtesy of Isaac Entry
Poova Plachciak's jazzes up her Mont' Kiara home studio
Give Poova Plachciak a microphone and she’s not gonna stop singing! The songstress with powerful vocals, an enigmatic performance and unassuming personality is currently the talk of the town. The Kuala Lumpur-born talent’s music is a unique blend of funk, soul and rock.
On a gloomy Saturday afternoon, the willowy lass – who is currently working on her debut album – welcomes Star Property to her three-bedroom condominium in Mont’ Kiara.
Together with hubby Robert Plachciak, who whipped up a mean vegetarian lasagna, she talked about their home’s ethnic-inspired interior and the recently-completed music studio.
Comfy living room
“The idea is to get people comfortable, and that’s about it,” says Rob of the cosy living room.
A gorgeous piece of songket and batik are draped over the sofa while the coffee table is actually a Javanese grobog (traditionally used as a rice container). An Indian beaded table cloth covers the grobog while a matching Persian rug completes the setting. A rattan lamp stands in a corner while an exotic painting from Mozambique occupies the other. All the items are set against yellow-painted walls. It is obvious that the living room is a clever fusion of many ethnic-themes.
The colour was chosen on purpose after Rob discovered that yellow actually stimulates one’s creativity. “I thought it would be good for Poova as her job requires a lot of creative processes. As it turns out, the yellow walls match the ethnic style of the living room,” he says.
A wall-to-wall window at the end of the room looks out to lush greenery and at the same time allows sunshine to stream in. To add to the relaxing atmosphere, the condo is only lit by soft lighting or candles. Harsh fluorescent lights are a no-no.
“I love the dramatic nuance reflected by candles,” Poova says and goes on to praise her husband for their beautiful living room. Rob, who used to live in a quiet ranch back in the United Kingdom, added a lot of natural elements to the house.
“We love having friends over for some wine here,” says Rob, “and so far, we’ve been getting good comments about our living room.”
Inspired by space
Poova isn’t much of a domestic diva. “Well I am not exactly a kitchen person, and I don’t necessarily do womanly stuff in the house,” she says with a chuckle. The 29 year old admits that she spends most of her time composing and recording music with her band in the home studio, which was converted from one of the three bedrooms.
“Let me put it this way. It will be much easier for me to have a studio in my own condominium so I can work from home!” Poova says.
The studio, which also acts as an office, is located between the master bedroom and guest room. It is equipped with four mics, two keyboards, a guitar and a stereo. There is even a fax machine and laptop.
“There is a clash of colours and cables everywhere, but it is lit with soft and subtle lighting. I am creatively stimulated in such an environment…but, I like it to be a bit messier,” Poova says of her studio.
To muffle the sounds coming from the studio, the walls have five layers of soundproofing panels that are decorated with Pop Art-inspired fabric. A thick cubist motif carpet adds to the cosy atmosphere.
However, the question remains: How does Poova relax since her office is in her house? Shouldn’t a home be a sanctuary from work?
Apparently, the secret is to separate space for function. “When I need a break, I simply go to the living room and sip on wine while listening to Glenn Miller.” While at other times, she is as busy as a bee in her home recording studio.
Catch Poova and The Phunkyard's performance every Thursday at 8.15pm in Malones, KLCC
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