By Melisa Ng | June 14, 2010
Photographs courtesy of iN design ID magazine, Dess Interior Sdn Bhd and Melisa Ng
The kitchen specialist, Jeff Kow
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Versatile: The many different concepts of kitchen designs at Dess Interior's showroom
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Versatile and practical. These two words best describe interior designer, Jeff Kow. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, Kow has created a variety of designs, from classic to modern, to suit the many needs and likings of homeowners.
Designing kitchens is his forte and through his designs, he seeks to fully utilise the kitchen - making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional for his clients.
“A kitchen must be practical. If you design a beautiful kitchen but can’t use it, there’s no point,” says Kow matter-of-factly.
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| The kitchen specialist - Jeff Kow |
A spacious and swanky office
Kow set up his own ID (interior design) firm, Dess Interior Sdn Bhd, in 2006. Located at Jalan Sireh, Klang, Kow’s 5,400sq ft new office was once an old bungalow in which he transformed into a showroom-cum-office.
“I shifted here early 2009. Before that, I was renting a place at Jalan Batu Tiga for 18 years. When I saw this house, it fitted my criteria and immediately after a month I bought it. It is a very old house, more than 30 years old but I have always liked this concept of renovating an old bungalow into an office. I find it more convenient and easier for our clients to park,” says Kow.
Anyone who visits his office can’t help but notice that Kow is one interior designer who loves bold and bright colours. Additionally, true to his mastery of designing kitchens, the first thing that one sees is…yes, you’ve guessed it, colourful kitchens on both the left and right of his office.
“The concept of my office is modern contemporary. I’ve always visualised a spacious working environment. Therefore, a lot of walls were removed. I would really like all my clients to walk-in and feel the cosy environment.”
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| Before and after: A 30-year old bungalow was refurbished and transformed into a modern contemporary office |
Recipe for ‘kitchen’ success
When asked about his typical projects, the designer explains,“The projects we undertake are mostly residential project.” One of his projects is a beautiful 4,800sq ft penthouse duplex in Kuala Lumpur. Owned by a Canadian family, the modern retro home boasts a magnificent view of the city skyline.
“The homeowner loves to experiment with new and creative designs. When he gave me the free reign on design and look of the kitchen, I created an open concept, equipped with adequate storage and cupboards that project a neat and uncluttered environment. Additionally, the void connecting the dining hall and kitchen suggests a spacious interior.
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| The bold red kitchen: One of Kow's project in Kuala Lumpur |
“The owner’s wife was actually interested in having an all-white kitchen but I proposed a blend of red and white to her. She was skeptical at the beginning, but once the design was shown to her, she was amazed that it looked good and was very happy with it.
“After designing the kitchen, the homeowner was very impressed, hence he asked me to design his entire house. I spent about four months to complete it. It was quite fast compared to the other houses I have done as the structure was already done," Kow explains.
Design sense
On his approach to clients’ requests, Kow says “Design and décor is very subjective because I believe that different people have different preferences. When I design a kitchen or a home, I always spend time with my clients and I try to get to know them as well as I can. I’ve always believed that whatever I design has to enhance their lives. Sometimes they want a certain design or style, but that isn’t who they really are. Therefore I will give them my best suggestions and advise.”
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Spacious showroom-cum-office: Cosy and comfortable environment for both his clients and his staffs
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For Kow, the biggest form of motivation is when his customers are happy and satisfied with the finished work.
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