By Daniel Sim | February 8, 2012

Practical design

Zenith Residences: Wall-hung and "slim" shelves in the showroom lounge save a lot of space.

Understanding a client’s needs, especially the objectives of a property developer, are important, says interior designer Aloysius Chan of The Arch company.

To keep abreast of the latest developments in the building industry, the architect-turned-designer makes it a point to regularly attend property launches.

Apparently, property developers nowadays want more than just an interior designer whose design concept can “sell” the project for them.

Citing the Zenith Residences condominium development in Kelana Jaya, as an example of his work, Chan points out that this project not only focuses on aesthetics but pays equal attention to the practical use of space.

For example, furniture in the showroom such as the wardrobe unit is cleverly positioned to camouflage clutter. The wardrobe is also fitted with a light so that the main light in the bedroom need not be switched on.

He explains that this is one way, how a home buyer can benefit from good interior design as it will not only help them save space but also save energy.

Scheduled to be completed by 2013, the condominium project will comprise two 21-storey blocks with a total of 358 units. With a starting price of RM292,480 for the smallest unit, the condos are offered in six different layouts ranging from 66sq m (710sq ft) to 114sq m (1,227sq ft). All units have been sold when the project was launched in October, 2010.

No single formula
Chan says that interior design is all about harmoniously combining all the design elements such as lighting, colour scheme, furniture and flooring material. It is important to ensure that such elements are not too contrasting as the whole scheme would create an unnatural feel in the home.

It is not a bad idea, adds Chan, to undertake the interior design work of your own home, if you have the time. But time is the main constraint that many people face with their busy lifestyle.

For a start, you would need to be well informed of the pros and cons of certain interior design concepts. And you would need to take certain risks in combining different elements. For example, how would the placement of a mirror - whether in a vertical or horizontal position - affect the overall layout or the visual space in the living room,” says Chan. The visual perception of space is important in any design scheme especially when physical space is limited.

The bedrooms have a cosier ambience with this kind of lighting scheme, especially underneath the beds.

A mirror by itself, he adds, will only contribute about 30% more visual space within the room. And it is not possible to line the whole house with mirrors because it would not be feasible when it comes to upkeep.

Furniture layout will contribute 50% more visual space while the choice of the colour scheme, curtain material and the ceiling’s height will contribute another 10% more space, explains the designer.

“Many people get confused and make the common mistake of getting a spacious sofa that looks good in the shop but turns out to be too bulky when they try to fit it in the home.”

In the Zenith Residences showroom - which is only about 112sq m (1,200sq ft) - Chan was able to fit in a sofa of 4.6m (15 feet) length and could still make the unit look spacious.

“I would consider not only the height, position or the sofa’s angle but other elements such as the material to the number of cushions. And whether to choose an L-shaped sofa or a round sofa,” points out Chan.

“But there is no single design formula. Sometimes, if you can buy a Chinese antique or a Colonial chair which matches the colour scheme of the unit, it would look fine,” adds Chan.

The shape and placement of a sofa are vital factors in maximising space without sacrificing comfort.

Trend
The interior design concept will also depend on the homeowner’s objective. If he plans to stay long term in the home, than a contemporary design - which can last a long time - can be chosen.

“Those who prefer to explore trendy design concepts should choose something that can be updated, as such trends normally change every five years. For example, the design concept that favours a lot of timber material is no longer in trend,” says Chan.