06/02/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | FEB 6, 2025

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Ű BY S.TAMARAI CHELVI

A S we are early into the new year, it is perhaps time to change things up at home. Our abodes reflect our personalities – after all, we spend most of our time there. So, let us explore a few of the latest interior design trends that can let you express your inner beauty in your physical surroundings: Colour drenching This dramatic colour styling has been popular for some time and may appeal to homeowners who are just tired of pastels. An entire room or space – from ceiling to floor – is painted (hence “drenched”) in the same shade of bold or intense colours, such as navy blue, mustard yellow or dark green. For example, if you choose deep purple for the main colour, all four walls and ceiling are painted in that colour for an immersive feel. Even the furniture has to follow suit. You could also opt for double drenching, whereby two different colours are used, instead of one. Personality themes If you want to stand out, craft a design theme based on your own personality – something that communicates your personal story, traditions and culture.

Earthy colours are visually soothing and comforting. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MAI_SAAD_DESIGNS

Refresh your home Colour drenching involves painting a room entirely in the same shade of an intense colour. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @EVIE_POLKADOT

earthy tones and pastels that give a feeling of serenity. A typical setup would have wool based sofas with plush cushions along with visually pleasing throws and rugs to give a sense of coziness. Look to wood flooring, ambient lighting and wall accents to add depth to the entire space. Earthy or neutral tones Pantone’s colour of the year for 2025 is Mocha Mousse. So, earthy tones – from chocolate, deep brown, rustic brick colours to dark green – are the “it” colours for interior design. Many warmer and subtler colour variations are soothing to the eyes and can evoke a comforting feel in any interior. Employing deep brown shades, such as walnut, adds depth while the use of wood adds a touch of luxury. A large student population is a boon – one only has to look at SS15 in Subang Jaya where property values have sky-rocketed due its proximity to various colleges and universities. Park life Most suburbs will be teeming with people – often in close proximity, especially in high-rise scenarios. Public parks thus are an essential component for suburban populations looking to unwind or sweat it out. Having fields for sporting activities is a bonus. Hiking or biking trails will also make a suburb more appealing as they serve as avenues for healthy activities.

harmonious surroundings. It incorporates natural materials, wood furniture and ample daylight and space. Plants and water unsurprisingly take centre stage. Indoor flora are meticulously paired with existing physical structures. Plants such as Monstera are matched with wood or stone furniture and cool wall colors such as ivory, neutral and sage green. Natural shapes and forms – such as arches, curves or any unique patterns – are preserved. Japandi Minimalism never seems to go out of vogue. Japandi, a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian styles, is incredibly popular due to its clutter free and spacious aesthetics. The style favours natural materials such as wood and bamboo, warm lighting, soft hues or neutral colours,

o Latest design trends for spicing things up

Personality-themed designs incorporate items that are meaningful to the owner. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @THE_SHOETRING_HOME

Do not be afraid to be eclectic by mixing bold patterns and different types of textured fabric, prints and colours. Consider adding antique furniture pieces or bold artworks to your home. You also can include favourite travel souvenirs, handmade items, quirky oddities and things that hold sentimental value. Go crazy. Ultimately, remember this is your space. Biophilic design This design is all about connecting people with nature to create

Japandi is a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @JAPANDI.INTERIOR

Biophilic design emphasises natural materials, wood furniture and ample daylight and space. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @STUDIO7.83

Things to consider when picking your suburban address SUBURBS are very much part of Malaysian city landscapes. Millions call them home – some sprang up organically while others are meticulously planned developments catering to every need. Ű BY R. BALA greatly enhance the value of properties. Access to employment is considered to be a big plus when it comes to the desirability of an address. If the suburb is not located near an employment hub, it should have fast access to transport to allow workers to move about quickly learning will also greatly affect the price of a property as the owner can opt to rent out the premises to students. Swimming pools are now standard feature in most high-rises, so a water theme park will further boost an area’s desirability – for example, the water theme park in Gamuda Cove. Easy access to healthcare

This is an essential component that ranks high among many property buyers. Whether it be for infants or the elderly, having specialist medical care in the area is deemed vital. Mature suburbs will usually have private and public healthcare facilities to service the local populace. Shopping, dining, entertainment It goes without saying that having a variety of lifestyle options at the door step is pivotal in determining quality of life. For many property buyers, this is the deciding factor on whether a suburb is worth investing in.

and conveniently. Academic options

If you are looking to invest in a suburban property, do note there are various factors that determine its value and desirability. Here are key features that make for a great suburban address. Getting around A great transport network is vital for a suburb to thrive. Great road access aligned with efficient public transportation will greatly impact the area’s desirability. In the Klang Valley, having train stations servicing the area will

A good suburb will have education options covering all age groups, from kindergarten to tertiary education. There should also be varying options available for each segment, such as public and private institutions. A mature and cosmopolitan suburb will have religious schools, daycare centres as well as universities and colleges offering diverse programmes. Being near institutions of higher

A large student population will boost a suburb’s value as there will be high demand for rented premises. – PEXELSPIC