03/04/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | APR 3, 2025

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Trendy interior designs for modernised living space o Refresh your home with sophisticated, elegant aesthetics

T HE festive season presents the opportunity to refresh your home with sophisticated design elements that balance timeless elegance with modern functionality. Whether you are preparing for lively family gatherings or intimate festive moments, a well-curated space sets the stage for memorable reunions. This year’s interior design trends celebrate warm minimalism, bold aesthetics and organic influences – making it easier than ever to create a home that feels inviting, stylish and effortlessly luxurious. Japandi 2.0: New serenity A natural evolution of the beloved Japandi aesthetic, this warmer, moodier take moves away from pale wood and soft neutrals to richer walnut tones, moody contrasts and layered textures. Ribbed glass, linen and wool introduce depth, while minimalist silhouettes maintain a sense of balance and calm. Simplicity meets luxury For those who embrace clean lines and understated elegance, elevated minimalism brings a sophisticated touch to the traditional minimalist aesthetic. This trend incorporates travertine, fluted wood and brushed metal for added depth, while forest green and deep burgundy accents introduce a subtle festive warmth. Sculptural furniture with fluid, organic shapes enhance the visual appeal. Retro futurism: Bold nostalgia meets modern edge If you love a mix of vintage charm and futuristic flair, retro futurism is the way to infuse personality Elevated minimalism:

into your home. This trend blends playful 70s-inspired curves and bold hues such as tangerine, mustard and cobalt blue with modern elements such as chrome, lucite and reflective surfaces. connection to nature If you are looking to embrace an eco-friendlier approach to home living, biophilic luxe brings the outdoors in, celebrating organic textures and renewable materials. Think oversized greenery, living walls and indoor water features that purify the air and enhance well-being. Sustainable elements such as reclaimed wood, bamboo and natural stone create a harmonious retreat that feels opulent and calming. Monochromatic spaces with depth If you gravitate toward modern monochrome interiors, this trend offers a sophisticated way to create aesthetic cohesion without sacrificing dimensions. Rather than relying on a flat, single tone look, layer different textures and tonal variations to add richness. This article is contributed by Cosentino. Biophilic luxe: Sustainable

Biophilic luxe: Living room

Japandi 2.0: Bathroom

Monochromatic spaces with depth: Kitchen

Preserving passion for woodcraft through miniature house replicas

DECADES ago, veteran carpenter Saari Ali often accompanied his late father Ali Mat Rashid as he built houses. Through these experiences, Saari, 70, honed his skills in woodcraft, particularly in constructing traditional Malay houses. Today, after four decades in the trade, the master craftsman from Gopeng remains dedicated to house construction but has shifted his focus to crafting miniature house replicas. With the carpentry expertise and experience passed down from his father, Saari has a rare ability to recreate traditional house replicas with remarkable accuracy, entirely from memory, without the need for sketches or blueprints. The father of four shared in crafting these replicas, he relies on photographs he takes during village visits and images provided by customers as references. “I never imagined my woodworking skills of turning pieces of wood into miniature house replicas would one day become a source of income for my family. I learned carpentry from my father and from there, my passion for creating traditional Malay house replicas grew,” he said when met at Galeri Tisha, located at the Urban Transformation Centre Perak. Saari shared many of his traditional house replicas were inspired by cherished memories of working alongside his father and his deep appreciation for traditional architecture. “Typically, if someone works as a house carpenter, it is easier for them to transition into making traditional house replicas since they already have the basic skills. I never had formal training under anyone and mostly relied on my

weeks to a month to complete one, depending on the size. “Each replica crafted must be carefully detailed with windows, pillars, staircases, intricate carvings and decorative motifs to ensure it closely resembles the original house. “I cannot simply design however I please because each replica is based on an actual house. My goal is to produce more traditional house replicas for future generations to appreciate. Many youngsters today have never had the experience of living in a traditional house. If you visit villages now, you will see many of these homes are no longer occupied,” he lamented. Saari said his miniature houses typically measure 0.3m in height and 0.6m in length, with prices ranging from RM1,000 to RM5,000, depending on the size and architectural style. “The smaller the replica, the more expensive it is, as the crafting is more intricate. Generally, only those with a deep appreciation for this art form are willing to invest in these pieces,” he said. Saari hopes someone will continue his legacy but he has observed little interest among the younger generation. “So far, no young people have come to my gallery at Pasar Besar Ipoh, which has been open since 1983, to learn this skill. If this continues, my craft may fade into history,” he said. Named after his daughter Nur Fatisha, Galeri Tisha serves not only as his workshop but also as a space where he paints alongside her, as she shares his passion for art. – Bernama

Saari shows a replica of the traditional Malay house that he created. – BERNAMAPIC

has its unique design, with slight variations. My goal is to create replicas of every type of traditional house found in Perak. I often receive orders for traditional house models such as the Melaka, Johor and even the Negeri Sembilan Minangkabau-style houses, which is particularly popular,” he said. He added it takes anywhere from three

experience working with my late father,” said Saari, who also has a talent for oil painting. Saari pointed out each replica he crafts carries its own distinct identity, reflecting the architectural styles of various villages he has visited, particularly in Perak. “If you visit Kampung Gajah, Parit or Kuala Kangsar, you will notice each traditional house