theSun ON FRIDAY | MAY 6, 2016 23

Opposites attract

> Modern day interior designers and industry experts introduce a new concept on what gels

PHOTO: VIRALFOREST.COM

ONE are the days when The outcome is a bold and one was clear about what daring space that evokes an matched or corresponded energetic effect. Break the rules Gand what did not. These and go for strong shades for a days, there seems to be a very thin fabulous and somewhat line between black and white or dramatic effect. Blend one- even what is right and wrong for coloured walls with wall- that matter. It looks as though the papered ones, each in world has become such a complex contrasting tones or perhaps go place to live in, then again perhaps for a striking wall colour and it is a “grey” era we have chosen to theme this with loud-coloured make of it ourselves. However, accessories, furnishings and anyone with an open-mind could furniture. Imagine Cyndi Lauper look at this perception in modern or abstract art and know that day light, as a creative ideology, a yours will be a space that creates higher understanding, or a liberal a unique look and feel. or creative perception of what goes Another idea to add to this : MYDESIGNSOURCEBLOG.COM well together. style using conflicting colours is

Bowled over on this insight, to decorate spaces within these PHOTO theSun explores some of today’s walls with bespoke furniture.

unconventional matches (some say, PHOTO: SCOUTMOB.COM Here, you get to up the ante on the common in many homes. One can made in heaven) and the concept mad mix of hues, even in the also vary the textures used on a that creativity really has no interiors” explains one. “It’s about unconcealed wiring that give an choices of the smaller objet d’art. particular piece of furniture or boundaries. After all, according to putting together function and unfinished look. Peeling paint, Use splashes of vibrant fuchsia or furnishing, playing with something research, each individual is unique style,” describes another. unevenly put together pieces of turquoise to create an interior soft and easy to touch along with and sees things differently. Like it or not, wood and metal furniture, do-it-yourself furnishings space that you enjoy coming home something more drastic, perhaps In the world of architecture and are in and have found their way in its slipshod assembled form ... All to, one that speaks your personality hard or even bristly. Alternate the interior design, while all is into many homes, offices, these and more express a functional or evokes your inner spirit. size of the objects with textures for questionable, at the same time commercial and naturally, space that is hip and stylish with even more depth, and go for unquestionable, in the creative industrial spaces. The result – a hints of vintage in between. MESH OF TEXTURES colours and prints of different domain, many claim beauty lies in warehouse look, an earthy yet Mixing textures, otherwise known dimensions as well. the eye of the beholder. While one polished appearance that exudes a MIX OF COLOUR as “layering”, requires skill and Choose a variety of fabrics from will agree that stripes and dots just sense of ease, freedom, an Mixes of colours that don’t match talent, say interior designers. The light and translucent to something don’t jibe, another may consider unrestrained feel that invites the can come as attractive. In fact, effect could create depth and make heavier and thick, with designs on this crazy idea as a fusion of laissez-faire between walls. Call it colours that “clash” kind of make a all the difference between interiors brocade, velvet or silk, paired with eclectic style. the most unlikely pair, you have to statement, a talking piece, as this simply and quickly put together or knotted braids and needlework for agree that the outcome is really stands out and catches the eye. one furnished with much thought a sense of opulence. Frills, flounces, METAL AND WOOD somewhat appealing. Once before when no one would for a space with soul and substance. ribbons and laces are often used, as The use of metal and wood in Those intending to dress their think of having two strong colours While some refer to such spaces as these, if applied cleverly, can bring interiors has been around for some interiors in this style need not in the same room or space for that interiors with character, others about warmth and a calm and time now. However, in more recent spend much as the raw look and matter, today, you can find homes may view it as a dramatically pleasant feel to interiors. times, especially in Malaysia, we feel allows for exposed ceilings that donned in blues and greens, navies decorated home or one with Last but not least, while being have noticed a lot more of these feature pipes and ducts, bare and bright oranges, limes and personality and charm, as if “alive”. creative can give rise to two unlikely materials being paired brackets and tubes, untreated wood yellows against maroons and a Nonetheless, layering with unconventional and fresh ideas and up in a space and sometimes even fused with stained metals and crazy mix of unlikely hues. various textures can make a concepts, try not to go overboard in conjoined together in one piece of difference to any wall, floor and inter-blending. Then again, if the furniture or paraphernalia. ceiling even. The technique can outcome is pleasing to the eye of Some in the creative field term also be used to “bring out” or add a the inhabitants and brings harmony this marriage of two “unlikely” buzz to upholstery, window to the soul, why not? matters “industrial interior design”. coverings and even accessories. It’s about the yin and yang, “adding It may not be too alien for one to DID YOU KNOW a raw and unfinished look to the use a variety of textures in Incorporating and combining even most thoughtfully designed upholstery. From a variety of the slightest bit is considered a different textured floor rugs and regular and reasonable thing to carpets, curtains, cushion covers do. A perfect example is the and bedding – these are quite architectural and interior style that is relevant in today’s era, called the “eclectic style”. It is explained as a fusion style that combines culture, technology, style, shape, even the “time”. The style is said to offer everything, with no rules that limit creativity combining modern elements with classics, old with new, high quality with flea market and such. The main point is not freedom but harmony in taste.

X Email your feedback and queries to: propertyqs@ thesundaily.com PHOTO: ETSY.COM PHOTO: SOFAWORKSHOP.COM PHOTO: SOFAWORKSHOP.COM 22 theSun ON FRIDAY | MAY 13, 2016 theSun ON FRIDAY | MARCH 11, 2016 20 PHOTO: WWW.VIRTUALMALAYSIA.COM

Discovering PART 1 Negri Sembilan > A series exploring the state that recorded the most number of residential units sold

HE real estate market outlook for Negri Sembilan is reported to be positive. In Pahang Tfact, since 2015, prices have been ascending, along with a record number of transactions. Although Selangor Jelebu the property market is currently reported to be going though a “soft” The Minangkabau Residence. PHOTO: WWW.INSIGHTGUIDES.COM period in general, below is a residential “snapshot” focusing on with the on-going and up-coming 20ft x 60ft; the housing market in Darul commercial developments in the X of the 50% of affordable houses, Khusus, the Arabic honorific title state’s and government’s blueprints 15% must be priced at RM80k or which means “special abode”. and infrastructure plans. below; 15% at RM250k or below; Seremban Jempol Negri Sembilan borders Kuala Pilah and 20% at RM400k or below; Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, A LARGER VIEW with the remaining up to the Malacca and Johor. It lies on the Rasah Sri Meranti Touching on state and government developers; and western coast of the peninsula. plans for Negri Sembilan, it has been X Bumiputra ownership quota has Popular towns include Port Johor less than a year that Mentri Besar been raised from 50% to 70%. Rembau Dickson, Bahau and Nilai. Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan The state has historical ties announced the enforcement of Port Telok Tampin In terms of number of transactions, with the Minangkabau from west Dickson Kemang some policies pertaining residential refer to the chart on the top 10 areas, Sumatra, Indonesia, the reason housing projects. In June last year, as listed by brickz.my below. its traditional architecture and Malacca after discussions with the Real spoken language has significant Estate Housing Developers’ Follow our column next week for traces of Minangkabau features Seremban compared with KL city. KL is often laden with heavy traffic Association (Rehda) Negri more on Negri Sembilan, along with and words. Another reason that could on weekends. Sembilan, new housing policies interesting property development explain the rise in the number of This is said to be due to those were enforced. These include: projects within the state. SEREMBAN IN BRIEF residential property transactions in who have bought properties in According to records, the area with that part of the country could also Negri Sembilan, who return home X Fifty per cent of every new the most number of residential units be due to the fact that Nilai, a town every Friday night or Saturday housing project must consist of X Email your feedback and sold is Seremban. With that, we take that is gaining popularity especially morning, apart from those who affordable landed residential queries to: propertyqs@ a quick look at this city and probe among the airline industry folk, is “balik kampung” almost every units in dimensions not less than thesundaily.com reasons it has found favour among situated some 20 kilometres away weekend due to the short distance, buyers and investors of residential from the KL International Airport to visit their parents, indulge in property. (KLIA) and klia2, and some 50km home-cooked food and other NEGRI SEMBILAN RESIDENTIAL SNAPSHOT Briefly, Seremban is located away from KL city – convenient for comforts that come with going (January - September 2015) some 50 kilometres from Kuala those working with the airlines and “home”. Building type Area Project / Lumpur. supporting industries. There are also those who seek neighbourhood With its close proximity, and the solace in the outskirts and venture convenience of rail/commuter ON THE WHOLE out to the smaller states while Most transacted Terrace house Seremban trains connecting the town with Considered a stone’s throw away indulging in authentic local food (2,494 sold) (303 sold) (91 sold) Kuala Lumpur (KL) city, many in from KL city, Negri Sembilan is from the area, in the case of Negri the workforce commute daily fairly well connected via rail and Sembilan, the famed Seremban siew Highest average Condominium Kota Seriemas Green Beverly between Seremban and KL, mainly road. In fact, the North-South pau, beef noodles near the per sq ft (RM) (RM143 psf) (RM210 psf) Hills (RM455 psf) because property is cheaper in Highway heading down south from Seremban wet market, Haji Shariff’s cendol, masak cili api, Source: brickz.my rendang and its gulai dishes and daging salai. TOP 10 AREAS (By number of transactions) Besides the above- mentioned, the KL- Location Number of Average price Singapore High-Speed Rail transactions per sq ft (RM) marks Seremban as one of five stops along its route. Seremban 303 195 This will boost connectivity Nilai 236 187 of the state besides giving the reason for property 197 121 prices and real estate 176 115 transactions to escalate. While some have moved Rasah 174 106 to Seremban and other small towns in Negri 172 105 Sembilan due to its slower 165 102 lifestyle pace and lower cost of living – with the influx of Setul 162 100 people shifting to this part Labu 150 97 of the country, these Green Beverly Hills, reasons could soon become 147 72 Putra Nilai.

PHOTO: WWW.PROPWALL.MY/ null and void. What more Source: brickz.my 20 theSun ON FRIDAY | MAY 20, 2016 theSun ON FRIDAY | MARCH 11, 2016 20

HILE last week we Klang Valley’s rising residential looked at Negri price tags, is considered by double- Sembilan and income professionals/couples and WSeremban in a young families as “the ideal place”. nutshell, this week, we delve into a Discovering An interesting township located couple of appealing residential PART 2 in western Seremban is Bandar Sri developments, beginning with a Sendayan. Developed by Matrix township called Bandar Springhill, Concepts Holdings Bhd, the 5,233- previously known as , acre township is self-contained situated in the district of Port Negri Sembilan with ample amenities and facilities. Dickson. Construction of shopping With Seremban part of the > Exploring various residential property developments complexes and a specialist hospital Greater Klang Valley Conurbation, are in the pipeline. New under the the rise in property prices and Bandar Sri Sendayan project is the number of transactions makes construction of double-storey sense. Below are snippets of terrace houses in an area called Ara information retrieved from Sendayan. Housing units here start iProperty.com’s report, along with at RM650,000. There is also an views and comments from industrial component tied to the iProperty Group CEO and project called Sendayan developers on their development TechValley. This has attracted a projects. number of companies from Japan, France and Germany among PORT DICKSON others. Other attractions of the Sri Between January and September Sendayan project include the 2015, Bandar Springhill recorded Matrix International Pre-School, the “neighbourhood with the most Matrix International School and number of residential property Sendayan Merchant Square. PHOTO: WWW.1SENDAYAN.COM Matrix Private School. transactions in Negri Sembilan”. The township covers some 200 END POINT acres. Interesting projects that are iProperty Group CEO Georg on-going include construction of Chmiel shared his view on the the UCSI International School, the state’s thriving property UCSI University Medical Teaching development scene. He said, Hospital, along with the five-star “Negri Sembilan has emerged as UCSI Resort Hotel and Convention the country’s latest investment Centre. hotspot by fully leveraging on its It is said that good pricing geographical advantage. contributes to the popularity of this Its prime location between township – more affordable than Kuala Lumpur and Iskandar other thriving areas in the state such Malaysia, the gateway to as Seremban. Average prices Singapore, the availability of much reported for a bungalow in Bandar developed land at relatively low Springhill ranges between rates and a well-established RM380,000 and RM420,000. infrastructural support have drawn KW Associate Architects Sdn much potential to this state.” Bhd managing director Datuk Chmiel also highlighted the rise Kevin Woo, who is also the Eutelia, D’Mayang Sari. in the number of large scale architect in charge of designing PHOTO: WWW.SERIPAJAM.COM.MY projects in the state and properties boutique homes in Bandar and klia2, which are a mere 20- highways like the Kuala Lumpur – Sari by Seri . Those looking in Seremban, Nilai and Senawang Springhill, mentioned an upcoming minute drive away. Kota Seriemas Seremban Highway, Elite Highway, for landed property, convenience enjoying good capital appreciation. project he is working on – Phase E7, is also said to be the preferred Putrajaya/Cyberjaya-Dengkil and who enjoy the outdoors and He also mentioned that property offering boutique double-storey choice for those working in KLIA, Highway and Lekas Highway. open spaces should not let this experts expect a lot of changes to terrace houses. He also mentioned Putrajaya and Sepang due to its Another development project in development pass by without the property landscape in Negri plans for Bandar Springhill, to network of well-planned roads and Nilai to take note of is D’Mayang looking it over. Within this 64-acre Sembilan in the next five years. become an educational township, development is a lake, maze Follow our property section being the one said to fuel the garden, kite lawn, linear park plus a next week on residential partnership between UCSI Group’s shaded playground. Four-bedroom, development projects in Pajam, Datuk Peter Ng and MUI Group’s four-bathroom double-storey Nilai, Seremban and Senawang, Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng. terraced houses come with Negri Sembilan Darul Khusus. freehold titles in a guarded NILAI residential area. The development In the same period last year, Kota is also situated just beside Nilai X Email your feedback and Seriemas in Nilai was recorded as town and easily accessible via the queries to: propertyqs@ the area with the highest average Lekas and North-South highways. thesundaily.com price per sq ft in residential properties. This is said to be largely SEREMBAN due to the township’s close Nonetheless, the proximity to transport hubs KLIA area that registered PHOTO: WWW.SERIEMAS.MY the highest number of residential units sold was Seremban. During the first nine months of 2015, 303 PHOTO: WWW.SERIEMAS.MY transactions were recorded. In fact, Seremban, with its exciting developments and Cempaka Seri 2 town house, Kota Seriemas. PHOTO: WWW.BANDARSPRINGHILL.COM

Maple, Bandar Springhill. theSun ON FRIDAY | MAY 27, 2016 21

HILE the state may have been famous for its paus, noodles and Wgulai dishes, recently its real estate has been gaining popularity. Shared iProperty Exploring Group CEO Georg Chmiel, “Experts believe there will be PART 3 tremendous change in Negri Sembilan’s property landscape in the next five years where there will be a greater influx of investors and Negri Sembilan developers as land acquisitions in the state are relatively cheaper > A look at development projects by Seri Pajam than KL. The High Speed Rail (HSR) transportation link will also have a multiplier effect on Negri Sembilan.” Sharing quite the same sentiments is Tey Soo Leng, director of property development firm Seri Pajam Development. “There has been positive growth demand especially from Klang Valley buyers. In fact, strong sales have been recorded for our landed projects in Pajam, Nilai, Seremban and Senawang.” With that, theSun explores on- going residential projects of Seri Pajam in Negri Sembilan. SERI PAJAM SIGNATURE There are some distinctive characteristics that are purposefully incorporated into the design of Seri Pajam houses. These reflect the Seri Pajam “brand” which caters to the lifestyles of the inhabitants. Says Tey, “Rather than fancy facades, we focus on the needs of those living in the house.” Nada 3 semi-d.

Signature features include: X design layout that is practical and maximises on living spaces; X premium finishing so as to minimise renovation after handover; X innovative space creation that provides for fully extended balconies, car porches and buildings; X utilising vertical spaces to maximise on space, allocating higher than the usual ceilings – 11ft to 15ft high; X creating sustainable designed residential spaces that incorporates transplanting of trees, minimising maintenance for common facilities, using The Eco Lake at D’Mayang Sari. natural ventilation and sunlight in building design where the sustainable lifestyle concept. Prices of housing units that are possible etc; and The project is separated into five ready within this residential X strategic project location with precincts, each with green development project are slightly easy access via major highways. spaces spanning 5.26ha. There is on the high side. The Topaz 1.5- also a mini wetlands area and a storey bungalows come with The above are some of the 7km jogging track among other five bedrooms and five “trademarks” of residential units nature-inspired features. A bathrooms. The project is under the Seri Pajam label. They significant trait of housing units established on freehold land and not only help save time, cost and in Nada Phase 2B and 3A is their will also include semi-d’s and the hassle of carrying out larger-than-usual roomy areas. double-storey homes to be built renovation work (which many From car porches to ceilings, at a later date. home owners are often faced with) balconies, lanais and backyards, X Nusa Intan is a spacious housing but see to the environment as well. these areas are all fully extended. area nestled in Senawang. Housing units are ready and Sprawling across 300 acres, the RESIDENTIAL await tenants. housing project offers 16 acres of DEVELOPMENTS X D’Mayang Sari which is in Nilai, greens, has eight concept parks On-going housing development is surrounded by high-demand and three recreational lakes. The Nada 5 bungalow. projects in Negri Sembilan by amenities. It is situated next to development also sits beside a Seri Pajam include: Nilai town and offers an idyllic forest reserve and offers dubbed nature’s symphony. It is an us that they share the journey of X Citra Hill spans 144 acres in the lifestyle within its 64-acre green quiescence and solitude in its exceptional development, a gem enhancement with us,” Tey adds. town of Pajam. Perhaps like and sustainable development. many nooks and crannies. ingeniously deliberated into the Strong in their development Nottinghill, Citra Hill, located in 10% of this development will Residential units offered include existing ecology ... a slice of projects in Negri Sembilan and the north part of the state, accommodate recreational and double-storey terraced and paradise,” Tey describes. Selangor, Tey informs that there bordering Selangor, is catered to green spaces that encourage premium single-storey terraced Known as a developer of self- are many new projects in the those who crave for a tranquil residents to enjoy nature, houses. contained suburban townships, pipeline. “We believe that the and refreshing lifestyle. Some exercise and the outdoors. The Seri Pajam has spent the last 10 future is very bright for Seri words that reflect the character Eusarca houses under this CREATING VALUE, years developing residential and Pajam Development as we do not of this freehold and guarded residential development project PROVIDING LIFESTYLES commercial properties, only to just build homes ... we create township include charm, ideal, offers four bedrooms and four Of the above-mentioned residential become better. “We have also set avenues for people to shape their tranquil, refreshing and bathrooms, ensuites that come developments, D’Mayang Sari and ourselves a high benchmark for our dream lifestyles.” accessible. Double-storey units with attached bathrooms for Nada Alam are reported to be more projects by making sure we are Watch this space next week for offering five bedrooms enhanced privacy. popular. In fact, Nada Alam was creating value by providing our more on Negri Sembilan residential and six bathrooms are ready X Bandar Warisan Puteri is located awarded the five-star Asia Pacific customers with quality in our development projects. for viewing. in , Seremban. The International Property Award, amenities, infrastructure and X Nada Alam is built upon 160 development project covers beating others in the Best design. We want those buying into acres and is also situated in 145.6 acres and presents a serene Residential Landscape our projects to realise the value and X Email your feedback and Pajam. This development is township that is lush with Architecture (Malaysia) 2014-2015 appreciate the lifestyle that comes queries to: propertyqs@ established on green living and greenery and amazing scenery. category. “Nada Alam is aptly with each project. It is important to thesundaily.com