Guide to buying your first home in KL

It’s finally
that
 time in your life where you start looking for your own home. Even before you begin, you’re already thinking who to invite for your housewarming party. You’re looking forward to the trips to IKEA. You’re excited to meet your soon-to-be neighbors. You can’t wait to finally have your own home.

But
 where in the world do you begin
?

Google directs you to a list of websites which match your query “homes in Kuala Lumpur”. You spend an entire afternoon browsing through the pages of listings on these websites, feeling drained at the end of the whole process when you are still unable to find a property which fits your requirements. Your brain is cluttered with questions:
How do mortgages work? Are there government schemes to help me buy my first home? Are there additional fees I need to pay? For my salary, what kind of prices should I be looking at?

In this blog post, we help you answer some of these questions and walk you through the process of buying your very first home.

___

PRICES – the big scary number which dwarfs your monthly income and makes you feel a little uneasy about your decision to buy a home. For most of us, this would be the most important factor in purchasing a home. However, the prices of homes are usually 6 or 7-digits, making it very difficult to estimate without prior research. You really need to do an extensive market research to assess wheter or not a property is correctly valued or not.

Furthermore, banks only offer mortgages of up to 90% which still leaves a significant 10% to be paid as a down-payment. For an average property in Kuala Lumpur, a prospective buyer has to fork out over RM80,000 in cash to purchase the house. Luckily, the Malaysian government has introduced certain schemes to make this process easier on prospective buyers. The ‘First House Scheme’ known as
Skim Rumah Pertamaku (SRP)
 allows mortgages up to 100% whilst maintaining the interest rate which needs to be paid.

However, there are many tight eligibility rules for participating in this scheme. This scheme only permits mortgages for homes between the prices of RM100,000 and RM500,000. It is only open to Malaysian citizens below the age of 40 with a gross income of not more than RM5,000 a month. It is also limited to employees in the private sectors or government sectors which do not provide housing financing. Meaning that if you are self-employed, make more than RM5,000 a month, are above the age of 40, or want a property which costs more than RM500,000, you are not eligible for this scheme.

Let’s assume you
don’t
 qualify for this loan because you want to purchase an average non-landed property in Kuala Lumpur, which would cost approximately RM650,000. On average, banks charge an interest rate between 4.5%-5.0% which has to be paid off in 30-35 years. Assuming you take a 90% loan on your RM650,000 property at a 4.5% interest rate with a maximum tenure of 30 years (yes, it’s a
very
 specific loan), it would cost you RM2,950 monthly for the next 30 years.

As a rule of thumb, your mortgage should not constitute more than 25% of your income. Hence, your monthly household income should exceed RM11,800 to be looking for a RM650,000 home in Kuala Lumpur. Here are some other benchmarks to help you estimate the price range of your prospective home:

At a 90% loan for 30 years:

 Information obtained from:
https://loanstreet.com.my/home-loan

We’re still not done here. There is still the 10% down-payment which has to be paid as well as various other miscellaneous fees. These fees include:
Sales & Purchase Agreement fees, Loan Agreement fees, Real Estate Agent’s Fees
. That’s
a lot
 of fees. Assuming the cost of the Real Estate Agent’s Fees are borne by the sellers (common practice), the entry costs of buying a home are as follows:

Calculated using:
//1-million-dollar-blog.com/calculators/legal-fees-and-stamp-duty-calculator/

Yes, that’s how much you have to pay up-front to buy a home in Malaysia. With the monthly mortgage, it’s a really hefty sum of money. Because of this, you’d want your home to be
as perfect as possible
 – which means other qualitative factors are super important as well. Here are some non-price considerations you may want to have when choosing a home:

 1. Quite obviously,
size
.

Showcase interior

If you and your spouse are looking for your first home together, probably a home like this wouldn’t be the best idea. One of the most important things you should consider when buying a home is how big it’s going to be. However, being a first-time home buyer you may be unsure of the dimensions of a
home. Here’s a rough guide of how you can estimate the size of your home:

Studio apartments ~ 500 sqft (1 bedrooms 1 bathrooms)

 Flats/Apartments ~ 700-1000 sqft (3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms)

 Condo ~ 1200-1600 sqft (3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms)

 Terrace ~ 1500-3000 sqft (3/4 bedrooms 2/3 bathrooms)

 Semi-D ~ 2200-4000 sqft (4/5 bedrooms 4/5 bathrooms)

 Bungalow ~ 4000 sqft upwards

2. Location

Other than the size of your home, one thing you
have
 to make sure you take into careful consideration is its location. Your home should be reasonably close to your workplace, near train stations or bus stops, or even near shopping malls for extra convenience. Sometimes, purchasing a home near a good school could even increase its value!

3. Design and condition

Lastly, before you go ahead and purchase that dream home of yours, don’t forget to consider the design of your home. If it’s already designed to your liking, that’s a big plus point – for your wallet. On the other hand, you should also consider the condition of your home. Poor piping systems which results in leaks and consequently mold could pose serious health threats to you or your children.

All in all, buying your first home is definitely a daunting task – but trust me, that feeling of holding your house keys for the first time is magical. You’ve finally entered a new phase of your life.

___

Bumbung is a technology startup in the Real Estate marketplace. The team behind it are people who believe that things can be done better for both Real Estate agents and users. We’re all about connecting the right people with the right homes, through shortlisting and curating the best that the property market has to offer. By enabling ratings and reviews, we’re enabling users with trust and transparency while keeping agents on their toes to deliver the best results.

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New vs. Old homes? Decide which to buy

Should you purchase a new house or an old house? Is it better to buy a house under construction or one that has been completed or occupied? Here are some factors that may help you decide which to buy.

In all, it should fulfil your needs and the situation at hand whether or not you choose to buy a new house or an existing ones. If you need a house real quick, then finding a house would make more sense. However, for those who can wait, you should lookout for the best deals from the newly launched housing projects.

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6 Tips to negotiate with an agent

Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur is a buyer’s market. According to
//www.investopedia.com/
 ,   a buyer’s market is a situation in which supply exceeds demand, giving purchasers an advantage over sellers in price negotiations.

1. Negotiate the price but don’t forget that the point of negotiation is seeking mutual benefit

Don’t try to make a ridiculous offer to try to “steal” the property. Agents know the true value of theirs properties so don’t waste both of your and their time with an inappropriate offer. If you are not sure what the property is worth, then continue to research and compare with similar existing offers.

2. Don’t let pride making you giving up the negotiation

Even if you consider that you already moved your price much more than the agent did, don’t let pride making you giving up the negotiation. Remember that negotiation is a win-win process. Your initial offer might be too far away from the agent’s expectations. This is why he might not consider to move.

3. Move a small amount

Don’t hesitate to make small amounts moves. Buying a house happens only a few times in your life. Always try to keep a negotiation moving. You are not wasting your time moving a small amount.

4. Try to negotiate more than the price

You can also try to negotiate booking fee, spa legal fees or loan agreement fee.

5. It’s not always all about the money

Culture, habits, customs, personalities, circumstances, time, and ego often play important and sometimes dominant roles in negotiations. Take them into consideration !

6. Be patient and wait for the response

Once you’ve made your offer, wait for the response. No need to make further concessions until you know what the agent might accept. Especially on a buyer’s market such as Malaysia.

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Sources :

 //www.paragon-re.com/Real_Estate_Negotiation_Tips

 //www.zerinproperties.com/residential-why-use-agent.shtml

 //hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/top-tips-clever-questions-to-ask-the-estate-agent/

 //blog.andrewduncan.co.nz/how-to-negotiate-like-a-pro-what-most-agents-dont-want-you-to-know/

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How Pokemon GO can help property agents

Pokemon GO has already been launched in several countries worldwide and the statistics about the game are crazy:

On July 8th, only 2 days after Pokémon Go’s release, Pokémon Go was already installed on 5.16% of all Android devices in the US.

Pokemon GO was already installed on more US Android phones than Tinder.

Pokémon GO attracted just under 21 million daily active users in the United States (12th July, 2016)

Pokémon GO surpassed Candy Crush saga’s peak US smartphone audience of 20 million and making it the biggest mobile game in US history.

Pokémon GO was being used for an average of 43 minutes, 23 seconds a day, higher than Whatsapp, Instagram, Snapchat, and Messenger.

6% of Australian Android users use Pokémon Go daily (13th Jul, 2016). 15.13% of Android users in New Zealand have installed Pokémon Go (13th Jul, 2016)

The game should be released in Malaysia really soon and more than 50 000 fans already gathered on the
Pokemon GO Malaysia
 Facebook page.

But Pokemon GO is more than just a game. It appears to be a fantastic marketing tool. Shops, restaurants but also property agents can use it to take advantages on their competitors.

How Pokemon GO can help estate agents:

One of the most interesting feature in the game is called
lure modules
. This object will attract the Pokemons hiding in the area to a specific location for 30 minutes. You can buy lure modules in game with real money. More Pokemons in the area means more players or more potential customers.

Where & when to use my lure modules?

Open House

If you are holding an open-house event, it is the best moment to use your modules. It will attract many Pokemon GO players. Even thought they might not be interested at first in buying or renting your property, they might change their mind. If they don’t, their presence will appear as other potential buyers and will create a competitive atmosphere among buyers.

Property fairs

If you are at a property fair, you can also activate lure modules in order to attract players into the fair and specifically to your stand.

Additional benefits

The presence of rare Pokemons around properties to rent or to sale can also be a selling point. Indeed, if the buyer can choose between 300 identical units, the presence of Pikachu might help him to make his decision.  Therefore, property ads should mention the presence of rare Pokemons in the area.

If you have any more tips to share with us, please comment this article !

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How to find the best property agent

If you want to buy, sell or rent a property, you will have to deal with a property agent. However, more than 17 000 property agents are currently working in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Its understandable if feel lost and wonder how to find the best agent to help you.

Here are 5 tips to help you find the perfect agent:

Get Referrals

First step, make sure to know who you are dealing with. More and more fake agents are trying to scam potential buyers nowadays. You can check if the agent you are in contact with has a Real Estate Negotiator (REN) number on
www.lppeh.gov.my
. This service is free and might avoid you serious troubles.

Second step, ask around you! Talk to your friends, family, or co-workers and ask them if they can recommend you someone.

Third step, use the internet. Many people are writing reviews about estate agents, especially when they are not satisfied, on social networks. It will indicate who you should avoid.

On
Bumbung.co
, all the agents have verified REN and are subject to ratings by the users.

Deal with a Local Expert

A local agent will be more familiar with particular neighbourhoods, the local scene, schools, or the facilities in the area. In addition, he will be able to evaluate more accurately the property market of the area.

Get online

Tech Estate companies are growing and technology is becoming a vital part of modern real estate, both for buyers or sellers and agents.

Rather than going through thousands of listings, using the appropriate platform can save you a lot of time and energy. On
Bumbung.co
, users key-in their requirements and receive personalized offers from the agents.

Don’t decide under pressure

In Malaysia many properties are available, therefore, there is no need to hurry. Many agents will try to make you sign the contract as fast as possible but hold your horses, we believe building a
trustable relationship
 is essential. The best agents will be the one who let you compare several offers and will avoid putting pressure on you.

Look for Experience and awards

Peer-given awards can also indicate an earnest agent. The rewards are usually given based on other agents’ judgement, which is a good indicator to find the best agent.

Have you found a home through Bumbung?
Here
 are 6 tips you should know when you meet an agent.

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Time to consider a home in Johor Bahru

Urban slickers looking to expand their resume of impressive city homes can now look to southern Malaysia for assuring prospects.
Country Garden
, a Guangdong-based property developer, is currently setting up
Forest City
, a utopian homeland set to take Johor Bahru’s Iskandar Malaysia zone by storm in the near future.

The emerging smart-eco city rests atop four man-made islands. Its perimeter is said to be
four times the size of Central Park, New York
, and
three times that of the neighbouring Singapore
. Not a surprising feat, given that it needs to hold a whopping 500,000 apartment units!

But beyond its surefire capacity to hold a big population, Forest City is first and foremost a lush environment to live in. Recalling to mind the sci-fi blockbuster
Elysium
, the city looks heaven-sent a vista of greenery, examplified by the parks and activity spaces scattered across it.

Another feature to note is the city’s railway system, which hints of the hyper-connectivity to come for future residents. The urban planning concept behind it also ensures that pedestrians are safe to walk on the grounds away from speeding vehicles.

Forest City will cater to the career-driven urbanites also looking to rear other focuses in life such as family, education, and community. On top of hosting office towers, the expansive site will also include hotels, shopping malls, and an international school.

Photo:
Forest City

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Home improvement: 3 decluttering hacks for the weekend

No weekends are enjoyable in a messy home. Often, we ignore the sight of clutter throughout the week to reserve our energy for work and other daily routines. But as the weekend arrives, we realise our space is haunted by the chaos we have created, instead of free for quality pursuits. If you find yourself stuck with this dilemma, fret not! Below are some quick home improvement tips to help you enhance your home life.

1. Box them up

It’s inevitable that, in our daily rush, things get strewn all over the place. Want to sort them out, but too little time and patience to do so? Get yourself some moving boxes, and categorise them into three rationales: “yes”, “no” and “maybe”. Then, use them to thematically organise the piles of clothes, books, or kitchenware causing the clutter. This might not clear your space in one go, but it will definitely make future efforts of upkeep easier to handle, while buying you time to enjoy your weekend.

2. Clear all surfaces

Recognise every flat surface you have in your home, be them counters, table tops or shelves. Then, make it a priority to declutter them. Keep clean and clear, leaving on only what’s necessary and functional. To keep things interesting, you can enliven them with a couple of decorative items such as a candle or a photo frame, but nothing more. When the clutter dissipates,  your entire space will automatically look cosier. Definitely a step that plays to your advantage, especially if you’re thinking of throwing an indoor gathering.

3. Isolate all papers

This step may seem useless, until you lose an important document. When that happens, you would be best hoping it’s not your tenancy agreement or settlement paperwork. To prevent such from happening and ruining your weekend, make the effort to gather all papers that are lying around and organise them. You can do this by filing them or placing them in a designated corner that you can return to one you have some extra time to go through them.

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The best infinity pools in Kuala Lumpur

Typically, you would associate the Kuala Lumpur skyline with corporate dreams and city rush. But do you know that it can be a source of inspiration for personal relaxation, too? Indeed it can, when serving as the scenic backdrops to the best infinity pools in town. Whether for a quick dip or a prolonged swimming session, there is no denying that infinity pools just go together with such high-rise view. So where are these giant baths located? We select the best pools for your contemplation, so you don’t have to.

The infinity pool at Somerset Residences

Located in on Jalan Ampang,
Somerset Residences
 jumpstarts our list with its glistening blue infinity pool. Made to look endless, the landscape is located on the building’s rooftop. It is the perfect spot to marvel the breathtaking panorama of the iconic
Petronas Twin Towers
. Of course, to use the pool, you need to be a staying guest. Why not visit this place for a weekend retreat?

The infinity pool at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

We can all agree that the Splash Pool on top of
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
 is the best spot for weekend parties. Overlooking the skyscrapers of the infinity pool is adjoined to the perimeters of
Mai Bar
, the nightlife mecca famous for their signature Mai Tai cocktails. The hotel building is located close to KL Sentral train station and Nu Sentral shopping mall. So when you are not splashing around, you can always head down to walk around or do some shopping.

The infinity pool at Park Royal Serviced Suites

Blindingly turquoise, the infinity pool atop
Park Royal Serviced Suites
 is your best bet after a hardcore night or partying in the adjacent Changkat Bukit Bintang. While it doesn’t come with a view as scenic as that at Somerset Residences, the infinity pool does promise you a good time with friends. While you’re at it, why not lie down on those cushy poolside chairs and enjoy the night sky together?

The infinity pool at Regalia Residences

We saved the best choice for last in our list! The infinity pool at
Regalia Residences
 is the perfect spot to enjoy an extra close view of the KL skyscrapers. Unlike the other pools previously mentioned, this one features a man-made waterfall! Indeed, it’s very idea for injecting some extra fun into your splashy time basking the panorama. Regalia sits on Jalan Sultan Ismail, making it the easier for your to access the city’s more cultural side, when not relaxing.

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Lessons to learn from Taipei, the World Design Capital 2016

There are wonderful lessons we can learn from Taipei’s reign as the
World Design Capital 2016
. As part of a year-long event themed ‘Adaptive City — City in Motion’, various projects and exhibitions had taken place in the city to spark local interest in urban development and spatial reinvention. Not only that, the discourse also helped shine the spotlight on the city’s most creative talents in this field. So what lessons can we take from Taipei, to help make our own Kuala Lumpur a better home?

 1. Art motivates communication.

Artistic sensibility appears to be the building blocks of Taipei’s urban reinvention. The year has culminated in an exhibition series called ‘International Design House’. Taking place at the Songsan Cultural and Creative Park, the events not only honoured the city’s cultural heritage and design prowess, but also gathered thinkers and creatives alike to communicate and exchange ideas of innovation. From this, we learn that art, whether as a way to communicate a present success or to scribe future ideas, is what brings people together. Because art is also an emotive channel, it is the perfect tool to instil in people ideas of economic and social revolutions.

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Photo:
World Design Capital Taipei 2016
.

2. Form facilitates function.

Up until now, Taiwan was only known for being a lead in the technology manufacturing sector. But recent years have bore witness to
a steady climb in local crafts production
. Materials the likes of leather, ceramic, wood, textiles, and metal have starred in many creations shown the ‘International Design House’. One can argue that function precedes form, and in many ways, it is true. But think about it. Design is what makes us feel connected to our homes, determines our geographical preferences, and reasons our
choices
 of homeware. It is in the aesthetics that cultural assurances are symbolised and reflected. After all, when it comes to spatial reinvention, there is no greater pull than the emotional need for it. And what is civilisation without social conventions to reason its blueprint?

The International Design House exhibition at Songshan. Photo credit:
World Design Capital Taipei 2016
.

3. Care designs effort.

Taipei’s status as a Design Capital reflects the thinking minds of its population. We learn that we shouldn’t leave it to just the architects, property developers and authority figures to inspire ideas or solutions for our urban environment. As inhabitants of our city, we all have a say on its future, from the way its spaces should look to the kind of proprietary functions we want exist. Perhaps our influence won’t be scientific, technical or literal. But nevertheless we are involved in our city’s development processes, in the way that we operate as its people. The daily decisions we choose to make and the materials we choose to use affect our place in society, which then affects our environment’s “supply and demand” chains. Our living plans and choices reflect our the virtue of our social convictions. And to be heard, we just need to care.

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How to build a good relationship with your agent

A good relationship with your agent is vital to ensure a smooth home buying or selling experience. A property agent is someone you hire to represent you, so it makes sense that you and the person should always be in sync. But much like in personal areas, perfect chemistry in business does not come without effort and maintenance. So what can you do to ensure that your new business relationship is on that right track? Here are some tips to have a good client-agent relationship.

1. Prioritise trust above all else.

It’s only too easy to question your agent’s trustworthiness as you go further into the business relationship, and forget that trust is a two-way street. Remember: agents are here to help you, because in helping you, they are also helping themselves become better solicitors. A good way to cement trust from the start is to treat your agent like anyone else you just got to know. Have casual conversations with him over coffee or lunch, and be sure to let him know what you personally expect out of your forthcoming transaction.

2. Let go of your need for constant control.

An agent is an agent for a good reason: they’re professionally trained middlemen with incredible insight into perceived value. As part of their ethics, a good agent is always open to his client’s selling suggestions. But we should also know when to draw the line from going overboard, especially with little things such as advertising copies and photographs. Agents know what they are doing and how it’s done. It is thus important that we get off their backs so they can do what they do best: help.

3. Be punctual in your meetings.

An agent can be your new best friend, but he is first and foremost a working professional. At any given moment in your relationship, you’re not the only client that he’s attending to. And chances are, he has to meet several clients a day. So be punctual for every meeting. Make sure you arrive on time, or well before he does. After all, what’s in it for you is a big-scaled treasure at the end of the partnership, be it a new home or a big check from selling a current one. So don’t jeopardize it. Be early!

4. Learn to use the phone better.

When your agent rings you, it’s often due to a pressing issue or urgent matter that needs immediate attending. Find a way to take it immediately, and if you’re busy, tell them you will call them back in a scheduled time. It’s crucial to maintain good communication. Also, make sure you make the effort to call your agent, from time to time, in the course of your business partnership. Emails can often be taken the wrong way as they lack the tone that a voice can give, so use them only to address simple matters.

5. Don’t be stingy.

It’s important that you reward your agent accordingly, and not try to discount their commissions, every chance you get. Less commission will result in lesser commitment, exemplified by rushing sales and making unacceptable offers. Remember: your agent is working for free, until a property is sold and a monetary transaction is successfully made. So if he has been doing a good job serving you, then he serves to be paid accordingly and not have to feel flushed from all talks of discount.

6. Be a good listener.

Every time your agent comes back to you with feedback, know that it’s a goldmine of current insights that you should always consider and not shut off to. Show your agent that you’re keen to learn more knowledge. Stop resorting to emotions when digesting new information. The mindfulness will definitely help optimise the business partnership between you.

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Warning signs to consider before buying your dream house

So you believe you had just discovered your dream house. First off—congratulations! Through recognising a property that resonates with your individuality, you have just taken the first step into your home buying journey. In your excitement, you might have already congratulated your agent for finding “the right one”, because the photographs in your last email exchange looked promising. Then, there’s the positive tone to the seller’s voice when you agreed to meet on the phone. But hold on! Before you go further, you need to look out for warning signs that could potentially ruin it all.

That’s right, you need to inspect the house you’re intending to buy! And by inspecting, we mean scanning the every nook and corner and looking into every detail, inside and out. There’s always more than meets the eye, and you would want to make sure that the huge amount of money you’re about to spend is worth it. No one likes to make a big purchase only to find out it doesn’t live up to his expectations. So when you’re going for the site visit, remember to look out for the following warning signs before signing your name onto the property.

1. A damaged roof

The roof is the first indicator of a personal property’s ability to shelter. A dream house is nothing but a mere case of smokes and mirrors if it cannot fulfil this simple requirement. Depending on the extent of the damage, a leaking, crack roof indicates material fatigue, not to mention, negligence on the owner’s part if he can allow the damage to linger. If you spot this, be prepared to point it out, or risk forking a lot of money for later repairs. Even if the roof doesn’t seem to show signs of wear, you should still ask the owner how old it is. A well-installed roof should last for decades.

2. A funky odour

Think of plumbing as the digestive system of a house. When not taken care of, malfunction happens, resulting in mould, build-ups, mildew, or worst, water contamination. While these damages might not immediate to the eyes, they are not hard to smell. It is important that you take note of any musky odours, when inspecting a potential house. Some owners might get sneaky and try to conceal it with the smell of air fresheners or fresh-baked pastries, so if the perimeters smell too good as well during the visit, it’s a sign to keep checking! If you suspect bad plumbing is at hand, it’s always a good idea to schedule another tour. Bring along a third party such as a friend or a family member to help you identify.

3. Pest infestations

Take a hard look at the house’s flooring, panelling, and everything with wood in them. Do they look well maintained? Or are there holes, ugly marks, or signs of decay? These are all signs of a pest infestation. Also check for possible traces of ants, especially around the kitchen area. An infestation might seem small a factor, but trust us, it will become a big headache once you have to be the one dealing with it later. It’s best to be sure of any bug problems now. Also, always ask your agent for a termite check report.

4. Lopsided additions

This warning sign is especially important when considering a landed property. Does the house look well designed, or does it look like a series of disjointed additions and parts pieced together? It could be that some rooms are not aligned well, or their ceiling is poorly made, showing various building materials. Done well, renovated additions can add a lot of value to a property. But when they are not, the result will eventually show in the future in the form of cracks, badly wired circuits, or worse, material fatigue. Therefore, always make it a point to ask your agent about the detailed history of the house.

5. Bad neighbourhood

Now the area where a house might be in, might not seem like the most important thing— as long as your dream house is foolproof, right? Wrong. It’s crucial that your future living environment facilitates safety and a sense of community. Do not let the dreaminess of a house blindside you from researching the area you’re considering to live in. Take note of any crime rates. Make the effort of screening your neighbours. Drive by at the neighbourhood on different days, and if possible, have a chat with a community member to gauge how they feel about living there. You do not want to purchase a home only to find out later that it sits in a hostile environment.

If you are looking for that dream house, you might want to use
Bumbung.co
 and our network of trusted agents and verified listings to avoid surprises
.

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8 unique housewarming gift ideas for Christmas

If you have a friend who has just moved into a new home, this Christmas is the perfect opportunity to present them with a thoughtful housewarming gift or two. Perhaps you couldn’t quite figure out what it would be earlier. But with the festive season on the horizon, inspirations are everywhere! So don’t worry about not having an idea of what to get for your loved one. The greater challenge to enjoy is actually getting something that they would find uniquely useful for their personal space. Below are some great housewarming gift ideas to help get you started.

1. An artistic fire extinguisher

The most practical thing homeowner should keep in their perimeters is a fire extinguisher. But the funny thing is almost no one has it on standby! Since we can never predict when and how fire can occur, an extinguisher would definitely make a great gift. What could make it desirable is when it doubles as pièce de résistance for the house, much like in the case of these extinguishers from French brand
Safe T
. With their eye-catching designs ranging from a shiny copper body to that covered in animal print, your friend probably won’t want to hide them from sight!

2. Quirky typography art

Paintings are wonderful, but they are highly personal when it comes to taste. So why not gift your friend some typography art? Not only are they quirky and fun, they are also easily digested. The one pictured above is a great example of letting your friend know how much you mean to them. You can find more like this on this
 Etsy store
.

3. Crystal bookends

The great thing about natural crystals is that they’re not only great to recharge and rewire the energy particles in a given atmosphere, they are also very beautiful to look at. This is particularly the reason why they make great interior decors. If your friend is a bookworm, then this
sliced howlite crystal bookend
 from
Kindred Black
 would be of great use.

4. Architecture-inspired candle holders

What better way to celebrate a new home than a gift inspired by one of the greatest architects to have ever lived? These
Zaha Hadid tealight candle holders
 are as artistically opulent as they are functional in illuminating a candlelit feel for Christmas. They come in three colours: gold, silver, and black.

5. QR code for Wi-Fi

Now this present doesn’t come with any price-tag, as it only takes your own effort to make! Convenience has been an asset ever since humans have realised that time is the most important commodity in the universe. Find out how to create your own Wi-Fi code
here
. Once done, be sure to get it framed for an artistic effect.

6. Chocolate soaps

This is a great entry for chocolate addicts. By gifting your friends
this box of chocolate soaps
, you are not only helping them appreciate their home life, but you would also increase the possibility of future invites beyond Christmas. Nothing screams “solidified” quite like a chocolate-laced friendship.

7. Smart locks

This
smart lock from August
 is probably the one gift that needs your friend’s approval first, but it’s worth the sacrificing the surprise factor for! Created to function digitally, it transforms your Android or Apple phone into a keyless entry system. Other distinctive features come in the form of exceptional battery power, backup key access, and customisable shared access.

8. Incense set

Last but not least—some incense to help your friend clear the new space! Even if he isn’t into the metaphysical stuff of life, it’s always great to relax and unwind to deliciously zen scents, at the end of every day. It’s a good way to bond with one’s home, which he will thank you for. Pictured here is a
balsam fir variety
 for your Christmas-centric consideration.

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New home: How to rush your move before Christmas

Christmas is literally around the corner. If you’re moving into a new home this week, we get it: you must be feeling overwhelmed right now! There’s still so much to do and oversee in your transition that you’re not sure if you can make settle in time for the special day. But know that all hope is not lost! Here are ways to help rush your move before Christmas, so there’s room for a well-deserved celebration. You know what they say: when you feel better, you do better!

Box immediate necessities together.

This method is useful for for immediate retrieval upon arriving at your new home. Since Christmas is almost here, perhaps some candles would be useful to quickly create a festive atmosphere as you settle in. Or maybe it’s a precious set of china plates hat you always use for the holidays. Whatever your urgent items maybe be, ensure they are packed together for combined retrieval later.

Get acquainted with your new kitchen.

The heart of Christmas is always the time we enjoy with our loved ones at the dinner table. If your new house is not feast-ready, worry not! The most important thing to do about this is to familiarise yourself with your new kitchen. Make the effort to tackle basic arrangements such as kitchenware and grocery storage. This is also the perfect time to get to know your new oven and stove; once you know how to work them, cooking for Christmas while settling in won’t seem so daunting.

Assemble the most important furnitures first.

It’s impossible to get all furnishings done before the festive weekend, so the best thing to do, to rush your move before Christmas, do is improvise. Whether you’re a visual person motivated by visuals or one who prioritises comfort, ensure that your best furnitures get assembled, first thing upon entering your new home. It’s always helpful to have each piece labeled based on priority, to avoid confusion between you and the movers.

Schedule your greetings in advance.

What’s Christmas without sending love to your loved ones outside of home? No matter what the situation we are in, this has to be done. In light of your move, it helps to template your emails and messages, before scheduling for broadcast. This way, you can save time and energy, and still be in festive shape.

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Coffee table books to buy for your home renovation

Coffee table books are a great source of redesign inspiration. Made for display, they typically feature inspiring photographs and narratives. For this reason, many architecture and design representatives use them to showcase their works and ideas. Those of you drying of home renovation ideas can definitely look to these vibrant manifestos! Below are five brilliant interior coffee table books for you to get it going.

1. 1000 Interiors Around the World

Published by
Taschen
, this tome comes in two volumes and is a renovation staple. Be ready to feast your eyes upon gorgeous, colourful spaces photographed by some of the world’s most revered interiors photographers. What we love about this series is versatility of its content. From South America to Australia, there’s always a dream home in every continent to admire.
USD59.99,
Taschen
.

The world’s perception of colours has never been the same since
Pantone
 came along. From midnight navy to pale gold to kale, there’s always a colour that personally resonates. In coffee table book published by
Chronicle Books Publishing
, longtime Pantone visionaries Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker explore colour trends influencing art, design, and fashion over the last 100 years.  Indulge in the book’s rich spectrum to revitalise your spaces.
RM201.03,
Kinokuniya
.

3. Kinfolk Home

Home owners who prefer a minimalistic approach to life should get a copy of
Kinfolk Home
. Published by Artisan Publishing, this book allows you to look inside the mind of Kinfolk founder Nathan Williams. As you may already know, Williams is known for advocating slow living, mindfulness, and simplicity. Inspire yourself with over 35 accounts of smartly designed homes located all over the world.
USD35.79,
Amazon.com.

4. Oriental Art

If you find yourself attracted to nuances of mystical artistry, then this heavy tome is definitely for you.
Oriental Art
 by Taschen unveils famed French Orientalist Émile Prisse d’Avennes’s rich observation of the Arabic, Persian and Ottoman heritage. Not only that, it also vividly documents the artistic relationships between Europe and the Middle East. This coffee table book is definitely a great source of inspiration if you’re looking to marry tradition and modernity.
USD19.99,
Taschen
.

5. The Perfect Bath

Published by Rizzoli USA,
The Perfect Bath
 by Barbara Sallick is a chic, polished documentation of dreamy bathrooms the world over. Apart from containing advices for home owners, it also includes interviews with top interior designers. With this coffee table book, you are stepping closer to the bathroom of your best imagination.
RM233.75,
Kinokuniya
.

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Why you should live in Mont Kiara

Sitting on what used to be a rubber plantation estate, Mont Kiara is one of the best addresses to have in Kuala Lumpur. The town is perfect for urban dwellers who prefer to live in calmness, without disconnecting to the city centre. For this very reason, it is also a haven of expatriates. From its lush environment to its bevy of places to eat, we explore the reasons why you should live in Mont Kiara.

1. To live in Mont Kiara is to embrace nature.

When in Mont Kiara, the sight of lush trees greets you everywhere you go. The greenery truly adds to environment’s quiet sense of luxury. We’re not sure if the fact that the
Forestry Assets
 office is based there has anything to do with this! But one thing’s for sure: no one can deny the utopian feel that a green environment gives to its inhabitants.

2. It is highly connected to other major districts.

Mont Kiara is a strategic location to live in as a resident is never disconnected from the rest of Malaysia. The town links to the heart of Kuala Lumpur and other major cities via the North Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the Penchala Link, the Sprint Highway and the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE). It is also 7 minutes’s drive away from KL Sentral, the hub of public transports such as LRT, Monorail and
the MRT
. Living in this neighbourhood only means that one can tune in and out of the city bustle at will!

3. The area has a great network of schools.

Located in Mont Kiara are three renowned international schools:
Mont’Kiara International School
,
Garden International School
 and
the French School of Kuala Lumpur
. For this reason, the area is a popular destination among expatriates. This area is a great place to settle in if you love the idea of learning and exchanging cultures.

4. Great places to eat and drink are plenty.

There are so many restaurants, cafes, and bars to try out in the vicinity. Whether an alfresco cafe at Plaza Damas, an Italian restaurant at
Solaris Mont Kiara
 or a speakeasy bar at Publika, there are always an options to consider. Feeling a little more adventurous: check out the restaurants lining Jalan Kiara.

5. Great shopping destinations are a drive away.

Whether looking to restock your groceries or get new home decorations, there are many shopping stops to visit in Mont Kiara. Both 1 Mont Kiara and Plaza Mont Kiara are located opposite each other on Jalan Kiara. Publika, Solaris Dutamas and Hartamas Shopping Centre, meanwhile, are only a stone’s throw from each other.

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10 quotes on the importance of home

We all know the importance of home: it’s about having a sacred space to go back to at the end of every day. From its definition to its purposes, there’s always a quote on home that everyone can relate to! We reveal ten that resonate most with us, to inspire you.

1. A home is about starting from inside out:

“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.” –
Mother Theresa

2. On why having a home is important in a society:

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”
– Confucius

3. A home doesn’t have to be an old memory:

“At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.”
– Warsan Shire

4. Why all of us want to have a home:

“The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
– Mary Angelou

5. On the definition of home:blog.bumbung.co

“What is home? My favorite definition is ‘a safe place,’ a place where one is free from attack, a place where one experiences secure relationships and affirmation. It’s a place where people share and understand each other. Its relationships are nurturing. The people in it do not need to be perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving, supportive, recognising a common humanity that makes all of us vulnerable.”
– Gladys M. Hunt

6. How your home is the perfect playground for gatherings:

“Going home and spending time with your family and your real friends keeps you grounded.”
– Jennifer Ellison

7. Your home is an extension of you:

“Home is where somebody notices when you are no longer there.”
– Aleksandar Hemon

8. On the importance of having books at home:

“A house without books is like a room without windows.”
– Horace Mann

9. Why your friends should always come over:

“The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

10. The size of your home doesn’t really matter:

“It didn’t matter how big our house was; it mattered that there was love in it.”
– Peter Buffet

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Bumbung in 2017: New year, new blog!

With 2017 officially here, we at Bumbung would like to wish you a happy new year of course but also formally introduce our new blog. After much contemplation, we’ve decided to call this space
Roof Talks.
Why
Roof Talks
? There is no characteristic more defining of a home than its roof. For a roof is the symbol of shelter, which is what having a house is literally about. It is through this element of shelter that we, metaphorically speaking, aim to offer our Bumbung followers the best home and property tips in a click.

What to expect

There are six main reading categories on our new blog to choose from. Click on
Buying – Renting
 and you find yourself equipped with comprehensive guides on buying, selling and renting properties. All agent and move-related queries can be answered by posts under
Tips
. In
City Living
, meanwhile, we publish discussions and news relating to all happenings within Kuala Lumpur. Dying to know market insights? Any post tagged under
Market News
 would be of great service and help you know more about the complexity of the real estate market!

Then, when not too busy dwelling in your city, you can always read our
Home Sweet Home
entries for interior and home decoration tips. And whenever the Bumbung team has news to release, it goes right under
Inside Bumbung
 (you’re looking at our first ever tagged post!).

What to love

On
Roof Talks
, we aspire to feed you the best curation of home and property news, insights and ideas. Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment after each post! We would love to read what you have to say about topics related to our cause. After all,
Roof Talks
 was built on the belief that everyone knows a thing or two about home.

And if you are in the midst of finding a new home, whether you want to buy or rent, simply key your request on
Bumbung.co
 and we’ll match you with the best property listings we have.

Happy home hunting and happy reading.

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Home improvement: How to practice the Wabi-sabi philosophy

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Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed material. Great read!

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Home improvement: How to practice the Wabi-sabi philosophy

If you’re looking to go minimal this year, look no further than
the Wabi-sabi philosophy
. Originating from Buddhist influences in ancient China, Wabi-sabi is a Japanese way of living that embraces the beauty in imperfection and impermanence. In interior design, the Wabi-sabi style connotes simplicity interspersed with asymmetry and rough textures to keep things interesting. Think rugged walls, rustic finishings, and minimal arrangements. Often, the Wabi-sabi philosophy justifies the penchant for unique beauty developed with time. Want to know how you can bring it into your own home? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Clean aesthetics

The first and most immediate indication of the Wabi-sabi style is a clean and minimal look. To maintain this, the most important thing to do is to adhere to an earth toned colour template for your home. Also, keep clutter at bay to upkeep the barrenness. When there are nothing to distract, the real beauty of your home, carried in details, can shine.

Textured walls

In honouring the beauty in imperfections, the Wabi-sabi philosophy embraces textures and rough edges. A good way to experience this approach is to engage in exposed bricks around your house. This can be interpreted as a wall in your living room or outside on your patio. The irregularity of the exposed bricks not only comes with their unpainted state but also their arrangements. Highlight this trait with furnitures of opposing colours to contrast.

Touches of zen

The great thing about the Wabi-sabi philosophy is that it also addresses mindfulness. Through its lens, the meaning of beauty is more than meets the eye. The Wabi-sabi touch is more than artistry; it is the celebration of life’s impermanence and incompletion. So why not accentuate your home’s industrial identity with some reminders of nature? We think indoor plants work best to incorporate outdoor elements. While you’re at it, throw in a couple of bronze or brass statues into the view—nothing whispers ‘zen’ quite like these beautiful decors.

Tokens of life

Everyone loves a good story, and the thing about the Wabi-sabi style is that it advocates the idea of history. Imagine your home the museum of all your achievements, pitstops and emotions, which make great home decorations! Maybe you owe your career success to a motivational book, so why not make it a table centrepiece? Perhaps some friends or loved ones have been the reason for your happiest times—a good reason to use up beautiful photo frames! Whatever it is that inspires you, display it. The use of your life’s hallmarks as ornaments around the home translates into mindful living, which is what Wabi-sabi is all about.

Rustic furnishing

Nothing does the undone, lived-in look quite like vintage or rustic-looking items for the home. If your furniture pieces aren’t already a little frayed around the edges, you can always DIY some marks to achieve the aesthetics. Too scared to take the risk? You can always opt for the safe route of using rustic homewares to add on the raw touch.

Art collection

An art form that, like Wabi-sabi, celebrates imperfection and asymmetry is contemporary art. Why not let them bring live into your house? Think post-modern pieces that use a lot of collage or mixed media art. Your bricolages, if you have some, can also make the cut, adding a personalised feel. Not a big fan of paintings? You can always opt for thought-provoking sculptures to colour up unused corners and areas.

Photos: Pinterest

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The best Malaysian architects to know

Malaysia is home to some of Asia’s best architects today. It’s hardly surprising, considering how far we have come along (our majestic Twin Towers, for one, are evident of this). These six profiles in particular are known for creating sustainable works that elegantly marry heritage and function. We take a look at who they are and what they do as architects.

Eleena Jamil

A glimpse of Desa Mahkota Secondary School. Photo credit: Eleena Jamil Architect (EJA)

Eleena Jamil is one of Malaysia’s best female architects to date. She has, via her company
Eleena Jamil Architect (EJA)
, worked on a diverse range of sustainable projects, best of all the award-winning
Desa Mahkota Secondary School
. Jamil’s works always illustrate strong, modern shapes that fit practical functions for society. If there’s one thing she’s known for, it’s her ability to reuse spaces in manners highly unexpected.

Che Wee Boon

One of the best designs Boon’s company had produced is the headquarter of Wawasan Open University in Penang. Photo credit: Post Graduate Asia

Being President of
Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia
, Che Wee Boon of GRA Architects lead the architectural body in Malaysia. But we think the most remarkable thing about him is that he advocates green architecture. Boon is vocal about supports buildings that are “responsible and sustainable”. The best designs, according to him, provide for society’s contemporary needs without jeopardising requirements of future generations.

Ng Sek San

A look at Sekeping Serendah in Janda Baik. Photo credit: Sekeping.com

Perhaps the most artistic one in this list, Ng Sek San is responsible for bringing public recognition towards landscape architecture. In his 20-year-old reign as director of
Seksan Design
, the architect has created works that compliment the organic environments around them. A city planner in his own rights, Ng has created cohesive solutions for KL, from bicycle lanes to beautiful parkland offices. His most popular creation: the
Sekeping urban retreats
.

Hijjas Kasturi

Rimbun Dahan is all about contemporary aesthetics. Photo credit: Rimbun Dahan.

A celebrated veteran, Hijjas Kasturi is known for his postmodern and deconstructive-styled creations. His most revered building to date is the Telekom Tower, designed to resemble a sprouting bamboo shoot. Kasturi has accumulated many awards over the years, including the PAM Gold Medal by Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia. A lover of industrial aesthetics, the architect extends an architecture, art and nature conservation centre called
Rimbun Dahan
.

Ken Yeang

The National Library of Singapore is a majestic view.

This architect has always maintained that he is an ecologist before he is an architect. His unbridled commitment to environmentalism and sustainability earn him a reputation as an influential ecodesigner. His best creation to date: the National Library of Singapore, which consists of a system built to interact with its surroundings. This project has catapulted him into
The Guardian
‘s list of “50 people who could save the planet.”

David Mizan Hashim

Redesigning Penang’s Sinkeh Hotel had won Hashim and his team at Veritas the “Building of the Year” award from Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM). Photo credit: Paul Gadd.

The life of
VERITAS Design Group
 brainchild David Mizan Hashim is nothing short of admirable. Not one to follow the rules, this Malaysian launched his firm at merely 25 years old after graduating from Harvard. Today, VERITAS operates in seven international locations: Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City, Melbourne, Mumbai, Portland, Al-Khobar, and of course, KL. Some of the firm’s notable clients include
American International Group
 and
the British government
.

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Quick tips to make your house Pantone perfect

As announced late last year,
Pantone’s colour of 2017 is Greenery
. So what encompasses the colour? Representing new beginnings, prosperity and calmness, the colour green invites us to take a step back and enjoy our surroundings.Think inspiring shades of green and your fondest associations with nature. From tropical imageries to rustic accents, there are various ways to incorporate greenery indoors and make your house Pantone perfect.

Keep it neat and simple

The trick to making green accents pop is to keep the rest of your space neutral, both in palette and in style. Just focus on a few key elements to work with. If you like taking risks, then consider bouncing the colour around the room by pairing blank surfaces with textures, statement furniture pieces or patterns in complimentary shades. Remember to keep it understated, as green can attract too much attention when overdone.

Zen up the kitchen

Green represents health. Studies show that green-coloured food are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants vital to maintain one’s wellbeing. In the same vein, green works wonders for the psyche, so why not extend the interpretation into your kitchen, where your relationship with food reigns supreme? Try introducing green stools into the space or replace your old kitchenwares with new ones in green hues. Not a fan of too many changes? Then occupy your windowsills with pots of green herbs and plants to induce a visual sense of the wilderness.

Work your green thumb

Greenery shouldn’t be limited to just your garden (if you have one). To breathe life into your home, introduce indoor plants into your inner space. Not sure where to start? The good news is that there are various guides online you can look up to for inspiration! Since its boom recently, the horticulture trend has been inspired people to be their own gardeners and environmental caretakers. Our suggestion: start small with the cactus, the jade plant or the aloe, before moving on to bigger entries such as the rubber plant or the fiddle leaf fig (our favourite!).

Bring it to the floor

Walk on green pastures literally by bringing in green carpeting for your home. A decorated floor makes all the difference when it comes to the spatial perception of a space. To make sure that it doesn’t get too much for the eyes, your green carpets or rugs should come in shapes and sizes that still allow for the sight of your wooden panelings.

Photos: Pinterest

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5 reasons why Bangsar is a unique neighbourhood

A warm gush of emotions awash us when we think of Bangsar. The area first existed as an estate for rubber plantations, but achieve residential status since 1969. Since then, Bangsar has gone through many phases of identity. Nightlife, art and coffee are just some of many characteristics that make it a sought-after address in Kuala Lumpur. We round up the best reasons why Bangsar is a unique neighbourhood for the modern heart.

Bangsar hosts many places to eat

Try out the saag paneer curry dish served at Indian Kitchen on Jalan Telawi.

The most noticeable thing about the neighbourhood is that there restaurants, cafes, and pubs everywhere you look. You will never run short of inspiration when it comes to choosing your meal. From belly-filling Asian cuisines to savoury Western delights, there are plenty of gastronomic options to choose from when in Bangsar. Our favourite:
Indian Kitchen
 on 64, Jalan Maarof.

Bangsar is a mix of nostalgia and novelty

One of the zen corners in the Sekeping Tenggiri property. Photo credit: Sekeping.com

From a design perspective, Bangsar exudes 70s finesse, yet the spatial functions that it promotes is as modern as it gets.  For instance, take a look at the houses around the more laidback Jalan Bangkung and Jalan Limau Purut. Marvel at the shop lots on Jalan Kurau. Or better yet, visit
Sekeping Tenggiri
 (designed by Malaysian architect Ng Sek San) for some staycation inspiration. If there’s one thing that the buildings in Bangsar share in common, it’s the fact that their functions may be evolving, but their colonial facades remain.

Bangsar is a hub for holistic activities

The Violet Flame operates in a glass house located on Jalan Riong, off Jalan Maarof. Photo credit: The Violet Flame

Looking to optimise your health and wellness? Bangsar is the perfect lair in which to explore this purpose. Presently there are many yoga studios to check out, some of the best choices being
Swarupa Iyengar Yoga Studio
,
MAVI Yoga Academy
, and
Yoga Dynamics
. Seekers of alternative lifestyle regiments such as acupuncture can give
The Violet Flame
 on Jalan Riong a go. Still not convinced of Bangsar’s reputation as the grounds for holistic pursuits? Then consider this fact: it is home to the main headquarters of world-known spiritual development company
Mindvalley
.

Bangsar embraces the artist in you

L.Inc, the creative space located on Bangsar’s Jalan Kemuja. Photo credit: DR.Inc.

In Bangsar, there are many avenues available to develop your artistic talents. Dying to learn up the ropes of silkscreen printing? One can visit
DR.Inc Cafe
‘s creative learning extension
L.Inc
 to attend workshops for that. Want to collaborate your art prowess with others? Consider the Art Jamming classes conducted at
The Studio at KL
. Desiring to socialise with like-minded creatives? Look no further than aspiring creative campus
APW Bangsar
 (short for A Place Where) on Jalan Riong, where artistically inclined professionals come together and meet for coffee and collaborations.

It is the best location to make new friends

Enjoy nighlight at speakeasy bars and pubs in Telawi.

Given Bangsar’s credibility for being one of the best nightlife destinations in Kuala Lumpur, it’s not farfetched to say that you get to enjoy new rapports and relationships. With many bustling bars and pubs peppering the streets of Telawi, one can be sure that no happy hours and nights there go unspent without making new connections with new people.

Considering a new home in Bangsar?

Find yourself falling in love with the neighbourhood? Whether for renting or buying, know that you can put a request for the best Bangsar listings on
bumbung.co
. Just list all your desired criteria, and you will receive the list in no time!

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10 decors that easily elevate your rented space

When renting a space, we are bound by the rules our landlord has set. We might not be able to paint the walls or fix built-in cabinets, and understandably so. That said, while we as renters cannot do as we please, we can always personalise your living environment with easy, non-committal fixtures. The trick is to utilise decors that elevate your rented space without causing permanent change to it. The best thing about them? You can easily take them with you once it’s time to move out and move on later.

1. Metallic furniture

If there’s one thing that could instantly glamourise a space, it’s metallic furnishings and decors. Whether in gold, copper, or brass, they take a room from drab to fab. With their rustic sheen, metallic pieces are bold statements on their own. So be sure not to overdo them by keeping their numbers limited in a given room.

2. Mixed beddings

Nothing makes your home life more interesting than an eye-pleasing rest in bed. A good way to keep things interesting is to mix the colours and textures of your beddings. There’s no rule that says everything has to be matchy-matchy in the bedroom, so have fun exploring themes and palettes. The visual complements that mixed beddings provide are a good way to enjoy the unchangeable colour of your bedroom walls.

3. Displayed accessories

Instead of letting coat hangers take up space, why not hang your hats and other accessories on the wall? They make a great statement that informs your guests of your humour and zest for life. Also, doubling your clothing pieces as home decors is a beautiful way to save space. Think about the unused corners you could maximise with this idea!

4. Elegant pots

If you’re a fan of keeping plants in the house, why not go above and beyond with beautiful, out-of-the-norm potting for them? While we are in love with the minimalist weave basket pictured above, you can always opt for more colourful options, such as
these terracotta pots mused about on Brit + Co
. Beautiful plant pots are one of the easiest decors that elevate your rented space instantly.

5. Lines and curves

Playing with lines and proportions is a good way to artistically refresh your perception of space.

Lines and proportions are a good way to refresh your spatial understanding. Treat your possessions as if they are actual artworks. Find new and creative ways to reuse them. Let that striped vase of yours (like the one pictured above) to double as a coffee table centrepiece. Better yet, position a strikingly coloured chair in an unmissable corner. There’s no better way to repurpose unused spaces than this approach!

6. Good lighting

A good lighting system ensures a good atmosphere in your sanctuary. In a city where fluorescent lights are a default option, beautiful lamps emitting soft incandescence are always a great alternative. The best ones come with a dimming option, which lets you control the degree of lighting you want for your home.

7. Wall organisers

Much like the concept of the hanged hats earlier, you can use your walls to organise miscellaneous items and knick-knacks. We think wire wall organisers are always the best bet not only to group things together and but to let them hang for display.

8. Quirky chairs

Gone are the days of rigid wooden stools! Tracing their four-legged origins in ancient Egyptian times, the chair has seen countless updates over the years that redefine its function. Today, there are many designs and shapes that not only let you sit down comfortably but also inspire your home life with its elegant aesthetics. Think sculptures that you can sit on!

9. Cool mood boards

What’s a beautiful home without some mood boards to provoke thoughts and suspend otherwise fleeting inspirations? A board with visual memorabilia is always great to inspire a study or a meditative corner hosting your intellectual pursuits, ambitious tasks and mindful activities.

10. Mobile closet

If your rented space does not already come with built-in cabinets, fret not. There’s no need to waste money buying big, wooden cupboards or storage system, when you can score a beautiful mobile closet (like
this one from Jesse Visser
). Not only does it cultivate a mindful life of only keeping what you need, but it also ensures a smooth transition if you ever decide to move out of your rented space one day.

Photos: Pinterest

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Old photos of Kuala Lumpur that make you want to time travel

There’s no doubt about it:
Kuala Lumpur
 is a cultural melting pot. A deeper probe into the thought suggests the following question, “Why is it so?” Well think about it: we continuously search the past to make sense of the present, in order to map a better tomorrow. In this vein, we believe that the present KL represents the union of people from various backgrounds and beliefs, burgeoned after the independence of our nation (dated 31 August 1957,
commonly known as “Hari Merdeka”
). To look back into the past is to trace where our melting pot culture started. Here are old photos of Kuala Lumpur that will make wish you can travel back in time!

Bukit Bintang

Formally known as Tong Shin Road, Bukit Bintang was the place where Malaysia’s deadly
13 May riots
 had taken place. Today, this area sees the lighter side of life. Influenced by old China aesthetics, Bukit Bintang is now peppered with countless bars and pubs, and is the go-to hub for nightlife lovers.

Central Market overlooking the Klang River

This was Central Market prior to the development of its now bustling surroundings. Imagine having artistic exchanges overlooking the Klang River!

Dataran Merdeka

So Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Father of Independence and our first ever Prime Minister, did not unleash the iconic chants of “Merdeka! Merdeka!” at this field; he did so at Stadium Merdeka. But the historical event fuelled many patriotic congregations at Dataran Merdeka. Today, the square is the default place for national gatherings and protests.

Roundabout near Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Here, we see the connecting point between Jalan Damansara and Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin in all of its vintage glory.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

Built in 1910, the railway station was the holy hub to offer travel across the city. Today, it sits second to the KL Sentral connecting hub, but it still serves as an important pitstop for the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train services. The railway station is also a tourist attraction.

Jalan Tun Perak

Back in the day, Jalan Tun Perak was known as Mountbatten Road. It is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest roads—so bask in that long overdue nostalgia every time you are here!

Medan Pasar

Located right behind Central Market, Dataran Medan Pasar hosts not only many heritage buildings but street musicians and artists, who would often honour their exquisite beauty in their impromptu performances. Imagine the lyrics that they would sing or the colours they would paint, if they could somehow jump across time and see the square in the 60s!

University Malaya

University Malaya is Malaysia’s answer to Oxford. The oldest university in the country, it is also the most prestigious. Here, we take a look at how the institution looked like, back in the 70s.

A train station in Ampang

With a quality worthy of cinema, this photo is a glimpse into what was an old train station located in Ampang.

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Ettiquettes 101: How to break up with a bad agent

Buying or renting a new home is never an easy experience. Because of this, we would all expect to experience smooth business transactions with our agents. But sometimes, things are not as great as they should be, and the professionals we hire end up falling short of our expectations. Some warning signs include lack of communication, commission issues, and conflict of interest.

By now, you might already be thinking to end your ties and find another match to help you. But much like in a personal relationship, parting ways with your agent is not as easy as it sounds. If you find yourself in this sticky situation, then read on to find out how best to break up with a bad agent.

Be honest and upfront about your reasons

There are many reasons why your business partnership did not go as planned. You might feel frayed from your agent’s lack of follow-ups or prioritisation towards your needs as a client. Perhaps they lack focus. Maybe you both had recently came to a disagreement about the final amount of commission to be paid. Whatever the reason may be, do not try to cover up the truths behind a professional breakup. If anything, being honest with your agent will provide great feedback, which serves as valuable lessons inspiring them to shape up for future endeavours.

End the relationship face-to-face

No one likes to go through tough situations, not even for professional integrity. The code of conduct for breaking up in person exists in life for a reason, and your relationship with your agent shouldn’t be exempted from the rule. Always nip things in the bud by scheduling time to meet in person, and certainly never fire your agent over the phone or in instant messages. It’s always important to ensure that you actively minimise all chances of further misunderstanding, which could happen with the lack of tone in virtual communication processes.

Be sure to communicate honestly with your agent about your reasons, before letting them go.

Always proceed your talk with caution

Sometimes, we forget that property agents are human beings too. Just like us, they live personal lives and feel personal emotions. Therefore, it’s always best to plan your ‘breakup’ talk in advance, preferably on a day when your agent isn’t occupied or stressed out. Be sure to pick a nice location that isn’t too public, so they don’t have to deal with the unnecessary emotion of shame. Also, remember to keep calm throughout your discussion. Never talk to your agent in a condescending tone, loud volume or any manner that could cause them to turn defensive. Such will only make the situation more personal than it should be!

Move forward internally and gracefully

Just because you are to break up with a bad agent, it doesn’t mean that you should justify the situation to the whole world. If there’s a noble move to honour on your part, it’s keeping your reviews to yourself. There’s no need to offer unsolicited advises about the same agent to anyone, not even a family member or friend, unless they are currently using their services. As someone who should wise up from a bad experience, you shouldn’t even regard the bad agent’s existence in the first place.

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5 important home factors that influence creativity

As humans, we are born with the need to create, and therefore, be creative. From an existential point of view, that’s the only reason we are motivated to do anything at all in life. For this reason, having a home that facilitates our creative nature is important. With this in mind, how do we know for sure the house that we have been wanting truly caters to our most imaginative personal pursuits? Consider these important home factors that influence creativity to ensure you are making the right choice.

1. A good entry way

The first point past your main doorway is the first thing that you will see upon entering the house. As such, the area should look outstanding to your eyes. This helps reset your mood and establish a sense of awe and personal wonder as you indulge in homely activities, especially after a long day outside.

2. A sensible layout

A good floor plan is extremely vital, as it ensures the fulfilment of other home factors that influence creativity. No beautiful home office, reading corner or painting studio could be installed and put to good use if you live in a house that has a nonsensical layout or irreparable architecture.

3. Big, bright windows

The most profound things you could do in your life involves making things with your hands, such as baking, rearranging furnitures and arranging flowers. While the best home lighting systems could illuminate them, nothing works and inspires quite like natural lighting. Big windows with good glass panes are thus important to ensure that sunlight goes in and refracts beautiful inside the house.

4. Expansive corners

The thing about usable nooks is that you can always repurpose them from time to time. Taking up knitting? Enhance your skills with a well-placed armchair for comfort and focus. Taking up piano lessons? Ensure that the corner you have in mind could fit a large upright instrument, if not the grand version. Embarking on a spiritual journey? Reimagine the area with a console table solidifying a beautiful altar to house your most sacred possessions.

5. An extra room or two

Without a doubt, an extra perimeter of space is always helpful to inspire a home office, library, dark room or creative studio. Since your most personal thoughts processes would occur in the designated room, it is important that it provides good floor paneling, big window, and ventilation system.

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The best speakeasy bars in KL to check out

In Kuala Lumpur, new bars open every week faster than you can say Jack Robinson. Oftentimes, this means a variety of options to choose from. But sometimes, too many choices can lead to confusion. In this event, you would want to bet your money on speakeasy bars. Usually hidden from public knowledge, a speakeasy bar is not known to those who don’t have prior knowledge of their location. Little crowd, massive alcohol-fuelled conversations  — isn’t that what dreams are made of? We sniff out the best speakeasy bars in KL so you don’t have to.

Sparrow Bar

Photo source: EatDrinkKL

Founded by bartending sensations Shawn Chong and Karl Too, Sparrow Bar takes pride in being the best cocktail bar in town. When the two are not there, look out for talents Shirmy Chan and Joel John Timis to fix your favourite cocktails for you.

15 Jalan PJU 5/13, BU 2, 41870 Petaling Jaya.

Omakase + Appreciate

Photo credit: Omakase + Appreciate

Omakase + Appreciate
  resides in the basement of an office building. To get there, one needs to get pass a locked entrance.  This bar is number 1 on our list for a reason: it is among the top 10 entries in Drinks International’s Asia’s Best Bars list.

Bangunan Ming Annexe, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

The Locker and Loft

Photo credit: The Locker and Loft

Located in Damansara Kim, The Locker and Loft is all about cultivating an open mind. Decorated to impress, the speakeasy bar boasts a great menu of Asian-inspired bites and whimsical cocktails.

40A, Jalan SS 20/10, Jalan Damansara, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya.

61 Monarchy

Photo credit: 61 Monarchy

Fans of whisky should definitely check out
61 Monarchy.
 The bar is set to become Petaling Jaya’s top whisky bar. Here, you find yourself amazed with every whisky offering. Whether it’s Scotch, Irish, Canadian, or Welsh, your liquor of choice will never disappoint. Need one to suit your unique taste? Don’t hesitate to ask bar manager Chris for help.

61, Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya.

Private Room

Photo credit: Private Room

Private Room
 is the first speakeasy bar dedicated for wine lovers, both veterans and novice. Founded by an interesting team of bankers, entrepreneurs and sommeliers, the bar takes pride in serving the best wines from Africa, Spain, France and more at affordable prices.

48A-2, First Floor, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur.

Blue Elephant

Photo credit: Blue Elephant

This silver screen-themed speakeasy nest emerged unannounced, making it a chic underground destination for night life patrons. Adding to the mystery,
Blue Elephant
 does not have a signage, so one has to solely follow its address to figure out its location. But once its found, the bar disappoints not. Rest assured, you are in for a good time here.

15 Plaza Damansara, Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

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How to bring the spirit of the Rooster into your home

So 2017 is the year of the Rooster, and
a Fire one at that
. As those who observing the recent Chinese New Year might have told you already, the earthly zodiac is all about steady efforts and achievements. Here, we bring you quick tips on how to channel the Rooster in your city life, because nothing is as good as a life fool-proofed.

Bombard your home with all things Rooster

This is the easiest, most direct way to incorporate the Rooster in your city life. Whether it’s a vase with cockerel motif or a knitted pillow cover bedecked with the animal’s face, there’s always a decor item that fits the theme! Our favourite piece:
this decorative decoupage from John Derian Inc
.

Create a corner for meaningful activities

The year of the Rooster is all about mindful observations. You can bring in this particular attribute into your life by recreating a sacred space in your home. This could be in the form of a painting room, a reading nook, or simply an updated home office. When the space in which you carry out your meaningful activities looks good, you will eventually feel your best and,
voila
, perform your best.

Time to embrace the golden spectrum

Every year has its own set of lucky colours. The year of the Rooster is all about embracing shades of gold, yellow and brown. The earthy colours, when done right, can warm up your space. Incorporate them in slices and accents, instead of repainting an entire room in them. According to the feng shui masters, one must avoid white and green at all cost this year. We know, we know that
Pantone had just told us to embrace green
! But if you’re feeling really serious about your luck, then you know what to do.

Incorporate fitness into your space

Experts have revealed that the year of the Rooster emphasises the importance of nurturing one’s health. Honestly, there is no better way to do this than to up our fitness game. Instead of spending our free time at the gym, why not take your routine home? Free up an unused yet cluttered area to make room for easy yoga or body-toning sessions. Use this opportunity to finally inspire yourself to getting into action within your comfort zone, literally.

Fill up your vases with gladiolas

According to the experts, the luck of this year would bloom forth with the
the gladiola flower
 around. Belonging to the iris family, the flower is also known as sword lily. Another good way of incorporating the flower is to fill in empty vases and station them around your house. The stems of the gladiola are soothingly green to look at, so why not use translucent housings to showcase the plants? If you can’t find any gladiolas, then your best bet would then be the cockscomb flower which is predicted to be just as luck-giving.

Bring in more clocks to keep track of time

The Fire Rooster is said to be all about responsibility via time management. Keep better track of your time by putting up more clocks around the house! Since we are being auspicious, we might as well keep things interesting by looking out for beautiful clock designs to bring home, like
this beautiful agate clock on Etsy
.

Photos: Pinterest

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Home inspiration: Design principles to learn from Penang’s Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

If you are traveling to Penang for a getaway from the city, do not miss the chance to visit the
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
. Built in 1880 as a private home for famed Chinese merchant
Cheong Fatt Tze
, the building now serves as a museum-cum-hotel. The mansion is not only perfect for history lovers. Being a heritage site, it is also a great reference for design enthusiasts. If you are one, take note! We walk you through some of the best design principles to learn from the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

Your city can be your best decor inspiration.

Penang is very big on preserving its
peranakan
 culture. Evidently, the Baba and Nnonya touch is a theme consistent with the designs of many UNESCO-listed heritage buildings here, including the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. This shows that the environment we live in is always the best source of home inspiration. Where our city’s identity is personally interpreted, what we ultimately reflect is our peaceful relationship with our cultural history.

 Blue is the warmest colour.

What makes the mansion recognisable is its distinctive blue colour. Sitting somewhere between indigo and dove blue, the colour was assigned to the mansion’s walls to replace their original white colour which, according to the Chinese, represents death. The choice isn’t surprising, since blue associates with calmness, trust, peace and order. It is thus always a good idea to incorporate this colour into your home’s most intimate areas such as the bedroom, bathroom or home office.

Feng Shui is always a good idea.

Though some changes have been made to its design over the years, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was originally built to strictly adhere to Feng Shui principles. Feng Shui, literally translating into the “wind and water”, refers to the art of placement; it examines energy flow and promotes balance throughout the home. If you are not too keen on superstitions, you can interpret Feng Shui into your space through the play of proportions. Either that or you can balance colours and textures when you attempt redecoration.

Geometric patterns exude finesse.

A good look around this blue mansion and you’ll realise the presence of many geometric motifs and patterns everywhere. They can be found on wooden doors, staircases and walls. Want to inject a bit of the Asian take on geometry into your home? Why not look to these Oriental patterns as inspiration. Think cushion covers, dinnerware sets and lush curtains.

A little visual surprise goes a long way.

Nothing conjures design awe more than the cross between tradition and modernity. While most of the rooms in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion promotes old-school aesthetics, its bathrooms are quite the opposite (as pictured above). This visual play proves that when it comes to design, there’s no such thing as limitations—only inspirations.

Photo source: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

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