Jacques' Archive

Malaysia is located in a tropical zone. Its climate is vastly different from countries like the United States and Europe, where most architectural movements and innovations originate. Should foreign architecture designs not be adapted to the Malaysian weather conditions, homes may not be comfortable throughout the year. This may mean paying a high cost to control the temperature within these homes. The traditional Malay house is built on raised pillars, homes being of wood. Knowledge regarding these structures can be incorporated into modern homes that meet the needs of a modern lifestyle. This is important, a tropical house being simply a reaction to its environment. In addition, a tropical house may either be constructed taking a passive approach: unwanted climatic elements such as rain and heat are kept out. At the same time, good elements: ventilation and illumination are increased. An active approach aims to harness some climatic elements for energy, increasing the efficienc...

A modern tropical bedroom should exude tranquillity and simplicity, where less is more. Lines should be clean, with hints of natural elements and luxurious fabrics. Most importantly, a tropical bedroom should have a direct relationship with the outdoors. Ideally, a tropical bedroom opens onto a forest; however, this look can work extremely well in an urban environment. To start with, you may have some questions. What are the elements of a tropical bedroom? What colors may be used in a tropical bedroom? Which wall treatments will work well in a tropical bedroom? You may also be slightly apprehensive and unsure; however, this is a style that you can have fun with. If you design your scheme properly, you could change the accent colors as trends change to keep the room current. Either way, start with the basics – a good quality mattress, floors ideally in old wood like Merbau wood, which can cost RM10 - RM30 per square foot, and a ceiling fan to circulate the air. Sufficient storag...

When the term tropical bathroom is mentioned, a spa-like bathroom may come to mind. In many cases, this conjures up the right image. However, what makes a tropical bathroom different from other bathroom designs, is its laid-back ambiance and the sense of openness to the outdoors. In addition, a typical tropical bathroom may have either a Zen feeling or some elements that hint at the beach. Either way, this style of bathroom design is all about relaxation – body, and soul. There is one rule for this type of bathroom, or for any other, for that matter. If the bathroom is en-suite, it should complement the main bedroom. If the main bedroom is decorated in a modern tropical design, it would be best not to change the bathroom to a traditional style. A modern look will be best suited to it. Besides adding a free-standing bath that enhances that hint of a spa, there are other elements that should be considered. These include the color palette, the use of natural textures, flooring, li...

Malaysian homes are ideal for embracing the warmth of the tropical style with bold colors, natural and rustic décor, and large windows that allow the air to circulate. This is because Malaysia is so close to the equator. Naturally, there will be challenges, but there are also opportunities for designing a living space that oozes a welcome and a sense of relaxation: relief, if not from work, at least from the humidity. In short, by adding the tropical touch to your living room, you are merging the space with the outdoors and utilizing raw materials, natural textiles, and bold prints. This combination will brighten up your abode and make it attractive while remaining soothing. The use of color Even though the color palette associated with the tropics includes dark greens and colors of the forest flowers, there are the greys and browns from the stones and tree stems. These latter two colors are mostly used as a neutral base in modern tropical living room design.  Everythin...

A tropical house design embraces a more open-plan living as well as living spaces that merge easily with the outdoors. Kitchens in such architectural designs are normally intended to be more than merely functional spaces: they become integrated living spaces. However, tropical kitchens have a more down-to-earth feel that relies on natural elements such as wood and stone. Modern kitchen equipment is then seamlessly and neatly incorporated into the kitchen area. There are, however, a few elements that can alter your kitchen from simply functional to one of tropical appearance. Two elements of a tropical kitchen may be costly to incorporate: a pitched ceiling, and an open-plan layout. The benefit of having a high-pitched ceiling in a humid and warm climate like Malaysia is this allows for better air circulation. Another benefit is that, as hot air rises and is replaced by cooler air, a higher-pitched ceiling offers the coolness denied by a ceiling of normal height. Besides those ...

With its tropical climate of warm and humid days and heavy rains, Malaysia lends itself to lush, tropical gardens. In most cases, the natural beauty of Lambir Hills National Park in Sarawak, or even one of the other rain forests in Malaysia, inspires this style of garden. This is a garden fashion highly sought after in the United Kingdom. Many townhouse gardens emulate this exotic look. However, most homeowners struggle to achieve the end-product in such a cold climate. Luckily, in Malaysia, the conditions are perfect for landscaping one’s garden this way. Rules or guidance apply to accomplishing this outcome. You may ask, “Which plants will grow in a tropical garden?” or, “Is a tropical garden low maintenance?” Although it is possible to achieve this on your own, the best idea always is to consult a professional landscape designer: such a professional will have expert knowledge of which plants will work in which soil and whether to plant in full sun or shade or part-shade. ...

It is possible to create a Mediterranean garden in Malaysia. Soft pastel hues, neatly trimmed hedges, large terracotta pots filled with olive trees, palm trees, and patios just right for alfresco dining are all common features of a Mediterranean garden. However, gardens that combine Grecian, Italian, French, and North African influences are mostly found in dry climates with cold winters. This does not mean that Malaysia, with its warm and wet tropical climate, is not suitable for this style of garden. However, you should select the right plants for the climate, adding some of the basic elements for which the Mediterranean style of garden is known. What hard landscaping elements will work well in a Mediterranean-style garden? Using pebbles and tiles to create paved areas The Mediterranean garden is more than just a garden; it is a space in which to relax and entertain guests. Paved areas of cobbles and pebbles with intricate mosaic designs not only provide space to place outd...

Your living room is the focal point of your home. It’s the area in which you entertain guests, or relax with your family, It can even be a multifunctional space in which you conduct your business. Irrespective of the use, the living room should be inviting, exuding a relaxed ambiance. Furthermore, the space should reflect something of yourself and your own culture. However, this does not mean that you can’t use design elements from other styles. For instance, if you wish to create a relaxed, yet elegant space, you could adopt elements of the Mediterranean style into your modern living room, so that it exudes a casual air while remaining stylish. The Mediterranean style can work well in Malaysia’s warm and humid tropical climate. However, to be practical, keep the space well ventilated and cool. Adopting a Mediterranean influence will help to ensure the room is informal. This style is in essence, very simple. To start your design inspiration, you might have a painting bought on a...

In 2010, author Timothy Ferriss formulated the slow-carb diet, indicating that exercise, taking supplements, and eating a diet low in carbohydrates could result in dramatic weight loss. This diet, very similar to the ketogenic diet, has five key guidelines that must be followed for successful weight loss. These five key guidelines are intended as a key to optimal fat burning that will result in the desired weight reduction. The first rule is to avoid white carbohydrates, especially all processed carbs such as pasta and bread made with refined flour. The second rule is to eat only the foods allowed on this diet. These include fats such as butter and olive oil, and fats from nuts; protein from eggs, fish, and meat sources; vegetables, particularly green vegetables, such as kale and beans; legumes, such as black, red, or pinto beans, and lentils; and spices, such as salt and herbs. All other foods, such as fruit, dairy, and fried foods, should be avoided. The aspect of fruit will...

The Mediterranean style has moved beyond its regional bases to become an architectural and interior design admired by many leading interior designers and those wishing to create a relaxed, romantic design space that has an apparently rustic but sophisticated essence. More so, this is a style that combines comfort with luxury, European elegance with bucolic charm, and colour schemes that range from aqua blues to earthy shades of terracotta. This mode has a variety of influences. The Mediterranean trend is common to vast areas around the Mediterranean Sea, incorporating Portugal, Spain, parts of France, Greece, Italy, and even Morocco. Furthermore, each of these areas has its own design language, such as the Tuscan style in Italy, and the blue-and-white schemes so ubiquitous in Greece. To transfer this style to a modern Malaysian bedroom may be tricky, particularly if you don’t wish to create an amateur theme more aligned to an amusement park. Luckily, you can create a highly succe...

Even in Malaysia, the classical, relaxed Mediterranean style so favoured globally, may be felt. This comes about partly in response to the romance of the architectural elements of the homes around the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean style blends the design traditions of the many countries that border the Mediterranean waters. Countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, together with the southern part of France, as well as Morocco on the northern edge of Africa, all convey the various aspects of Mediterranean style. This mix of architectural styles has a unique, modulated character inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape and the sea. The eclectic style is enhanced by the vivid designs of Moroccan-type tiles, from the splashes of bright blue against the stark white walls in Santorini and Mykonos, echoing the hues of the Mediterranean sea and sky, to the naturally fading terracotta floors that speak of the fertile soil of Tuscany or southern France. Still, while...

Spa conjurers up hedonistic visions of ancient Rome, right through to modern-day spas offering reflexology treatments, full-body massages, the sound of water, and subdued aromatherapy – a luxuriant place to relax and recharge. However, a trend similar to having a media room or viewing room in your home is having a home spa in your house. This is pure luxury: although not affordable to all, it is a growing lifestyle trend. Research studies have shown that being close to water or simply hearing the sound of water could lower your stress levels and heart rate. It is not difficult to design your own indulgent home spa. All that you need to do is plan carefully. Ideally, you should make use of professional interior designers that have the knowledge to produce a space you wish to relax in. Install a large bathtub A large free-standing bath-sized L1700 x W795 x H720mm will not only allow you to lie down and have a long soak, but it will also give you that lavish spa feeling. However...