ANN/THE STAR – Jimmy Chiam, an esteemed figure in retail consulting, has played a significant role in shaping iconic retail landmarks like Suria KLCC and The Gardens Mall.
“I took charge of bringing numerous well-known brands under these roofs. Retail thrives on intricate nuances, which have profoundly influenced the creative essence now evident in my home,” shared Chiam, the Managing Director of CCN Consulting.
Step into his three-storey linked house, and you’ll be immersed in a captivatingly vibrant ambiance.
Within the living area, antique Chinese porcelain and expansive abstract mirrors coexist harmoniously with a contemporary leather sofa and traditional chairs.
Adorning another wall, a strikingly vivid painting named Warriors Of Fortune, originating from Borobudur, Indonesia, commands the entire space.
Part eclectic with a dash of character, here is a house that confounds contemporary expectations. Ask most homeowners what they value most about their interiors and the word ‘lightness’ usually tops their decorative list. But here, Chiam has taken a different tack, shunning sun-saturated modernity for a cheerful palette of fun prints and eclectic furniture.
Nestled in a quiet part of Rawang, Selangor, the house packs a lot into its 371 square metre space. The proportions are charming, with low ceilings throughout, glass exterior walls with sliding doors, and an outdoor terrace at the side of the house.
“I bought this house about 10 years ago and it was the first home I bought just based on the (floor) plan,” revealed Chiam.
“I moved in in 2019 and had thought it’d be my weekend home but I’m happy that I decided to make it my main home. Thank goodness I moved in before the pandemic as that allowed me to slowly put the house together. This house received a lot of tender loving care because of COVID!” shared Chiam.
It’s not hard to see why. His extensive collections of paintings, artefacts and artwork fill almost every corner of the home. “I barely did any structural changes to the house. It’s really in the interiors that all the work went in,” reveals Chiam.
His experience of travelling the world left Chiam with a craving to use colour and pattern, and a love for the arts. So when it came to the interiors, he did not hold back. “When it comes to mixing and matching the different elements, I say don’t be afraid. Go with what you like and enjoy. One of the things I really enjoy is collecting art. What draws me to an art piece is the difficulty of creating that artwork,” he said.
Chiam’s love for cooking and baking also sees him spending quality time in the kitchen, where a clever mix of tones and contrasting shapes link the three functions of the place – cooking, eating and entertaining – together.
“It’s a way for me to destress and it also allows me to entertain friends at home in a relaxed environment,” shared Chiam.
Designed for entertaining, a glamourous dining area was created in the living room with a 10-seater dining table and modern designer Egg chairs to maximise space and seating.
Coincidentally, this love of entertaining has led Chiam to host private dining experiences at his home. Already, he has had friends and acquaintances come over and organise intimate get-togethers.
“We serve up a five-course meal that features unique Asian dishes that have been elevated and given a fine-dining touch,” said Chiam. The private dining is only for a maximum of 10 guests and by referral only.
CREATING A SENSE OF JOY WITH ART
Amazing pieces from Malaysian artist Kide Baharudin’s whimsical works depicting busy scenarios and a host of characters fill a section in the kitchen.
As you head up to the first floor, artwork from architect Bill Bensley that features humour mixed with vivid details line the staircase walls.
Other notable works include those from Malaysian painter Suzlee Ibrahim, local young artists from Universiti Teknologi MARA, plus embossed acrylic paintings from China and by Australian artist Charles Billich.
On the first floor, Chiam has dedicated a family corner to a traditional game table and black-and-white pictures of his family. Here also sits a large antique temple bell from his first trip to China many years ago.
“I’m just drawn to bells. (This piece) is so beautiful and I wanted to display it in all its glory. So it works perfectly here as a room divider between the family corner and the TV room,” he shared.
Meanwhile Chiam’s more subdued and neutral-toned master bedroom and walk-in wardrobe can be found on the top floor.
Taking cues from luxurious hotel rooms, he opted for a soft earth tone to dominate the room and added colourful hues in the form of a rug from Iran and art pieces.
”With my room I wanted something calmer and a more relaxed feel. I leave all the bright colours downstairs,” laughed Chiam.
“Another thing that I love collecting during my travels are carpets, so I’ve got a few from Iran, Tibet and other places. It’s my way of enjoying art and to be embraced by this play of textures and colours,” he added. We couldn’t agree more. – Rina Ahmad Sapiuddin
