Designed with curves, textures, quiet luxury to embrace family moments

This article appeared in the March 12, 2026 issue of the monthly print edition. Subscribe now.

On the 40th floor of Aetas Damansara in Tropicana Damansara, Petaling Jaya, a private lift opens directly into a 3,110-sq ft residence overlooking the Tropicana golf course.

The view is expansive and uninterrupted — a sweeping grassy field against the city skyline. But this home does not rely on the panorama alone.

Designed for a family of four with two young children, the brief was clear: create a space that feels calm, tactile, and enduring — not trend-driven, not overly ornamental.

The result is a home defined less by objects, and more by atmosphere.

Bringing in the greens

Design Bliss design director Justin Tan has seen the unit’s elevation and orientation as its greatest asset.

“We saw this as an opportunity to design a home that doesn’t compete with the view, but rather frames and complements it,” he told EdgeProp in an exclusive interview.

From the moment you step in, the visual feast makes that intention clear as day.

Even before entering the main living area, the landscape is present. Full-height windows in the private lobby not only frame the view of the putting green but also allow natural light to greet your arrival.

To take advantage of this natural backdrop, Tan’s team has reflowed the original configuration of the dining space and living area, at once widening the zone and stretching it towards the balcony and the view beyond as it embraces moments with family and guests.

The picturesque scene is also invited into the children’s bedrooms as they draw the curtains of the long windows to the eye-soother.

Creating depth with texture and light

Under the designer’s creative touch, almost every wall is a canvas for craft — plain paint on flats simply won’t cut it.

Kit Kat textured stone wall anchors the entrance. Three sculptural art pieces sit against its layered surface as architectural statements that spell elegance. The texture sets the tone for the entire home.

The material palette draws quietly from the outdoors: warm wood grains, travertine finishes, textured stone and rough rock elements.

Rather than glossy surfaces, the emphasis is on depth and touch.

Natural light is filtered through a timber blind detailed at the edges to integrate it into the architecture.

“This is not the normal type, it’s a very thick timber blind,” Tan says.

Even the partitions are layered with textured finishes and floated panels. Concealed lighting within these surfaces casts a soft glow that enhances mood.

“We build the partition and then apply another layer of textured paint. We also integrate lighting to create a sense of calm,” Tan explains.

Instead of introducing more visual elements, the design team worked vertically through ceiling treatments, lighting lines, and wall textures, with every corner treated to play its given role.

In the private bedrooms, the material language continues. The master suite carries the same stone finishes and tiered lighting found in the common areas, ensuring cohesion.

Meanwhile, darker tones, and layered lighting create a cocooned atmosphere for movie nights in the entertainment room.

Rounding off the edges

One of the most defining gestures in the home is the consistent use of curves.

There are few sharp corners. Cabinetry edges are rounded. Ceiling details arc gently. Even lighting lines are curved, with downlights avoiding square trims.

“We curve the lighting inside to make it feel smooth,” he added.

The dining table echoes this approach.

Neither fully round nor rectangular, its softened square form seats eight comfortably sans rigid geometry.

Curves continue in the children’s areas and study spaces, reinforcing visual continuity. Beyond aesthetics, the softened edges support ease of movement throughout the home.

The effect is subtle but cohesive. The home feels fluid, not compartmentalised.

Clever concealments

While the materials project warmth, the discipline lies in what is hidden.

The television wall exemplifies this restraint.

Wiring and electronics are fully concealed within the customised instalment. The TV can be pulled out when needed; but when not in use, the wall reads as a continuous, composed surface.

“With all wiring hidden, we keep surfaces clean and uncluttered,” Tan says.

Indeed, nothing interrupts the calm. Power sockets are tucked inside cabinetry, appliances are concealed behind panels, and storage is integrated seamlessly.

In the bedrooms too, hidden door details maintain clean lines. Wardrobe space has been expanded by reworking part of the original wall layout, increasing storage without altering the room’s proportions dramatically.

Beyond the kitchen, a discreet service circulation links the yard, laundry area, and helper’s room back to the private lift lobby. This back-of-house connection allows movement to remain seamless, separating utility from main living zones without disrupting flow.

Fusing function and form

Not every element needs to be custom-built, Tan points out. The original floors, doors, tiles, and sanitary fittings have been retained to blend with the bespoke details executed by the design team.

In the kitchen, functionality takes priority without compromising the minimalist aesthetic. Though not oversized, it is divided into dry and wet sections, supporting heavier cooking while maintaining a clean hosting area.

A mobile island fitted with concealed wheels can be repositioned depending on the family’s needs.

“The kitchen is not very big, but the owner wanted an island. So we made it mobile,” Tan explains.

A separate playroom caters to the couple’s two young children. Here, one wall functions as a magnetic whiteboard surface, allowing artwork and school projects to rotate freely. A piano introduces a creative dimension to the room.

“For the two young children, design isn’t just about looks, it’s about liveability,” Tan says.

In the broader market context, EdgeProp listings at end-February showed units at Aetas Damansara ranging from RM2.5 million to RM3.7 million, with built-ups between 2,325 sq ft and 3,273 sq ft.

But beyond its market value, this residence stands out for its restraint, as its visual treat creates a backdrop for everyday life.

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