That special corner of their world

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Amber Chia

No matter how big or small, or how tidy or messy your house is, there’s always a spot where you are at your best, where nothing else matters except you and your private world.

Three personalities in the entertainment and fashion industries speak to Life&Times about their special niche in their homes.

LOVE IN THE LIVING ROOM Amber Chia’s career path is evident to visitors who drop by her three-storey abode in Jalan Klang Lama. The walls are adorned with pictures of her that tell the story of her life as a model and entrepreneur.

Among the attractions inside her house are two walk-in wardrobes and a massage bed. But she says her living room is her favourite spot, and she has good reason for that.

When she was single, her bedroom was her favourite place (the massage bed is to die for!), but this changed when she became a mum about a year ago.

“When I was single, my favourite spot used to be all about me. I spent a lot of time in the bedroom then. Now, with my baby Ashton around, I’ve grown to enjoy the living room more as it’s where my family get together,” says the 30-year-old.

Her living room is where her two worlds collide — her life as a celebrity and as a doting mother. The colours that fill the area — red, black and dark brown — spell romance and class, which is synonymous with her celebrity status. There’s also a wallpaper with her face as its design on one side of the wall. That’s the focal point of the living room.

In one corner, there are buckets of soft and inflatable toys. These buckets don’t ruin the look of the living room, but rather add character to it .

“You know how it is when you have a child. I had to make adjustments to accommodate him, but these don’t bother me because I love coming back to a home where I can unwind and spend quality time with my baby and husband in my living room,” she says.

At times, the entire family fall asleep on the sofa, and for Chia, that’s when she is happiest.

BREAKFAST AT THE BALCONY IN the 1980s, Wani Wendy Wong Abdullah was known more as an actress. Today, she’s one of the most successful local producers around.

Step into her house and one can’t help but feel, well, at home. Her condominium unit in Persiaran Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur, is strategically located, next to the swimming pool. Surrounded by lush greenery, she feels like she’s on holiday whenever she’s at the balcony.

“How can I not feel that way when I see so many Mat Salleh at the pool? They look like tourists, and this spot reminds me of a resort,” jokes the petite Wani.

The balcony is her favourite spot. The clear blue water from the pool reflects the morning rays of the sun, while the sound of the mini waterfall (a water feature near the pool) soothes her at night.

“Every morning, I have breakfast with my husband at the balcony. It has become a habit,” says Wani, who is her 40s.

The balcony is also where she reads to get inspiration for new television shows. She has some potted plants, too, to add more “feel” to the area. Besides, her husband loves plants.

She also makes sure that the balcony is clean at all times. “I love this balcony a lot. It’s nothing much, but enough for me,” says Wani, who will soon move to a new home.

But she has decided not to sell the unit because of what that balcony has been to her. “Who knows, I may come back and enjoy this balcony when I’m older.”

INSPIRATION CORNER As a fashion designer, Ezuwan Ismail gets to work in the comfort of his home. He has a designated corner that he calls his Inspiration Corner. There, he puts his thoughts on design down on paper.

He also hangs most of his costumes on a rack there. Against the nude-coloured wall, his colourful clothes truly enliven the corner.

“I keep this area clean, comfortable and free of clutter as this helps my mind to stay clear for my work,” says Ezuwan, 29.

When an idea strikes him, he heads for this corner and sketches, either sitting on the couch or at the antique sewing machine.

“I use a type of lighting that soothes me,” he says, adding that he allows plenty of natural light into his home during the day.

“When I have guests over to look at my designs, I will take them to the Inspiration Corner. I don’t know why, but this corner often makes my guests feel at ease, and this is good for business.

“Maybe it has better feng shui than other spots in the house,” he says with a laugh.

The Kelantan-born bachelor’s condominium unit is located in Ampang.