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DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design (Landed – Gold): Chaos Design Studio – Serene Haven: Where Tranquility Takes Form

June 6, 2026

This terrace home in Butterworth, Penang designed by Chaos Design Studio was first featured in Designer Concept Issue 89.

Image courtesy of Chaos Design Studio

SCULPTED STILLNESS

Soft curves, camel hues and organic textures constitute the core ingredients of this home, where everything is refined by nature but defined by subtlety.

Under the guiding principles of Modern Contemporary that never fails to impress time and time again, Serene Haven reimagines modernity through the lens of tranquility and understated elegance. Within the expected framework of a corner lot terrace, the “Cream Breeze” design narrative unfolds through a very specific palette and a diverse range of natural materials, resulting in a space that instantly feels grounded, calming and refined upon entry.

At the heart of this concept is the use of a chic cream, but not just any shade of a chic cream either. The designers opted for one in a low-saturation, camel-toned variation to evoke a feeling of delicate sweetness and pervasive tranquility. Softer than stark white yet lighter and more nuanced than deeper cream tones, this alternative colour choice gently envelops the space, offering a soft texture and inviting a subtle visual warmth that forms the perfect canvas for layering textures and tones.

Image courtesy of Chaos Design Studio

Other than the choice of colour, a foundation of timeless elegance is found throughout the serene space using the help of a coordinated variety of natural materials that complement the camel tones and amplify the atmosphere; these include stone, oak, decor cement, concrete and tiles. In the living area, for instance, natural oak and soft-toned stone introduce a feeling of familiar warmth. Contrasting beautifully with the organic grains of those materials are the cement and concrete painted fluidly across the walls, enhancing the textural richness already established.

Image courtesy of Chaos Design Studio

This interplay between cool, industrial surfaces and warm, earthy textures results in a balanced environment where neither element dominates. Instead, they coexist to create a harmonious composition that feels both modern and inviting. If that isn’t enough, hidden mood lighting comes into the picture to quite literally shine a spotlight on the clean lines and unique textures of these materials.

One particular design element that may appear subtle at first but ultimately makes a largely impactful difference is the slightly curved wall and ceiling, found in practically every room in Serene Haven—including the bathroom. These not only soften the aesthetic visuals but instil a sense of flow, thereby making the home appear even more welcoming. Speaking of curves, soft furnishings like the sofa, chairs and carpet emphasize this shape, further elevating the sense of airiness and comfort. The overall effect is a light-filled interior that exudes calm without sacrificing sophistication.

Image courtesy of Chaos Design Studio

What sets Serene Haven apart is its ability to evoke emotion through subtlety. It employs a design language that speaks softly yet leaves a lasting impression—perfect for those seeking a home that feels like a retreat from the noise of the outside world. By focusing on material honesty, tonal harmony and quiet elegance, it delivers a spatial experience that’s just as functional as it is beautiful—demonstrating that true luxury often lies in simplicity and thoughtful design.

Image courtesy of Chaos Design Studio
About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Residential Design

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

Designers who have transformed mere houses into ultimate dream homes through their ingenuity and attention to detail are awarded Best Residential Design. Their projects, which are either landed or high-rise, are featured in Designer Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.