Seaside Haven by EMPT Studio
Tucked along the shorelines of Penang Island, Seaside Haven by EMPT Studio adopts a calm, restrained approach in reinterpreting coastal living.
Balancing ease and elegance, the residence is quietly embedded in its surroundings, drawing on a muted palette of natural materials and tactile finishes to shape a home that is both comforting and refined.
A focus on clarity and simplicity anchors the project, where solid timber, handmade tile, and natural stone form the basis of a cohesive material story. Echoing the client’s appreciation for vintage Danish furniture and timeless craftsmanship, each piece has been chosen for its honest detailing and enduring quality. The result is a home defined by atmosphere more than ornament—where restraint becomes its own form of richness.
In the living and dining zones, an open layout encourages fluid movement and connection. Pale timber flooring runs consistently throughout, giving both areas a light and unified presence. Nearby, a built-in light wood cabinet with vertically stacked off-white tiles offers texture and depth, forming a subtle recess that accommodates curated objects and concealed lighting.
Full-height sliding doors open out to a balcony, where sheer white curtains filter the sunlight, softening the transitions between interior and exterior. Potted greenery is strategically positioned throughout the home, reinforcing its connection to the outdoors while enhancing its layered coastal character.
In the adjacent kitchen, the emphasis on natural finishes continues. A grey-veined stone countertop sits above dark, matte cabinetry, its discreet wood grain adding warmth to an otherwise pared-back palette.
Elsewhere, a private alcove introduces a more personal register. A vintage wooden credenza sits within a white-walled niche, paired with floating shelves that hold a selection of vinyl records. The intimacy of the nook offers a quiet moment of retreat, set apart yet cohesive within the wider layout.
The master bedroom remains consistent with the wider ethos of the home. A low timber-framed bed sits against an upholstered wall panel, wrapped in neutral tones and designed for both acoustic softness and visual continuity. A solid stone block functions as a bedside surface—minimal, sculptural, and tactile in equal measure. A built-in vanity—crafted from light timber and dark stone—adds further nuance, its circular mirror and soft lighting enhancing the gentle atmosphere.
Throughout, the project avoids decorative excess in favour of elements that feel grounded and enduring. The furniture, materials, and detailing reinforce a lived-in simplicity that aligns with the home’s coastal location, offering stillness and serenity. Seaside Haven ultimately speaks to a quiet confidence—where everyday rituals are elevated through careful selection, and the interior landscape mirrors the calm of its natural setting.
