When raising a young family, it is usually a choice between a stylish showroom or toy-cluttered playpen. Yet Mr and Mrs Hu, both in their 40s, have succeeded in crafting a modern abode that is both stylish and child-friendly. Striking a balance between a neat but lived-in home and a sanitised showroom required some planning. Space was their main concern and the main reason they moved from Sri Damansara to Eco-Park, near Klang.

"We love the security and environment as there are no fences or individual gates, only the main entrance which is guarded," explains Hu. "The sense of space is overwhelming. The air is fresh.

Happy family retreat Click on thumbnail to view

"Parking is hassle-free as there is space for three or four cars. In our old house, we always had problems due to the limited parking at our entrance! And the garden setting is what we have always wanted. We look after the plants in our garden and the management tends to the trees and shrubbery in the common areas.

"Our old homes were always cluttered and we felt claustrophobic sometimes. My neighbours and I also had to pay for our security which was troublesome but now we only pay a reasonable rate for our guardhouse. We also enjoy our own clubhouse where residents can socialise. It's very idyllic here in our community! We feel like we are always on holiday."

Hiring a decorator

To achieve that permanent resort ambience, they decided to hire a decorator for the first time. Smiles Mrs Hu, "I used to decorate our old homes but since buying this brand new one, we felt we should do it justice. We attended a few home décor exhibitions where we met Yuan Li Foong of Yuan Design."