Inside: A luxe resort-inspired postnatal care centre in KL Eco City designed by an architect

What makes a good environment for a new mom to recover in? 

For Malaysian architect Katrine Cheong, the answer lies in Little Precious Postnatal Care, the confinement centre she caringly founded and created. 

Tucked within the urban labyrinth that is KL Eco City, it would be amiss of you to think that this pregnancy care center is unwelcoming or unhomely due to its office building location. 

“My vision was to create a ‘resort luxury’ experience,” Katrine shared with furnished.my. “Although space limitations meant we had to operate in a commercial building rather than a bungalow in a green area, I still wanted to create a calming environment.”

Pursuing that vision, they’ve decked out the space with forest green tones and matching faux plants, plush orange-brown furniture pieces, as well as a repeating tropical-themed black-and-white wallpaper.

These motifs all come together to define a space where mothers could truly relax and feel comfortable postpartum. 

Engaging the five senses

For Katrine, who is a mom herself, interior design is all not just about what you see, but how the space engages with all senses. 

Still, the sense of sight is a huge factor. One key detail here is lighting—Katrine thoughtfully chose to use warm white light, which strikes a balance between stark pure white lights and too-dim yellow lighting. 

Nothing can beat natural light, though, which is why the founder made sure that every room has a window.

As for spaces that simply cannot incorporate windows—such as the spa area, nursery, and common areas—Katrine made sure they were designed to still have an open, airy vibe with glass windows instead of full opaque partitions. 

Using forest decals to create a nature-esque environment might seem tacky, but Katrine completely pulls it off by using a minimalistic black-and-white design. 

An interesting detail is the elephant decal. The tusked animal is a symbol of protection and guardianship in some cultures, and its harmonious integration feels entirely natural yet adds a comforting touch of symbolism. 

Moving on to the olfactory sense—or shall we say, scent? Little Precious uses a white tea fragrance,  known for its soothing, mellow, and relaxing properties. Air purifiers are placed in every bathroom, common room, and lobby to maintain a clean and fresh environment.

Texture is also key when it comes to creating a comfortable, welcoming space. That’s why Katrine selected oak wood floors for their warm texture. Plus, they add a subtle natural scent to the space. 

Beds are also vital for anyone, but especially mums (and more so those recovering from a C-section). Little Precious features custom-made beds that use high-quality latex and memory foam. These are topped off with bedsheets with a 400-thread count. 

While it might not seem relevant to the interior design, it’s fascinating to note that Katrine even thought of the clothing for mums and their babies. These fabrics utilise a high-quality bamboo material that boast breathability and comfort. 

As a final touch, jazzy background music lilts through the air in the common areas, adding a bit of warmth and friendliness while maintaining a serene atmosphere. 

Balancing private spaces and communal areas

How do you divvy up the space in a house? Well, the principles may be similar here at Little Precious—it’s all about create private and sacred sanctuaries, as well as inviting communal sites. 

The suites here at Little Precious are private and decently spacious to support rest and recovery. Soundproofing is also added between rooms to reduce external noise, helping both mother and baby get uninterrupted rest.

There are common areas for social and emotional support. Peer support is helpful when it comes to postpartum recovery, and Little Precious was created to facilitate that. 

To promote well-being and mental health recovery, they also have dedicated therapy and wellness rooms for postnatal physiotherapy, massages, and mental health support sessions.

Speaking of the rooms, they feature three room typologies. 

There’s Ruby, which sits between 289 to 309 sqft, Sapphire at 334 sqft, and Emerald, which has rooms between 342 and 413 sqft.  

Each room comes with slightly different offerings within their packages, but all are designed with a standardised aesthetic, ensuring a cohesive environment that matches the rest of the centre. 

“Every mother’s recovery journey is unique, but their core needs—peace, relaxation, and reassurance—remain the same,” Katrine mused. “To create a sense of familiarity and security, all rooms follow a harmonised design approach that promotes tranquility and well-being.”

Design based on needs 

When it comes to design, many then to doubt whether or not a certain aesthetic will really stand the test of time. 

Well, one way you can defeat the trap of trends is by designing for timeless needs. 

“The needs of postpartum mothers will always remain the same where comfort, security, and a nurturing environment is always a priority so I ensured that the centre’s design reflects these fundamental requirements in a way that transcends trends,” Katrine pointed out. 

By focusing on a standardised theme of warmth and tranquility, she was able to create a consistent and cohesive experience across the space. This translated into neutral tones, natural materials, and soft lighting—elements that are simply timeless. 

The power of design 

At the end of the day, you might still wonder whether interior design matters. Can’t Little Precious just offer all its services without the added frills? 

Well, to Katrine, interior design is more than just aesthetics—it plays a crucial role in shaping a brand’s identity, customer perception, and overall business success.

“Whether we like it or not, people judge a book by its cover and in business, first impressions can make or break customer trust,” she shared. “A well-designed space instantly elevates a brand’s credibility, making it appear more premium, professional, and intentional.”

Having visited the space ourselves, it is true that the luxury resort vibes that permeates the air really does set the tone for your stay. It shows how the team is caring and thoughtful, and how they’re willing to go above and beyond to create a pleasant experience. 

Little Precious Postnatal Care gives mothers and babies a dignified and luxurious start to their new chapter, and is a great illustration of how a welcoming interior leads to a fulfilling lifestyle. 

Learn more about Little Precious Postnatal Care here.

Also Read: Inside: House of Wheat in Chow Kit, featuring a unique textured wall & an outback vibe