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Cosy, timeless, elegant comforts, soft colours and an overall warm feeling running felt in every room…Leon Bosco and Trisha Hogan’s 4-room HDB BTO gives us all of the classic English countryside home feels.
Their personal style, as well as their values when it comes to what makes a home, heavily aligns with the definition of a classic modern countryside abode, the kind you might find in Yorkshire.
“We enjoy calm spaces, good design, and spending time at home,” says the couple. “We appreciate craftsmanship, details, and homes that feel warm rather than overly styled.”
One of the most obvious design principles of English country-style houses is their “lived-in” appearance. There’s character and charm, and an ambiance that’s always inviting.
Whilst these homeowners were specifically inspired by the modern Victorian interior design style (the Victorian Era lasted in England during the 19th century), there are elements of quintessential modern-day English countryside aesthetics used in the interiors across every room. This includes the living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathrooms.
For this project, Trisha and Leon employed RENOSTUD.IO for their home renovation. The design team cleverly incorporated archetypal design features of classic British homes to achieve the look.
Wainscoting
One of our favourite features of this home is the use of wainscoting, prevalent in the living room and the space connecting the living room and the open-plan dining/kitchen room. It adds a sense of historic charm.
The design team also created a raised wainscoting panel, upon which the TV is placed.
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Soft neutral tones
Creams, beige and light green colour palettes are often the go-to choice in English countryside homes.
These homeowners opted for a cream colour palette overall, bringing in pops of colour with green accents. Every room in the house is styled in warm cream tones.
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Floral and botanical wallpaper
Floral, botanical and even patterned wallpaper is highly associated with English homes, favouring its use in any room.
If you think of England’s general climate, it’s a cool one. Wallpaper adds a sense of warmth and cosiness to a room. English countryside homes also prefer not to leave empty spaces, and incorporating wallpaper is a clever way to do so.
The homeowners used a wallpaper-like botanical tile (from Hafary) in the primary en suite.
Floral Wallpaper for Cabinets Peel and Stick Wallpaper, $10.45
Natural Materials: Oak
British homes love to use natural materials, seen in rich wooden floors or exposed ceiling beams.
In Singapore, the use of natural materials, for example, real wood, can become costly, but moreover, difficult to source. Instead, interior designers prefer to use finishes like laminates and vinyl to mimic natural materials.
Throughout the living areas of this HDB, including the bedrooms, living room, dining and kitchen areas, oak-coloured herringbone floors are displayed.
Honey Oak Peel and Stick Floor Tiles 36-Pack, 54 Sq Ft Self-Adhesive Vinyl Plank Flooring, $230
Fluted glass
Fluted glass panels have become increasingly popular in more modern English countryside homes, adding texture to a space (another element that the design style favours, too), as well as for a stylish look.
For Leon and Trisha’s expansive, open-plan walk-in closet in the master bedroom, fluted glass panel doors are used for every wardrobe door (three-quarters up the doorfront), as well as for the entrance into the primary en suite.
Shaker cabinets
If you had to step into a kitchen in an English countryside home, nine times out of ten, you’d spot shaker cabinets. It enhances that farmhouse aesthetic, but feels very classic at the same time.
Here, shaker cabinets were used for all kitchen cabinetry (not just top shelves), including horizontal and vertical renditions, as well as for the top cabinets of the master bedroom wardrobe.
How to spot a shaker cabinet? The flat, recessed center is framed by four pieces, which stick out above the center, almost like a 3D effect.
Wall sconces
Wall scones are an absolute classic when it comes to English countryside-style homes. Although they have become widely popular in the interior design world, they have always been a primary feature of any British home. They were widely used during the Victorian Era, too.
The interior design team added wall scones to the living room and bedroom walls, with a modern edge thanks to the marble. This brings in a warm and cosy effect, as well as adding a soft glow.
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Antique aesthetic
It’s no secret that the British LOVE their antiques, showcasing the country’s vast history.
If you love British culture, two words: Antiques Roadshow! The popular television series has been running since 1979!
But not everyone is a fan of antiques, and vintage finds are often hard to come by in Singapore. But that doesn’t mean you cannot achieve an antique-like aesthetic in other ways. For example, with the use of brass and iron.
Incorporate this into your home with either finishes or decor accents, such as a mirror or bathroom/kitchen taps.
ARTLOGE Vintage Baroque Arched Brass Mirror Metal Frame Antique Wall Mounted Mirror for Entryway, Fireplace, Living Room, Hallway, $74.99