Home & Decor Singapore pays tribute to three decades of design with a look back on its most interesting features over the years.
This week we look at the home of Leslie Goh, the owner of soft furnishings company, White Lace, and a lover of the English country cottage look.
Incurable romantic Leslie Goh was determined to have her English country cottage right here in Singapore, in her two-bedroom Yio Chu Kang apartment. Instead of a slavish carbon copy of the style, Leslie’s interpretation cleverly personalises the look with unexpected modern touches.
In the dining room, for instance, everyday modern metal and plastic chairs look surprisingly right around a lace-covered table set before a traditional European buffet hutch.
Despite the abundance of white lace, the living room is saved from becoming overpoweringly feminine by keeping clutter and accessories to the minimum and the presence of a graphic quilt hanging.
All the elements for an authentic country look can be found right here in Singapore. Leslie’s bent wood chair and teak writing desk were junk shop finds. The stylish colonial bench was rescued from her in-laws backyard.
In each room, Leslie’s signature touch abounds: everywhere, frothy white lace table cloths, curtains and trims make an unblushing appeal to our deepest romantic sensibilities.
A white wicker chair laden with cushy cushions invites repose in one corner of the bedroom. What could be more romantic than a lace-covered dressing table?
Lavender, blue and white make for a restful bedroom scheme. The patchwork quilt and cushion covers, quilt-lined laundry basket and cross stitch proudly displayed about the bedroom are all examples of Leslie’s fine homemaking skills.
Sprigged floral prints from the Laura Ashley collection make this bathroom a joy to be in. Instead of the usual plastic bathroom accessories, Leslie decided on pine shelving and a wood mirror frame. Other customised touches: a frilly skirt around the sink (to hide unsightly piping) and matching curtains over the plastic shower curtain.