Cover The pastel “Good Time Patio” was inspired by David Hockney
The pastel “Good Time Patio” was inspired by David Hockney
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Playfulness combines with refinement in for a family home full of character in Johor, Malaysia
Joie de vivre infuses this bungalow set in the high-end enclave of Horizon Hills, Nusajaya Johor. Owners CH and Evon Goh took full advantage of the modernity, privacy, and clean-cut layout of the over 4,000 sq ft structure to create spaces that reflect the personalities of each family member.
A sense of playfulness informs many of the choices, but there is no mistaking the attention paid to detail and quality. This appreciation of fine design is unsurprising, given that the Gohs are owners of Best Home Furniture, a furniture manufacturer and retailer with several showrooms in Johor.
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Above Built-in speakers were installed in the pool
Built-in speakers were installed in the pool
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HOME ADVANTAGE
The elegant simplicity of the existing Horizon Hills floor plan meant that it was highly adaptable, serving as a blank canvas to elicit creativity. There was thus no need for extensive renovations or hacking: the intuitive flow and designation of spaces were already in place.
The main transformation was to combine two rooms to make a new and larger master bedroom. The original master bedroom was then given to the Gohs’ teenage daughter, Lenny, while a third bedroom was taken by CH’s mother (affectionally known as Poh Poh).
Above Colour has been embraced throughout this home including the living room
Colour has been embraced throughout this home including the living room
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Other adjustments to the house were all tailored to the family members’ lifestyles. What was originally the internal courtyard was closed up so that there could be a covered space for Lenny to play the piano and study. The wet kitchen became the dry kitchen, and a new wet kitchen was set up outside.
CH shares: “We call it a ‘kampung style wet kitchen’ where my mother can cook without any worry of oil splattering." One addition that might have gone against the wishes of Poh Poh was the pool. Its construction was initially kept secret from her because she was concerned about safety and maintenance. As it turns out now, though, Goh laughs, “My mother swims the most of us all!”
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Above The grand piano was placed in what was once the internal courtyard
The grand piano was placed in what was once the internal courtyard
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THEME SPIRIT
The whole design process was made all the more smooth by the fact that it was led by Rix Wong of Plateau Design Studio. Rix is a close collaborator, long-time friend, and practically a part of the family.
This close familiarity was indispensable in matching the design to the future residents. Rix laughs when he shares: “Goh called me the marriage counsellor during the renovation and design process. I told them they both have good ideas, but at the end of the day, they can only choose one.”
Above The bar inspired by the
Raffles Hotel in the foreground while the dining room lies beyond
The bar inspired by the Raffles Hotel in the foreground while the dining room lies beyond
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There was naturally an easygoing evolution to the whole process. Rix elaborates: “Initially, our direction was the colonial style, but in the end, we didn’t stick to one style: I wanted the family to feel warmth for the house while it also being functional and congruent to the lush tropical atmosphere of the surroundings.”
The colonial theme is still apparent, for instance, in the monochromatic hues of the tiles. However, other ideas emerge elsewhere. The most eye-catching of these different ideas has to be the ‘Good Time Patio’ which, with its bright pastels and California vibe, pays homage to CH’s favourite artist, David Hockney.
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Above A 'secret garden' was created between the master bedroom and Lenny’s room
A 'secret garden' was created between the master bedroom and Lenny’s room
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TASTE MAKERS
The husband and wife have thoughtfully drawn on their history with and contacts within the furniture industry.
Here and there, one finds solid slabs of timber and limestone carved by artisans 20 years ago; kind suppliers specially sourced New Saint Laurent marble from Spain for the feature wall and Statuario Venato marble from Italy for the bar top.
Above The master bedroom has colonial and modern classical touches
The master bedroom has colonial and modern classical touches
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Best Home Furniture is the exclusive distributor of Kartell in the southern Malaysian region, and so quite a few of this brand’s distinctive ‘plastic’ pieces are scattered throughout the space.
The Gohs did not limit themselves to furniture that they carried in their stores, though. Their broader selection includes Luceplan’s Hope chandelier with its glittery polycarbonate lenses and Wendelbo’s Mango chair with its rich upholstery.
Above Wallpaper is a favourite of Evon which was used liberally in the dressing room
Wallpaper is a favourite of Evon which was used liberally in the dressing room
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Other decorative touches sustain the sense of fun and personal connection. There is of course an exemplar of Hockney’s pop art hanging up in the Good Time Patio.
Elsewhere, there are framed Jim Thompson scarves or gloriously intricate wallpaper.
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Above The master bathroom has a high ceiling to let in natural light
The master bathroom has a high ceiling to let in natural light
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Ultimately, the design philosophy at work here is about experiencing all that life can offer. Thus, the family and Rix are in full agreement that every sense should be engaged.
From the smells of the Culti scents in each space to the sounds that reach even into the lap pool thanks to the built-in speakers, from the visual impact of the colours and forms to the textures of the various materials.
Above Lenny’s room looks
out to a balcony and greenery
Lenny’s room looks out to a balcony and greenery
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Last but not least, is the sense of taste. Poh Poh is as skilled a cook as any household could ever wish for, while Lenny is a budding chef and baker. This is a family that is devoted to enjoying and sharing good food and good experiences.
One would expect nothing less from the residents of such a lively home.
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Credits
Photography: David Yeow
