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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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.”

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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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.

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.

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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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.

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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