The Modern English Cottage
Designed & Styled by: Kae Khoo · Photography by Patrick Lau
This home tells the story of two distinct cultures and personalities coming together—a Peranakan lady and an Eurasian man—each with their own lifestyle rhythms and shared passions. For Tabitha, a dedicated Pilates teacher and managing director of a local studio, life moves at a relentless pace. With a packed schedule, her home becomes a sanctuary: a place to ground herself, to unwind, and to explore her love of baking during rare moments of stillness. Aaron, on the other hand, brings a more introspective energy—spending his leisure time building intricate Lego models, spinning vinyl records, and catching movies with Tabitha, creating rituals of connection and creativity within the home.
Drawing inspiration from their union, we approached the design with sensitivity to both personal expression and shared experience. The entryway sets the tone with a soft architectural gesture—a rounded nook carved into the layout, offering a moment of visual pause. A large English-style lattice window serves as a graceful privacy divider, shielding the home from the lift landing while bringing in diffused light and a touch of nostalgic charm.
Throughout the entryway, living, and kitchen, English cabinetry detailing takes center stage. It’s a stylistic nod to the English kitchen aesthetic that the couple adores, lending warmth, structure, and timeless character to the open-plan space. At the heart of this is the kitchen island—intentionally designed as a freestanding centerpiece. With visible legs, open shelving, and drawers, it artfully balances function and display, echoing the English tradition of showcasing both practicality and beauty in everyday living.
Another favourite feature was the gallery wall that we styled that was filled with history, hobbies and personalities of both Aaron and Tabitha.
Every corner of the home has been shaped to reflect the personalities of its owners. For Tabitha, the kitchen is more than a functional space—it’s where she experiments with new recipes, bakes with heart, and feels most at home. For Aaron, thoughtful nooks invite quiet enjoyment—whether it's a cozy space to build Lego, a curated spot for his vinyl collection, or the shared comfort of the living area where movie nights unfold.
As we moved into the more private zones of the home, the design took on a subtle shift—modernizing without losing its cohesion. The master bedroom and bathroom embrace a more contemporary interpretation of the English theme, prioritizing calm and comfort. Here, we selected the colour palette to the owners’ preference to create a personalized serene retreat for winding down. Lighting was thoughtfully considered to support daily rituals: warm, bedside lamps for bedtime reading and soft LED to transit to night time. In the bathroom, the warm cozy palatte and the play of tiles echo this modern sensibility, while inset cabinetry and classic English fittings subtly reference traditional influences.
Together, the bedroom and bathroom serve as a quiet counterpoint to the livelier communal areas—a space designed for rest, renewal, and private moments. Whether easing into the morning with a gentle routine or unwinding at night, these spaces were designed to hold space for the couple’s personal rhythms while reflecting the timeless quality of their shared home.
This interior design process was not just about aesthetics—it was about storytelling. We crafted a home that embraces both heritage and modern life, supporting the fast pace of their careers while honoring the moments of rest, creativity, and togetherness that mean the most.
