ARETE CULTURE

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ADVERTISING REVIEW ARETE CULTURE

JUL 2022

July 2022 Issue 240 S$6.90 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 LIVING ROOMS | SALONS & HAIR CARE | SUPERMARKETS | NAMIBIA GRILL GURUS & GREAT GROCERS HAIRDRESSERS BEST X-RAY ART

LIVINGROOM INSPIRATION

A LIFE IN FOOTBALL

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Fun Days Out Choosing a School Family Staycations

Parents’ Views Foodie Focus

CITY GUIDE 20202/21

KIDS’ GUIDE 2022 MCI (P) 044/12/2021 Annual $9.90 Baby Products Becoming a Mum

HOME & PROPERTY GUIDE 2022 S$9.90 MCI (P) 063/02/2021

PRODUCTS & DESIGN IDEAS plus rEAL HOMES

MCI (P) 064/06/2019

Annual $6.90

Enrichment Classes Teen Hangouts Health Tips

SETTING UP • DÉCOR • THINGS TO DO • SCHOOLS • HEALTHCARE • DINING

FURNITURE | HOME DÉCOR | PROPERTIES | NEIGHBOURHOODS

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SUMMARY

2021/22 REVIEWFOR ARETE CULTURE

Thank you for your continued support of Expat Living . To help you plan the next stage of your business, we have put together a summary of your recent coverage in the magazine.

Here are some highlights from Expat Living Publications which we’d like to share with you:

As of December 2021, expatliving.sg has over 5.7 million annual page views and over 250,000 unique visitors monthly.

We continue to try to provide the best value for your ad spend and would like to encourage a combined approach across both media - print and digital - for the best results. Do discuss with your sales contact your requirements for the next phase and let us know how we can work with you to provide even greater awareness of your product or service. On the social media front, Expat Living ’s Facebook fan base continues to grow with 40,297 likes and Instagram with more than 22,300 followers.

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ADVERTISING 2021/22

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SEPTEMBER 2021 ANNUAL CITY GUIDE

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SEPTEMBER 2021 ANNUAL CITY GUIDE

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OCTOBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING

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JUNE 2022 EXPAT LIVING

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NOVEMBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING: SHOWCASE #1

Magic Eight years after moving in, this family’s condo apartment now feels like a new home after a recent makeover. We get the nitty-gritty on the process. What look were you hoping to achieve? A modern and an open feel while still retaining the traditional elements from our old furniture pieces and art. How was your experience from brief to final fittings? The whole process was very smooth. Arete Culture offered us multiple options for each room. Caroline and Insha were accommodating about the furniture and the items we wanted to retain, and incorporated these beautifully into the overall look. For the makeover day, they came equipped with a truckload of items such as rugs, decorative pieces and lamp shades. We picked the ones that worked best for us, and the end result was much better than our expectations. Do you have a favourite room in the house after the renovation? The family lounge. It’s very warm and we love the colour scheme. This is where we spend most time as a family, talking, watching movies or playing board games. Any advice for anyone considering a full home makeover? Make sure you know what you want to achieve. Changing your mind midway or too often can be expensive and lead to delays. Also, keep an openmind and be receptive to ideas. Through the Clients’ Eyes Parmeet and Princy

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Type of property: Condo Number of rooms: 4 bedrooms Size: 3,250 square feet

Who lives there? Parmeet and Princy, their two sons, and their helper Designers: Caroline Chin Geyler and Insha Subaiah of Arete Culture

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The Designers’ Perspective Caroline and Insha

Tell us about your client’s brief and the initial ideas for the project. The client initially contacted us for Magical Homes, one of our streamlined styling services. They were looking to make over their family room and master bedroom. However, once we presented our design vision of their home to them, they very quickly decided to widen the job scope – we ended up styling the entire home and doing reno work to properly build out Princy’s study. We saw a lot of potential in the space – the condo is an older property, so the apartment is large but was underutilised when we first saw it. The client also had a lot of antiques and bulkier pieces. Coupledwith the awkward furniture layout, their space appeared dark and small when we knew it could feel cosy and inviting. When designing the space, we were mindful of a few things: • The family would be staying there during this time, so we wanted to keep it inhabitable for them while making updates. • Their furniture was sentimental to them, so we knew it was important to incorporate existing pieces into the final result. • They weren’t fully utilising their home because of the layout, so we wanted to give them a fully functional space that would be comfortable and true to spirit for everyone. • They entertain regularly but never felt like they had enough functional seating. We created multiple seating zones and also gave them additional storage. Talk us through your process from brief to execution.

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We made some key changes to their existing furniture by refurbishing and upholstering old pieces. These included: • Upholstering old armchairs • Painting bar units from a tired brown to a peppy black and yellow • Painting the dining table and chairs • Painting an existing sideboard, which was relocated from the dining room to the family room • Painting a daybed and reupholstering the seat cushion • Painting an existing mirror

Perhaps the bi gges t difference we made was to reimagine what the space could be like. Our clients have lived here for four years, so it was difficult for themto see the possibilities. But we knew it didn’t need a radical renovation to feel dramatically different. On top of updating existing pieces, we also moved their old stuff around for more functionality. For instance, an old TV console was repurposed for their balcony as a

storage unit with additional seating on top. Even though we introduced many new pieces (furniture, home accessories and furnishings from Arete Culture), the client says that the home now feels twice as large. This is largely because the spatial flow works better, and the colour palette is unified throughout – nothing is jarring, and each individual zone feels inviting.

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NOVEMBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING: SHOWCASE #1

Cosmetic changes we implemented included: • Wallpapering and painting the home in blue, grey, and white. We varied the tones throughout the home so each space would feel connected to the rest of the house while retaining individuality. • Adding pendant lighting in most of the rooms to create the illusion of height and space by drawing the eye upwards. The lighting also helps to zone the open-concept space. • Creating warmth with modern area rugs and wall art (mirrors, artwork), which adds visual interest and texture while balancing heavier furniture pieces. We also brought in more modern furniture pieces, including sideboards in the dining area, consoles and coffee tables in the family room. • Complementing existing pieces with key statement furniture, such as the new bed and chaise longue in the master bedroom. • Upgrading the plain white wardrobe doors in the bedrooms with laminates and mirror details that add polish and warmth. • In signature Arete Culture fashion, layering soft furnishings, art and lighting in each space so the home would feel inviting and lived in without being cluttered. Mostly by refurbishing the older furniture pieces. We introduced colour but used it in a controlled and consistent way throughout the house. Similarly, we ensured the art pieces and statement antiques were interspersed throughout the home – this not only gave a visually lighter feel, which opened up the space, but also allows each piece to get the attention it deserves! How did you manage to integrate their old pieces into the modern aesthetic?

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HOME & PROPERTY

Designer Favourites When it comes to aspects of the makeover that stood out in the designers’ eyes, Caroline has two: the new-look bar – because she loves her happy hour! – and the master bedroom, which is now styled as a boutique hotel room and feels like an escape from daily life. Insha, meanwhi le, real ly enjoyed working on the living and dining area. The single biggest thing she recommended here was to flip the layout, placing the living area where the dining was and vice versa. The family can nowmore functionally use every bit of the home, instead of having dead corners that aren’t used. She also likes Princy’s study because he works long hours and previously didn’t have a proper home office; now, his room is truly reflective of his personality, with vinyl records proudly displayed as his Zoom background. Something Different Caroline says she loved working on this project because the clients have so many sentimental pieces. “I manage major interior design projects now, like building new homes, and I love the challenge, but my heart will always belong to interior styling,” she says. “I find it so gratifying to help clients create a home that tells the story of who they are. As we grow, we change, and I believe the homes we live in should similarly evolve to reflect that growth. That doesn’t mean junking your furniture every few years, but updating these sentimental pieces instead. This way, the furniture gets a new lease of life.”

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Any other challenges that you encountered? As with most of our projects, the clients were initially a little sceptical of some changes we proposed – like painting the bar units in black and yellow, for example. (Their painter even called them because he was worried about how odd the request was!) But that’s exactly what we were hired to do – to have a clear design vision for a home that feels true to our clients, even if that initially is a little unusual. Once the clients saw the redone bar, they had full confidence in our work and let us run the rest of the project without any objections. What do you think of the end result? We love it! The most gratifying part of the project is our clients telling us what their friends said when they visited: that the space feels “elevated”. At the end of the day, we always want to create a home that our clients feel wholly comfortable in – a place for them to enjoy every day and make memories in.

Atelier by Arete: 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 Arete Culture: 315 Outram Road, #06-01

9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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MARCH 2022 EXPAT LIVING: SHOWCASE #2

HOME & PROPERTY

APenthouse

Believe it or not, this place is a rental! An expat family fromNew Delhi were happy to spend and upgrade the unit so that they could get it the way they wanted. So they called Arete Culture for a makeover.

The family had been renting in Ardmore Park near Orchard for over seven years, but they wanted to live in a bigger unit for a few reasons – hence moving into one of the condo’s six penthouses. The eldest daughter was moving back from the US, and they wanted enough space for entertaining at home, especially with COVID restrictions limiting the chance to dine out.

BY REBECCA BISSET

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HOME & PROPERTY

ABOUT THE HOME Who lives here: A couple, their two daughters and the family dog Style and size: 8,740-square-foot penthouse apartment Style brief: “Timeless and elegant” Makeover time: Two and a half weeks, with the work being carried out just before Christmas 2021

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OVERVIEW The team from Arete Culture talk us through the project We had several rounds of discussions and meetings be f o r e s i gn i ng o f f on the design direction and vision. We conceptualised, d e s i g n e d , s t y l e d a nd pl anned for the ent i re home, including the outdoor spaces. Design and styling included wall treatments, f loor recommendat ions, landscaping the patio and choosing the colour palette of each space. We designed and built the beautiful bar and island in the open-plan living/dining area, designed and built the display cabinets and mirrored storage units in the tasting room, the media unit in the formal living room, the media wall with adjoining work desk in the master bedroom, and the murphy bed in the guest bedroom. We used about 85 percent of the c l i ent s ’ exi s t ing furniture from their previous home, supplementing it with the purchase of quite a lot of new furniture pieces since they were moving into a much larger unit (literally three times the size of their previous space!). The home also features a lot of bespoke furniture from Arete Culture, from bookshelves and display cabinets to s ideboards , nightstands, headboards, sofas and chaise longues.

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SPECIFICS Nine ways Arete styled and renovated the penthouse #1 Colour palette To a ch i e v e a t ime l e s s bu t comfortable feel, we used a neutral colour palette with tonal textures for visual interest. Accents of colour often came from the clients’ own art pieces or sentimental décor pieces. #2 Different zones The layout of the home proved somewhat tricky as it’s a long, rectangular open-concept space. We zoned the spaces by using a low media unit to visually separate the living and dining areas – the unit is very low to allow for an in-built projector screen! This layout also doesn’t take away from the star of the space: the panoramic views of the city skyline. #3 Bar space In order to give the clients more functional counter space to hold food and drinks in the open-plan living/ dining area, we also designed and built an exquisite bar/island counter that acts as an interesting feature demarcating the living and dining spaces.

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HOME & PROPERTY

#4 Tasting room Because our clients love to entertain, we proposed turning an awkward corner into a luxurious tasting room for pre-dinner drinks. We departed from the home’s light and bright aesthetic and went dark, moody and mysterious for this space because we wanted it to have a speakeasy vibe.

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HOME & PROPERTY

#5 Master bedroom

The clients wanted each bedroom to feel light and bright, but still reflective of the people in the space. The master bedroom is extraordinarily large, so we created three distinct zones for work, play and rest. The work and play areas feature a seating area and a custom media wall with a built-in desk. The area of rest is accented with statement mirrors from Arete Culture, which draw the eye upwards and help to achieve a sense of balance while still highlighting the immense space of the room. #6 Kids’ bedrooms The children’s rooms were designed with a similar white and neutral base. The teenage daughter wanted an all-white room, so we kept the palette very light and white, with some pops of blue. In the eldest daughter’s room, we emulated the feel of a boutique hotel bedroom – bolder but still restful, with different zones for work and rest.

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HOME & PROPERTY

#7 Home office

Movable bookshelves in the home office create clever separation between the rest and work areas. This allows more privacy in each section, which is useful if two people need to use different areas of the room at the same time. Wood tones keep things inviting and comfortable, but ornate details layered with lots of plush fabrics keep things rich and polished. #8 Guest bedroom The hobby room is also where the grandparents stay when they visit, so we designed a murphy bed to tuck away and clear needed floorspace. The murphy bed is designed with a beautiful sunburst detail for a subtle and still statement wall. #9 Outside The many outdoor spaces of this home are grounded in greenery, whether it’s artificial turf, potted plants or even urban vegetable beds. We created different entertaining areas for the clients, from private dining nooks and intimate armchair seating to large lounging spaces.

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A final word from the Arete makeover team

Atelier by Arete 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 Arete Culture #06-01 Tan Boon Liat Building | 9640 3829 areteculture.com We had such fun doing this project. Even though the turnaround time was really short, the client gave us carte blanche to do what we deemed fit for the space and their lifestyle. They were also so kind to us and everyone working on their home, constantly feeding us while we worked!

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MAY 2022 EXPAT LIVING: ADVERTORIAL #1

a Black &White Styling Black-and-white homes have a beauty unto themselves, so how do you go about styling the interior in a way that’s sympathetic to its surrounds, but also to those who live inside it? Arete Culture’s CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER gives us her top tips on how to work with a black-and white, and highlights three styles that fit perfectly with these colonial homes.

The Sabrina dining table and custom bar cabinet.

Contemporary & Minimal Clean lines, black accents and a streamlined colour palette keep things simple yet stylish.

There are key points to consider when working on the interior décor of a black-and-white. These heritage properties often have great cross-ventilation, but less than ideal light conditions through the home. To ensure a light and bright interior, using materials such as glass or reflective finishes combined with lighter upholstery can work wonders. Then you can use heavy woods and dark antiques as accent pieces instead for a modern take on vintage appeal. By incorporating different decorating styles within the home, you can create an environment that is both surprising and fresh. Indoor-outdoor living is key to black-and-white living in the tropics. Think about creating functional seating and dining areas to maximise the potential of your home. It’s important to remember that there are strict guidelines for renovating a heritage property, so make sure you’re aware of these. Using standalone furniture pieces to create functional storage canbe away around the rules concerning additions and renovations. If the regulations get you in a head spin, just call an expert (like us!) who can advise and help on works that can be taken on, which adhere to the rules but also reflect your style needs.

The customisable Moritz sideboard.

This customisable mirror would work perfectly in one of Singapore’s colonial homes.

Striking geometric round mirror and Milano bench.

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The Regency tall cabinet adds structure and style.

HOME & PROPERTY

The natural earthy elements of this Agate side table would fit seamlessly with the indoor outdoor living so common in a black-and-white house.

Glamorous & Sophisticated Luxe up your home with mirrored finishes, natural stone and ornate detailing.

This Susan coffee table is not just beautiful and practical, but wholly customisable.

These gorgeous geometric Astaire

cabinets are paired with a Spark geometric mirror.

Warm & Modern A mix of light-washed woods with organic materials makes for a cosy yet contemporary home.

The space-saving Henrik table and stools combines round edges with the warmth of natural

materials. This piece can be customised to your tastes.

Capiz shell on the Santorini nightstand adds a touch of glamour to this piece.

Bespoke furniture, outdoor living, and rugs available at: Atelier by Arete 20 Depot Lane, #01 01/02

Latest collection of natural stone furniture, home décor and lighting available at: Arete Culture at Tan Boon Liat #06-01 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

Make a statement with this Regency display cabinet.

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ADDED VALUE

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OCTOBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

Kitchen Costs If you’re eyeing up a kitchen renovation but don’t have a clue about a starting budget, comparethemarket.com.au has revealed the countries where it’s most affordable to renovate. Singapore is the fifth cheapest, where locals spend US$7,469 on the average kitchen makeover. This represents 16 percent of the average annual income (data takes into account the average cost of the renovation, as well as the cost as a percentage of average annual income in 15 countries). Most affordable is Hong Kong, and least is Denmark.

Dempsey Debut Ever fancied some Swarovski crystals on your silk bedding or loungewear? Not a problem at this new luxury bespoke home and lifestyle brand, Silky Miracle, which has just opened in Dempsey Hill. Clients are able to customise their pieces across its range of luxury bedding and loungewear available. The collection, crafted in top quality raw silk, is handmade by expert craftsmen. Head to 13 Dempsey Road, #01-03 to view the luxe range.

Small design changes that make a big impact!

Good interior design isn’t just about how a space looks, but how it makes you feel. Sometimes, small changes are all you need to feel differently about a space! Here are five easy things you can try this weekend. #1 Decorate your walls with something you love. Add a mirror or artwork, or even design an accent wall with wallpaper. #2 Budget-conscious? Black-and-white family photos in the hallway can create an inexpensive, bold and personal statement. #3 Scents can lift your mood entirely. Add a scented reed diffuser or candle to your entryway or bathroom to evoke a spa-like experience. #4 Only have overhead lighting? Bring in a table or floor lamp for a gentle glow at night. If you have an outdoor balcony, consider hurricane lanterns wi th electr ic candles – they’ re romantic and child-friendly!

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#5 Add a tray, ensuring it’s a different material from your tabletop. This small change not only neatens mess but also adds texture and visual interest.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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NEXT LEVEL LAUNDRY

The new T20 dual drum washer dryer by Toshiba is a sexy space age piece of home laundry kit! Drawing from the design of space-capsule glass, thewashing machine i s non-corros ive, anti-scratch, transparent, fully integrated and sympathetic to all kinds of materials. The upper drum is for delicates, the lower drum for a one-stop wash then dry. With washing capacity for up to 10kg in one drum, and 5kg in the other, there’s tons of room for those never-ending family washes. toshiba-lifestyle.com.sg

Blue Skies Ahead Dulux has announced its “bright skies” tone as Colour of the Year 2022. Described as “an airy and fresh tone that opens up and breathes new life into any space”, bright skies is a calming and classy tone for any room. dulux.com.sg

Three things every home needs

As much as I love interiors, I don’t think any of us should be buying new stuff every season. Instead, I believe in investing in key items and having those make the look. Here are three of my must-haves. #1 An oversized mirror – the bigger, the better. The best part? You don’t have to scale down in a small space! #2 A table lamp you love. Love colour? Build your colour palette around a bold-coloured lamp. You can also reupholster the shade of a lamp that might be looking a little tired. #3 Your personality, because your home should be a reflection of you. Bring in photos, plants, travel mementos, books and family heirlooms. The key here is to edit and display your items so they seem intentional, and not like clutter.

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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HOME & PROPERTY

RETRO RANGE With a hint of contemporary sleekness mixed with real retro style, the new Voet range from Born In Colour is a cool collection that should work in any home. The retro brown coffee table comes in a unique diagonal shape with black metal racks underneath. The television console is not only stylish but practical with its two drawers and two flip-out doors on either side, as is the five-tier ladder bookshelf rack. Find out how you can get your hands on one of these pieces at bornincolour.com .

Orchard Opening Courts, the electrical, IT and furniture retailer, has launched its Courts Nojima flagship store at 260 Orchard Road . The first three levels open this year, with the remaining floors slated to open in the first quarter of 2022. Customers can expect to find top-of-the-range bedding collections from Serta, Sealy and Simmons, as well as premium ovens from Bertazzoni. Had your eyes on a robotic vacuum? Here you’ll find products from six popular brands, and there’s even a fully equipped-sports gaming room capable of hosting e-sports tournaments. courts.com.sg

Decorating for the holidays and beyond

#1 Hurricane lanterns filled with seasonal décor and fairy lights are key to entryway or table set-ups. Outside of the season, replace the lights with standard candles for everyday elegance. #2 Anything with a metallic or reflective finish is holiday appropr i ate. Decorat ing a buffet table? Spray-paint a large foraged branch for a statement centrepiece. Or use vot ive candles in ametallic vessel, which work seamlessly year-round too! #3 White or silver faux flowers create an ethereal , winter wonderland look without relying on the usual poinsettia or fir. Smaller petals or coniferous looking leaves feel airy but festive and can also be repurposed throughout the year.

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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JANUARY 2022 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

NEW YEAR PIECES

Transforming Tables Love entertaining but need help to style your table up to envy-inducing standards? Estilo & Co, a Singapore events and table styling company, creates eye-catching tables that can transform a dinner party into a fun and stunning experience. It’s headed up by creative and couturiere Mary Soltysiak, who uses flowers, luxurious silverware, delicate dinnerware and table accents to create elegance and the perfect ambience. Find out more at mssoltysiaktablestyles.com and estiloandco.com .

Two new containers brimming with fabulous antiques and reproduction furniture have been del ivered to Just Anthony, ready for all that new year shopping! The store’s collection of lamps has also increased, with new pieces including porcelain jars and old ceramic Shiwan ware from China converted into unique table lamps. Head down to 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road to find some great gifts and décor for the new year. justanthony.com

How to use colour and still create timeless interiors

Colour makes us happy, but I believe it’s the curation of colour that allows us to feel more comfortable at home. Too many clashing, saturated colours and you can easily feel overstimulated. That doesn’t mean you have to stick only to pastels and neutrals though!

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#1 Pick no more than three contrasting colours and use tonal variations for interest instead. Remember to keep the rest of your palette neutral! We like to pair complementary colours (colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel) as these are high energy but classic combinations. #2 Keep to white walls if you love colour or have lots of colourful furniture and accessories. #3 No matter your colour palette, black and gold metallic accents can help to lift the overall look and make it more contemporary.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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FEBRUARY 2022 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

Customised Furniture Want the ideal piece of furniture to fit your particular space? Danovel has been around for over 60 years, and whether it’s a sofa, armchair, ottoman, bed, cushion, curtain or wall covering you’re after, you can decide on your own desired size, colour, material and finish with every design. Pop in to see the team at Tanglin Shopping Centre (#02-54/55). danovel.com

4 home shopping secrets from a stylist

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

The start of a new year always gets people excited about decorating their homes. Before you go on your next shopping spree, pocket some of my best tips on how you can shop like a stylist. Remember: you don’t need to break the bank for your home to look more expensive than it really is! #1 Buy cushion inserts that are one size larger than your cushion covers. This will make your cushions look fuller and more expensive.

#2 Get your artwork professionally framed. It makes a huge difference to any kind of art piece, whether it’s something done by the kids or an inexpensive art print found online. #3 Think in opposites: tension is what creates visual interest! Shop for handmade accents and objects in organic materials if you already have lots of glass, metals, or other handmade materials. Add metallic or iridescent finishes if you already have lots of wood, leather, rattan or fabric. #3 Replace dated overhead light fixtureswith a contemporary pendant light. We like statement sculptural pieces in black or gold.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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MARCH 2022 EXPAT LIVING

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How to style your sideboard like a pro!

Not only do sideboards provide plenty of storage, they also can act as low room dividers, especially in open concept homes. And, of course, they p rov i de a t ab l e t op surface to show off your decorating chops!

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#1 Start your tabletop vignette by dividing the space into two or three groups. The goal is to ensure each section feels as visually “heavy” as the other. #2 Use a tray, bowl or box in the middle as a catch-all for stray accessories. This is especially handy if your sideboard is in the entryway or bedroom. #3 Create height to balance the visual weight of the sideboard. Draw the eye upwards with a centrepiece that hangs behind the sideboard. Use artwork or a mirror if you have a wall, or a taller light or plant if the sideboard doesn’t sit before a wall. #4 Stick to a colour story. We like working with no more than three key colours for a cleaner look.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

Portable Projector Samsung’s handy portable projector-and-speaker-in one, The Freestyle, means you can point and play your favourite movie on a range of surfaces. It works on slanted walls, ceilings and outdoor surfaces, can screen up to 100 inches in full HD and has built-in streaming surfaces. It also doubles as an ambient light source, with a cover that comes in three different colours. Priced at $1,499, The Freestyle is available from samsung.com.sg .

Cinema Sound Fancy re-creating that cinema sound at home? Sony’s new powerful sound system, the HT-S40R, promises a powerful 600W experience with its theatre system, including wireless rear speakers bringing movies to life in the comfort of your own home. Wireless and stylish, the speakers bring great sound with little clutter. Go to store.sony.com.sg to find out more.

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APRIL 2022 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

Central Space International furniture brand KING has opened its second showroom in Singapore, located in Alexandra. The 3,900-square-foot showroom is a stone’s throw away from Orchard Road; head there for a visit and you’ll find plenty of modular sofas, beds, mattresses, rugs, accessories and storage furniture. There are also tons of fabrics and European leather swatches to view. Coinciding with the showroom opening, the brand has launched two designs: the Vertigo Wall System, and Kato, KING’s latest sofa. Explore the new showroom at #01-02/03 Thye Hong Centre, 2 Leng Kee Road .

All-encompassing Art Th e t e am a t Art Meets Hart knows that art doesn’t have to be confined to canvas on walls. The art design company, l ed b y f o u n d e r a n d c r e a t i v e director Pallavi Goenka, offers an alternative, by

fusing art with product design, including furniture. Two recently launched cabinets, for example, combine artwork and veneer; you can see this in the unique circular Rise Bar Cabinet ( pictured ), as well as the reclaimed teak wood cabinet Moon Dance. The Rise Bar Cabinet is accentuated with art by local Singaporean artist P. Gnana, and both pieces are handcrafted. Find out more at artmeetshart.com .

All About Art

With all the art I own, it’s long been a joke that my home is more an art gallery than a place of rest! This month, I share tips on how you too can learn to decorate with art. #1 Art often becomes a focal point, so ensure the colours work with your overall palette. They should either make up the dominant colours or accent the room. #2 Use different types of wall art (tapestry, canvas or prints, for example). Toomany of a single type can feel too matchy-matchy. #3 Don’ t l ike clutter? A single, larger piece of abstract artwork adds visual interest while leaving enough negative space, creating the illusion of an airy but layered interior.

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#4 For larger walls, pick pieces that fill at least two thirds, if not three quarters of the wall. #5 Got a smaller piece? Create diptychs and triptychs with other pieces instead. Ornate mirrors work beautifully here.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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MAY 2022 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

Italian Evolution Poltrona Frau, the high-end Italian furniture maker, celebrates its 110th birthday this year. The brand has been busy in the past decade, launching over 200 products, including indoor and outdoor furni ture and leather accessories, and experimenting with new brand aesthetics and sustainable production. Go t o proo f . com. sg / collections/poltrona-frau to view the collections.

How to use colour and still create timeless interiors

Did styling your balcony start with the best of intentions, only to become a makeshift storage space? It happens to the best of us. This month, learn how to refresh your outdoor space no matter how big or small it is!

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#1 Have a narrow balcony? Opt for a single statement lounger, or a narrow bench and side table set that can be easily moved. A bar table also works for functional dining. #2 If you’re shopping for outdoor furniture, begin with the materials. I like all-weather resin wicker and solid teak. Live near the sea? Skip iron for stainless steel. #3 Already have an outdoor set? Pep up the space with soft furnishings! Lighting, cushions, art and mirrors can change the look of your space. #4 The outdoors is the perfect space to try bolder colours and patterns. Use the same accent colours indoors to facilitate a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. Use no more than three main colours in your outdoor space to maintain a sense of serenity.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

MAY2022

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HOME & PROPERTY

Fancy Fridges Fridges can look kind of boring, don’t you think? S ams un g E l e c t ron i c s Singapore agrees, and is offering customers unique panel design options with its Bespoke Creators Collection. The range consists of six one-of-a-kind designs from local interior design firm ROOOT Studio ( pictured ) and artist Candice Phang, to name just two. Customers can even go one step further and pe r sona l i s e the i r refrigerators by printing out their original artwork as refrigerator decals for the panels. This allows you to design the refrigerator of your dreams and decorate your home to reflect your own personality and style. samsung.com.sg .

Finding the right rug

Buying a rug can be tough. No matter how many times you’ve measured, it can still feel like you’ve bought the wrong size. Rugs also need to last a long time, so functionality is key. Here are my tips on finding the right one. #1 Decorating in a minimal, modern style? Skip rugs with small-scale patterns or traditional motifs. Instead, opt for an abstract pattern in the same colour palette of the room. This creates a space that feels organic but tightly edited.

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#2 Darker rugs hide dirt, but also make a space feel smaller, especially on dark floors like parquet. Choose a lighter-toned, flatwoven rug with a subtle pattern for easy upkeep. #3 Using two rugs in the same space? Keep things complementary instead of using identical pieces, which can feel formal and dated. #4 Rugs in the living room must run at least the length of your sofa to avoid feeling too small for the space, though a larger size is always preferred.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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JULY 2022 EXPAT LIVING

HOME & PROPERTY

Serious Sound Small and perfectly formed, the Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar with impressive sound for smaller spaces. The brand’s newest speaker delivers great sound and can be used both at home and on the go. Priced at $529, the Ray is available at tcacoustic.asia , as well as at #01-17 The Adelphi Mall, 1 Coleman Street .

Luxe Range Local luxury furniture brand Marano Furniture has launched its Evolution of Time collection. The range comprises seven pieces of luxury furniture inspired by the passage of time. Produced on demand, Marano’s handcrafted pieces are one of a kind, crafted from scratch in low quantities to ensure sustainability and quality in design. The collection is available at maranofurniture.com/shop , where customers can also book an appointment to visit the showroomwith the latest collections on display.

Master the art of the mirror

Mirrors are a functional must-have in every home, but they can also lighten a space and add visual interest without bulk. Never knew your mirror could do so much? Read on for my trusty tips!

Arete Culture’s founder and creative director CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER shares her professional tips on home design and décor.

#1 Lift low-light entryways with a large mirror; this not only helps open up the space but also anchors it to create an entry zone, even if there isn’t one. Place a lamp in front of the mirror for a brightening boost. #2 Avoid placing mirrors across a bed. Instead, try hanging an oversized piece or a collage of smaller ones over the bed as a headboard. You can also hang mirrors over nightstands, which feels modern but balanced. #3 To make upkeep easier, choose a mirror with overlay detailing. This makes it feel more sophisticated while hiding streaks and marks. #4 Does your room feel too hard and angular? Soften those lines with a large round wall mirror. You can also do this with a round mirrored tray, which adds light and dimension to rectangular tables.

Arete Culture | 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 | 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

JULY2022

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OCTOBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING

7 Mother-of-pearl decorative storage box, The Cinnamon Room 8 Display cabinet, Arete Culture 9 Bookcase, Arete Culture 10 Tani chest of drawers, Gallery 278

OCTOBER2021

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OCTOBER 2021 EXPAT LIVING

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1 Ahoy, acrylic on canvas, WTP 2 BronzeOx by Stephen Page, REDSEAGallery 3 Golden Sunrise, Indonesian art panel, Arete Culture 4 Little Creature by Marina Dieul, REDSEA Gallery 5 Everton Road, limited-edition print by Deborah McKellar, The Cinnamon Room

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