HOME & PROPERTY GUIDE 2022

PRODUCTS & DESIGN IDEAS plus rEAL HOMES

FURNITURE | HOME DÉCOR | PROPERTIES | NEIGHBOURHOODS

One thing has remained constant though: coming back at the end of the day to a space that makes us feel happy, comfortable and aesthetically satisfied is a joy – whether it’s a rental or a place of our own. Our aim with this guide is to provide some inspiration for fitting out your space. It might be finding the perfect rug you can use as a starting point for a décor theme; or upgrading your mattress or bed base for a better night’s sleep; or maybe you just want to save time and get a leasing package on a whole bunch of beautiful items. It’s all covered here – from brand spotlights to buying guides. We also step inside a handful of our readers’ homes to see how they’ve approached the task of furnishing and decorating – from historical houses to a contemporary condo and a resort-style pad on Sentosa. For newcomers, there’s a checklist to help in your search for a place to live in Singapore (we know it’s tough these days!), plus a look at some of the popular neighbourhoods. Keep the guide handy while you find your home and kit it out – and then don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly magazine, and visit our social pages and website, expatliving.sg, for more helpful content. Good luck and have fun collecting things for your home! This is our seventh annual Home & Property Guide and plenty has changed from when we released our first one: furniture trends have come and gone, purchasing habits are different and, more recently, the way we use our homes has undergone a transformation. Ed’sNote

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF REBECCA BISSET GROUP EDITOR SHAMUS SILLAR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE CLIENT SERVICES & PRODUCTION NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN JUDIT GÁL GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL BERNABE JEANNE WONG MARKETING, CIRCULATION & ADMINISTRATION ANNA TSERLINGAS

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April 2022 Issue 237 S$6.90 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 PRESCHOOL REVIEWS • BESPOKE FURNITURE • BUBBLY BRUNCHES IDEAS FOR SHORT BREAKS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS BRUNCH TIME! MASSAGES & FACIALS NEED A SERVICED

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April 2022 Issue 237

APR 2022

S$6.90 MCI (P) 059/02/2022 PRESCHOOL REVIEWS • BESPOKE FURNITURE • BUBBLY BRUNCHES IDEAS FOR SHORT BREAKS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS BRUNCH TIME! MASSAGES & FACIALS NEED A SERVICED

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DÉCOR & DESIGN 10 Fabulous furniture, furnishings, accessories and interiors advice to make you feel at home in Singapore 46 Buying guides to everything you might need for a dining room, living space, home office, bedroom or outdoor area Contents

PROPERTY INSIGHTS 68 A glimpse inside some readers’ homes we’ve featured recently, reflecting different property styles – old and new – in Singapore 76 A useful checklist for anyone looking to rent or buy a home, plus a rundown of some of the island's most popular neighbourhoods

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From expert voices on furniture and accessories to styling advice and more, our profiles of shops, showrooms and interiordesignstudioswill help make you feel at home in Singapore – plus we have buyingguides full of products to fill your new space!

Décor &

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Five-star For more than 20 years, award-winning Emperor’s Attic has been a top spot for sourcing top-quality, hand-crafted antique, vintage and reproduction Chinese furniture in Singapore. But that’s not all: over the years, owner Chantal Travers has expanded the collection to include everything from art and bedding to trendy lamps – even Singapore-themed goodies that make for the perfect mementos. Take a look at this line-up of reasons to go for a browse. Finds Fab furniture and home décor discoveries at a popular Singapore store.

#1 Antique & Vintage Furniture If you’re looking to add some old-world charm to your space, look no further. At Emperor’s Attic, each item is personally selected and independently authenticated so you can be sure of its age, origin and materials. Chantal maintains the quality of her products by working with just a few trusted suppliers and only sourcing from Northern China; the furniture industry there is still small and it utilises northern wood as well as traditional restoration and hand-carpentry techniques. #2 Home Décor & Gifts The store’s unique ceramic and stone pieces make for great accent pieces. These aren’t items that are mass-produced in factories; they’re traditionally made in Jingdezhen, China, also known as the “porcelain capital” and birthplace of Chinese ceramics. Chantal also links up with partner brands and stocks some fantastic home décor and gift ideas, including baskets from Layard Interiors, limited-edition ceramics by Bowerbird, lush scents by Strait Lights and also Singapore-inspired gifts by her own brand Wandering Duck. #3 Awesome Art Chantal is a big art enthusiast and continues to celebrate great artists that capture the beauty of Singapore, including talented names like Deborah McKellar, Louise Hill, Kanchan Mehendale and Tatyana Kildesheva. #4 Willow Mattress Step inside the store and you’ll also find Willow Mattress, the award-winning sister company of Emperor’s Attic, selling European-certified 100 percent natural and organic latex mattresses. These super-comfy and luxe mattresses are perfect for Singapore’s climate. They’re cooling, naturally anti-dust-mite and anti-mould,

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and, because of latex’s unique properties, they provide excellent spinal alignment. Complete with a 15-year guarantee, they come in a range of sizes including European, Australian, IKEA, some US sizes and custom sizes, too. #5 Lampton Lamps Another recent launch for Emperor’s Attic, these hand- crafted blue and white ginger jar lamps are paired with personally selected and hand-made shades of vibrant colours and styles. Pick your lamp base design and pair it with the shade, shape, colour and style of your choice, and you have a unique, personalised accent piece for your home.

A word from the store owner We asked Chantal about her motivation to keep the business evolving. “I love giving these quality products and brands a platform to be shared, and I’m so honoured when they choose to put their items in Emperor’s Attic. Everything is something that I love and want to keep for myself. I want to share them with others, but I also want to make them affordable. That doesn’t translate to cheap, given the quality of items we sell, but it does mean I will always do my best to ensure the best price possible.”

#01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 9011 0380 | emperorsattic.com

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www.hankiepankietables.com Hankie Pankie Tables hankiepankiesales@gmail.com +65 96478221

An exquisitely curated tableware destination for everything you need to bring beauty to your home. We collaborate with artisans from around the world to bring you elegant Murano glassware, unique handmade ceramics, block print table linens and one-of-a-kind tabletop treasures.

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What gave you the idea for the business? I’ve always been passionate about hosting and entertaining, but I struggled to find the pretty tableware in Singapore that I’d see on my holidays. I would always squeeze bubble-wrapped bowls and plates into my suitcase and make my poor husband take more as hand-luggage after our trips abroad! So I thought, why not pretty up tables across Singapore and start my own business? When did you launch? It was deep in COVID lockdown that I dreamt up the concept for Hankie Pankie Tables, and we launched in May 2020 with a collection of tasselled napkins. It was almost perfectly timed for the initial lifting of restrictions to allow for parties of five! I’m now thankful for the forced time at home, as I was able to research suppliers and enjoy the design process. It also gave me the chance to support our artisanal family suppliers through the pandemic. What are some Hankie Pankie highlights? One highlight was becoming one of the first people to import glassware from Murano, Venice, into Singapore. I‘m also particularly proud of our seasonal collections, as I’m involved in every part of the process from design to finish. I love seeing Hankie Pankie designs on my clients’ tables – it’s such a thrill when they share photos on Instagram. This also inspired our Tablescape in a Box concept, whereby clients can buy a Hankie Pankie Table, including all the essentials they need to instantly lay a beautiful table for hassle-free entertaining at home. EMMA BROOKES, founder of Hankie Pankie Tables, tells us about her product range and how to create a wow-worthy scene for dining or drinks at home.

Any particular trends you’re seeing at the moment? Yes, layering! While the menu at a ladies’ lunch or dinner party is obviously important, setting the scene has never been so involved. It’s no longer about silver napkin rings and white bone china; today’s tablescapes are playful, transporting us to Mediterranean seaside resorts or tropical escapes. Tablescaping has also become more about the day-to-day prettiness of our home dining experiences and not just something for special events. What’s the one dish you’d love to be served at a dinner party? A fresh fruit-bejewelled pavlova served on a beautiful family- style platter – all for me, of course! What’s new for 2022? Oh gosh, a lot! We’ve already launched our Stripes range (fab, playful tablecloths and napkins with ruffles in various colours), opened our showroom in Phoenix Park and joined a new store in Joo Chiat – we love collaborating with local brands! I’m itching to return to Europe and India to source products from artisanal suppliers – I’ve got a plan to extend our range of children’s tableware. And I’m thinking of offering a free consultation service, where people share images of their room or table and I advise on colours and how our products can complement their style. On a personal note, my husband and I are expecting our fourth child, so it’s going to be a busy but fun year!

Find out more at hankiepankietables.com.

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Where to go for some timeless and affordable additions to transform your space. Soft Furnishings

you have any questions around selecting the best carpet texture and size for your home. Limewash Paint Natural-based limewash paint helps to add depth and texture to plain walls, leaving a luminous, suede-like patina. The paint is 100 percent natural mineral-based, VOC- and scent-free, and hypoallergenic, and contains no harmful substances.

Aratamete Home specialises in curtains, blinds, rugs, floorings, wallpaper, limewash paint and upholstery, with products featuring natural elements such as wool, cotton, Tencel, linen and 100 percent recycled polyester that are designed to add a calm and minimal aesthetic to home interiors. It also offers a blend of natural fabrics for those who worry about maintenance, such as linen-poly blend curtains. The brand has a strong pedigree; parent company Artelier Furnishing launched around 40 years ago and became renowned among luxury hotels in the region for its soft furnishings. Aratamete Home reimagines those top quality soft furnishings and materials for residential homes rather than hotels, adding a fresh, contemporary and timeless touch. Here’s a look at a few of their main offerings. Window Treatments The tailor-made window treatments offered by Aratamete cater to a range of different needs. The collections of day and night curtains, blinds and more are made with mindful materials that are certified free from harmful substances – so they’re safe for families. An in-store consultant will guide you through every step of the process and share more about the possibilities for your windows. Rugs Aratamete’s rugs are made with natural materials only, such as New Zealand wool and bio-based Tencel Lyocell fibre. They’re long-lasting with a superior light fastness (resistance to fading) and also easy to maintain. Consult the team if

Aword froma customer “Very professional service. I used Aratamete Home to install curtains and from the initial consultation to delivery and installation, it was a seamless experience. As an expat, it was a good one-stop shop for solving my curtain and flooring needs with professional service.” – Antony M

276 River Valley Road 6733 7012 | 8500 8703 (call or WhatsApp for an appointment) | aratamete.com

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Craving the perfect night of slumber? The first thing to do is give your sleeping setup an overhaul.

Sleep bestows all kinds of benefits: it helps our physical and mental strength, supports our immune system and allows our bodies to reboot. If you’re cool and comfortable at night, you’ll sleep well – and the benefits for body and mind will follow. With this in mind, you might be due a visit to Heveya (formerly European Bedding). The one-stop store is a regular winner in our Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards, with a product range to satisfy all sleeping needs. Here are five highlights. #1 Mattresses

including adjusting the firmness with 12 sliders in the lumbar and hip areas. Also available now are FSC-certified teak bedframes and accessories such as side tables and benches. #4 Bamboo and Linen Sheets Complement your mattress with luxuriously soft and cool bamboo lyocell sheets – duvet sheets,

Heveya’s signature range of mattresses are made from 100 percent certified natural organic latex, with no pesticides, fertilisers, heavy metals, VOCs or other chemicals used in manufacturing. They’re ultra-comfortable, too, offering seven- zone body support for perfect spinal alignment. You can also customise your mattress in multiple ways – for example, by choosing different firmness (firm, medium and soft) for each side of a King mattress. The bamboo cover has organic cotton padding and is removable and dry-cleanable. #2 Pillows For ideal support for your head and neck, Heveya’s range of pillows have a 100 percent natural organic latex core for great ventilation and moisture regulation – important in Singapore! They’re also naturally anti-microbial and dust mite-resistant, and the bamboo covers are removable and dry-cleanable. #3 Slatted Bed Bases The store’s bed bases feature high-quality, ergonomic slats and frames made from FSC-certified beech wood. The slats can be adapted to different body positions and support needs,

fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillow cases and more; you can buy them in bundles, and inwhite, grey, dark grey, moss green or sand tones. Or opt for the timeless, rustic aesthetic of 100 percent European flax linen, in white, natural, charcoal grey and pinstripe shades. #5 Duvets Heveya’s 100 percent organic cotton cover has bamboo lyocell padding and is a breathable, summer-weight addition to a Singapore bed. It’s naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, easily washable, and available in four sizes, from Super King to Single. The store also offers a Junior range for young sleepyheads, which features organic baby cot mattresses, baby pillows, toddler pillows and more. And keep an eye out for more collections being released soon, from throw blankets and throw pillows to towels and essential oils.

32 Eng Hoon Street | 9628 9610 | heveya.sg

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Did you know? Among the offerings at Honpo are special functionality wallcovering options such as semi-outdoor wallpaper for balconies, waterproof wallpapers for bathrooms wall decals for kids’ rooms, customised digitally printed wallpaper (for when you have your own personal design idea for your walls), peel-and-stick removable wallpaper and removable floor stickers.

For one thing, wallpaper allows for an enormous amount of creativity and expression, as it comes in almost endless shades, patterns and textures. Plus, you can apply it just about anywhere, transforming areas that might otherwise look run-of-the-mill into rich, vibrant spaces. Honpo is an international store based in Singapore that brings wallpaper straight from manufacturers’ factories to your doorstep; it does this to minimise distribution channels and bring big savings to customers. Most of the world’s leading wallcovering brands are available, and the team keeps around 10,000 rolls of European wallpaper in stock at one time. You’ll find everything from affordable Japanese wallpaper to extreme high-end varieties from the likes of Belgian company Arte, and Moooi in the Netherlands – an option for every taste and every wall. Once you’ve chosen your particular favourite, whether it’s a classic such as a marble-style print, or something more abstract and – pardon the pun – “off the wall”, you can then utilise Honpo’s professional and affordable one-stop wallcovering installation service. The team can also help you if you’d like to go down the DIY route when it comes to installation, with free rental services of wallpapering tools available; this can be a cost-effective and surprisingly easy way to beautify your own walls. Paint might be an obvious fallback for adding colour to your home, but there’s nothing quite like wallpaper for some wow factor! Wonderful Walls

More than wallpaper Honpo also sells everything you might need to paint your walls, or you can enlist their services to do the job for you, using products from one of America’s biggest paint brands, BenjaminMoore. If it’s more than just your walls that need sprucing, they also provide a painting service for furniture and doors. Floors are covered too, with all types of flooring materials available from the store, from vinyl to carpet tile and turf grass. And the team will even laminate your old kitchen cabinets or bedroom wardrobes.

• #01-31 Oxley Bizhub, 61 Ubi Road 1 • 50 Gambas Crescent, #09-14 9089 3266 | honpo.com.sg

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Outdoor Appeal With more time spent at home over the past couple of years, people have been increasingly looking to update their outdoor spaces – or to “bring the indoors out”.

RANGE Unlike some outdoor furniture brands that concentrate only on synthetic wicker collections, Boulevard carries a diverse range of designs in materials from timeless classics featuring wicker weaves, to modern elements such as padded slings, twisted ropes and marine leatherette. TRENDS The team says that it’s seeing an interplay of metal and wood, in an outdoor “industrial” style. Minimalism remains popular, and natural and muted tones are all the rage right now, too – think sage, cream, sandstone and beech.

Boulevard Outdoor Inspirations is an award-winning outdoor furniture brand with multiple showrooms across Singapore, all of which carry inventive furnishings for every alfresco need, from balconies to hybrid indoor/outdoor spaces and larger poolside areas. They can help you fit out any area and provide shade and lighting solutions too. MATERIALS Boulevard uses eco-friendly materials such as FSC-certified teak wood from plantations following sustainable-yield practices. Durability is a key too, hence the company’s use of marine- grade stainless steel and high-performance solution-dyed acrylic fabrics in its distinctive outdoor furniture lines. DESIGNS The furniture designs at Boulevard are a marriage of utility and aesthetics; having pieces that not only look great but are practical too makes it easier to create seamless harmony between your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Gallery: 43 Keppel Road Level 1 Concept stores: Bukit Timah and Marine Parade 6781 3211 | boulevardoutdoorfurniture.com

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We love furniture that serves its purpose well, but if it looks bold, beautiful and unique at the same time, it’s a big bonus! Classic to Contemporary

A word from the team

The Black &Walnut approach “We like to challenge the conventional and embrace eccentricity and detail to bring out something magical. For us, a settee is more than just a sofa. It’s not just an item of furniture; it’s the soul and inspiration of the living space.” What’s new and notable in store? We have introduced a new sofa collection that’s upholstered with 100 percent hydrophobic polyester fabric that holds up under the toughest spills. We’ve also added new items to our accent light collection and expanded our bedroom furniture collection. What’s trending in 2022? Softer furniture silhouettes with more curved edges! Curvalicious furniture is more feminine and forgiving; even when paired with bold colours, it won’t look too loud.

Many things have to come together to complete the look of your home – and Black & Walnut has you covered when it comes to finding gorgeous, innovative designer and luxury furniture in Singapore. The team works directly with furniture makers and designers to create tasteful pieces across a range of different aesthetics. For instance, along with plenty of options for those who prefer a classic vibe, you’ll find contemporary items that reflect simple minimalist designs, as well as bolder statement accessories. Every room of the house is catered for, too, with everything from king-size beds and dressers, dining tables and chairs, sofas and coffee tables to work-from-home desks and sideboards – even lighting and weighted blankets. In addition, some of the pieces are customisable, so you can make your own grand statement in your home.

Shop at the online store or browse the gallery at 43 Keppel Road. 6781 3201 | blackandwalnut.com.sg

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“The fast furniture boom continues to have a big environmental impact,” says the Flexisnug team. “Pieces made with synthetic materials not only have a short lifespan, but contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. We should be shifting our practices and focusing on more conscious buying. Whether you’re on a short contract in Singapore or unsure of the style you want, rather than buying cheap furniture that’s destined for the landfill, consider quality rental furniture to keep your conscious clear.” The message, in short, is: “Adopt, don’t shop!” And to reflect this emphasis on eco-consciousness and sustainability, the high- quality pieces available for rent are curated in collaboration with one-stop furniture shop Soul & Tables. The Flexisnug experience is also highly convenient and flexible. Whether you’re renting for a few days, or for months or years, the company will take care of the delivery and removal services, so you don’t have to. All the furniture is professionally cleaned and varnished before delivery, which means your pieces arrive in sparkling condition. There’s also no deposit required and minimal paperwork – all payments can be fully automated online (another plus for the environment). And you can extend, renew or shorten your lease, and return or exchange your furnishings without heavy penalty fees. Aiming to make a difference to the planet by changing the way people consume furniture, Flexisnug offers sustainable, affordable rental solutions to people in Singapore with temporary furnishing needs. Leaning into Green

How Flexisnug Works #1 Choose: Head to the Flexisnug website and select the desired pieces you wish to rent, indicating your preferred rental period to view the correct prices. #2 Receive: Once your first month’s payment has been made, the teamwill contact you to schedule a delivery. Assembly is included. #3 Delivery: Enjoy your new furniture! With Flexisnug’s flexible leases, you’ll be able to return the pieces at your convenience. The company offers a range of all-in furniture packages to choose from. They start from the “Essential” package, which caters for a one-bedroom apartment for one or two people (from as little as $175 a month); other options include “Cosy” – a more comprehensive furniture set for singles or couples – and “Family”, ideal for those with one or two children. You can also create your own à la carte bundle by using the online form to indicate what you want for your dining and living rooms, bedrooms, home office and outdoors. The teamsays, “Our packages are for everyone: local or expat, private or commercial, short- or long-term. We welcome all to be a part of our sustainability movement – while enjoying beautiful, top-quality furnishings at hard-to-beat prices.”

9011 1149 | hello@flexisnug.com.sg flexisnug.com.sg

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Reasons

Findingahome isapainstakingbusiness – but then you have to furnish the place! Thatmeans budgeting, space planning, waitingondeliveries andother logistics. One great alternative is to rent your furniture instead. We spoke to the team fromGallery 278by Esco Leasing about some of the benefits. #1 Affordability A major plus in renting is being able to access top-quality furniture at a fraction of the retail price. Whether it’s office furniture to satisfy your work- from-home requirements, or installing an extra bed for guests, you can easily change up your interior style without having to fork out thousands of dollars. Esco Leasing offers cost-effective solutions to all kinds of short- and long-term furniture needs. #2 Ability to Experiment When you rent, there’s none of the long-term responsibility you have with traditional furniture ownership. This opens up the option of being more experimental as you personalise your space, without having to be tied to something until you have to get rid of it. Esco designs and produces its own furniture, and collaborates with established furnishing brands to offer accessories, gadgets and appliances for rent too. So you can opt for your own aesthetic vision without making a full commitment.

#3 Ease Renting furniture eliminates some of the headaches of buying, including purchasing frommultiple suppliers and receiving furniture in multiple deliveries (leaving huge empty spaces in your home in the meantime!). Another bonus: if you have an issue with a particular piece of furniture at a later time, you don’t have to worry about chasing down various manufacturers for replacements or refurbishments. At Esco, the team coordinates all the tricky details around purchase and delivery, and they’ll also take care of maintenance concerns. #4 Flexibility Furniture leasing plans can also provide enormous flexibility. Esco, for example, gives you the option of leasing for just a month or two, up to a period of years – ideal for those who move around, change workplaces and follow new opportunities. This “no restrictions, no strings attached” approach can be very accommodating; for example, for a fee, you can easily switch out pieces that aren’t working for you. Or why not have a piece of dream furniture custom-built? You can even get a free loan of a stand-in piece while you wait for yours to arrive! #5 Sustainability In this age of quick fixes, many people purchase cheap, mass- produced pieces that get disposed of once they’re of no use. Furniture rental helps minimise material waste and reduce carbon emissions caused by excessive production and transportation. Much of the furniture at Esco is made from reclaimed wood or is sustainably farmed. Since the team manufactures their own furniture, they’re extremely conscious about how it’s made, and they have transparency and involvement in the production process. Gallery 278 by Esco Leasing 203 Henderson Road (Wing A), #11-01/02 6737 2322 | gallery278.com

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Sustainable Style Popular picks The Originals team runs through their current favourite pieces for different areas of the house Bedroom – Oak Spindle Bed Made from sustainably sourced European oak in a matt lacquer finish, this bed features tapered legs and rounded edges and provides plenty of slatted support. Available in Australian and Singapore sizes. Living room – Hansen Modular Sofa This customisable sofa allows you to have the configuration you want, and is easy to care for and maintain, with fully removable covers that are made in a durable, hardwearing fabric Dining room – Mikado Oak Dining Table Seating eight to ten people, the Mikado is made in lacquer- finished, sustainably sourced European oak, with a noteworthy construction that highlights stability and balance. Outdoors – Hamilton Outdoor Sofa This hardy outdoor sofa is made from a rust-resistant powder- coated aluminium frame, and blended with woven Olephin rope that resists fading and moisture. The quick-dry high-density foam cushions have removable covers.

Originals has long been a furniture favourite in Singapore, embraced for its one-of-a-kind treasures that are carefully sourced and curated, and timeless enough to fit into both contemporary and classic home décor styles. Where do you source your furniture from? India was our initial port of call, and pieces from there are still highly sought after by most of our customers, both longstanding and new. We then added Java, and then Africa, and now almost every continent is represented. We’re continually adding to our extensive collection with pieces that inspire us. What are some of the key materials used in your pieces? We believe the furniture you purchase for your home should last a lifetime. That’s why the richness and quality of the materials we use is so important to us. Our products are manufactured using sustainably sourced solid oak and teak, and our sofas are covered in premium hardwearing fabrics. And what’s the store’s philosophy as far as eco- friendly products go? We build new from sustainable resources, and we recycle and customise old pieces so they can live a second life. Our planet is important to us. We truly care that the products we sell are as environmentally friendly as possible and not harmful to our world.

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Huge showroom Originals has always opted for a warehouse- style setting for its stores, and the current retail space in Bukit Batok is a massive 12,000 square feet in size. Importantly, it provides around 35 different home settings where you can relax, visualise pieces in your own space, and mix and match to create a look that’s your own.

1 Bukit Batok Street 22, #05-02/03 6471 9918 | hello@originals.com.sg

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Treasure One great thing about living in Singapore is being able to source diverse and beautiful furniture and antiquities fromtheregionandbeyond. If you’re a lover of Asian homeware, here’s a popular furniture store you must add to your little black book.

Other finds Along with these collections, you can also browse pieces from Tibet, Mongolia, Myanmar and Indonesia, along with Thai and Indonesian artefacts and more. Customisation is a focus of the store too. #4 Among its outdoor offerings , the store stocks exclusive pieces from Domus Ventures, elegant sofa sets using white powder-coated aluminium frames, and round synthetic rattan pieces that closely resemble real ones. With a history of more than 20 years, Woody Antique House in Dempsey Hill is a 6,000-square-foot showroom of furniture, antiquities and accessories from across Asia. Regular shipments mean you’ll always find something fresh when you browse – and owners Chris and Wei Chin Ang can point you in the direction of the perfect piece for your home. Here are four of the key product ranges to explore. #1 The store’s Chinese vintage collection is sourced fromvarious parts of China by Chris and Wei Chin and carefully restored. There are also reproduction pieces that replicate a certain style yet with the functionality and colours to fit with modern interiors. #2 The Indian range of products features coffee tables, dining tables and cabinets made from old doors and window frames, as well as bookshelves from doorframes and vintage Indian cabinets and chests. #3 Woody’s natural pieces are made from recycled teak, elm or suar wood and are popular with customers who love the natural characteristics of wood, where every piece has its unique wood grain, texture and finish.

13 Dempsey Road, #01-05 6471 1770 | woodyantique.com

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Sleep Matters! You sleep six to eight hours daily, yet you wake up in the morning feeling achy or lethargic. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to look at your sleeping environment. Dormiente is an orthopaedic bedding specialist in Singapore; we asked the team to share some useful tips for better sleep. with the regeneration of the spine during sleep. It comes with five-level height adjustment in the head, back, waist and knee areas, and provides relief for sinus or acid reflux, and better blood circulation for the feet. #3 Physioform is a patented slatted bed base that’s ergonomically effective for helping

An adjustable bed base with horizontal sprung slats also increases the performance and life span of your mattress, and allows even weight pressure distribution for your body. Avoid beds with a solid-plank bed base, as they won’t allow any “give” or flexibility for your natural latex mattress, and you’ll sleep warmer – not a great idea in Singapore! – due to lack of ventilation and airflow under the bed. Dormiente’s organic natural latex mattresses, height adjustable pillows and orthopaedic bed bases are all handcrafted in Germany – in fact, the company was awarded the Germany Green Brand Award 2021-2022. They’re tested free of 200 types of harmful chemicals, which makes them ideal for a safe and healthy sleep for all allergy sufferers.

#1 Choosing the correct pillow is a major factor in achieving healthy sleep, but it’s one that is often underestimated. Your pillow should enable your head and cervical spine to stay in their natural position. Personal preferences, such as having your head in an elevated position, are often counterproductive to healthy sleep. If you sleep on your back or side, a flatter rather than overly voluminous pillow will prevent you from overstretching your cervical spine. Side sleepers need the pillow to bridge the gap between the head and the shoulders. #2 A good supportive mattress allows for optimal alignment of body and spine, so you can sleep in a natural position, free from tension and pressure. Your mattress needs to mould to your body, not the other way around! Dormiente’s Natural Classic Orthoform Female and Male Mattresses are recommended by the IGR German Association of Back Posture Trainers.

#11-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 9748 4468 | dormiente.sg

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Fresh Finds Island Living by Cocoon is a one-stop-shop in Singapore for tropical and elegant pieces with that bohemian, beachy resort aesthetic so many of us have missed over the past couple of years. It was the difficulty of sourcing unique homeware that led long-term Australian expats KARIN RYSGAARD and DENISE VRONTAS – whose backgrounds are in interior design and marketing respectively – to launch Island Living in February 2019. “There were a lot of mass-produced, super-expensive and lovely but sleek home goods that were not really our style,” explains Denise. “We felt there was a gap in the market for affordable pieces offering organic textures, natural lines and a laid-back rustic look that suits where we live geographically.” As well as stand-out signature furniture, from daybeds to armchairs, you’ll find sustainable rattan and teak wood, hard-carved artefacts, whitewashed surfaces, luxurious textiles and more.

Browse the online shop at islandliving.sg, or visit the new showroom at 8 Kaki Bukit Ave 1, #06-04, Mapletree Industrial Trust. “With travel restrictions gradually easing, we’re on a mission to expand our offerings by being able to travel to nearby countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, India and more, to touch, feel and be inspired by global trends. We also believe strongly in supporting local businesses in Singapore, collaborating with local and international suppliers with sustainable sourcing practices.” Here, Karin and Denise run through the latest happenings for the brand. New Showroom “Island Living has moved into a brand new showroom in Kaki Bukit that is three times larger than our previous space. We’re very excited about the move as we’re now able to bring in more unique pieces and allow shoppers to experience these pieces in person.” Slow Furniture “We’re staying true to our ethos of bringing in one-of-a-kind pieces from all over the world and our emphasis on sustainably produced furniture – pieces that are skilfully and painstakingly crafted by hand and designed to last for years instead of mass-produced furniture. We believe that pieces like this will never go out of style and they will suit the lifestyle of homeowners in the post-COVID era who still spend a lot of time at home.” Global & Local

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The team from rug store Living DNA tells us how to find and look after the perfect rug. 4 Ways to Fab Floors

#1 Find Your Style

Photos of your home are our starting point. We’ll consider your flooring, walls, furniture and existing décor, and assess the colours and proportions of the space. We carry 200 rug designs for every kind of interior, from luxe to modern contemporary, and minimalist to tropical Asian. If you find it a little overwhelming to browse, our rug specialists can streamline the search for you via WhatsApp to shortlist rugs for our highly reviewed home trial service. You can try as many rugs as you like to compare sizes, designs and materials. This booking can be done in the store or via online chat. #2 Do an At-home Trial Sit back and relax: we bring the rugs to your home! Choose a weekend date at your convenience, pay a small delivery fee, and we bring your rug selections to your home and lay them out on the intended spot. Some clients try different designs, others try different sizes of the same design, to play with the look. During the trial, our stylist offers guidance via video call to help you decide. #3 Consider Customisation For people who want something truly one-of- a-kind, we provide a bespoke service. The design could be based on an existing rug in our catalogue, or completely original. We guide you through selecting colours from our “poms” (small bunches of yarns). A digital render and swatch are made to ensure you get the ultimate effect you want. Once you approve, your custom rug will be woven by highly trained artisans – it takes four to six weeks.

#4 Maintain Your Rug! Vacuum cleaning keeps your rug free from dust, but allergens and stains require a deep clean. Different rug materials also require different cleaning agents and handling so it’s important to leave it to the experts. We recommend sending your rugs for a professional clean at least once a year – our service includes pickup and delivery.

#01-10BFurnitureGallery, Space@Tampines 18 Tampines Industrial Crescent 8522 0804 | livingdna.sg

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Art! Has the pandemic had a noticeable effect on how people are buying art? The pandemic has no doubt changed the space in which we operate. But in a greater sense, it has allowed us to introduce the LivingwithArt Virtual Gallery to our customers – this serves as a gateway for them to engage with the arts more frequently and with greater inclusivity. How can EL readers keep up with exhibitions, new acquisitions and other happenings at the gallery? We’re constantly refreshing our artworks and our space. You can follow our social media channels to keep abreast of the latest happenings at LivingwithArt, and subscribe to our newsletter for quarterly updates on the latest art trends. How much do your artworks cost, and do they make for good investment pieces? We strive to keep our artworks affordablewhile increasing their potential for appreciation in the future; prices at LivingwithArt range from $50 to $5,000. Together with our fine art wing, Gallery1819, we help to start collectors on a journey of art investment. Can our readers buy your art online? Yes, our e-commerce platform is well- established. It brings you a curated experience of the choice of artwork you’re looking for – whether you’re purchasing as a gift or as an addition to your home. The convergence of technology and art has brought about new forms of artistic expression. We look forward to bringing customers a curated experience, engaging their senses in both the physical and digital space, and bringing novelty to them too. #02-05 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 6917 6503 | livingwithart.com.sg What are you looking forward to from an art perspective in 2022?

Art for all – that was a motivating theme for ZAK LOwhen he set up LivingwithArt Singapore in 2003. We chat with the Gallery Director about his aimof offeringart for everykindof livingspace. What kind of art can we expect to see at LivingwithArt? We house over 3,000 artworks at our flagship gallery in the Tan Boon Liat Building. Apart from paintings, our notable collections include watercolours by local artists, bronze sculptures, and porcelain vases from Asia. Who are some local artists you support at the gallery? Our current portfolio includes many names from Singapore’s art and photography scene, including Tan Tui Gee, Chen Yi Xi, Aaron Gan, Tracy Oh, Jays Phua, Amanda Lim and Pua Ann Chi, to name a few. The sheer volume and variety of their work make for a fantastic choice for homeowners, with no limitations in terms of style, design or size.

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Out with theOld Arete Culture’s CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER talks us through a recent home transformation.

The brief Mr and Mrs Choo found us through a friend of a recent client. They had inherited their Serangoon Gardens home and wanted to update the ageing space without spending too much money. It’s a sizeable property but doesn’t feel so because of the dark built-ins and furnishings. The exterior was also ageing and there wasn’t enough seating in the house. The positioning of the furniture and the lack of dedicated space for their children to play in created an awkward and disjointed flow.

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Before

The transformation Our key focus was on the exterior, as well as the living, dining and powder rooms, the dry kitchen and the playroom. The vision for the home was to create a modern, tropical space. Core to the transformation was lightening the overall palette by using light grey, white and wood, with black, dark grey and brass accents. The dark feature wall in the living room was replaced with a lighter, stone-look wall accented with wood. We added more versatile seating options in a tonal palette of grey to keep the open concept space unified and still airy. The chi ldren’s play area was relocated to a dedicated space for better traffic flow. We also changed the open, built-in shelves in the playroom to more closed storage for better functionality. The orientation of the dining table was changed to allow for better traffic flow, and we replaced the kitchen island with a modern waterfall design. By using glossy laminates and an updated palette we created a more modern dry kitchen. The kitchen cabinets were also extended for increased storage, and we overlayed tiles and updated the vanity counter in the powder room.

Before

Before

A word from the clients “Arete Culture are true professionals in the home interior design space. We enjoyed the process of conceptualising the design and shortlisting furnishings for our home. They had a clear vision for our home, which made decision-making easier. Carol and Nirvi are both lovely and personable, which made our partnership very pleasant. “We love our new home, and we’re also proud to have visitors come over. I especially appreciate the fact that Arete Culture helped push my own personal limits in terms of furnishings I’d be comfortable with, thus creating a home that is both tasteful and special. We also think the work product and furniture are of high quality. We would have no hesitation in using them again or recommending their services to others.”

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

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Talking Textiles is an art and design studio founded in 2007 by artist Deborah McKellar. It has expanded over the past decade and a half, continuing to introduce original artworks and offerings for home and office. Here’s a look at what’s new for 2022!

Products Talking Textiles also offers a range of well-loved products, from trivets and tea towels to placemats and notebooks. The team says it’s excited to be releasing a new range for 2022, including digitally printed cushions, coasters, magnets, wooden tissue box covers, aprons, oven mitts, table cloths and table runners. Keep an eye out for three new tea towel designs to be released very soon, too: Chicken Rice, Chinese Antiques and Birdcages.

Artworks Deborah’s artworks are highly textured, mixedmedia pieces made up of silk-screen printing, hand painting and layers of Southeast Asian fabric. You can see them in person by booking an appointment to visit Deborah’s studio space and see the artist at work. She also creates bespoke artworks, so you can discuss an idea for a customised piece at the same time.

Prints P r i n t s a r e d i g i t a l l y p r i n t e d reproductions – like a photograph taken of an original artwork. They make great corporate gift ideas and farewell presents. New for Talking Textiles this year is the option of office leasing on their range of digital prints; it’s a great way to do up your office at an affordable monthly rate.

talkingtextiles@gmail.com talkingtextiles.asia

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Heavenly Scents Entrepreneur and TEMPLE Candles founder KENDALL HAMILL explains the inspiration behind the brand and talks through some best-sellers.

Where are you from, and how long have you been in Singapore?

Tell us about the products you use. We use the cleanest burning and most eco-friendly wax available on the market; it’s a beautiful, creamy, coconut-blend wax made from the cold-pressed meat of the coconut (a sustainable high-yield crop) and infused with pure essential-oil-based fragrances. These fragrances are formulated by classically trained master perfumers from acclaimed fragrance house Firmenich, who work with globally loved brands such as Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Issey Miyake. Over months of trials and testing, they bring to life my oriental-botanic ideas and inspirations through the power of scent. Once our bespoke fragrances are perfected, they’re hand- blended, hand-poured and beautifully packaged in our Singapore production facility. What are some of your best-sellers? “Bamboo” has consistently been our best-seller – it embodies the forests of Asia, with a subtle fragrance of bamboo leaf, white ginger-lily and crisp green accords. Another favourite is “Peony Petal & Fern”. The peony has graced imperial palaces in Asia for centuries; it’s a symbol of prosperity and elegance, and the luxuriously cool, fresh rose fragrance smells just like walking into a florist! For visitor gifts, our “Singapore Orchid” scent is extremely popular. Inspired by Singapore's national flower, the Vanda Miss JoaquimOrchid, it has hypnotic notes of lotus, orchid, patchouli, jasmine and cyclamen on a sultry base of white musk, spices and sandalwood. Finally, one of our proudest creations is “Frangipani”, the bespoke fragrance we formulated especially for Raffles Hotel Singapore. It’s a dreamy, velvety floral summer scent that embodies the white Plumeria frangipani trees that surround the “Grand Old Dame”. It’s sold exclusively in Raffles Boutique.

I’moriginally fromSouthAustralia – a small country town of just 9,000 people; but I’ve since lived in many parts of the world. When I came to Singapore nine years ago, however, it was love at first sight. Life as an expat in the glamorous garden city was exciting and intoxicating – it’s no wonder I was inspired to build a brand based on its beauty! The idea came after an endless search for the perfect Singapore-inspired gift for visiting family and friends. Earlier in my own travels, I had trained in an Apprentice Perfumer programme in Grasse, France – the perfume capital of the world. It gave me an understanding of the powerful memory- evoking abilities of scent. When I arrived in Singapore, I was inspired to create oriental- botanic fragrances that could be taken home as reminders of romantic travels to the Far East – an olfactory link to another time and place. As an interior designer, I’ve always loved the final touch a candle or diffuser adds to a room, and how the fragrance transforms the atmosphere with luxurious scent. The ambience a candle adds is instantly relaxing, and it really sets the mood, whether it’s welcoming, tranquil or romantic. Candles are also the perfect house-warming or hostess gift, to be enjoyed for many months. What was your vision for TEMPLE Candles? What makes a candle such a special item for the home?

Shop online for candles, diffusers, hand and body

products and other gifts at

templecandles.com, and at various retail locations in Singapore – see the website for details.

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