October-November 2017

HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY

OCT-NOV 17

HONG KONG

EXPATLIVING.HK

WHAT’S ON, WHERE TO LIVE TRAVEL IDEAS, DINING SPOTS

KIDS CLOTHES, PARTIES & GIFTS

HEALTH, FASHION, BOATING, FINANCE & BARBECUES

YOU COULD WIN A TWO-NIGHT BALI STAY + FLIGHTS WORTH $67,000! Readers’ Choice Awards VOTE IN OUR

OUTDOOR DÉCOR & STYLISH INTERIORS

EDITOR’SNOTE

While I’m still desperately clinging on to the memories of a wonderful summer holiday in Laos, it would seem that the year is rapidly moving ahead without me. We’re spending our October break in Australia and, as much as I love my trips back home to stock up on essentials like Vegemite and Milo, I am absolutely determined to avoid shopping centres at all costs this time. I know; it’ll be tough. But I also know there will be the first signs of Christmas about the place. A few subtle decorations popping up on shelves, ads for those organised types who like to do their gift shopping early, and a general excess of everything. I’m simply not ready for it yet! Instead, we are gearing up for Halloween. It’s right up there with Christmas in our house, as far as favourite holidays go, and my boys plan their costumes all year. Thanks to a certain LEGO movie, there is set to be a heavy Batman theme this year. And I doubt I will get away with cutting a few holes in a white sheet again … The annual pilgrimage to Pottinger Street for costume hunting is actually a lot of fun; I’m thinking of getting myself a Wonder Woman outfit this year. Not that I have the looks or charm of Gal Gadot, but I might need to channel some of her inner strength to get through the “festive season” – which in HK is Halloween all the way through to Chinese New Year. You’ll find details of our first Readers’ Choice Awards on page 16 and online at expatliving.hk. It doesn’t take much time to get involved, and by participating you could win two round-trip Business Class tickets to Bali on Hong Kong Airlines and a two-night stay at COMO Uma Bali! So do it now – and good luck!

Stay updated online

NEWS – WHAT’S GOING ON? Read the latest Hong Kong happenings EVENTS CALENDAR – POST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE! Having a party or a promotional launch and want to get the word out about it on our website? Just head to www.expatliving.hk , click on “Post an event”, and fill in the details. We’ll do the rest! WHERE TO BUY A list of retail outlets where you can buy the latest copy of Expat Living

BROOKE CHENOWETH

PS: Congratulations to the lucky winner of our Hong Kong Airlines competition! The two economy-class round-trip tickets from Hong Kong to Vancouver went to Samantha Widmer . Enjoy your trip!!

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Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Editor BROOKE CHENOWETH Online Editor MELISSA STEVENS Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Senior Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Circulation ANNA TSERLINGAS Subscription & Administration GRACE BANTARAN | SITI SHAHIRAH KHIRUDEEN Sales & Marketing KATE WOODBURY | WENDY CHAN | DANIELLE HIGGINS Marketing & Business Development Executive VEENA GILL Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers ORLA BREEZE | KATE FARR | RACHEL WILLIAMS Contributing Photographers JAMES MORLEY MICHELLE PROCTOR (MICHELLEJPROCTORPHOTOGRAPHY.COM) Printed by MIRACLE PRINTING CO. LTD.

CONTACT US General Enquiries: +852 3480 7614 | +65 6259 0058 | info@expatliving.hk Advertising Sales: advertising@expatliving.hk | sales@expatliving.hk Subscription: +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.hk Production: +65 6812 1787 | production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases: editor@expatliving.hk Calendar of Events: calendar@expatliving.hk Events: info@expatliving.hk Websites: expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk I exmag.sg Printed by Miracle Printing Co. Ltd. Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 18 Howard Road, #08-10 Novelty BizCentre, Singapore 369585

Cover: Atelier Lane (atelierlane.com)

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CONTENTS

UPFRONT 10 What’s New 12 Calendar of Upcoming Events 14 Follow Us Online 16 NEW! Readers’ Choice Awards HOME & PROPERTY 20 News 22 * Showcase: Emma Lauren’s Discovery Bay apartment 30 Interior Expertise: Hiring a designer to help transform your home 33 The Great Outdoors • Three must-haves for autumn • Choosing outdoor furniture • Which barbecue to buy? • Products for your alfresco areas

42 Changing things up for autumn

LIFE & FAMILY 56 News 60 Rated PG: Our regular parenting column 62 Book Previews 64 Christmas Shopping: Highlights from the upcoming Prestige Fairs 68 Children’s Fashion 70 Business Profile: Sustainable clothing for kids 73 Party Planning: Celebrations that will wow the birthday boy or girl 76 Aquatic Adventures: Ocean activities, product ideas and boats for hire 83 Planning for Retirement

42 New Collections:

Finding seasonal inspiration

44 Buying Guide:

Setting up the perfect home office

48 Accommodation Options:

New looks for little ones 68

A residential complex with facilities galore

50 On the Market:

Properties for sale and lease

Showcase Features: Each issue, our home showcase features provide a through-the-keyhole look into some of our readers’ lifestyles and their interior design decisions. If you’d like us to profile your own home – whether it’s beautiful, quirky, historic or modern – and you’re willing to be interviewed and photographed, drop us a line at info@expatliving.hk.

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CONTENTS

120

Brilliant beach destinations you mightn’t have tried

BODY & MIND 90 News 93 Asthma Explained

TRAVEL 114 News 116 Amazing Ethiopia 118 Travel Trends: Where to go in 2018 120 Best Beaches: Coastal destinations with a difference 122 LA Insider 124 Loving Laos: Exploring Luang Prabang with kids REGULARS 130 Important Numbers 131 Our Advertisers 132 Parting Shot: Walk on the Wild Side

94

Men’s Focus Heart health, hair removal and weight-loss options

98 Relationships:

How to renew the spark with your partner 100 Coping Strategies for New Mums 102 Seasonal Fashion: Cashmere for the cooler weather WINE & DINE 108 Foodie Finds: What’s new, from truffle menus to junk feasts 110 Taste Test: Asian flavours at Hutong and Fang Fang

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NEWS

GiddyUp! Tuesday 7 November is Melbourne Cup day, one of the most anticipated dates on the horse racing and social calendar – it’s “the race that stops a nation” in Australia, and is watched with great interest by many in Hong Kong too. This year, online butcher Farmer’s Market has teamed up with local charity Angels for Orphans to put together a long lunch at the Aberdeen Marina Club in Wong Chuk Hang, followed by an after-party at The Butcher’s Club. All funds raised will go directly to Angels for Orphans to support projects by Bali Kids and Sunrise Cambodia. Expect free- flow drinks, canapés, and a three-course meal thanks to generous local sponsors, as well as an auction. Tickets from farmersmarket. com.hk/collections/melbourne-cup.

Best of Books The 2017 Hong Kong International Literary Festival takes place from 3 to 12 November, with a line-up of established and emerging international writers and an extensive programme of discussions, literary lunches and dinners, workshops, lectures, debates, book signings and readings. Headlining the event is Jung Chang, author of Wild Swans , while the UK’s Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will also be attending, along with writer Ken Liu, novelist Pankaj Mishra, author of The Nakano Thrift Shop , Hiromi Kawakami, and distinguished British journalist Jonathan Fenby, among others. There’ll also be a special focus on authors from Penguin’s special Hong Kong series to commemorate the 20th anniversary of handover. festival.org.hk

Girl’s Getaway Hotel ICON has launched a series of new room packages f o r l a d i e s looking for a little fun and pampering with

Charity Race Ma t i l d a Ho s p i t a l ’s annual Sedan Chair Race , now in its 43rd year, will take place on Sunday 29 October. Raising funds for local h e a l t h , s o c i a l a nd education charities, this year’s event features a

new category, the “Super Fun Challenge”, which requires only four runners without a passenger. Participants in other categories race in teams of four to eight people along a 2.1km stretch, starting at Matilda Hospital. Teams traditionally compete in bright costumes and highly decorated chairs, making for a fun day out! Register now. 2849 0447 | sedanchairace.org

friends. The Hong Kong City Style “Girl Getaway” and “Bachelorette Party” packages have a host of inclusions that are guaranteed to please – from afternoon tea and spa treatments, to chocolates and magazines in your room. Airport transfers in a Tesla and exclusive check-in are also available. For more info, visit hotel-icon.com/offers .

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SPORT Barclay’s Moontrekker (13 OCTOBER)

Hong Kong Tennis Open

The ninth Barclay’s Moontrekker sees runners tackle an overnight race on Lantau Island. There are two courses starting from Mui Wo on Friday night to Pui O. Hong Kong’s leading night hiking/running event raises money for charity, so show your support by making a donation. barclaysmoontrekker.com Hong Kong Tennis Open (7-15 OCTOBER) Five of the world’s top thirteen female players, including Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams, will play at this WTA International Series event, which takes place at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium. A range of fan and community events will also be on offer. hktennisopen.hk OneSky Charity Walk (21 OCTOBER) Get your walking shoes ready and join the OneSky Charity Hike. The hike raises funds for vulnerable children and enables OneSky to train caregivers to provide care for children across China. There are trails available for all levels and ages so it’s easy to get involved, whether you’re a beginner or advanced hiker. onesky.org Oxfam Trailwalker (17-19 NOVEMBER) This fundraising event sees participants form teams of four to complete the 100km Maclehose Trail within a 48- hour time limit. Since 1986, more than 98,000 participants have raised more than HK$538 million to support Oxfam’s various poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects in Africa and Asia, including Hong Kong and mainland China. oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

WINE & DINE

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival (26-29 OCTOBER) This world-class festival returns to the Central Harbourfront Event Space, offering foodies the chance to sample some fantastic food and drink from more than 300 booths. There will also be special events, such as tasting classes with industry experts. discoverhongkong.com

German Bierfest (20 OCTOBER – 11 NOVEMBER) Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel for an evening of German beer, food and dancing. Music will be provided by The Notenhoblers, a seven-member band from Germany. hkticketing.com

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

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CALENDAR

STAGE

Aida (10-15 OCTOBER)

Opera Hong Kong will be staging performances of Verdi’s most famous opera, Aida , at the Cultural Centre. The timeless story of the conflicting duties of love and patriotism will feature a star- studded international cast, which includes two of the opera world’s reigning Aidas. operahongkong.org Guess How Much I Love You (20-22 OCTOBER) This ABA Productions show of the much- loved children’s tale is directed by Anna Fox, with music composed by Harry Sever and movement by Lucie Pankhurst. The playful story of love and nature will be told through puppets, live music and interactivity, for children aged two years and up. Running time is approximately 55 minutes. aba-productions.com 11th Annual Hong Kong Comedy Festival (26 OCTOBER – 25 NOVEMBER) Catch some of the best comics in the game, as they vie to win HK$40,000. The festival will see a series of heats, leading up to a grand final, with international comedy stars Ahmed Ahmed and Paul Ogata also doing a series of shows as part of the festival. hkcomedyfestival.com

Lamma Fun Day

Clockenflap (17-19 NOVEMBER) Hong Kong’s biggest arts and music festival is back. This year’s line-up will include Massive Attack, Feist and the Dandy Warhols, in a weekend that promises to be huge for music fans; there’ll also be the usual mix of arts, film, food and family fun, too. clockenflap.com FAMILY Maternity + Baby (21 OCTOBER) expectant mamas- and papas-to-be on key parenting topics. Maternity experts will speak throughout the day and take part in Q&A sessions and there will also be an array of exhibitors showcasing products and services. healthymatters.com/hong- kong-maternity-event The Big Picnic is a community music and dance festival held on Discovery Bay’s Tai Pak Beach, D-Deck and main plaza. There’s a host of live and original live musical acts, both established and emerging, scheduled to perform, plus a big screen, beach bar, beach volleyball, market stalls and more. thebigpicnichk.com The third annual Maternity + Baby conference will inform and connect The Big Picnic (4 NOVEMBER)

Lamma Fun Day (4 NOVEMBER)

An institution on Lamma, this event is great fun for music lovers and families, with food and market stalls, a licensed bar, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities, as well as live music on the beach. The event, now in its 17th year, raises money for the Child Welfare Scheme. cwshk.org/ newsandevents/lammafunday2017 SHOPPING Prestige Fairs (15 & 27 NOVEMBER) Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping with a visit to one of the Prestige Fairs. The fairs see the Grand Ballroom of the Conrad Hotel become a hub for more than 100 pop- up retail shops, with creative designers and innovative entrepreneurs showcasing their products. The Gift and Lifestyle Fair will be held on 15 November, followed by the Pre- Christmas Gift Parade. prestigefairs.hk KEY DATES 2 October – National Day public holiday 5 October – Mid-Autumn Festival public holiday 28 October – Chung Yeung Festival public holiday 31 October – Halloween

Clockenflap

Lamma Fun Day Picture: Gaz Jones Photographer

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HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY

OCT-NOV17

HONGKONG

tNov2017 Issue37

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NEW TO HONG KONG ORKNOWSOMEONE WHO IS? SETTING UP HOME • INTERIOR DÉCOR • THINGS TO DO

Our latest City Guide features useful articles onhealthcare, schools, choosing the right neighbourhoods to live in as well as the best places to shop and dine.

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We’re running our very first Hong Kong Readers’ Choice Awards and we’d like your vote on businesses that you would recommend to others. It’s what we’ve always been about at Expat Living, and we think it’s high timewe reward thepeoplewhoaredoing a fantastic job, aswell as help spread theword about them – and you’ll be rewarded too!

Vote now at expatliving.hk/readerschoice

Prizes worthover $67K!

Vote &Win! A two-night stay for two at COMO Uma Ubud in Bali, including two round-trip Business Class tickets from Hong Kong to Bali with Hong Kong Airlines, worth over $67K in total!* Your stay will also include meals, a private tour of Ubud, yoga and cooking classes, as well as a relaxing massage for two!

*Terms and conditions apply and can be found on the survey online.

HOME & PROPERTY

HOME&PROPERTY

38 Buyers’ Guide: Stylish

furnishing for alfresco living

Everything Under The Sun

22 Home Showcase: We go inside a Discovery Bay apartment

44 Indoor Ideas: Setting up the perfect home office

50 On the Market: Properties for sale and lease across Hong Kong

19 OCT-NOV2017

HOME & PROPERTY

More fromMiele In the heart of Causeway Bay is the new Miele Experience Centre , a 350 square-metre, two-storey flagship store that gives customers a new way to shop for Miele’s range of built-in and free standing appliances. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in Hong Kong, Miele will also host cooking workshops and demonstrations at the Centre, so customers can learn more about different cooking techniques and appliances. G/F & 1/F, Lee Garden Six, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. 2890 1018 | miele.hk

Cutting a Rug To warm up your home in time for winter, CarpetBuyer has a large selection of handmade pure silk carpets from Iran and Kashmir. Sourced directly from the top weavers, some of the carpets are semi- antiques, made in the 1950s and 60s with the best quality silk and vegetable dyes, and with fine designs dating back as far as the 16th century. They add a long-lasting touch of elegance to a room, and plenty of comfort underfoot. Unit 2604-07, 26/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau. 2850 5508 | carpetbuyer.com

Barbecue Warehouse Sale If you’ve been thinking about getting a barbecue

Soft as Silk These Premium Range duvets by Silk Road Desire are the sure thing t o o ff e r you a luxurious, deep and rejuvenating night’s sleep. Filled with 100 percent

for home, you’re in luck. Jervisbay Barbecues is hosting a massive warehouse sale at its Wo n g Ch u k Ha n g location from 1 October. The warehouse is open

AAA Grade Mulberry Silk, the duvets are not only soft, light and incredibly comfortable, but totally hypo-allergenic, temperature regulating, and easy to maintain. And you can sleep well knowing that the items available from Silk Road Desire are certified to OEKO Class 100, which ensures no harmful chemicals are used in the natural products. Duvets are available in king, queen, single and infant (for toddlers) sizes, in both winter and summer weights. As a complement, they also offer removable duvet covers, fitted sheets, flat sheets and pillow cases made of 100 percent sateen cotton, with free delivery in Hong Kong. silkroaddesire.com | steve@silkroaddesire.com

from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm on weekends, and the sale includes barbecues and accessories, swimming pool accessories, gardening equipment and outdoor plastic ware. Unit B, 9/F, Tin Fung Industrial Mansion, 63Wong Chuk Hang Road. 2792 7268 | jervisbaybarbecues.com

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HOME & PROPERTY

toPerfection

An insta-worthy apartment in Discovery Bay makes the perfect backdrop for this chic stylist’s work.

BY KATE FARR PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE PROCTOR

23 OCT-NOV2017

T o chat to food and lifestyle stylist and social media consultant EMMA LAUREN – whose intricate photographic styling work has been featured in a long list of publications in Hong Kong and overseas – is to instantly feel that little bit more cheerful, no matter how grey the day. As naturally sunny as her beautifully curated Instagram feed (instagram.com/emma_lauren), Emma’s quirky and often very dry humour shines through, both online and in person, and is reflected in the details of her unexpectedly whimsical home. Arriving in Hong Kong five years ago with commercial pilot husband Dave, Adelaide native Emma struck upon Discovery Bay as the perfect foil to the often-overwhelming pace of city life. “We chose this area as the green spaces and living seemed like a good balance to Hong Kong’s busy lifestyle. Also, by being outside of the Central area, we were able to get a larger place for a smaller budget.” The couple settled upon a two-bedroomed, 878-square-foot apartment with an open kitchen, lush mountain views and great natural light – a huge bonus for Emma. “When I’m not shooting in a studio or on location, I work from home. It’s very comfortable to have an open concept home with such an abundance of natural light to shoot products, or even just to catch up on emails.” Any downsides to island life? “Living by the ferry schedule! It does definitely force you to be more organised.”

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HOME & PROPERTY

With the move to DB came two further additions to the family: Italian greyhounds Hugo and Argos, who, Emma cheerfully admits, rule the roost – even to the point of influencing design decisions! “Our dogs’ favourite area is our living room bay window; we had custom cushions made to increase our seating options, and they love sunbathing and watching the birds outside!” Fortunately, other than keeping their canine companions content, Emma and Dave have had very little to worry about in terms of renovation. Emma explains: “I think we were pretty lucky in terms of layout, as the previous owner had already opened out the kitchen, making our additional renovations fairly minimal.” She adds that, even though the space isn’t huge, the floor plan is efficient in utilising space. “Our previous apartment was bigger but it actually felt smaller than our current home due to the layout.” With the basic layout already working well for the couple, Emma was free to unleash her creative eye when it came to decorating the apartment. Choosing a minimalist palette of mostly grey and black, accessorised with vibrant pops of colour throughout, the décor manages to be simultaneously sophisticated and full of personality. Emma explains, “I really love mid-century modern interiors; to me, the lines and design are really timeless.” Key pieces in the living room include a simple wooden coffee table from TREE, a Danish Vintage Modern TV console, and a classic sofa by Decor8. These are teamed with a pale pink leather ottoman by Thorn and Burrow, a tonal West Elm rug and a striking swan painting by UK artist Abigail Reed, which originally featured in the TV series Broadchurch .

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Emma and Dave have collected many meaningful pieces on their frequent travels, which now take pride of place throughout the apartment. “Every time we travel somewhere we usually pick up an item for the home, so I feel like almost everything has a story behind it! There’s something so nice about having an item you love and use every day that invokes good memories.” Describing both herself and her husband as “kind of hoarders”, Emma loves to uncover cameras and props that she can use in her photoshoots, while Dave favours building his book collection. “We try and arrange these collections so they are focal points of the room rather than clutter,” says Emma – and nowhere is this more evident than with the rainbow book stack, which creates a playful highlight on an otherwise unremarkable wall. The couple’s imaginative gifts also take pride of place in their home. “Dave’s favourite present fromme is an antique puffin, which was originally from a London museum in the 1800s.” And her favourite gift in return? “A 1952 pink typewriter from New York, that he found and surprised me with.”

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HOME & PROPERTY

For all the flashes of colour and quirk in the living area, Emma has opted for restful understatement in the master bedroom. “I used a dark grey paint colour, with bright white linens and gold and brass features. Dark colours can often make a space look smaller, but for a bedroom I think it creates a cosy feeling. It also helps to balance the dark frame of the bed.” A large vintage mirror, along with a simple side table from Zara Home complements the Indigo teak and wicker bed and creates a tranquil, unified look. And while the room isn’t large, Emma has solved the age-old problem of storage by carving out an enviable walk-in closet space from an unused third half-bedroom. Of course, we already know Hugo and Argos’s preferred hangout, but what about Emma’s? “I love our living space; the open-plan design makes it the perfect space for having friends over.” Meanwhile, Dave is happiest cooking up a storm. “The open-plan kitchen is definitely my husband’s favourite room as it makes it so enjoyable to cook together, something that wasn’t possible in our previous apartment.”

We asked Emma for a stylist’s perspective on decorating an apartment and she shared four failsafe tips with us. #1 Green leaves and plants freshen and invigorate an apartment. Cut tropical leaves can last four to five weeks, so they make a great budget-friendly alternative to cut flowers. #2 Colour co-ordinating your bookshelf turns a storage area into a focal feature. This also makes a small space look tidier. #3 U s e t r a y s t o g r o up arrangements together. This avoids your items looking cluttered, and makes them look like more of a curated collection. #4 Stick to using just one or two tones of wood in a room to keep your theme consistent.

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Emma’s Recommendations Danish Vintage Modern 148 Magill Road, Norwood, Adelaide, South Australia danishvintagemodern.com.au Decor8 8/F, Shun Pont Commercial Building, 5-11 Thomson Road, Wan Chai 5981 1636 | decor8.com.hk Indigo Living 221-224 Landmark Prince’s Building, Central 2801 5512 | indigo-living.com Klondike G/F, 39 Tung Street, Sheung Wan 3956 4556 | the-klondike.com

And it seems that Emma’s innate sense of style runs in her family. “Something that my mum said to me a long time before we moved to Hong Kong was, ‘When you decorate an apartment, you have to take a different approach to decorating a house,’ and I think she is totally right. As the space is generally a lot smaller and rooms are often dual-use, you need to be careful when combining furniture pieces that the room doesn’t become too visually cluttered, or messy.” Looking around this playful-yet-grown- up space, it appears that Emma has achieved the perfect balance between collecting and curating – all in her trademark colourful style.

Thorn and Burrow 1/F, 30 High Street, Sai Ying Pun 2559 9338 thornandburrow.com

TREE 28/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2870 1582 | tree.com.hk Zara Home Harbour City, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 2880 5068 | zarahome.com

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Moving countries can be big, complicated and stressful, and while many of us are only moving temporarily, that doesn’t mean that we should have to “make do” with a living space we don’t absolutely love. HOMES Transforming

BY BROOKE CHENOWETH

Interior Expertise Bringing her contemporary, classic interiors to luxurious homes, chic apartments, boutique hotels and property development show apartments, Ellie now provides a personalised design service from her studio in Hong Kong. She designs each project personally, and sees it through to completion, managing suppliers and trades, and giving each client peace of mind that their project will be completed with attention to detail, on time and on budget. When asked why it’s a good idea to hire an interior designer, Ellie offers a number of compelling reasons. “Firstly, you don’t have the time. A designer will plan your project down to a tee. We oversee your entire project from start to finish so you can spend time on the things you need to, such as work or family. Secondly, interior designers offer a professional assessment. We are trained to spot the things you might miss. If you’ve been mulling over designs for too long and it’s all a haze, we’ll be able to help you make an informed decision.” Then there’s the issue of money. “You might think that hiring an interior designer

N ew to Hong Kong herself, ELLIE BRADLEY, CEO and Creative Director at Atelier Lane interior and product design studio, knows a thing or two about starting from scratch. Ellie tells us, “I arrived in Hong Kong earlier this year after spending two years in Singapore. I love it here – the vibrancy, the culture; it really is very

inspiring. While we are newbies to living in HK, we’ve visited many times as my husband grew up here, so I know the city well.” Atelier Lane launched in Sydney in 2009, initially working in homeware design. After tackling various residential and boutique commercial projects, it quickly became one of Australia’s best- known design studios.

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HOME & PROPERTY

“My inspiration can come from anywhere – from travels, an artwork, or nature.” is going to cost you a fortune,” says Ellie, “yet this isn’t always the case. What you spend is completely up to you and your budget. Interior designers are supposed to be good communicators so we try to make pricing clear from the outset; every detail that could inevitably help with budget is considered and assessed. Hiring an experienced interior designer will help you avoid costly mistakes too.” Anyone who has ever renovated or redesigned in Hong Kong knows how challenging it can be, especially when you’re dealing with all kinds of contractors and suppliers. Ellie adds that another advantage of hiring a designer is having a project manager to deal with all parties on your behalf. “An interior designer will oversee all elements of production,” she says, “and will communicate between those who are involved, such as architects, joiners, decorators and, of course, the client. We act as a middleman (or woman!), a liaison officer and a mediator, making sure that at the end of the day, the client has their dream design.” Above all, by hiring the right person, you can make your dream space a reality. “It’s the job of the interior designer to

put forward designs and products that are unique, innovative or even slightly beyond your comfort zone, pushing you to create a space you might not necessarily have thought of but will love being in,” says Ellie. “Every designer can identify the limits of their client and should be able to sense what direction you want to go in.” New & Unique As well as its interior design offerings, Atelier Lane will soon be launching a new furniture collection. Designed with Hong Kong in mind, the range draws inspiration from Australia and Europe. The collection will launch with a range of dining tables and chairs, with cabinets, side tables and occasional chairs to be added later in the year. When askedwhere her inspiration comes from, Ellie says, “For me, it’s everywhere. It can come from my travels, an artwork, or nature. I’ve had a lot of change in my life over the past three to four years, so this has also influenced my designs, as I design pieces for my own home. I love classic design, structure, geometry and colour. and you will be seeing more of this in the coming collections.”

Just Arrived? If you’re struggling with an awkward rental space, furniture that isn’t quiteworking together or just not knowing where to find that perfectly elusive piece for that corner, Atelier Lane can help you on your quest tomake your dream home-from-home (or permanent home!) a reality through its expat interior design and furniture packages. Ellie works with a lot of expats on designing and buying furniture for their new homes. She works out furniture packages suited to each client and can help purchase everything needed – from furniture, tobeddingand towels, right down to those little things that make your space your home. She’ll even work with your estate agents for delivery and style it all up so that when you arrive, your home is all set up and ready to go.

9558 3007 | atelierlane.com

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HOME & PROPERTY

Outdoor Essentials

#2 Let there be light “You want to be able to use your outdoor space not just during the day but at night, too, and for that you’ll need light. The Royal Botania Dome Move floor lamp is made from aluminium, coated in white or black, with a handmade glass cylinder inside. There are three varieties of coloured glass (clear, smoked, amber) to choose from, which means you can create your perfect style of atmosphere.”

Autumn in Hong Kong is the best time to be outdoors. No matter how big or small your outdoor space may be, there are a few must- haves to make the space both functional and fabulous. Here, the team at Everything Under the Sun gives us their top three. #1 Keep warm “The Tansun Ambient Series electric heater keeps you warm outside, which in turn means that you can make use of your outdoor space year-round. The wall-mounted heaters use advanced ‘low glare’ technology, which creates a pleasant ambient glow. There are two models in the series – Tansun Bahama and Tansun Monaco – with two different designs and sizes, and they can also be used indoors. The range is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, waterproof and wind-resistant, not to mention safe and stylish.”

#3 Take a seat “Seating is a must in any outdoor space, and the Tribù Natal Alu sofa offers the ultimate in flexibility. With 13 different modules, two different frame colours and more than 70 outdoor fabric options for the cushions, the possibilities are endless. The sofa features a subtle powder-coated aluminium frame with attractive, curved armrests, and broad textilene straps to support the cushions. It’s a piece that really shows just how far outdoor furniture has come; special mention goes to the outdoor cushions that can be left outside year-round, thanks to a waterproof cover over the filling, and covered stitches that help prevent water from penetrating.”

902 Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau 2554 9088 | everythingunderthesun.com.hk

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BY BROOKE CHENOWETH

When it comes to outdoor furniture and accessories, you need to choose wisely if you want products that will stand up to the city’s harsh climate. After 15-plus years developing trimmings and accessories in the garment industry for companies like Ralph Lauren, GRACE CARREY was well-positioned to take her expertise and connections in manufacturing and create something new. Ten years ago, after moving to Discovery Bay and setting up home on a boat, Grace came to the conclusion that Hong Kong suffered from a lack of quality, affordable outdoor furniture, and she decided to do something about it. So, Blume Living was born. “I went straight to the

manufacturers in China,” she says, “and combined orders with my neighbours to fill up a container to Hong Kong.” In the beginning, Blume mainly supplied outdoor furniture to Discovery Bay residents and domestic customers, but a few years ago Grace set up a company and showroom in Phuket, where they supply furniture to hotels and restaurants in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia (with a client list that includes The Upper House, Six Senses Yao Noi Resort, and Studio City in Macau). The company website is packed with hotel-standard designs that can be purchased for delivery throughout Asia. Top Tips & Trends What Grace doesn’t know about outdoor furniture isn’t worth knowing. When it comes to trends, she says, “Rattan is out – UV makes it brittle so it has a

limited lifespan. Polyester webbing and cord materials, traditionally used in ship building, are stronger and more resilient. For table tops and structural elements, look for new materials like spray stone, HPL, aluminium slats and powder-coated stainless steel.” Good-quality furniture should be able to withstand the elements, and Grace advises against covering it when you’re not using it. She adds, “mould grows in dirt and anything organic, and covering furniture actually encourages mould. Let the air do its thing and dry it out naturally.” For areas affected by strong wind, she recommends furniture that allows the air to flow through, which should keep your pieces on the patio and not in your neighbour’s backyard. It’s more common these days to see outdoor furniture that would be perfectly at home indoors as well. Cushions are key to making an outdoor space comfortable and homely, and if they are made with quick-dry foam you can leave them outdoors, without having to bring them in every time it rains. “Also, if the furniture has cushions on all the time, you tend to use it more often.” And for those of us with small spaces, Grace suggests a nicely designed bench and a side table and you’re good to go!

blume-living.com

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Get Grilling! For the low-down on buying a barbecue for your home, we chat to “the barbecue queen of Asia”, RHONDA GRETTON, managing director of Jervisbay Barbecues . Rhonda has worked in the outdoor industry in Asia for decades, and has specialised in barbecues for 20 years. Jervisbay Barbecues, she explains, is the largest barbecue shop in Hong Kong – the huge range of options here covers everything from a small charcoal barbecue priced at HK$1,200 to outdoor kitchens for more than $100,000. There’s free delivery on allocated days, and barbecues are delivered assembled to customers. Rhonda adds, “Our barbecues can be mounted on trolleys or built-in to suit your needs. We also specialise in after-sales service and customer care, and we carry spare parts for our products, and offer cleaning and repair services for all barbecue brands.” The store also has outdoor products such as unbreakable tableware and glasses, cooler boxes, candles, outdoor heaters and cooking utensils. Rhonda can even share some recipes if you need! “Our aim is to make the barbecue experience enjoyable,” she says. The Jervisbay warehouse BY MELISSA STEVENS

Rhonda answers some questions from EL readers about choosing the best barbecue. I only have a tiny balcony; do you have a barbecue to suit it? Definitely! Our smallest gas barbecue is the Beefeater Bugg, which can be trolley-mounted or can sit on a table. Other classic-style barbecues can be set up minus side shelves to afford more cooking space. We also have a range of small charcoal barbecues. What’s the differences between gas, charcoal and electric barbecues, and which should I go for? Gas would be the most convenient, fastest and cleanest way of cooking. It’s a myth that charcoal cooks with more flavour! This depends entirely on the quality of the charcoal. Electric barbecues aren’t as popular as it’s not safe to leave them out in the rain. Aside from the barbecue itself, what are some key things I need to get started? Gas and hose fittings are only supplied by the local gas companies, and we can assist customers with arrangements. Then, all you will need is the food and cooking utensils. How regularly should I have my barbecue serviced? It would be advisable to send your barbecue once a year for a full service.

is only a five-minute walk fromWong Chuk HangMTR, with some street parking at the rear in Tong Bin Lane, and hourly parking at One Island South, and IMPark, Yip Fat Street.

9/F, Unit B, Tin Fung Industrial Building, 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang jervisbaybarbecues.com

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Lounging Around Outdoor space is a precious commodity in Hong Kong, so if you’ve got it, flaunt it! The best way to do that is with great quality outdoor furniture and accessories, for afternoons spent relaxing or entertaining in style.

Gloster Ambient Cocoons with solar LED lights, Everything Under The Sun , 2554 9088, everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Pontoon modular sofa units, available in black or white frame, Blume , 2564 3499, blume-living.com

Clever dining chair, available in black or off-white, $1,490, Blume , 2564 3499, blume-living.com

Uniqwa Furniture Camps Bay three-seater, $16,040, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

Giardino glass lanterns in stainless steel, from $390, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

Uniqwa Furniture Malawi two-seater, $6,165, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

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Tribù Pavillion daybed designed by Monica Armani, customisable with fabrics and paint finishes, Everything Under The Sun , 2554 9088, everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Baboon end table, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

Uniqwa Furniture Camps Bay outdoor setting, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

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Jim Thompson and Canaria soft furnishings collection, Altfield Interiors , 2525 2738, altfield.com.hk

Uniqwa Furniture Serengeti chair, $4,745, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

Maiori Greens modular planter with drip watering system, Everything Under The Sun , 2554 9088, everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Outdoor soft furnishings and accessories, INSIDE , 2873 1795, inside.com.hk

Suitcase console, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

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Pollack and A Rum Fellow collection, Altfield Interiors , 2525 2738, altfield.com.hk

Uniqwa Furniture Makeba hanging chair, $5,240, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

Dining table, $10,450, TREE , 2870 1582, tree.com.hk

Flamingo deco figurine, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

Erica and Eric dining chairs, $1,590 and $1,490, upgradeable to quick-dry foam cushions that can be left in the rain, Blume , 2564 3499, blume-living.com

Jibe seating series, Blume , 2564 3499, blume-living.com

Maiori La Lampe Petite, created from sustainable material and solar-powered, in various colours, Everything Under The Sun , 2554 9088, everythingunderthesun.com.hk

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Inspiration Season BY BROOKE CHENOWETH A change of seasons is always a good excuse to change the look of your home. W hether it’s adding some throws and warmer cushions to the sofa, or bringing in brand new furniture, the autumn/ winter 2017 collection at Indigo Living is sure to inspire. JOHN MCLENNAN, the company’s founder and executive chairman, oversees each new collection, and planning for the season happens many months in advance. We asked John what inspired him this year.

While John is a fan of mixing it up and recommends taking pieces from different styles, he says each of this season’s styles evokes a different feeling. And each style is appropriately named: “Pasadena” is a nod to southern California and the retro Palm Springs vibe – sunny colours, cool silhouettes and graphic art – while “Milan” presents the perfect blend of old- world elegance and sleek modern design, with dark velvets and warm reflective surfaces of metal and glass. Ideal for the autumn, “Rosy Posy” offers a rich blend of sophisticated shapes and traditional looks blended with a tapestry of florals and colours from a late summer garden. Finally, “Natural Calm” has a lot to love, with the Scandinavian characteristics of soothing neutrals, thick woven textures and natural woods and materials. While Hong Kong doesn’t have much of a winter, it does get cold, and making some small changes at home can really

“I spend a lot of time when I travel looking at architecture, art, design and other retail shops,” he says. “This year, I saw inspiration in the raw concrete interior of old factories, the texture of ploughed fields, the beauty of an English garden and the dark rich colours of a forest in the evening. It all makes for a fantastic collection.” As in previous years, there are new pieces to be found and new combinations of Indigo favourites to create complete looks.

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help to warm things up. We asked John’s advice for updating the look and feel of a home as the seasons change. He suggests rich deep colours with layers of different texture, such as woven or knitted throws, or faux fur blankets. “All these will bring on the autumn/winter feel to any home. Combine them with candles and anything made in bronze or brass, preferably with an antique or brushed finish. The cosier you can make your home look, the more it shows the change from a relaxed open summer vibe to a warmer winter feel.” And since we know John is already focused on the year ahead, we’re curious to know what trends we can expect to see. He says, “2018 is going to be an exciting time, and we will of course have a variety of on-trend looks in store. Words to describe next year’s style will include: soft, pastel, moss green, urban, sleek, mineral, cottage, natural and rich.” So, keep your eyes on Indigo for this season and the seasons to come!

Indigo Living has six stores across Hong Kong; for more information, visit indigo-living.com.

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HOME WORK Looking to set up your home office or study and don’t know where to start? Get some interior inspiration from the following pages.

Puro bookcase in lacquered and carved solid wood, $19,980, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

White-wash teak bookshelf, $9,600, INSIDE , 2873 1795, inside.com.hk

Soleil desk in lacquered wood, $10,980, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

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Home office furniture and styling, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

Bookshelf in mango wood, $4,800, INSIDE , 2873 1795, inside.com.hk

Falcon sideboard in solid oak, $16,890, Stockroom Furniture Outlet , 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk

Mei-Meh carpet in hand-spun wool with vegetable dye, CarpetBuyer , 2850 5508, carpetbuyer.com

Rubelli Venezia soft furnishings, Altfield Interiors , 2525 2738, altfield.com.hk

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Bookends, $495 each, TREE , 2870 1582, tree.com.hk

Brooklyn desk, $8,450, TREE , 2870 1582, tree.com.hk

Cole & Son Narina wallpaper, $2,500 per roll, Altfield Interiors , 2525 2738, altfield.com.hk

Torque desk in sold oak, $7,990, Stockroom Furniture Outlet , 2817 0999, stockroom.com.hk

Black Ponte swivel chair and swivel stool, Tequila Kola , 2877 3295, tequilakola.com

Black ash-wood chair, $1,840, Atelier Lane , 9558 3007, atelierlane.com

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HOMEAWAY A serviced apartment is a great option if you’re new to Hong Kong. Whether you’re here solo or with a family, you’re sure to find a place that suits your needs at Hong Kong Parkview . Here’s a peek at what’s on offer. FROMHOME

The first thing that strikes you about Hong Kong Parkview is its stunning location: the residential complex is set amidst the serenity of Tai Tam Country Park, offering a quiet escape in the hills, despite being only a 15-minute drive to Central. The complex features 223 luxury serviced apartments, ranging from 254-square-foot standard rooms to 3,273-square-foot four- bedroom furnished suites, for short stays of one month, up to long stays of two years. A huge drawcard for many guests is the convenience of the excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, which include a spa, an oasis pool, a three-floor gym, tennis courts, a VX spinning studio, and three indoor children’s playrooms. Hong Kong Parkview is also home to a whopping seven dining outlets, ranging from an authentic Cantonese restaurant to a poolside café. Art-lovers take note: while all of the apartments have been designed to make guests feel at home, eight floors have been specially curated for those who love art and antiques, with each apartment having its own theme. An inside word LUCA GUILLOT-BOSCHETTI, his wife Ilaria, and their four children, Benedetto, Mario, Cecilia and Alice, have lived at Parkview since October 2016, after moving to Hong Kong from Melbourne, Australia. Luca says, “It’s not too far from downtown, but still feels like it’s separate from it. The hills and greenery all around are very nice.” So, what does the family enjoy most about life at Parkview? “There are nice people at the front desk, like Anthony, and Ray in security. Everyone is very warm and kind, and they’re also efficient.” They’ve made ample use of the facilities, too: “We really like the pool, the great gym, tennis courts, supermarket, and Sunday Mass.” Special offer Hong Kong Parkview is currently offering a six-week trial stay from HK$62,000 a month (normally $78,000). This includes accommodation in a two-bedroom executive suite, complimentary classes, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and access to all facilities. Valid until 31 December 2017.

88 Tai Tam Reservoir Road, Tai Tam hongkongparkview.com

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T he definition of luxury living is different in every country. In New York, it could mean living in a penthouse loft on Fifth Avenue. In England, it could mean living in a large Victorian cottage with a cosy fireplace and a 10-acre farm in your backyard. Here in Hong Kong, our definition of luxury is living smarter and more efficiently. As the most expensive property market in the world, land in Hong Kong is at a premium. With apartments averaging less than 500 square feet per household, developers need to think outside the box to find selling points – other than square footage – to attract tenants to their developments. Exclusive, state-of-the-art clubhouses are quickly becoming one of these. With gymnasiums, yoga and spin rooms, heated outdoor swimming pools, spas and rooftop lounges, these five-star facilities give residents the same levels of convenience, sense of community and pampering as one of the city’s exclusive private members’ clubs. Innovative technology, such as smart home-security systems, app-controlled light and AC systems, online clubhouse booking platforms and wireless home appliances are also top of tenants’ lists when looking for a new home. This high-spec tech can allow residents to control their surroundings with a few touches of their smartphone. What could be simpler? Contemporary luxury no longer means living in the biggest house with the best views— though that’s certainly a bonus. These days, it’s more important to have the right amenities at hand or on your doorstep to meet your own unique lifestyle needs.

Stella Abraham Head of Residential Leasing & Relocation Services Regional Director Jones Lang LaSalle Limited (JLL)

OASIS IN THE CITY

Area: Mid-Levels West Rent: HK$110,000 per month Size: 1,360 sq. ft

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2

Newly built with quality interior finishings and excellent open views from every apartment, The Morgan is one of Mid- Levels’ hottest addresses. The building boasts a lavish 16,000-square-foot clubhouse, with a range of facilities from a music space to a yoga room, resort-like terraces, and an outdoor swimming pool.

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