AUGUST 2020

AUGUST 2020

SINGAPORE

LIVING ROOM

SKIN SOLUTIONS LADIES’ LUNCHES HOME OFFICE HITS

VILLAS IN GOA GREAT SHORT BREAKS SAVE THE SEA TURTLES!

HEALTH

COMMEMORATINGWWII 75 YEARS ON

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS DONATING BLOOD

EDITOR’SNOTE Have you seen the movie Groundhog Day ? If you have, you’ll know what I’m referring to; if you haven’t – do watch it. I would probably name the version we are currently in as “Middle Groundhog Day” as it feels like we are still in limbo. Many expats here have been going through the angst of being separated from immediate family, and wondering when they’re going to see parents and siblings again. And, there are over 200,000 Singaporean expats living all over the world that will be going through the same thing. There are new limits on work permits in some countries, which will have a knock-on effect for companies wanting to employ the necessary type of expats needed for their businesses to work, whether they are construction workers or senior executives. On top of all the rest of the limitations and decreasing income for many businesses (though not all), it could be an interesting couple of years! So, now that I’ve cheered you up – yes, do reach for that glass of wine – I suggest you read our travel story on Goa – even though you can’t go there yet! Some retail therapy from the pages of this issue will definitely make you feel better too. And remember, we have heaps more recommendations and reviews online at expatliving.sg. There’s everything from great Greek restaurants in Singapore to where to get blonde highlights, online home décor shopping and how to get your back sorted! Meanwhile, all we can do is hold our nerve, work on ourselves (and, yes, that definitely includes buying some new clothes!), and move very slowly forward.

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief

Be like this little turtle – keep the goal in sight! Read their story on page 76.

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Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Editorial Team

HEALTH & FITNESS: AMY GREENBURG LIFE & FAMILY, TRAVEL: LINDSAY YAP

WINE & DINE, HAIR & BEAUTY: ANTHIA CHNG HOMES & SPECIAL PROJECTS: MELINDA MURPHY FASHION & EDUCATION: REBECCA BISSET Copy Editor JULIET KEYS Online & Digital Content MICHAELA BISSET IT &Web Support RENE YUTIAMPO | HANADDI REY DIAZ MAMBA Head of Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA KEDDIE | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | JEANNE WONG Marketing, Circulation & Administration ANNA TSERLINGAS | VEENA GILL | SITI SHAHIRAH KHIRUDEEN Advertising Sales KARIN GALLEY | DANIELLE ROSSETTI | LARA SAGE | JACQUI YOUNG Events Curator SUSAN KNUDSEN-PICKLES Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers LIZ COWARD | ARMELLE DROUFFE | PRIYANKA GUPTA | HARSHARAN KAUR

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Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #07-06 Mapex Building, Singapore 577177

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CONTENTS

NEWS 14 Calendar Updates: 16 Readers’ Letters 18 EL Forum: What we’re up to online, plus our upcoming events 20 Singapore Pages: Exploring the island’s past and present HOME & PROPERTY 24 News 26 Home Showcase: 34 Buying Guide: Home office picks 40 Working from Home: Small space solutions 42 Wi-Fi Woes: Optimise your connectivity 44 Street Talk: Living in Ang Mo Kio 32 Reader Recommendations: Outdoor furniture finds

What’s on in the coming months

A renovation success in the city centre

Readers share their alfresco furniture finds 32

LIFE & FAMILY 50 News 54 Noticeboard: Birth announcements and pet adoptions 56 Screen & Page: 64 Kids & Development: The importance of early intervention 65 People Story: 66 Community Calling: Why you should join the AAS 68 Reader’s Tale: A holiday with a difference 70 75 Years On: The end of WWII in Singapore 74 Car Talk: Leasing tips and recommendations 76 Save the Sea Turtles: How can we help? 78 Helping Hands: Our latest on volunteer opportunities From third culture kid to principal Top TV and book recommendations 60 Cluny Court: New collections and store updates!

Productive picks for your home office 34

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CONTENTS

Getaways for the bucket list! 106

WINE & DINE 86 News 90 Let’s Lunch!: Four midday spots we love 92 Recipe Corner: Fail-safe favourites to add to your repertoire 94 Buying Meat: A butchery with a family focus TRAVEL 98 News 100 Glorious Goa: Seaside living in an Indian oasis 106 Short Getaways: Add them to your bucket list! 110 Flight Safety: Travelling in a pandemic

94

Where to get quality meat for the family

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CONTENTS

What’s new on the beauty scene 128

Discover fashion designers in Singapore 118

STYLE & BEAUTY 114 Style News 116 Maternity Wear: A chat with the founder of Stillen 118 Fashion Focus: We meet five Singapore-based designers 124 Local Labels: Look out for these names on the catwalk 126 Beauty News 128 Stop the Clock: Anti-ageing treatments to try 132 Tried & Tested: Rated skincare for ageing skin HEALTH & FITNESS 138 News 140 Save a Life: How to become a blood donor 142 Keeping Kids Cool: Hydration is key 144 Red Flags: Health symptoms not to ignore REGULARS 150 Horoscopes for August 152 Puzzle Pages 154 Numbers & Websites

155 Advertiser List 156 Parting Shot: Singapore forever!

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AUGUST2020

CALENDAR

WHAT’SON

National Day (9 AUG)

This year’s National Day will be a little different than previous years but there’s still loads to look forward to. Highlights include the annual parade at the Padang (elements such as the fly-past and fighter jet aerial display will take place in different places islandwide), an evening concert and fireworks display. Celebrations will be streamed live online and on TV. ndp.gov.sg SSO National Day Concert (15 AUG) Enjoy classics and favourite Singaporean tunes during the SSO’s annual National Day performance. The concert will be livestreamed on the SSO’s YouTube and Facebook channels. sso.org.sg The Front Row (20-29 AUG) This virtual fashion festival presents a curated digital experience of fashion shows by 25 homegrown and regional brands as well as interactive talks and workshops. Viewers will be able to buy after the show, get backstage access and enjoy post-show sessions with designers. thefrontrow.style

#SGOutrunCovid (UNTIL 8 AUG) Participate in this virtual race by clocking a minimum distance of 1km via fitness tracking devices, mobile apps or treadmills. Send a screenshot of the total distance covered (in km) and duration of activity to the #SGOutrunCovid Instagram page through Instagram direct message

before 8 August. Participation is free. New Balance will donate 50 pairs of shoes to local frontline medical workers for every collective 10,000km clocked, up to 350 pairs of shoes. instagram.com/SG.Outrun.Covid Streets of Hope (UNTIL 1 SEP) Through Streets of Hope, the National Arts Council (NAC) is teaming up with 153 homegrown artists to line Singapore’s streets with their works (St Andrew’s Road, Fullerton Road, Esplanade Drive, Stamford Road and more). The full collection is also featured online on the NAC Facebook page.

Photo credit: Singapore Symphony Orchestra

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CALENDAR

THINGS TO DO: PARKS AND PICNICS

New to Singapore and yet to find your favourite outdoor space? Head out with the fam to enjoy some fresh air and nature in one of these great parks around the island! #1 Singapore Botanic Gardens Who doesn’t love a stroll through Singapore’s famous gardens? The UNESCO World Heritage Site has loads to check out, from the serene Symphony Lake to The Healing Garden. Cluny Court is also close by, so it’s easy to pick up some snacks or food for a picnic. #2 MacRitchie Reservoir Park Take on MacRitchie’s walking or running trails for a good workout and enjoy views by the reservoir. One particular highlight is the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre aerial suspension bridge with panoramic views over the surrounding rainforest and water. #3 Hort Park Visit Hort Park and you’ll find something for the whole family to enjoy, from gardening activities to themed gardens (a butterfly garden, edible garden, floral walk and more) and walking trails. There’s also the Pitter Patter Potter Garden (with a playground), which kids will love. #4 East Coast Park This long seaside park is popular for walking, cycling, rollerblading and barbecues. While you’re there, drop by Marine Cove for its outdoor playground and family-friendly restaurants.

#5 West Coast Park Another great spot by the ocean, West Coast Park has a fun playground for the kids, barbecue facilities and a large three-hectare open field, which is great for sports. #6 Pasir Ris Park The kids will love the massive playground at Pasir Ris Park! There’s all sorts of fun structures for all ages, including swings, slides and a mini maze. Try the Mangrove Boardwalk, too, where you check out a mangrove forest and its inhabitants. #7 Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Hike up to the highest point in Singapore and you’ll find a series of side trails that take you through a variety of lush rainforest. Besides flowers and trees of all descriptions, keep a lookout for monkeys and birds. #8 Labrador Park This spot in the south is home to a nature reserve and a coastal park. Attractions include World War II bunkers, tunnels and a fort.

#9 Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park This neighbourhood park has well- maintained tracks and an inclusive playground for children of all ages and abilities. There’s also a meandering river with loads of greenery to enjoy. #10 Fort Canning Park Established in 1859 as an arms store, barracks and hospital, Fort Canning is filled with remnants from Singapore’s past. While there, check out Sir Stamford Raffles’ personal bungalow and nine historical gardens.

Discover plenty more to explore on the island at expatliving.sg!

15 AUGUST2020

LETTERS

BEST LETTER We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. The writer of our best letter receives a divine candle from

Who’s a Clever Bird? Th a nk s f o r ou r complimentary copy of your magazine, wh i c h we v e r y much enjoyed – as

To Be Calm. Each month, there’ll be oneof their signature candles to choose from tobecalm.com .

did our lovebird, Lucy, which we thought might amuse you. Stay safe!

– Marieke van Raaij

Ed: Thank you – and nice to see we have a new “reader”!

Lockdown Favourite I’ve read so many magazines during the lockdown period and I can easily say that Expat Living is my favourite! For me, the food and travel sections are the most inspiring. Reading about people’s travels makes me miss the

Feedback from Readers We recently wrapped up our Expat Living Reader Survey 2020, which included the chance to give us your thoughts on the magazine. Thanks to everyone who got back to us with requests, recommendations and advice. (And congrats to the prize-winners!). Here’s just some of the feedback you provided. • “I really love getting my copy every month. Maybe you could give some more notice on upcoming events – often I’m reading the article about something that has passed already. (Or maybe I need to read the magazine quicker!)” • “Be more inclusive, perhaps in terms of showcasing a more diverse selection of expats; I feel like sometimes the magazine is catered to only a select expat demographic” • “Create two versions, one for families and one for couples/singles” • “Feature more people-centric content, to balance out the products” • “Have a range of items in varying budgets – expat doesn’t always mean five-star” • “I’m looking forward to getting to know the EL team better :)”

Expat Living Horoscope I always look forward to receiving my copy of the magazine at the beginning of every month. My husband and I make a point of reading the horoscopes together. In the past few editions, I’ve noticed that Pisces always has the gloomiest horoscopes, whereas Cancer always has the most optimistic and favourable readings. I’m the Pisces and I’ve been having a wonderful time at work and at home. My Cancer hubby is doing well too – but not a thousand times better like the horoscope would suggest! – Sara Zuglian Ed: It’s always fun to read the horoscopes, even if they’re not always accurate! Here’s to some great months ahead, either way. (Turn to page 154 to see this issue’s forecast.) world so much. I really hope for an end to this coronavirus crisis soon – I can’t wait to get back into normal life. Till then, I’ll be trying to create all these dishes you’re introducing to me in your recipes section. Thank you! – Serene Huang Ed: Thanks for the kind words. We’ve all been doing more cooking than usual lately, and not always with 100 percent success – but at least it’s been fun!

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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AUGUST2020

Our upcoming events! Register @ expatliving.sg/ELevents

EL ONLINE

EL WINE WITH FRIENDS

Doggy Delight All the things you need to know before getting a dog in Singapore

Sip and Swish Create your own masterpiece & BYO

DATE: 5 August 2020 TIME: 10am PLACE: Zoom Online PRICE: $5

DATE: 12 August 2020 TIME: 6pm – 9pm PLACE: 24 Bedok Avenue, Singapore 469935 PRICE: $35, including workshop and materials

EL ONLINE

EL ONLINE

Get Your SexyBack Wake up your core and get your fitness in gear

DATE: 26 August 2020 TIME: 10am PLACE: Zoom Online PRICE: $10

How to prepare yourself to support your family in challenging times

DATE: 14 August 2020 TIME: 3pm PLACE: Zoom Online PRICE: $10

DATE: 14 August 2020 TIME: 3pm PLACE: Zoom Online PRICE: $10

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AUGUST2020

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19 AUGUST2020

THE SINGAPORE PAGES Investigating the island past and present, with tips, trivia and time travel – and the occasional tricky challenge for readers!

RESERVOIR ROUNDUP Exploring

Speakingof water, the reservoirs are a great place for a run or a picnic. Read on for a few of our favourites. #1 MacRitchie Reservoir This beauty is the oldest and biggest reservoir in Singapore (completed in 1868), sitting smack dab in the middle of the country. There’s a lovely waterside trail attracting walkers and runners galore. You can spot a lot of wildlife, including turtles and monitor lizards – and, of course, those pesky macaque monkeys. (Tip: Carry a rubber snake with you and the monkeys will leave you alone!) There’s also the very cool TreeTop Walk on the north side of the reservoir, as well as the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Learning Trail, which is an activity-based tour to teach students about water resources and sustainability efforts. Did you know: The reservoir takes its name from municipal engineer James MacRitchie who oversaw a major expansion of the facility in the 1890s.

Flashback

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

As we were wrapping up this mag for press, one thought we all had in mind was, “Geez, could it rain any more?” The end of June, in particular, was wet, wet, wet! It got us wondering… where does all that rain end up? Years ago, Singapore flooded constantly when it had big rains. But founding father Lee KuanYewsought to devise away of capturing every extra drop, alleviating the island’s flooding issues while also helping to make the country more self-sufficient for water. Until then, water had been a potent issue. In 1960, extreme drought left Singapore in dire shape. Agreements were signed with Malaysia in 1961 and 1962, allowing us to continue getting water from the state of Johor up until 2011 and 2061 respectively – these remained in place even after Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965. But this wasn’t enough for Lee. He didn’t want Singapore to be dependent on another nation for water. So, at his urging, the National Water Agency, PUB, devised ways to grow the country’s water reserves.

One of these was to increase the island’s catchment area. You know all those big ditches and canals you see all over the place? They capture the rain and send it to one of the island’s 17 reservoirs. Today, a whopping total of two-thirds of Singapore’s land mass is a water catchment area. Together, the reservoirs are considered one of the four so-called “national taps”, with the other three being imported water, desalinated water and high-grade reclaimed water, known as NEWater. The latter was another development from the Lee Kuan Yew years: while the first two NEWater plants weren’t opened until 2003, the master plan for using recycled water to boost limited fresh water supplies was first drafted in 1972. As it stands, there’s still a way to go before we’re completely water self- sufficient, but we’re getting there! Good thing, too, because Singapore currently uses 400 million gallons of water a day – enough to fill 715 Olympic-sized swimming pools… Fast fact: Singapore is recognised as one of just two Southeast Asian countries where tap water is safe to drink; the other is Brunei.

MacRitchie Reservoir

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Culture

Bedok Reservoir

Rain and art While we’re on the topic, did you know that Changi Airport has not one but two impressive rain-related art installations? First, of course, is the stunning HSBC Rain Vortex, which had visitors coming in droves from the second that Jewel opened in April 2019. At 40 metres high, the gigantic shower holds the title of “World’s Highest Indoor Waterfall” and is, frankly, mesmerising. It has two modes – during the day, it complements the surrounding greenery; by night, it’s home to a captivating light-and- sound show. Meanwhile, in Terminal 1 you’ll find Kinetic Raindrops. This moving sculpture was developed by a group of artists, animators and programmers and installed in 2012. Among the world’s largest kinetic sculptures, it covers an area of 75 square metres and features over 1,200 copper-plated aluminium raindrops suspended on thin wires. Each drop moves independently, and, if you’re not in a hurry to get a flight, you can stay and watch as the drops come together every now and then to form three-dimensional shapes, likes planes, kites and hot-air balloons.

#2 Bedok Reservoir This former sand quarry was turned into a reservoir in 1986. Located in the east, it has a great treetop obstacle course for adults, and a kiddie version, too. You can also rent kayaks and canoes and take them out on the water or even try waterskiing or wakeboarding. The park is massive and well-shaded so it’s also a favourite for cross-country training and events. #3 Lower Peirce Reservoir Want to take a walk back in history? Check out Singapore’s second oldest reservoir, dating all the way back to 1912. The forest surrounding its banks is pretty cool, with a mature secondary rainforest containing rubber trees and oil palms. These are the kind of crops that were once abundant way back in the 19th and early 20th century. So, bring a picnic and imagine life when things moved a bit slower. #4 Lower Seletar Reservoir There’s an area here called Family Bay where visitors can enjoy performances on the multi- purpose stage. Kids love the water play area and wading stream. Visit the heritage deck for panoramic views of the reservoir and a glimpse of the area’s history. It’s also a good spot for kayaking and watching dragon-boating teams practice.

#5 The Marina Barrage Believe it or not, Lee Kuan Yew had the idea to build a dam across the Marina Channel to create a reservoir way back in 1987, but the technology wasn’t available then. Two decades later, in 2008, the largest reservoir in the city (and the only one in the downtown area) opened. There’s a super interesting Sustainable Gallery to visit and even a cool model to see how the barrage actually works. There are also plans to build the Greater Southern Waterfront, a seamless extension of the city, and open up new live-work-play opportunities. In the meantime, the grassy area at the top of the barrage is one of the best spots in Singapore for flying a kite.

The Marina Barrage

Think you know Singapore well? Where is this photo taken? Which two buildings used to occupy the current building? Click! h

See these pages in our next issue for the answer!

Last month: The Bukit Batok quarry area in our July issue is known as Little Guilin

21 AUGUST2020

HOME & PROPERTY

38 Working from

Home: Smart picks for small spaces

Originals

24 Home Showcase: An interior design project to be proud of!

40 Wi-Fi Woes: A fast and reliable connection you can count on

42 Street Talk: We check out the neighbourhood in Ang Mo Kio

WHAT’S NEW

Looking for a parting gift for a friend or colleague? Check out The Cinnamon Room’s new range of sustainably- sourced wooden serving boards. Made from Singapore trees, these hand-finished boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes. No two pieces are alike, and you also have the option of personalised engraving, so they’re perfect as a memento or a gift for all occasions! To view the selection, email sales@thecinnamonoom.com , or visit thecinnamonroom.com for more info. Singapore! Sayon ra,

Click n’ Choose Thanks to W.Atelier, you can now spruce up your home without walking out the door! Their three popular brands TOTO, Fritz Hansen and Vitra, covering a wide range of home furniture and accessories and quality bathroom fixtures, are now available online at Shopee. What’s more, spend $100 on TOTO products before 31 August and you’ll get $10 off! shopee.sg

Hotel in a Bottle This year is all about using our imagination, so we’re recreating the vacation vibes at home with a spritz of luxury! With 10 years of experience providing fragrances and diffuser technology for hotels and retail spaces, Space Scenting has introduced the Space 1000 Scent Diffuser. Easily installed, this compact, subtle device is Wi-Fi-enabled and comes with adjustable functions such a timer-control and intensity adjustment. Choose from an endless selection of non- allergenic fragrances, such as Pacific Woods, Yuzu Ocean and Night Orchid, to transform your home into a five-star hotel suite with just a whiff! From $624, including an 800ml fragrance of your choice. spacescenting.com

New Digs One of our favourite spots for a furniture fix, Taylor B has an exciting new postcode. Check out the brand new four-storey warehouse on Mohamed Sultan Road. With

a sprawling 55,000-square- foot space and up to five new shipments arriving each month, you can expect the same one-of- a-kind finds, exquisite antique furniture and designer brands, such as Caracole, Schnadig, A.R.T. andmore! Visit themat 65 Mohamed Sultan Road or shop online at taylorbdesign.com .

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HOME & PROPERTY

Hankering for Home

Feeling homesick? You’re not alone. Research conducted by Knight Frank shows that more expats are planning to purchase property “back home” as a result of COVID-19. Almost two- thirds of respondents said the lockdown had influenced their decision, leading to a significant uptick in residential enquiries. Victoria Garrett, the company’s head of residential in Asia- Pacific, says, “Time in lockdown has underlined the importance of family for many, and the type of lifestyle they want to lead.” Other stats show that 29 percent of expats are considering a permanent move, with 14 percent buying property purely as a second home; the majority, though, are seeking a “50/50” home, one that’s a base back home but also a spot they might return to permanently. knightfrank.com

Smog Busters LG Electronics has upped its game in air-care solutions with the launch of the PuriCare 360° Double Air Purifier. Ideal for big spaces, the PuriCare absorbs double the amount of pollutants and distributes filtered air up to 7.5 metres in each direction. A six-step filtration process removes allergens, odours and harmful substances from the air, while a sensor performs real-time pollution checks to maintain effective operation. The accompanying LG ThinQApp means you can assess the indoor air quality from anywhere and activate the purifier before returning home. $1,799 at major retailers Best Denki, Courts and Harvey Norman. lg.com/sg/air-purifier

Kings of Comfort Aussie furniture experts King Living have launched two new sofas to fit this year’s redefined living spaces. The Hugo has wide, plush seats and offers modular sofa flexibility, with arms and backs that can be repositioned to transition from an upright reading space by day to a cosy sofa or luxurious bed for two by night. It has smart storage solutions to maximise space, too. Meanwhile, the contemporary Bellaire comes with a unique high back and deep seats for ultimate comfort. Both are manufactured in-house in Australia, with signature steel frames and a 25-year warranty. You can also customise with smart accessories and premium fabrics or leather. kingliving.com.sg

25 AUGUST2020

Help! A few nudges in the right direction from interior designer Priya Naik were just what this apartment near Orchard needed. BY REBECCA BISSET

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HOME & PROPERTY

27 AUGUST2020

S o you’ve found the apartment or house you like, you’ve bought some pieces you love and it should all be good. But what do you do if it’s just not hanging together well? An interior designer or a home stylist can help – even if it’s just to get one or two rooms looking great. We talk to Indonesian expat INTAN REYNIERS about living in Singapore and how she got her apartment at D’Grove Villas looking just the way she wants it – with a little help from Priya Naik at Interior Design Journey. How long have you been in Singapore? In total, we’ve been here for 10 years. This is our second stint and we’ve been back for three and a half years. We love it!

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HOME & PROPERTY

I love seeing pops of colour, but I’ve never felt brave enough to use them.

How long have you lived in this apartment and why did you choose it? The apartment was the last one we viewed after a manic 18 viewings over a two-day period and we just fell in love with it. It’s an old build, which means it has space, and it’s in a great location. What made you call on an interior designer? I love muted tones; it shows in how I dress and how I decorate. I also love seeing pops of colour, but I’ve never felt brave enough to try them out. So, I figured a chat with an interior designer wouldn’t hurt. I wanted to keep to my own aesthetic choices, but I also needed a push to introduce more colour into our lives. How was it working with the designer? Was anything easier or more difficult than you’d imagined? I definitely didn’t want to be pushed into doing something I wasn’t comfortable with. Priya was great because she listened, didn’t laugh at my predominantly grey/blue home and pushed just enough. It was wonderful working with her. Which rooms did Interior Design Journey work on and what did they do? Just the living room, and we worked with the pieces that were already there. After the first meeting, Priya shared her vision, approximate cost and timeline. Everything was very clear and efficient from the get-go. If you were to recommend Priya to a friend, what would you say? She is talented, creative and puts you at ease almost immediately. How do you feel now when you walk into the house compared to before? It’s always been our home... it just looks better now!

29 AUGUST2020

AWORD FROMTHE DESIGNER Priya Naik tells us about the flow of the project, and what her work involved.

#1 We first ensured that some of the key existing pieces were worked into the makeover in order to keep within the budget. #2 Intan had a few art pieces that she hadn’t displayed as she was a little unsure how to do so in amongst the built-in cabinets and a huge mirrored wall. So, we made the best use of one wall where art could be displayed and made that into a focal point of the room. We added in a new carved detail sideboard, lamp and accessories to complete that area or “nook”. #3 We also introduced a new navy sofa as the existing blue sofa didn’t proportionally work in the space or with the other furniture. #4 We had some gorgeous custom cushions made from Jim Thompson and European fabric to add a much-needed pop of colour and some lovely patterns and textures. #5 We added a teal side table next to the existing grey Chesterfield sofa with a fabulous lamp from Taylor B adding another interesting finish to the space. #6 The existing rugwas dominating the roomso we replaced it with one with a more subtle pattern that also had some colour in it. #7 We added a runner behind the sofa and kitchen counter to soften the area leading to the dining space. #8 Intan requested minimal accessories, so we only added a few new pieces and styled them along with some of her existing things. #9 In the lift lobby, we added a new sideboard with a runner. We also styled Intan’s existing artwork and accessories, adding a couple of new accessories too. I think the space now feels inviting and personalised.

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HOME & PROPERTY

Project Favourites & Recommendations Artful House 315 Outram Road, #08-04 Tan Boon Liat Building artful-house.com Just Anthony 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road justanthony.com Taylor B 65 Mohamed Sultan Road

taylorbdesign.com Luxe Furnishings #01-08 Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Road 6738 0768 Interior Design Journey 9062 7974 | info@interiordesignjourney.com interiordesignjourney.com

31 AUGUST2020

Time To Get

Sheldon and Tina

We wanted to repurpose our casual outdoor space into an alfresco dining area. My husband and I had several ideas, but we wanted a modern, sophisticated and comfortable area that not only complemented the interior but also increased the outdoor seating capacity to accommodate ten guests. From our first meeting with Caroline and Nirvi from Arete Culture , we knew they were special! They were patient, listened intently and quickly picked up on the feel we envisioned with the space we had. They generated options, gave suggestions and guided us through the entire process. With every visit to their boutique, we fell in love with their ever-expanding bespoke collection. Their furniture suggestions, colour and fabric coordination, and overall stylistic approach not only matched our vision but also managed to infuse our family identity into the redesign. Caroline and Nirvi are professional and will astound you with their artistic and stylistic approach. The best part of the day will be coming home to your new outdoor sanctuary!

Outdoors! BY KEL FLANDERS If you’re feeling the four walls of your home are closing in a little, try sprucing up your outdoor space to add a different living area to escape to. You could start with these readers’ recommendations of their favourite outdoor furniture stores.

Arete Culture #06-01 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 9640 3829 | areteculture.com

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HOME & PROPERTY

Faith, Paul, Farrah and Fletcher Town, with dog Chilli

Having just arrived in Singapore with not much being shipped off from Australia and New Zealand, we sought the option of a condo with a balcony – big enough to use as a dining option for every meal as well as family games. Oh, and the occasional G&T! We love food and socialising with friends and family, so the need to have a table that suited the four of us as well as our visitors from overseas and local friends in Singapore for a Sunday barbecue or playdate was important. After an extended online search, I found Boulevard Outdoor Furniture . I liked that many of their products had the look of the widely-known European brands without the price tag. We purchased an extendable outdoor table that could seat six to eight people, even 10 at a squeeze to cater to our big gatherings as well as for the four of us. (One tip – to seat lots of people, don’t purchase chairs with arm rests; buy just two for the ends of the table.) The team at Boulevard Outdoor were very efficient and easy to deal with at their Ubi showroom. The table and chairs I purchased were even delivered that very same day!

The table is simple to extend and retract with one easy one push-pull action (other extendable options can be quite non- user-friendly). The glass top makes it easy to clean, especially after our seven-year-old has battled with the tomato sauce bottle. We’re very happy with our purchases.

Boulevard Outdoor Inspirations 43 Keppel Road, Level 1 6781 3218 | boulevardoutdoorfurniture.com

Natalie, Willow and Jack Dollard

few months of pestering my husband, he agreed to come with me to some furniture stores that I had shortlisted. I’d stumbled across several pieces I liked but the prices were double what we would expect to pay for similar in Australia. Woody Antique House helped us with some dining chairs and a coffee

table a few years back so we decided to stop in one afternoon when we were at Dempsey. We saw exactly what we wanted as soon as we walked in the door! We were looking for a sectional piece of furniture that was versatile and could be configured in different ways for different spaces. We ordered the Verona corner sofa and coffee table. It’s made from powder- coated steel and comes with grey outdoor cushions. We currently have it configured as a corner piece on our patio and it works brilliantly. The staff at Woody (in particular, Richard) are friendly and helpful without being overbearing. They also provide great after- sales service.We’ll definitely buy fromWoody Antique House again; I like to go there for a browse, even if we don’t “need” anything! The store’s delivery team went above and beyond to ensure our new furniture was carefully handled, installed and configured in the best way for the space. They helped clear the patio of our old furniture and even took away all of the packaging. Woody Antique House 13 Dempsey Road, #01-05 6471 1770 | woodyantique.com

We purchased new outdoor furniture in Sydney shortly before moving to Singapore in 2011. It was looking a bit tired and our outdoor patio needed a lift, so it was time for an upgrade. After a

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If you’ve never really had a home office setup in the past, after the first half of this year, it’s likely you’ve got one now! Here are some ideas for turning your workspace from functional to fabulous. WFH inStyle 1 2

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1 Kirkby Design Arcade, Gallery 278 2 Ethnicraft Bok teak desk, $1,445, Vincent Sheppard curly natural dining chair, $560, Ethnicraft Mosaic teak rack, $2,095, Originals 3 Kaiser Idell table lamp, Fritz Hansen, available at W. Atelier 4 Neutral grey beige chevron hide rug, 1.6x2.3m (custom sizes available), $1,750, The Cinnamon Room 5 Asymmetric copper side table with grey marble top, $650 or $1,200 for a pair, The Cinnamon Room 6 HÅG Capisco Puls, Flokk, available at W. Atelier 7 Ethnicraft Teak Wave Desk, $1,295, Ethnicraft Teak Cuba Chair, $395, Originals 8 Frann Arctic Antics, Gallery 278 9 Pacific Chair by Vitra, available at W. Atelier 10 Johnson Mindi bookcase in recycled beech wood and natural metal (100x35x200cm), $1,926, WTP

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11 Indian arch bookcase in sandblasted finish, Woody Antique House 12 Doctor’s desk (140cm) and chair, in white, black or wood, $1,200 a set, Just Anthony 13 Blackbird oak rack, $2,695, Soul & Tables 14 Oscar teak drawer unit, from $845, Soul & Tables 15 Triboa architectural table lamp, $695, House of AnLi 16 Urban Jungle limited-edition canvas print by Deborah McKellar (130x72cm), $1,800, The Cinnamon Room 17 Rennes bookcase with ladder (213x45x240cm), $5,995, House of AnLi 18 Winnipeg study desk (130x65x93cm), $1,975, House of AnLi 19 Reborn Collection teak study desk (120x50x76cm), Woody Antique House

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Directory

Altfield Interiors #07-10 Central Mall Office Tower, 1 Magazine Road altfield.com.hk Gallery 278 278 River Valley Road 6737 2322 | gallery278.com

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Grey & Sanders 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-42 8371 8864 | greyandsanders.com House of AnLi 163 Tanglin Road #02-21/22/23 and #03-17 Tanglin Mall 6235 3851 | houseofanli.com Just Anthony

20 Arne desk, $594, Grey & Sanders 21 Ethnicraft Frame PC Teak Desk, $1,345, Ethnicraft Mosaic Teak Rack, $2,095, Originals 22 Mimi desk in solid teak with stainless steel legs (120x50x80cm), $1,034, WTP 23 Weitzner Magnetism wallcovering, Altfield Interiors

379 Upper Paya Lebar Road 6283 4782 | justanthony.com Originals 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, #05-02/03 6471 9918 | originals.com.sg Soul & Tables #02-01/03 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road 9272 1545 | soulandtables.com.sg The Cinnamon Room 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #02-74 Holland Village 9727 3051 | thecinnamonroom.com W.Atelier 201 Henderson Road, #01-01 and #03-01 6270 8828 | watelier.com Woody Antique House

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Block 13 Dempsey Road, #01-05 6471 1770 | woodyantique.com WTP 3 Kung Chong Road 6235 2760 | wtpstyle.com

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Small Space

Java console in whitewash teak, $700, Originals

Ethnicraft teak desk, $1,345, Originals

The console convert Smart furniture picks for a small space are those that serve more than one purpose. If you don’t have a dedicated room for a home office, then choose a console or dining table with drawers or hidden storage that you can easily repurpose as a desk by day.

Smart picks and tips for working from home.

BY LEANDA RATHMELL

As the line between corporate and home life blurs, the strain of small space living is more evident than ever. An apartment that was once sufficiently sized for the family suddenly feels like a stifling shoebox of laptops, homework and miscellaneous exercise equipment. But don’t let square footage restrict you from creating a working space in any room – here are a few ideas and functional finds ideal for tight spaces or dual-purpose use.

The parent’s pick Juggling parenting and work life can be a struggle. If you have little ones, this Borne Desk encourages a fun co-working space, so you can supervise schoolwork and monitor progress while tackling your own tasks.

Borne Desk in solid teak, $989, Scanteak

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Homfa bamboo laptop desk, $79, Amazon

Teak-Tok side table, $319, Scanteak

The couch cubicle When the study is preoccupied by your partner or you’re working on a rainy day, why not set up shop on the couch? These handy sidetables make it easy to keep productive in comfort.

Valet table, $349, Scanteak

The minimalist mogul Ideal for studio flats or small apartments, these wall- mounted desks keep the aesthetic clean and clutter-free. Just be sure to install them within reach of an electrical socket!

Wall-mounted shelf, Gallery 278

Foldable floating desk in pine, $515, Amazon

Bright idea! Whether you’re working on the balcony or in the bedroom, decent lighting is key for any workstation. The Fatboy Edison lamp is wireless, portable and rechargeable. Complete with app-control, timer and three light settings, it allows you to switch the balcony mood from corporate to cosy in a second! Find it in various sizes from $140 at House of AnLi.

The beauty boss Sometimes the bedroom is the only place in the house where you can get some peace and quiet. A dressing table can double up as the perfect desk!

Lady Love dressing table, Taylor B

Directory Amazon | amazon.sg

Gallery 278 | 6737 2322 | gallery278.com House of AnLi | 6235 5193 | houseofanli.com Originals | 9672 3917 (WhatsApp) | originals.com.sg

Scanteak | 6365 9121 | scanteak.com.sg Taylor B | 6206 9736 | taylorbdesign.com

Brooklyn dressing table with removable mirror, Gallery 278

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Finally, a reliable way to keep the family connected at home.

Connectivity nightmare Almost immediately, the problems surfaced. Some of these will likely sound familiar: • Laggy internet speeds as everyone hooked up multiple devices to the WiFi at the same time. • Patchy connections, depending on which corner housed your impromptu home-office nest. • Slow-loading pages, as your kids streamed videos while you sat on a Zoom call with relatives. • Dropped connections when you tried to screen-share your presentations with co-workers, while the rest of the family enjoyed video games.

Most of our homes simply weren’t wired sufficiently to handle the sudden extra demands in connectivity and coverage. Fortunately, there’s a solid IT solution that will save our sanity by keeping all the family connected, entertained and happy, from all corners of the home. A router to save the day Welcome Linksys’s latest router, the Velop MX5300 WiFi 6 mesh router. With WiFi 6 technology, this powerful piece of hardware delivers four times as much speed, an extended WiFi range, and four times the WiFi capacity to keep both you and the children happy.

So this just happened. You and your spouse were thrown into full-time, home- based working, which meant linking your phones, laptops and tablets to the WiFi, all at the same time. Also, the kids (and you) were suddenly plunged into home-based learning, which saw them trying to keep up with the school timetable, multiple app logins and daily teacher-meetings. Soon, all family members were filling eachdaywithZoommeetings and calls (and Netflix!) day after day, month after month. This extra squeeze that we all experienced demanded a lot of extra juice from our home WiFi connections.

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ADVERTORIAL

The WiFi 6 router can cover up to 3,000 square feet in connection coverage, so you can wave goodbye to any patchy connections in your home. Phew. The router can also support as many as 50 devices simultaneously, easily handling the demands of home- based learning, working from home, gaming and video streaming, with fast and reliable connection at all times. It’s a win-win for everyone from the youngest learner to the busiest working parent. Those who are looking for extra coverage can add a Velop Mesh WiFi node anywhere in the home, since the MX5300 is seamlessly compatible with other products from the Linksys mesh WiFi family.

Compatibility issues aren’t a thing, either, since the device works with a wide range of products including Mac, iOS, Windows and Android devices, as well as: • iPad Pro (2018 model and above) • Android mobile models (Samsung S10/ S20/ Note 10) • Microsoft Surface models If all that isn’t enough, the clever folk behind the Thunderbolt Dock Pro have even designed one handy cable to house all your loose- end wiring. So, you can kiss goodbye to messy cables.

Powering up the safe way

The third component of your new and improved WiFi setup in the home should be the Belkin Surge Protector. This is a great solution for families working together at the dinner table, or for those needing access to power for multiple devices. Th e mu l t i - p l u g s u r g e - protected socket comes in 4-port, 6-port and 8-port options, for every usage scenario. It has in-built safety shutters (over live and neutral ports) to help protect everyone from electrical accidents – a great feature to keep the family safe, particularly kids with inquisitive fingers. To ensure an easy and clutter- free cablemanagement, Belkin has even considered home-aesthetics with their spoiler cable system. So, no more tangled wires ruining your home décor theme.

Fast data transfer speed If you or your kids frequently upload video from your cameras to your laptops or desktop computers, you should consider including a Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro in your setup. This device, which Belkin recently added to its award-winning product line, allows you to enjoy faster data transfer speeds – for the tech- minded readers, we’re talking about 40Gbps, with an impressive 8K resolution at 30Hz on single screens, and 4K resolution at 60Hz for dual screens. You can also connect numerous devices for easy organisation. Do different family members have different computer models? Does someone need a wired internet connection? Do you all have a handful of memory sticks that need to be connected at various times during the day? No problem, the Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro has you covered with its range of ports below:

To help future-proof your family and ensure everyone remains happily connected, grab the latest products from Linksys and Belkin from online marketplaces

• USB-A 3.0 ports • USB-A 3.1 port • USB-C 3.1 port • Thunderbolt 3 ports • SD card

Hachi.tech and Lazada: hachi.tech/brand/linksys hachi.tech/brand/belkin lazada.sg/shop/linksys-official-store lazada.sg/shop/belkin-official-store-new

• Display port • Gb Ethernet

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AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN THEIR ’HOOD

GISELE SOH From: Hong Kong Occupation: Business

Operations at Wantedly Singapore

The Specifics What’s the name of your street? If it’s in another language, what does it mean? Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. It literally means “Red-haired man’s bridge”! I’m yet to find this bridge… Exact words you tell a taxi driver to get home? Here’s a surprise: I’ve not been in a taxi here! Closest MRT station? Ang Mo Kio MRT Station (the red North South Line, plus, in the planning stage at the moment, the lime Cross Island Line). Three months. I was looking through over 100 ads on property sites and eventually chose this place. I’m so glad that it worked out because I really like it. The greenery and fresh air in the morning is something I look forward to waking up to. And, as the sun sets for the day, the sky is colouredwith orange and pink hues, which I love to see. How long have you lived here? Why here?

About Ang Mo Kio • The “red-haired man” referenced in the translation of Ang Mo Kio is a colloquial way of referring to a Caucasian. And “ kio ” means bridge. Together, this is likely a reference to Johnson Turnball Thomson, a government surveyor in the mid-1800s who built a bridge over the Kallang River in this area (and who gave his name to Thomson Road). • For much of the first half of the 20th century, AngMoKio consisted of attap houses set among rubber plantations. It was redeveloped in 1973 as a satellite town. • The large supermarket chain Sheng Siong had its origins here, as a small family retail outlet selling chilled pork from the owners’ pig farm in the 1980s. • Today, around 160,000 people live in Ang Mo Kio.

AMK Hub

MRT

Ang Mo Kio wet market

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Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10

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How about one thing you would change? Cyclists and electric bike users who don’t notify pedestrians when passing by. If the city gave you a million dollars to soup up your street, how would you use it? Educating everyone on handling their trash properly, and adding more automation systems for waste processing so the amount of labour on it can be reduced. Beyond the ’ Hood What are your favourite Singapore spots for taking out-of-town guests? Haven’t got one yet but I’m looking forward to the islands and parks. When you’re in need of a dose of culture, where do you go? Arab Street and Chinatown. If you’re missing home, what do you do? Whip up a few Cantonese dishes, catch up with news and friends!

Exploring Arab Street

The Superlatives What are your three favourite places to eat or drink in the neighbourhood? ChompChomp FoodCentre in Serangoon Gardens. I love that it’s super convenient – just a 15-minute walk away from my place. The 724 Ang Mo Kio Food Centre also has every type of local food available and is very affordable. Kovan has lots of hipster cafés and more local food. My favourite dish at each spot would be wonton noodles, fried carrot cake and Punggol nasi lemak respectively! What are the best places to shop at in the neighbourhood? Giant Express for groceries. Also, Chong Boon Market for aromatics like ginger and spring onions and other items like eggs and tofu. What are some fun or interesting things to do in the neighbourhood? Swimming at Ang Mo Kio Swimming Complex. I also love that I’m able to jog to Sengkang, Upper Thomson and Yio Chu Kang from here. What’s one thing you’dnever change? The friendly vibe.

The Scene What’s the closest store to your front door? A convenience store operated by an Indian family. If your street was chosen for a remake of a film, which would it be? A Quiet Place . Ha ha, joking; but it is quiet at night.

What’s the unofficial uniform of your street? T-shirts.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on your street? Not on the street, but I had odd ink patches left on my dress while it was hung out to dry overnight. Thankfully, I was able to wash them off.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD? Share it with others – just email us at contribute@expatliving.sg with “ Street Talk” in the subject line. Include your name and street, and we’ll be in touch.

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