MARCH 2022

MAR 2022

TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

TAPAS, TAKEAWAYS & TEX-MEX

A MAMMOTH PENTHOUSE MAKEOVER

EDITOR’SNOTE It’s funny how things work out. A few days before I was to go to Kranji for a service marking the 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, I watched the perfect movie almost by mistake. The Railway Man is based on a true story and played out by Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. Twenty years after the end of the Second World War, a man is trying to live and love as best he can while managing the memories and trauma. He had been captured in Singapore and sent to work on the Burma Railway – or “Death Railway”, as it’s often called. It gave me a lot of food for thought. For example, the theme of “just following orders” – 80 years later and I feel it’s still being used as an excuse. We are programmed to think that others know better, are more informed or more important than us. But, I think it’s our duty to question and not blindly follow – it’s not a choice. It’s a very complex issue, as is the other key message in the movie, which is “forgive but don’t forget”. My grandmother, who was 103 when she died and had lived through two world wars, the great depression and much more, wasn’t very good at either. She had a memory like an elephant, as they say – and she never forgave. If you’re keen to create some lovely new memories, and use up those air miles that have been building up, have a read from page 120. One of our team who lives in South Africa has put together her favourite places to visit there. It’s an amazing country! Making sure you’re comfy is always important, so we’ve also got a great spread on bedrooms, as well as a competition to win fabulous sheets and a mattress! It’s also International Women’s Day this month (8 March), and we have a couple of interesting profiles of women juggling high-profile day jobs and motherhood – one in the cruise industry, the other an international golfer. As we enter spring and (hopefully) a fresh start, I hope you have fun exploring new avenues – and always remember to question!

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief

Hide away in South Africa!

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Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Copy Editor JULIET KEYS Editorial Team HEALTH & FITNESS: AMY GREENBURG LIFE & FAMILY: PATRICEA CHOW

WINE & DINE, LIFESTYLE: DINESH AJITH FASHION & BEAUTY: ZAWANI ABDUL GHANI HOME & PROPERTY: AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE Online & Digital Content MICHAELA BISSET Production Coordinators NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN | JUDIT GÁL 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 & Partnerships SUSAN KNUDSEN-PICKLES IT & Web Support RENE YUTIAMPO | HANADDI REY DIAZ MAMBA Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers HARSHARAN KAUR | DEE KHANDUJA | AMANDA LIM Contributing Photographers DELON HO (DELONHO.SG) | KEN TAN (MISTERKENTAN.COM)

CONTACT US Call or WhatsApp: +65 9112 0652

General Enquiries: info@expatliving.sg Advertising Sales: sales@expatliving.sg Subscription: subscription@expatliving.sg Production: production@expatliving.sg Editorial & Media Releases: editorial@expatliving.sg Calendar of Events: calendar@expatliving.sg Events: events@expatliving.sg Websites: expatliving.sg | expatliving.hk Printed by Ho Printing Singapore Pte Ltd (hoprinting.com) Published by Expat Living Publications Pte Ltd 36 Carpenter Street, #02-01 Carpenter Haus, Singapore 059915

Originals (originals.com.sg)

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CONTENTS

NEWS 16 What’s on in Singapore 20 Subscribe and join us at an event or online talk HOME & PROPERTY 24 New furniture finds and store updates 30 Win an amazing bed and bedding! 32 Inside a condo apartment near the river 41 Everything you need for your sleep sanctuary 50 Readers recommend bedroom furniture 52 Where to source a super sofa 54 A rented penthouse gets a royal makeover! 64 Outdoor furniture for your patio or garden 66 What it’s like living in Chip Bee Gardens

54 Peek into this penthouse...

LIFE & FAMILY 72 The latest news for parents and kids 76 Noticeboard: Baby births, plus animals for adoption 79 Why topping up your insurance is a smart move 80 Equipping students with skills for the future 82 Dempsey Hill has heaps for young ones! 86 Singapore Pages: Interesting facts about where we live

41 Beds, bed frames, mattress and more

43 Ace accessories for the bedroom!

90 What to watch and read this month 92 International women’s golf returns to Sentosa 94 A great location for little learners

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CONTENTS

120 Six must-sees in South Africa

WINE & DINE 100 Foodie news, restaurant updates and more 102 Recipe Corner: Who can resist apple pie? 103 Our review of fine-dining restaurant Caviar 104 Where to satisfy those Tex-Mex cravings 106 Greek feasts delivered to your home 107 What’s in the Butcher Box? TRAVEL 110 Trip-planning inspiration and hotel news 112 Our chat with cruise queen Angie Stephen 116 A stroll along the Singapore River 120 Six of South Africa’s natural wonders

104 Tex-Mex time!

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CONTENTS

STYLE & BEAUTY 128 The latest fashion news and advice 130 Visit this tailor to get your glad rags! 132 New beauty products and retail picks 135 Would you consider a facelift? 136 The ins and outs of fat grafting 138 Why a skincare regime matters 140 Men’s skin products, reviewed! 143 Where to go for great hair highlights 146 We try some fab facial treatments HEALTH & FITNESS 152 Medical updates and health tips from experts 156 Signs that your child might be depressed 158 All about yoga and Pilates 162 What runners should know about their knees 164 Keen to have kids? Read this for tips and preps! REGULARS 170 See how well you do in our Puzzle Pages 172 What’s in your stars this March? 174 Important contacts and this month’s advertisers 176 Parting Shot: Spending a lot on beauty treatments?

128

Pretty picks for a girls’ day out

156 Yoga, Pilates and home workouts

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CALENDAR

WHAT’SON

Canadian International School On-Campus Open Houses (3 & 4 MARCH) Open Houses at CIS let parents tour the premises, meet students and gain insights into the school’s popularity. The Head of School, academic team and teachers will give a warm welcome and provide more information about their ethos and expertise, and the academic and STEAM programmes. From 9am. Sign up at cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house . Australian International School Open Houses (DATES CONFIRMED IN MARCH) Learn how your child can become the best version of themselves at an AIS Open House. The school’s Leadership Team will also be present to answer your questions and share their insight and expertise. Register your interest at ais.com.sg/open- house-ais and they’ll reach out to you with confirmed dates.

CIS

Paphonsak La-or’s Prospects (UNTIL 12 MARCH) This solo show by one of Thailand’s most renowned contemporary artists, Mit Jai Inn, contemplates the country’s current political affairs through twilight landscape paintings. The highlight of the show is Tunnel , a 13m installation of paintings strung together. Admission is free at 39+ Art Space in Tanjong Pagar Distripark. 39-plus.com This play opens up discussions for both children and adults around bullying and its repercussions through the experiences of an eight-year-old boy, Zack, whose life is turned upside down by a bully. It employs music, movement and multimedia to help kids explore the topic of bullying in a relatable and insightful play. The play draws from real-life stories, ideas and drawings shared by children in Singapore through organised workshops and an open call submission. Tickets are $40. esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/ march-on/2022/i-have-something-to-say I Have Something to Say (11 MARCH TO 13 MARCH)

AIS

Chingay50 Buses

Chingay50 Buses (UNTIL 27 MARCH)

Look out for 20 beautifully decked-out buses with colourful designs inspired by Chingay parades over the last five decades. There are 14 designs in total, including the newly commissioned one for Chingay50 designed by local artist Sam Lo. Once on the buses, commuters can access various Chingay50 content and interact with them during their bus rides. Also, snap and post photos of any of the buses on Facebook or Instagram with the relevant hashtags #ChingaySG2022, #OurChingay50, #HeyChingay50Bus, and you can stand a chance to win great prizes.

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CALENDAR

Opposition (17 MARCH TO 3 APRIL)

Dislocations: Memory and Meaning of the Fall of Singapore, 1942 (UNTIL 29 MAY) With 2022 marking the 80th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, the National Museum’s free exhibition shares intimate perspectives of the war through memories and personal belongings. It’s the first exhibition to examine the impact of the

Opposition is a play about Production Manager Ramlah Zee and Director Jackie Oh who are business partners of a theatre company, Zero Theatre, in addition to sharing a personal relationship. When cracks appear in their partnership, they have to decide whether to compromise for their business or stand for their individual truths. Written by Haresh Sharma and co-directed by Alvin Tan and Kok Heng Leun, Opposition follows the critically acclaimed productions of Manifesto (2016) and Underclass (2018). sg.bookmyshow.com AR-mazing Tiger Trail (UNTIL 9 APRIL) The tiger population of Southeast Asia is declining due to poaching and loss of habitat. To raise awareness for these endangered creatures, AR-mazing Tiger Trail is a three- part island-wide trail that features 40 life-sized tiger art sculptures and art pieces designed and decorated by prestigious international and local artists. Enjoy a gamified AR-venture filled with immersive AR filters, quizzes and other activities. You’ll be inspired to learn more about how you can contribute to biological diversity. thetigersarecoming.wwf.sg

war on subsequent generations of Singaporeans to the present day. Seven exhibition zones feature eye-opening historical artefacts along with video projections, immersive experiences and digital touchpoints. nhb.gov.sg/ nationalmuseum/our-exhibitions/exhibition-list/dislocations Remember Rainforest (UNTIL 30 JUNE) A mystical film for kids and adults alike, Remember Rainforest aims to educate the public on the issue of deforestation. It involves the fantastic encounters of a Child Hero who comes across a mysterious Forest Shaman and other wildlife in the forgotten rainforest. The Child Hero learns about the urgent importance of saving the rainforest – at risk is the extinction of these beautiful creatures. Catch the show online on SISTIC Live. Tickets are $10. sistic.com.sg/events/slrainforest0622 Cerita (Stories) Special Exhibition (UNTIL 31 JULY) “Cerita” means “stories” in Malay. To help celebrate what the Malay Heritage Centre has to offer before it closes for a revamp, Cerita seeks to draw together all the stories the Centre has told so far in a retrospective showcase. Through artefacts collected from the Malay community over the past decade, visitors will familiarise themselves with the past while being inspired to reimagine the future. Admission is free. thenewageparents.com/ cerita-exhibition-malay-heritage-centre

Urban Colours (UNTIL 29 APRIL)

In ART:DIS’s latest exhibition, ten professional artists inspired by Cubism’s and Pop Art’s use of hard edges, distinct forms and lack of depth express themselves through a creative blend of these iconic styles. There are 32 artworks in all, from the kitsch to the complex, displayed in a riot of colours on a two-dimensional plane. Admission is free. thegallery.artdis.org.sg/ urbancolours

Cerita

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Don’tmissourmonthly events!

11 MAR 8.45am 16 MAR 10am 23 MAR 9am 25 MAR 10am 31 MAR 10am

MacRitchieWalk Explore Singapore’s Oldest Reservoir

with Digital Direction Email Marketing

Bukit Brown Cemetery Discover a fascinating corner of Singapore

Are you aware of increasing anxiety? Have you had panic attacks? Dr Neil Forrest from Osler Health International explains the causes and how to cope

STEAM learning – experience a virtual class with CIS experts

expatliving.sg/ELevents Scan or register online at

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MAR 2022

March 2022 Issue 236 S$6.90 MCI (P) 076/02/2021 BEDROOMS • BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS • TAKEAWAY MEALS A MAMMOTH PENTHOUSE MAKEOVER TAPAS, TAKEAWAYS & TEX-MEX

TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

MAR 2022

March 2022 Issue 236 S$6.90 MCI (P) 076/02/2021 BEDROOMS • BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS • TAKEAWAY MEALS A MAMMOTH PENTHOUSE MAKEOVER TAPAS, TAKEAWAYS & TEX-MEX

TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

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*Offer ends 31 March 2022. Your subscription will also include free access to the digital edition on the Magzter app. Each guide is published at a different time within the year and will be mailed with your copy of Expat Living.

21 MARCH2022

HOME & PROPERTY

41 Buying Guide: Everything you need for your bedroom

Scanteak

32 Smart Moves: From Hong Kong to a condo near the Singapore River

54 Home Showcase: An 8,000- square-foot penthouse makeover!

64 Outdoor Furniture: For your balcony, patio or garden

WHAT’S NEW

Rattan Highlights Local furniture and lifestyle store Born in Colour is encouraging clients to bring the natural elements and beauty of rattan into their homes. Its pieces are made using handwoven techniques, and can work in both traditional or more contemporary settings. Head to bornincolour.com to browse the rattan collection of sideboards, dressing tables, consoles, funky storage and more.

Retro & Modern Gentle curves and bouclé fabric are trending for 2022, and the Castlery team has given this more than a nod with their various living and bedroom products to create cosy home living spaces. Bouclé fabric adds an interesting, warm and layered texture, and the neutral tones of these pieces mixes 70s style with contemporary living. castlery.com/sg

Island Living has moved! The new showroom is more than three times the size of the old space, with over 6,000 square feet to show off the brand’s handpicked, handmade, all-natural furniture. Located in Kaki Bukit Industrial Estate in the East, the showroom will showcase the current range of furniture, décor, kitchenware and bedding, as well as new products – so keep an eye on the Island Living Instagram page @islandlivingsg for updates. There’s plenty of car parking on site, and it’s a short walk to Kaki Bukit MRT. 8 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #06-01.

Cool Collaboration Scanteak’s new Experience Store housed in its Henderson Road showroom is now home to ten brands. The different collections are found in zones across the showroom, catering to a variety of household needs. You’ll find local paint innovator gush, home fragrance brand Pass It On, as well as bean bags by Doob. Many of the brands also share similar values of sustainability, and nine out of the ten are homegrown. #01-04/05 Henderson Industrial Park, 211 Henderson Road.

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Tiger Designs French artist LouiseM has been inspired by nature – and especially the Singaporean jungle – ever since she moved here. For this lunar year, she has honoured the King of the Jungle and designed tiger prints and cushion covers. The artworks are designed, printed (with no solvent inks), hand stitched and embroidered in Singapore, and made of natural and eco-friendly materials. 8907 7037 | IG: @louisem_artiste

A 20th Anniversary! Congratulations to Chris Churcher and REDSEA Gallery! Just like Expat Living, they’re celebrating their 20th birthday this year – and they were also one of our first advertisers! Based on River Valley Road back in those days, they’ve been in their cool Dempsey Hill gallery for 14 years now. redseagallery.com

ManagingYour Photos Having trouble organising all your digital photos? SARAH and BO from Sort Your Photos (a sister company of Tekkie Help) say the key to successful photo management is to have the right technology before you start.

don’t just move photos to external disks – this gets messy when you’re trying to access them and back them up. Likewise, we advise against offloading them to the Cloud or “optimising” their size on your hard drive. If photos are only in the Cloud, backing up is a challenge. Don’t cut corners! Invest in your technology to ensure you have the right foundations for a seamless photo management workflow. So, upgrade the hard drive of your existing computer (Tekkie Help can do this) or buy a new or a refurbished computer. People often put tech at the bottomof their priority list, yet photos are very precious things – and irreplaceable; so it’s important to lay the right foundations in place to create a seamless photo management strategy.

The biggest problem people face with managing their photos is not having the tech set up properly – they may have photos scattered on different devices, no storage space left, Cloud settings all askew, not using the right software… the list goes on! Love it or hate it, technology underpins any successful photo management strategy – getting it right is crucial. Understanding the tech It’s firstlyessential that peoplehaveabasicunderstanding of how all the technology works together. Tech is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging to keep up. If you’re unsure about something, we recommend swatting up! TekkieHelp runs various trainingworkshops to ensure you’re fully up to speed. The right foundations It’s strongly recommended to create a digital photo hub – a central location to store all your photos in full-size resolution. This is for both convenience and also the ease of getting a good backup. Usually a 1TB or 2TB hard drive is ideal. If you don’t have space,

Need help with your photos or technology? Call 8113 8682 or visit tekkiehelp.com.

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HOME & PROPERTY

How to style your sideboard like a pro!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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... a mattress, pillows, bolster and bedsheet set from Heveya, worth over $6,000! Enter our competition and you’ll stand the chance to win all of the following: • OneHeveyaNatural Organic LatexMattress II, queen size • Two Heveya Organic Latex Pillows, and one Heveya Organic Latex Bolster • One bundle of Heveya Bamboo Sheets, queen size, Sand colour, including a duvet cover, fitted sheets, pillow cases and a bolster case

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HOME & PROPERTY

About Heveya Heveya (formerly European Bedding) is a one-stop bedding store set in a lovely shophouse. It carries natural organic latex mattresses and pillows, adjustable slatted bed bases, bamboo and linen bedsheets, organic duvets and mattress protectors, teak wood bed frames and accessories. About the Prizes Natural latex’s elasticity provides excellent sleeping comfort, as it moulds to the contour of your body; it also ensures proper spinal alignment for a restful sleep. Heveya uses only 100 percent certified natural organic latex – no pesticides, fertilisers, heavy metals, VOCs or other chemicals. There’s a selection of mattress sizes, as well as firmness levels. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they can customise to your needs; their mattresses also come with a 100-day trial! The 100 percent bamboo lyocell sheets in the Heveya organic range feature a silky smooth and soft feathery texture. The bamboo fibre is naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, while also being breathable and temperature regulating. So, they’ll keep you cool in the Singapore heat! All in all, Heveya provides a customisable sleeping system whereby bed base, mattress and pillow work together to provide excellent back support for all builds, sleeping positions and personal preference. Sustainability is also a key consideration, as well as caring for the wider community. (The brand donates one percent of its profit to charity.)

Heveya 32 Eng Hoon Street 6735 6658 | heveya.sg

1. Go to expatliving.sg/competitions and let us know why you think an organic latex mattress will help you sleep and live better. 2. Follow @heveyasg on Instagram – and remember to share!

31 MARCH2022

Room BY REBECCA BISSET PHOTOGRAPHY DELON HO

HOME FACT FILE Size & Type: 2,300-square-foot condo apartment with balcony Location: Regency Park, Nathan Road, River Valley Occupants: JC and husband Tom, son Lukas (11), daughter Lila (9), helper Lyn, and Monty the dog

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After years of living in the heart of Hong Kong, relocating to Singapore gave JC FULFORD-SMITH and family the chance to enjoy more space and a lush location near the river.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey here. I’m from Los Angeles and was formerly a hospitality designer. I moved to Hong Kong in 2007 to work on hotels in Macau and the region, including Marina Bay Sands. I met my British husband Tom up in Hong Kong and we lived there for 10 years and had Lukas and Lila there. Tom’s company then brought us to Singapore in 2017. As an interior designer, I’ve always loved design and art, and I began a small business, Lot33art, sourcing decorative art. I’m currently finishing a master’s degree in real estate investment and finance as part of a career transition post-COVID.

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I love clean lines and contemporary furniture but also a comfortable and lived-in look

What kind of home in Singapore were you looking for? Coming from Hong Kong, we were looking for more space but with young kids we were immediately attracted to condo living. We’re a social family and condo living provided the option for being in a wonderful area with fantastic amenities. A balcony and central location were at the top of our list. We were used to city living in Hong Kong and being 10 minutes from everything like work, restaurants and green spaces; the River Valley area ticked all our boxes. We had friends who lived in Regency Park and once we visited we fell in love with the big balconies and lush landscaping. It’s a large property that gives the children plenty of space to play with condo friends, and there’s a wonderful community here. I would call it “warm modern”. I love clean lines and contemporary furniture but I like to create a comfortable and lived-in look and feel. Often contemporary interiors can be cold or uninviting; I try to counteract that with comfy fabrics and colour. What was it that sealed the deal on this condo for you? How would you define your interior style?

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What’s your favourite area in the house and why? My favourite would be the balcony off our living room. Being on a low floor provides us with a beautifully lush background, so I kept the colours very neutral in order to highlight the vibrant green surroundings. We often dine out there or entertain – it’s really an extension of our living room. As a designer, I’m lucky to have had access to furniture companies and factories in Hong Kong and mainland China. I purchased most of our furniture before we moved to Singapore or had it custom-made. And I source and curate the artworks myself through the network of artists I’ve used for Lot33art. Tell us a bit more about that. My art-sourcing business provides and helps curate decorative art. Decorative art is meant to be a decorative element and not necessarily an investment. The beauty of affordable decorative arts – as opposed to very expensive pieces – is you can easily replace them or switch them out. When I was working in interior design, I saw so many clients who had lost an expensive artwork in an overseas move. This was part of the reason why I thought affordable hand-painted art could be a much-needed resource for expats. My large-scale hand-painted pieces can be customised in size, colour and style while still being affordably priced – most of them are under $800. I love tropical living (even though sometimes it’s also what I hate most!). I do love the random heavy rain that disappears as quickly as it appears. The tropical vibe here impacts how we dress, eat and live. Where do you source your furniture and décor from? Favourite thing about Singapore and the region? What’s your advice to newcomers to Singapore? Don’t compare it to previous places you’ve lived. It’s unique, so just appreciate it for what it is!

Cafés “I love a good coffee, and Little Farms at River Valley and Common Man at Robertson Quay are two of my faves for coffee and a healthy breakfast. Carrotsticks & Cravings is up there too!” Lunching “I enjoy alfresco dining so I often eat at Robertson Quay restaurants such as Público, Privé and Super Loco.” Restaurants “My favourite is Koma; it has sushi, cocktails and great design – some of my favourite things. Being of Mexican descent, I also love Mexican food; La Mexicana at Chjimes is great for take-out, and for dining in I like Nixta.” Bars/Cocktails “For a fun girls’ night out, Employees Only, Barbary Coast Ballroom and Siri House are some of my faves.”

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HOME & PROPERTY

Havana Bed, from $1,190, Island Living

The bedroom is a special place in our home; it’s a sanctuary for relaxation and for recharging our batteries. As any feng shui expert will tell you, waking up in a comfortable bed and a calming bedroom is so important. Here are some ideas to make yours better furnished.

Black optical pattern three-drawer chest, Subtle Interior Collection, $2,100, Hacienda Blue

Heveya Bamboo Sheet Bundle, soft and breathable bamboo

bedsheets, $303-$405, Heveya

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1 Suite Dreams bed frame, in birch and cathedral walnut, an 18th-century European concept, price on request, Taylor B 2 Alf Da Fre sliding wardrobe with variable ashlars in glass, custom made, price on request, Pure Interior 3 Delon side tables in marble and coated metal, $795 (set of two), House of AnLi 4 Officina Luce Flaire table lamp in solid brass with bevelled details, price on request, Pure Interior 5 Bedarra bed frame in kiln-dried solid wood with metal bed base, price on request, Black & Walnut 6 Design concept, interior design, accessories and styling by Arete Culture 7 Moon dance table lamp, glass ball shade with gold metal base, $135, Window To The Past 8 Stellan bed frame and Fred side table with drawer, with ample back support for reading in bed, $1,659 and $339, Scanteak

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9 Air bed frame in oak, from $2,250, Originals 10 Wood inlay leaf-pattern side table, Subtle Interior Collection, $875, Hacienda Blue 11 Saphira Blush printed cotton-satin fabric, price on request, Gallery 278 12 Kuno bedside table, $395, Island Living 13 Monti laundry basket in solid oak and linen, $450, House of AnLi 14 Design concept, interior design, accessories and styling by Arete Culture 15 Bedtime Beauty bed frame in birch, maple and pine, fully upholstered in a cream stripe fabric, price on request, Taylor B 16 Prato 59 sideboard in solid oak and powder-coated metal, $2,495, House of AnLi 17 Macassar tray by Riviere, in macassar ebony wood with chrome handles and hand- braided calf leather, price on request, Pure Interior

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18 Chinese wedding cabinet in elm wood, available in various colours, price on request, Woody Antique House 19 Enkel bedframe and Enkel bedside table in solid teak, $1,599 and $499, Scanteak 20 Air nightstand in teak and solid oak wood, $595, Soul & Tables 21 Calypso bed in solid teak wood, $1,995, Soul & Tables 22 Barito bedside table in mango wood with textured natural finish, $1,154 (set of two), Window to the Past 23 Metallic hide cushion covers to add chic contemporary style to any bedroom, $140 each, The Cinnamon Room 24 Heveya Natural Organic Latex Mattress III, 100 percent natural organic latex encased in bamboo fibre removable cover with organic cotton padding, $3,588-$5,888, Heveya 25 Mariken printed fabric, Villa Nova collection, price on request, Gallery 278 26 Fujian cabinet, 100 to 120 years old from China, in original colour and good condition, price on request, Just Anthony

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Directory Arete Culture 20 Depot Lane, #01-01/02 9640 3829 | areteculture.com Black & Walnut 43 Keppel Road, #W1-01/02/03 6781 3201 | blackandwalnut.com.sg The Cinnamon Room 43 Jalan Merah Saga, #02-74 9727 3051 | thecinnamonroom.com The Furniture Makers 1 Upper Aljunied Link #05-01 Joo Seng Warehouse (By appointment only) 9234 4966 | thefurnituremakers.co Gallery 278 203A Henderson Road (Wing A), #11-01 & 02 6737 2322 | gallery278.com Hacienda Blue 17 Woking Road, #02-04 9866 1024 | haciendablue.com Heveya 32 Eng Hoon Street 6735 6658 | heveya.sg House of AnLi #02-21/22, #03-17 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road 6235 5193 | houseofanli.com Island Living 8 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #06-01 (new location) 8028 2571 | islandliving.sg Just Anthony 379 Upper Paya Lebar Road 6283 4782 | justanthony.com Originals 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, Level 5 6471 9918 | originals.com.sg Pure Interior 2 Alexandra Road, #01-01 Delta House 6534 9043 | pureinterior.com.sg Scanteak 211 Henderson Road, #01-04/05 Henderson Industrial Park 6376 1247 | scanteak.com.sg Soul & Tables #02-03 and #02-09 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road 9272 1545 | soulandtables.com.sg Taylor B 65 Mohamed Sultan Road 9758 3598 | taylorbdesign.com

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27 Carving headboard in teakwood and white-wash finish, price on request, Woody Antique House 28 African Malawi natural armchair, $680, Originals 29 Neutral white silver square laser-etched contemporary hide rug, from $2,200, The Cinnamon Room 30 Element standing mirror in mindi wood, handmade in Indonesia, $395, The Furniture Makers 31 Tosta oak rack, in black, $680, Originals 32 Deyna bedside table in teak and mahogany with abaca twist weave, $580, The Furniture Makers 33 Antique sideboard from Shanxi Province, approximately 100 years old, price on request, Just Anthony

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Window To The Past 3 Kung Chong Road 6235 2760 | wtpstyle.com Woody Antique House 13 Dempsey Road, #01-05 6475 7036 | woodyantique.com

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BESTBEDROOMS! Whether it’s a great mattress, a cool bed frame or soft bed linen you’re after – nothingbeats recommendations. Here are two happy customers who have made their beds and are happily sleeping in them!

Joey and Sara Lim

Shopping at Gallery 278was convenient because they carried everything we needed to furnish our home, and they partner with other local retailers to complete the package – for example, bed sheets, soft furnishings, wall paint, dinnerware, cushions and upholstery. The store carries some handsome writing desks that I think would look nice in our study. And we’re hoping to furnish our upcoming baby room too; there’s a cute piece that can transform from coffee table to children’s desk, and you can change the height as your child grows. Gallery 278 can also design and build any custom-made pieces we might need in the future. Gallery 278 by Esco Leasing 203A Henderson Road, #11-01/02 6271 2021 | gallery278.com escoleasing.com

and it ended up taking most of the floor space; we then chose a smaller dresser and side table. We were pleasantly surprised to find much more than just furniture too. For example, there’s a range of mattresses, and even a “Sleep Clinic” where you can book an appointment to have your sleep position analysed so you can find the mattress best suited to you. They also carry the Weavve line of bedding. We were suitably impressed when we felt the Tencel Lyocell sheets and duvet – they were extraordinarily smooth and soft, and cool to the touch. They’re great for Singapore’s humid weather – and sweaty husbands who like to kick off blankets! So, with the team’s recommendations, we ended up getting not only furniture, but also our mattress and bed linen all in one go.

We were moving and looking for a range of furniture, including a bed frame, side table and dresser for our bedroom. We wanted products that could pass the test of time, both in terms of function as well as aesthetically. Gallery 278 was recommended by friends and family, and after surveying various options, they seemed to offer the best bang for buck for quality products. They also offer loan items if something isn’t currently available, which suited our quick timeline for moving. At the showroom, we found a light- wood bed frame and bedside table that nicely complemented the warm and neutral colour theme of our bedroom. Our bedroom is quite small, but we decided not to compromise on our bed,

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Samira Siddique

natural materials, easy to clean, and it supports my back and neck. It puts my mind at ease knowing I’ve made a good choice for my wellbeing – for me, these kinds of purchases are an investment, not a cost. The bed base has a simple design to suit my minimalist room style, and it’s also ergonomic to help with my back and neck. I also got a good quality linen bed sheet to fit the new mattress, along with four fab new pillows; they’re the first ergonomic pillows I’ve tried and there is now much less stiffness in my neck! In addition, I bought a bolster pillow that I was using for added support for my pillows against the headboard. But my younger daughter has carted it off to her own bed, and I doubt I’ll get it back!

My bedroom is one of my favourite spots in the house. It’s my sanctuary and my wellbeing space – calm and serene – and I have a little corner for meditation and yoga. I spend a lot of time in bed! I believe rest and recovery helps improve our wellbeing. I was very impressed with the customer service; the team were knowledgeable, personal and followed up really well via WhatsApp with regard to delivery. My mattress arrived on Christmas Eve just three days after I visited the showroom, so I woke up on Christmas Day with a very happy grin.

It was important for me to find ergonomic bedding – a bed base, mattress and pillows – that would offer my spine and neck good support. I have quite a lot of muscular tension, and a stiff neck and lower back. I also recently returned to Singapore after living in the UK for 12 years, and I slept on an air mattress on the floor for three months while waiting for my ownmattress to arrive – that didn’t help! Then, when I unpacked the mattress from the UK, it was mouldy. I’m immune-compromised, so that just wasn’t going to do. I remembered that Heveya sells the kind of organic hypoallergenic latex mattresses that would be perfect for my needs. The mattress I chose is comfortable, made of

Heveya 32 Eng Hoon Street 6735 6658 | heveya.sg

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BY AMY BROOK-PARTRIDGE

We take a closer look at the sofa range at Originals to find out what makes them so versatile, inviting and stylish. Wouldn’t you want to curl up on one of these? Shopping at Originals is no cookie-cutter experience – they know that one size or style doesn’t fit every person’s home décor desires. The team aims to give customers the tools to create homes that are not only good to look at, but fun, comfortable and functional to live in as well. “We want to spark the imagination, so that our collections give owners a sense of putting their own unique stamp on their home environment,” explains owner GERI MURPHY. “We believe the furniture you purchase should last a lifetime, which is why the richness and quality of the materials we use is so important to us.” Originals’ collection embodies these principles, while also balancing form and function. “We know our pieces can push boundaries in design and still be comfortable and easy to maintain. Our curated selection of upholstered furniture and accessories are ideal for softening a space, resulting in a home that’s inviting, stylish and relaxing.” The environment is also a prime concern at Originals; it’s a factor that guides the team in their furniture design. The sofas in their Nomad Home collection, for example, are exceptionally well made with solid hardwood frames and multiple layers of high-density foam for support. These are investment pieces that will be able to travel the globe with you for many years to come.

Crafted in a warm paprika colour, the Island three-seater sofa is functional and trendy. You can alsomake it your own by choosing from Originals’ range of linen, blended linen or polyester materials.

The Hansen corner pearl settee is a sumptuous piece of furniture that’s comfortable and cosy. It has deep seats, an extra-wide chaise and multi- layered plush seat cushions, making for an eminently “loungeable” sofa!

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This three-and-a-half seater Sketch Island sofa is featured in a mustard colour, and has two lumbar, back and side cushions, making it even more cosy and comfortable. A great piece to curl up on with a good book!

The Hansen modular sofa isperfect for open- plan livingandavailable in various colours. The L extension can be configured on either the left or right and provides the perfect balance between plush and inviting.

This three-seater family sofa is featured in crisp cream linen. The simple, cleanedgesmean it can work in a modern or more traditional setting.

Every component of this sofa, from the inside out, is designed and built by Originals. The premium materials used in the framework are strong and durable, while the removable covers make for a pract i ca l and versatile piece.

Different looks and bespoke options The store’s range of sofas are crafted with solid timber frames and covered in top-quality European fabrics. Most designs come with removable covers for easy cleaning, and you can also purchase additional covers so you can change up the look. Bespoke pieces are available, and you can find modular sofas to suit your space. Fabric is also a key consideration, and Originals works closely with suppliers to source and select a wide range of fabrics for a variety of upholstery needs. You can browse from an extensive range of Libeco linens, hard-wearing polyester, blended linens and Italian leathers. The sofas featured on these pages are just a few examples of what you’ll see when you visit or browse online at Originals. Originals 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, Level 5 6471 9918 | originals.com.sg

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HOME & PROPERTY

APenthouse

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

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

BY REBECCA BISSET

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

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

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

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

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#5 Master bedroom

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

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#7 Home office

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

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A final word from the Arete makeover team

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

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Furniture OUTDOOR

If you’re guilty of lavishing attention on your indoor furniture but ignoring your balcony (or beyond), here’s just a small sample of Konopi’s outdoor furniture to give you some ideas – and some easy maintenance tips.

BY REBECCA BISSET

The store has some gorgeous pieces for your alfresco space, whether it’s a balcony, patio or garden. Plus, you’ll find the accessories you need to dress up an outdoor area, from lanterns (which also look great inside) to amazing crockery and cutlery, glasses, coasters, placemats and more. And, if you’re as bad as I am at keeping plants alive, you’ll also find the all-important artificial plants! These are perfect for adding the finishing touches to a balcony or patio in particular. Konopi has been around since 2011 and the team knows how difficult it can be to keep outdoors or “open-air” furniture looking good, especially in Singapore’s humidity. Here, they share four simple ways to ensure that everything stays in great shape.

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#1 Cleaning and treating “Wood furniture needs treatment with oil and water-proofing at least yearly for maintenance. For pieces made of synthetic materials, cleaning with a cloth dipped in water generally does the job.” #2 Removing stains “Stains and spills can threaten to ruin your beautiful outdoor furniture. The good news is that there are a few ways to get rid of them. One good option is to use a mild detergent and water, with a dry cloth, and gently scrub the discolouration away.” #3 Removing mould from rattan furniture “For cleaning rattan in general, you’ll need a soft brush. As for the mildew that normally occurs in this style of furniture, use a mix of water with white vinegar, and allow it to sit on the mildew for a while, then use a clean damp cloth to remove the excess vinegar. This will kill off the mildew and prevent any build-up.” #4 Caring for outdoor accessories “Many people worry about the cushions or pillows that come with their outdoor furniture. The good news is that proper outdoor cushions are designed not to hold water, making them less likely to develop mould. And outdoor cushion covers are designed to be water resistant, making them less susceptible to stains.” Now that you have a better idea of the simple maintenance needed to keep your outdoor furniture looking the best, you can get to the fun part: deciding on the pieces and materials you want to buy for your home! For ideas, head down to the Konopi store in the Shaw Centre (open 11am to 8pm daily) or look at the range online at konopi.com.sg.

#03-30 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road 6410 9678 | info@konopi.com.sg konopi.com.sg

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