MAY 2019

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

MAY 2019

SINGAPORE

22 SCHOOL REVIEWS

BOOKS & NETFLIX PICKS NEW RESTOS TO TRY WHICH MOVERS TO USE FOR YOU FOR KIDS

RESORTWEAR HAIR REMOVAL GETTING BEACH READY TRAVEL WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT JAPAN + BEST BEACH HOLS

HOLIDAY CAMPS MEASLES 101

TANNING + OUTDOOR FITNESS

BLACK WHITES

INSIDE TWO HERITAGE HOMES

EDITOR’SNOTE Listen, do you want to know a secret? (Do you promise not to tell?) I am writing this note from a Beatles-inspired hotel in Liverpool! My paternal grandparents and forefathers hung around Liverpool from the early 1800s till the First World War. And my mum’s brother’s family are still around there. So it has an important place in my history – but it’s also really cool as a destination now. It’s the kind of city you can walk around in, but if you do get taxis you will also be entertained… I’ve heard so many funny stories from the drivers, and bits about their lives. England in the spring is absolutely beautiful; the London streets and countryside are filled with blossom, and little lambs leap around the fields. I usually go in the summer so I’d forgotten what spring was like. What have you got planned for your next trip? Snorkelling, skiing or sleeping?! In this issue, we talk to a few people about what’s “big in Japan” (page 135) – with tips on everything from navigating Tokyo to family-friendly festivals. Please send through details of your favourite holiday destinations – it’s always good to share recommendations. This month, we’ve also started a feature on the shows and podcasts you’re watching and listening to (page 85), so let us know about those too! Another thing close to my heart is black-and-white homes, of any size and type (even the old Tudors in the UK), and every May we cover a couple of these lovely homes in the mag. If it’s something you’re interested to see more of, you can buy a book on Singapore’s colonial houses on our site (expatliving.sg/shop). It also has some great ideas for home décor.

REBECCA BISSET Editor-in-Chief

The Beatles in Bronze in Liverpool

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MAY2019

Editor-in-Chief REBECCA BISSET

Group Editor SHAMUS SILLAR Editorial Team HOME & PROPERTY: KEL FLANDERS EDUCATION: MONICA PITRELLI WINE & DINE, HEALTH: AMY GREENBURG LIFE & FAMILY: LINDSAY YAP HAIR & BEAUTY, FASHION: ANTHIA CHNG Copy Editor JULIET KEYS Online & Digital Content MICHAELA BISSET IT & Web Support RENE YUTIAMPO | HANADDI REY DIAZ MAMBA Client Services & Production LEANDA RATHMELL | LIANA TALIB | NUR HANANI KAMAL LUDDIN Graphic Designers MICHAEL BERNABE | BEATRICE NG | JEANNE WONG Marketing, Circulation & Administration ANNA TSERLINGAS | GRACE BANTARAN SITI SHAHIRAH KHIRUDEEN Advertising Sales KARIN GALLEY | DANIELLE ROSSETTI | LARA SAGE | JACQUI YOUNG Events Curator SUSAN KNUDSEN-PICKLES Special Projects MELINDA MURPHY | VEENA GILL Chief Operations Officer COLIN PURCHASE Contributing Writers ISIS ARECHAVALA | HARSHARAN KAUR | VERNE MAREE

Contributing Photographers KEN TAN (WITHINIMAGES.COM)

CONTACT US General Enquiries: +65 6812 1780 | info@expatliving.sg Advertising Sales: +65 6812 1781 | sales@expatliving.sg Subscription: +65 6812 1783 | subscription@expatliving.sg Production: +65 6812 1787 | 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 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #07-06 Mapex Building, Singapore 577177

The Peters’ black-and-white Alexandra Park home

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MAY2019

CONTENTS

35 Take a peek in this heritage home

NEWS 14 Calendar Updates: 20 Readers’ Letters 22 EL Forum:

What’s on in the coming months

Our online antics and our upcoming events

24 Singapore Page:

Exploring the island’s past and present

HOME & PROPERTY 32 News

Win! Artwork worth $4,500

35 Showcase:

LIFE & FAMILY 74 News 76 Noticeboard: Birth announcements and pet adoptions 77 Mother’s Day Bouquets 82 Reviewed: What we’re reading and watching 87 People Story: How a scholarship can change a life 89 Language Corner: Does your child need Mandarin tutoring? 90 School’s Out: Fun camps for the kids this summer 96 Helping Hands: Our latest on volunteer opportunities 98 Around Town: Photos from openings, events and more

Belgians in a black-and-white

54 Buying Guide:

44 Home Interiors: A budget styling service 46 Store Spotlight:

Sideboards, consoles and benches

62 Street Talk:

Find out what it’s like living in Pasir Panjang

Why your mattress matters

65 Inside Story:

49 At Home With:

Need help with your next move?

A fashionable entrepreneur

54

Consoles & benches in all styles

82

What we’re watching

8

MAY2019

CONTENTS

142 Beach escapes to book now

118 New spots on the food scene

WINE & DINE 110 News 116 Bar Tab:

Great places to meet up for a drink

118 New & Notable:

We review the hottest restaurants in town

122 Recipe Corner:

Fail-safe favourites to add to your repertoire

124 Review Crew:

EL takes on Thai food!

TRAVEL 130 News 135 Journey to Japan:

Reader insights and recommendations

140 Northern Adventure:

Things to do in Hokkaido in the warmer months

142 Sand & Sea:

Beach breaks near and far

146 Singapore Stay:

We check in to the Grand Copthorne

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MAY2019

CONTENTS

STYLE & BEAUTY 150 Style News 152 Summer Style: 156 Beauty News 158 Business Profile: 160 Smooth Operator: A guide to fuss-free hair removal 164 Golden Glow: Where to get a spray-tan in Singapore Resortwear for all occasions

Behind a 30-year-old beauty salon

156 What’s new in beauty?

150 Sparkles up for grabs!

152

HEALTH & FITNESS 172 News 176 Expert Voice:

Summer fashion frenzy

REGULARS 187 Numbers & Websites 188 Horoscopes for May

Achieving flawless legs gently and safely

178 Measles 101:

What you need to know about recent outbreaks

190 Advertiser List 192 Parting Shot:

180 Fitness Focus:

10 outdoor activities for your next workout

Love at first sight? Maybe not…

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twitter.com/expatlivingSG

pinterest.com/expatlivingSG instagram.com/expatlivingSG

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MAY2019

CALENDAR

THISMONTH

SPORTS & FITNESS National Vertical Marathon (26 MAY) This annual marathon challenges participants to scale the entirety of a skyscraper. There are 12 categories, including the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Veteran’s Challenge, Youth Challenge and Family Fun Race. Registration closes on 12 May. Suntec City Tower One. nvm.ntusportsclub.sg

SHOPPING & FAIRS HotLotz Interiors & Antiques Auction (17-23 MAY) Beautiful furniture, eclectic pieces and stunning home décor are up for grabs at this online auction. If you like, you can head down to the HotLotz Showroom to view your favourite lots in person. Online bidding begins on 17 May and closes 8pm on 23 May. Register online to see the auction catalogues. hotlotz.com The Phantom of the Opera (UNTIL 8 JUN) Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit returns to Singapore this April. The iconic award- winning musical is the longest running show on Broadway and has played to over 145 million people around the world. Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets from Sistic. Atul Khatri (2 MAY) One of India’s best stand-up comedians, Atul Khatri, returns to Singapore this May. He has performed more than 400 comedy drama shows, TV commercials and YouTube videos. SOTA Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic.

NETWORKING Sandbag Spring Charity Dinner (16 MAY) Veterans society Sandbag is organising a special dinner at Eden Hall this May. The guest speaker for the night will be Brigadier (Rtd) Justin Hedges RM OBE and all proceeds will go to The Royal British Legion. Email charlotte@sandbag.asia to book a spot. sandbag.asia

DANCE, THEATRE & CONCERTS

Troye Sivan’s The Bloom Tour (3 MAY)

Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour

Don’t miss this giant headline Asian tour of the South African-born Aussie singer and actor. Troye’s 2018 single “My My My!” went platinum in Australia and also cracked the US top 100. The Star Theatre. Tickets from Sistic. Cloud Gate 45th Anniversary Gala (3-4 MAY) Witness the power and beauty of this Taiwanese contemporary dance troupe as they perform excerpts from nine of Artistic Director Lin Hwai-min’s most mesmerising works in one sitting. Esplanade Theatre. Tickets from Sistic. Jason Mraz Good Vibes Tour (11 MAY) Grammy Award-winning singer Jason Mraz will be in town as part of a six-city tour of Asia, with audiences looking forward to performances of his record- breaking singles such as “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up”. The Star Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

Civilised (15-26 MAY)

Written by Haresh Sharma, this play by The Necessary Stage examines the complexities of colonialism and colonisation, not only of the past, but also its manifestations in the world today. The Necessary Stage. Tickets from Sistic.

Atul Khatri

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MAY2019

CALENDAR

SSO Chamber Series: Brass Ensemble of the SSO (19 MAY) Witness the talents of the brass ensemble of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at this eye-opening recital of brazen fanfares and clarion chorales, featuring pieces from the Renaissance up to the 20th century. Victoria Concert Hall. Tickets from Sistic. AIA Glow Festival 2019 (25 MAY) At this wellness and music event, enjoy activities and entertainment including yoga sessions and acts by DJs and bands, among them Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies and UK band Rudimental. You can also browse the Marketplace for wholesome treats. Palawan Green, Sentosa. glowfestival.sg

Turnover Live in Singapore (19 MAY) Formed in 2009 in Virginia Beach, this American rock band is set to perform in town for the second time as part of their Asian tour. Last here in May 2017, the band will be promoting their third album Good Nature . The Pavilion, Far East Square. turnover.bandwagon.asia

Breathing Colours

ARTS & CULTURE

Breathing Colours (UNTIL 7 MAY)

FAMILY

Pan Pacific Singapore has teamed up with Very Special Arts Singapore for this group exhibition by five local artists, Isabelle Lim, Lau Su An, Natalie Holstad, Nicole Koo and Zoe Tan. The exhibition celebrates the empowerment of people with special needs through the arts. Public Art Space, Level 2, Pan Pacific Singapore. Singapore International Festival of Arts (16 MAY – 2 JUN) Look forward to captivating and diverse works across theatre, music, dance, film and visual arts. There’ll also be artists’ talks, workshops and more at The Arts House. Multiple locations. sifa.sg Tatinis Art Show (24-26 MAY) The show returns this year with over 500 artworks by emerging local artists and international artists hailing from 15 countries – as far afield as Finland. Works are priced between $100 and $6,000. For the first two days, the fair opens 12pm to 9pm, while it closes at 5pm on the last day. F1 Pit Building. tatinis.com

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites (UNTIL 12 MAY) Meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he chomps away on his journey to metamorphosis. Also, come across other fun characters including Little Cloud and The Mixed Up Chameleon. Victoria Theatre. Tickets from Sistic.

Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show (9-12 MAY) Based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee, Elmer The Patchwork Elephant Show is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter. It features 21 loveable puppets and tells the tale of an elephant that stands out. KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT. Tickets from Sistic. SJI International Scholarship Information Drop by SJI International in May to find out more about the scholarships at the school. Both merit-based and merit-based means-tested scholarships are available to Singaporeans and PRs who are in the two- or three-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 2020. Sign up at goo.gl/5ahVdp. SJI International, Glass Hall, Level 3 Evening (22 MAY)

Learning Outdoors with CIS: Interactive Session for Parents (9 MAY)

Spend a fun morning with the outdoor learning team at Canadian International School and learn more about the school’s popular outdoor learning programme, Open Minds. Engage in hands-on activities and meet other parents. Register at cis.edu.sg/events. Sun Pavilion, Gardens by the Bay.

Learning Outdoors with CIS

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MAY2019

& BISTRO

STORE

House of AnLi

Tanglin Mall Level 3 #03-17

Reservations for breakfast, lunch & dinner: 6235 3851 or www.houseofanli.com

2/7/18 12:16 PM Open daily 9am onwards

*FPMasterP.indd 1

*FPMasterP.indd 1 *F M st r .in

2/7/18 12:16 PM / / :

*FPMasterP.indd 1

2/7/18 12:16 P

Venue available for events

*FPMasterP.indd 1

2/7/18 12:16 PM

2/7/18 12:16 PM

CALENDAR

PLANAHEAD

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore (UNTIL 9 JUN) Step into the past and witness the evolution of Singapore’s landscape between the 1930s and 1970s. The works feature everything from idyllic rural villages to boats along the Singapore River. National Gallery Cold Storage Kids Run (2 JUN) At this family-friendly event, choose to take part in competitive categories (1.6km or 2km) or participate in the stroller-friendly family fun run (1.6km). There’ll also be many fun games throughout the day. Palawan Green, Sentosa. coldstoragekidsrun.com.sg Professor Brian Cox Universal World Tour 2019: Live on Stage (8 JUN) Get some fascinating insights into the workings of nature through imagery from telescopes and space probes, in this tour of the acclaimed English physicist. Among the visual highlights will be a journey into a black hole. The Star Theatre. Tickets from Sistic. Aviva Superfundae (15 JUN) Enjoy a fun day out with the family at Aviva Superfundae this June, with a host of games and activities on offer including outdoor dashes, art workshops and more. The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay. Tickets from Sistic.

Professor Brian Cox Universal World Tour 2019: Live on Stage

STGR Uglow Marathon (15 JUN)

Taking place on Coney Island and along the waterside paths of Punggol Parkway, this run allows participants to choose from three categories: 10km, 21km and 42km. Registration closes 1 June. s.tgr.run INALA – A Zulu Ballet (19-22 JUN) Look forward to an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures at the show’s Southeast Asian premiere. It will see Singaporean dancer Adelene Stanley perform alongside the Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir and multi-award-winning choreographer Mark Baldwin. Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets from Sistic. Paris Opera Ballet (21-23 JUN) This famous ballet troupe will be making their way to town in June and performing works by three well-known choreographers: William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins and Crystal Pite. Esplanade Theatre. Tickets from Sistic. The Jungle Adventure: A Romp on the Wild Side (29 JUN – 7 JUL) Inspired by The Jungle Book , this original musical puppet show tells the tale of Mowgli and his journey through the jungles of Southeast Asia to find who he is and where he belongs. The Pavilion at Far East Square. Tickets from Sistic.

INALA – A Zulu Ballet

: www.expatliving.sg

For even more things to do every week, go to our online calendar or sign up for our newsletter

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MAY2019

LETTERS

Celebrating 200

Best Letter We want to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the magazine, or on any subject under the sun. We’ll be sending Nikki Weber a bottle of champagne for her thoughtful point about packaging.

Just wanted to say a big thank you for the wonderful magazine that you publish every month. It is my go- to for travel, fashion, the latest insights and everything else nice! I just re-subscribed with an amazing offer on your 200th issue milestone. Keep up the good work, team!

MAR2019

th

DREAMYDÉCORFOR THEBEDROOM+AFAB FAMILYBUNGALOW

HEALTHYRECIPES+ HOTNEW RESTAURANTS

OURHUGEPRESCHOOL GUIDE+SAILING IN SINGAPORE

NEWZEALANDTRAVELTIPS + CLIMBINGKILIMANJARO FORACAUSE

PRENATAL&MATERNITY NEWS+DOINGMORE FORYOURCORE

Plastic to Paper?

– Shivani Joshi

Dear Rebecca, congratulations on editing a very good magazine! I enjoy reading it every month and have done so for the last number of years. It’s always a delight to receive the latest edition in the post. However, I’m just a little sad to see that the magazine arrives in

Ed: Thank you for subscribing – we hope to be around for another 200!

HOMES • FAMILY • ARTS • FOOD • TRAVEL • FASHION • HEALTH • BEAUTY APR2019

SINGAPORE

Insidean

April2019 Issue201

HOME

a plastic sleeve. Is there any chance that you would consider changing from plastic to paper? I do receive a number of other magazines in paper sleeves and, considering the gigantic plastic issue we have in the world right now, I’m sure your readers would welcome that change. Just a thought for consideration! – Nikki Weber Ed: Thanks for your lovely feedback on the mag. Regarding the plastic covers, when we started out we used paper envelopes to send out to subscribers, but we got lots of complaints about mags getting spoilt in transit, getting wet in letterboxes, and so on. We switched to plastic, but we chose recycled plastic – if that’s any consolation. We don’t wrap them in anything for all the retail and serviced apartment copies, but haven’t found a better alternative for the posted ones so far. My daughters keep asking me to change too, so we will keep looking for a better option. ( Nikki: Thank you for letting me know. It’s a tricky one, I can see. Hopefully technology will come up with a more environmentally friendly yet sturdy envelope soon!)

BATHROOMS&KITCHENS •FACIALS •BUBBLY BRUNCHES

RevivingFacials HairMakeovers FitnessGoals HealthTips NewYou

CustomFurniture

GourmetSummit, Competitions &Rugby7s

S$6.90 MCI (P)031/02/2019

European

BORDEAUXTO BAVARIA

Keeping it Fresh

Love the magazine. My husband and I have been in Singapore just over one year now and the magazine is so useful. I was an editor when I was in my 20s so I know it isn’t easy putting out a magazine every month with all the ads and stories, but you manage to keep it fresh, informative and entertaining, and you more than deliver every time. Keep up the good work! – Nadia

Ed: Thanks – feedback like this keeps us going!

Email us at info@expatliving.sg

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MAY 2019

expatliving.sg FRESH EVENT UPDATES AND GREAT CONTENT TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF LIVING HERE

Online now...

Check out some of the best salons and facials in town

Follow us on social media!

facebook.com/expatlivingSG

twitter.com/expatlivingSG

pinterest.com/expatlivingSG instagram.com/expatlivingSG

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

May2019 Issue202

MAY2019

SINGAPORE

BOOKS&NETFLIXPICKS NEWRESTOSTOTRY WHICHMOVERSTOUSE FOR YOU FOR KIDS

each month? Want to get your favourite mag delivered right to your door

22 SCHOOL REVIEWS

SIDEBOARDS&CONSOLES •SCHOOLS •BLACK&WHITES

HOLIDAYCAMPS MEASLES 101

RESORTWEAR HAIRREMOVAL& GETTING BEACH READY WHATWELOVE ABOUTJAPAN+ BESTBEACHHOLS

TANNING+ OUTDOOR FITNESS

MCI (P)031/02/2019

BLACK & WHITES

INSIDE TWO HERITAGE HOMES

Visit expatliving.sg/print

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MAY2019

Our upcoming events! Visit expatliving.sg/ELevents to register.

EL WORKSHOP

FRENCHFAIR EXPERIENCE THE FRENCH LIFESTYLE WITH THE DS7 CROSSBACK

CHEESE APPRECIATION | FRENCH CANAPÉS | ROCK GLASS ENGRAVING DATE: 9 MAY 2019 TIME: 7PM – 9PM PLACE: DS SHOWROOM

EL TALK

EVERYTHING you need to know about being a PERMANENT RESIDENT

DATE: 10 May 2019 TIME: 10am — 11.30am PLACE: Singapore Cricket Club PRICE:

in Singapore

$10, including refreshments

EL WORKSHOP

“ A woman ' s best protection is a little money of her own …”

HOW TO SAVE AND MANAGE YOUR OWN CASH FOR THE FUTURE DATE: 29 May 2019

TIME: 7pm — 8.30pm PLACE: AAM Advisory PRICE: $10, including refreshments

BUSINESS BREAKFAST SERIES = PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

DATE: 22 May 2019 TIME: 9am — 11am

PLACE: Wild Honey @ Scotts PRICE: $40, including breakfast

23 MAY2019

LIFE & FAMILY

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

Explore Singapore

Terrific Trails Looking for great places to run? Check out these spots suggested by NAOMI HENSHALL, who organises runs for Facebook group HERs (Hiking, Exercising and Running Singapore).

Flashback

When Orchard was really an orchard...

#1 Punggol PCN and Coney Island

This picturesque 18.5km circuit includes some of Singapore’s lesser-known treasures. It starts along Punggol Park Connector (PCN), continues onto Coney Island, and returns to Punggol in a loop. It’s flat and easy, though long, and includes canals, island trails and some roadsides. #2 Bukit Timah Nature Reserve If you’re adventurous, this treasure trove of jungle trails can connect up to 10km! Start at the Visitor Centre (off Hindhede Drive) and follow any path that takes your fancy. The terrain is often narrow, winding and steep, but the rewards are wildlife, hidden reservoirs, exotic plant life and a huge sense of achievement. #3 Southern Ridges The beauty of this run – aside from quiet greenery, hilly paths and iconic attractions – is that you can join at any point you wish (depending on the desired distance) between West Coast Park and Mount Faber Park. A detour to Labrador Park is recommended. #4 Sungai Buloh Wetland Reserve Want to get off the beaten track and immerse in wildlife, mangroves, mudflats and boardwalks? This nature trail is a flat 5km circuit suitable for all levels of running.

Land Ho! Singapore and its quest to get bigger... #1 Land reclamation isn’t new in Singapore. In the early 1820s, Sir Stamford Raffles dismantled a hill on the site of today’s Raffles Plaza and used the soil to fill in nearby low- lying areas that were prone to flooding. #2 Since that time, land reclamation has seen the island grow by approximately 25 percent. And plenty more is planned between now and 2030. #3 Iconic Singapore locations that were once ocean include Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, Suntec City and Parkway Parade. Orchard Road is almost 200 years old. It was already a rural track by the 1820s, taking its name for its nutmeg and pepper plantations. In the mid 19th-century, the corner of Scotts and Orchard Roads was home to Dr Jun, who could always be seen tending his garden. By the late 1800s, the road was busier, with cemeteries, wet markets and temples. The first major sign of Orchard’s future retail focus came in 1905, when Singapore’s first Cold Storage opened near Emerald Hill. The rest is history! Did you know? Orchard Road has been a one-way thoroughfare for 45 years. Fact File

#5 Sentosa Island To explore this iconic island, start at VivoCity and run across Sentosa Gateway to Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches. For a longer run, continue back to Artillery Avenue towards Sentosa Cove and enjoy the maze of streets and waterways. The undulating, established path is suitable for all runners.

Click!

Think you know Singapore well? Which MRT station is “the pink one”? See next month’s page for the answer!

Last month: The aerial image from the last issue was of Marina Barrage.

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MAY2019

HOME & PROPERTY

35 Home

Showcase: A majestic black-and- white

54 Stylish Sides: A buying guide to consoles and sideboards

46 Store Spotlight: Healthy sleep solutions

65 Inside Story: On the move

HOME & PROPERTY

WHAT’S NEW

Ergonomic Outdoors OHMM’s new Catalonia Collection blends clean lines with flaring curves for a sculptured yet exceptionally comfortable ergonomic seat. You can customise pieces with the Rehau fibre and choose cushion colours to style things your own way. Cushions are optional but will add a touch of luxury to the look. Visit the store at 30 Merchant Road, #03-09 or go to ohmm.sg .

The Cinnamon Room has launched a stunning new range of metallic hide rugs. To add to the ever-popular gold and silver hues, there’s now a metallic copper tone, helping you to add instant glam and contemporary style to your home. A new mosaic-style rug, with a laser-etched design, is also available this spring – the only trouble will be deciding whether you put it on the floor or stare at it lovingly on the wall! If you’ve been coveting one of the store’s award-winning rugs, visit the HollandVillage showroomat #02-74 JalanMerah Saga .

Originals is Moving! The team from Originals has announced a move from their current Bukit Timah location ( 896 Dunearn Road ) to a bigger, more exciting space. But they can’t take everything with them! So, from 3 May to 15 June, they’re clearing out stock – at up to 70 percent off. originals.com.sg

Brighten Your Home Chai’s Classic Home Collection has recently launched, opening a showroom at Boon Lay Way. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of beautiful home décor, authentic Chinese furniture and timeless accessories to help solve those gift problems! Among the pieces are ginger jars, porcelain lamps and bone-inlay trays, along with solid wooden sideboards and cabinets. New stock arrives monthly, so be sure to “like” Chai’s Classic Home Collection on Facebook or visit chaiscollection.com where Expat Living readers can enjoy a five percent discount on non-sale items.

Create Your Own Nest Now available in all Scanteak stores across the island is Nest, the creative furniture design collaboration between the brand and final- year students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. The students were briefed to create unique pieces of furniture to make living in smaller spaces easier. The collection is the result of a 16-week journey and was recently awarded the Singapore Good Design Mark 2019. See scanteak.com.sg for locations.

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MAY2019

HOME & PROPERTY

Looking for Something Unusual? Launched at this year’s International Furniture Fair Singapore is the Matrix Stool fromMoss Living. The Megabite Top uses a real computer motherboard and is finished with a clear resin. You can also choose to have the teak legs in a natural or a gold finish. It’s available for a limited time at just $199 (usually $259). To find out more, call 6438 4321 or drop into #01-04 The Riverside Piazza, 11 Keng Cheow Street .

Switch and Save! Looking to use greener energy and save money too? Sembcorp Power can offer you both. Sign up for a 24-month power plan and receive up to $100 worth of bill rebates and bank rewards. (Conditions apply.) Visit greenerpower.sg .

Smell-A-Vision Phuong Dang is an artist and renowned perfumer. Her new art collection “Deep Listening” is a combination of bothpainting and scent. Phuong’s work illustrates the complexity of human emotion, fusing art, literature and perfume.With only six large- scale pieces available in this collection, you’d better move quickly before they sell out. For more information, email contactus@phuongdang.com .

Under the Hammer! Celebrate Our Differences Hands down one of the best things about being an expat is you get to experience life in different countries and, along the way, make new friends, not only from your adopted home, but from all corners of the world. As an auctioneer, I’m lucky enough to be invited into many fantastic homes. Without a doubt, the ones that inspire me the most are those that revel in their eclecticism. They showcase items collected from trips overseas or given by friends, or things that were bought to mark a celebration or recall a moment in time. Perhaps one way we can counter a world where it can sometimes feel like we are being encouraged to fear difference, is to collect beautiful things that make us smile and that remind us there are always more similarities than differences.

Need to spark some joy in your life?

Matthew Elton is the founder of HotLotz Auction House. HotLotz has weekly Interiors & Antiques online auctions of eclectic items every Thursday night. Visit hotlotz.com for catalogues, download the app, or pop in for a visit at 120

Lower Delta Road, #01-15.

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MAY2019

The show takes place at the F1 Pit Building’s Paddock Club 6 from24 to 26May, and will feature a constellation of over 500 local and international artworks from galleries and by individual artists, including several artists from Sweden and Finland. With a mission of bringing affordable art to every home, the upcoming fair will offer pieces from as little as $100, up to $6,000, allowing art novices, seasoned collectors and the general public alike to experience art at an approachable level. Following a successful transition into a global brand following its 2018 fair in Sweden (2018), the Tatinis Art Show returns home to Singapore this year under the theme “Hope; Peace; Love”. WIN

... artwork worth $4,500!

Two lucky winners will each receive one of the following artworks: Lotus (set of four 18x18-inch pieces) Mixed media on canvas, $2,000 Artist: Kanak Kiran After working as a volunteer art therapist in a prestigious hospital in Singapore, Kanak has recently moved to Sydney. A contemporary artist working with mixed media, her works have been exhibited in South Korea, Sweden, Helsinki, Australia, Singapore, Dubai and India, including at World Art Dubai and the Affordable Art Fair Singapore.

Set of 3 Paintings (from the Tatinis Private Collection) Acrylic and mineral pigments on canvas, $2,500 Artist: Le Tuan Ry Part of the Tatinis Private Collection from2018, this work is by a young Vietnamese artist with a passion for combining materials and techniques. Prior to graduating from Lasalle, Le Tuan Ry worked in architecture and interior design in Vietnam. His first show was at Chaosdowntown Cháo, an important space for emerging artists in Ho Chi Min City.

tatinis.com

To enter, simply go to expatliving.sg/competitions.

HOME & PROPERTY

Living in a black-and-white home offers space and a sense of heritage. We meet a Belgian family who have made this beautiful house in Alexandra Park their home.

BY KEL FLANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL BERNABE

35 MAY2019

36

MAY2019

HOME & PROPERTY

T he Van Gyseghem-Peters family home is impressive. It’s located in the low-key residential pocket of Alexandra Park, and if you didn’t purposely go for a drive around its leafy streets, you wouldn’t even know there were houses here. I meander down the driveway, taking in the vastness of the house and property, then knock on the open door. Nothing. I knock again. Nothing. I knock again and shout “hello” as loud as my British- Australian politeness will let me. I can hear people inside. I wait a little while and try again. After what seems like an eternity (in reality, a few minutes), a tall and elegant-looking lady click-clacks down the stairs in a fabulous pair of green heels. Charlotte Peters doesn’t look like a mother of three teenage children who runs an international recruitment company. She’s immaculate, open and friendly, and we’re soon laughing that her house is just too big to hear anyone at the front door. After water, tea and alcoholic drinks are offered (I choose the water option this time, as it’s a Thursday!),

we settle into the family room. Jackson the Golden Retriever makes his presence known, and I am temporarily distracted by scratching the ears attached to his fluffy, 10-kilogram head resting on my lap. The furniture in the home is diverse and I also notice there is no television. “I think a TV is the ugliest object. And it takes away communication, so we don’t have one in this room,” Charlotte tells me. We start talking about some of her favourite pieces in the room. “This is a Vitra couch that we’re sitting on. Tom and I got it on sale in Belgium. We queued up outside the store on their annual sale day.” She explains how they’ve come to have such eclectic items: “We like to collect things that we will keep for a long time. And I love that we have a huge house now to put them all in.” The family were originally looking at a smaller place down the street but the rest of the family said no. “They told me it didn’t have enough rooms for all our guests – I’m always inviting people to stay!” The family is currently hosting a Belgian student who is working for a Belgian chocolate company in Singapore.

Who lives here: Charlotte, Tom, Anton (16), Juliet (14), Pippa (11), Ileen (their helper of six years) and Jackson the Golden Retriever Time in Singapore: Three years Size and type of home: A ten-bedroom colonial black-and- white home Décor style: European tropical

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Around the House Charlotte and I take a walk around the house. I knew I should have worn my step-counter today. Although there are 10 rooms that could work as bedrooms, only seven are being used by the family for sleeping. The others are work and relaxation spaces, or just display areas for Charlotte’s collection of chairs and other paraphernalia. “Tom says I have too many chairs, but you always need an extra seat or two when you have people over!” We tour the bedrooms and office spaces upstairs and, again, I’m amazed by the space. I could literally fit my whole condo into the guest room. We tiptoe into their master suite, where I can hear Tom on what seems like an intense conference call in his office, just off their bedroom. I sneak a peek into the walk-in wardrobe (which is actually a whole separate room, crowded with clothes racks and shoes); “One of the things about this house is we have no storage space,” Charlotte whispers to me as we creep out.

Top right: “This Brazilian bookcase/ cabinet was sold to me by a friend who didn’t have the room. But I’ve said if they ever want it back, they can have it! I’ve regretted selling things in the past and I didn’t want them to feel that way too!" Left: “The dining room chairs are from the 1960s. My parents had them in their house and when they passed, I brought them here. They’re very dear to me.”

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Clockwise from top right: “I love the green Flexform seat. It just goes with everything and fits in everywhere we’ve lived.” “I love the space and the high ceilings we have here, plus the indoor-outdoor feel. But my favourite space to have morning coffee is here, just outside the lounge. The love seat is from an old hotel in Myanmar.” “I grew up in a nice area of Belgium – in Leuven, where Stella Artois is made. My best friend’s mum who is now in her 80s, made the wall art [on the left]. She learnt how to fold fashion magazines into these little triangles to make art (this one has 10,000 pieces). It’s personal to me as I’m still close to her. I’m actually amazed it has survived the Singapore humidity.”

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Working in Two Continents Charlotte is the founder and owner of HR One Group, a global executive search for the Life Sciences industry, with the main office still located in Belgium. “I work between Belgium and Singapore, so I travel every six weeks, which has become a lifestyle now. It makes life so more exciting – living and working in two continents. And in two totally different climates!” Her team in Belgium is located in an old loft where soap was originallymanufactured. She thinks it’s a great place to work, and it helps them interview candidates in a totally different way to other head-hunters. Charlotte loves having a job. “If I didn’t work, I’d become too focused on other things. I love that on a Friday I really feel like I’m ready for the weekend! I find sense in it. Very Belgian, I know!” A Global View As a second-time expat (the family lived in Malaysia for three years before returning to Belgium for a year), Charlotte is a fraction reticent about living in Singapore. “I loved living in Malaysia – though the community was smaller. We lived in an amazing house in the jungle. It was very modern and had monkeys everywhere; it felt so adventurous. I love having the Alexandra Park jungle on our doorstep now. I’ve been able to make lifelong friends here though my charity work with the Tabitha Foundation. We are sisters forever and often meet for dinner then go and dance on tables!” And the future? “We may move back to Europe at some stage. I love Brussels and our apartment there, even though it’s crazy, unsafe and the weather isn’t good! I do miss jumping in my car, driving to see my clients and getting stuff done. But we could also end up living in Italy as we have a place at Lake Como.” The family obviously still has a deep love for their home country, which, unlike some of us, will make it easier if they ever decide to leave Singapore.

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Making a Home The house is full of joviality, with banter and teasing all round from everyone. “Hey Dad,” asks Juliet when the family joins us, “where’s your favourite place in Singapore? I know: Changi airport!” “No,” Tom responds laughing, “that’s just where I spendmost of my time!” Tomworks for a Belgian international building company and travels extensively. (In fact, we specifically arranged our meeting for a rare time when he was in town.) Tom tells me how they found the house. “I remember really liking this neighbourhood the first time I came to Singapore; inmy second week, I found people who played tennis at the club up the road. I drove up and called Charlotte and said, ‘What a neighbourhood this is!’ It didn’t even feel like Singapore. And now we live here.” After I am passed an armful of chocolate (Belgian, of course), I start to make my moves to leave. But Charlotte and I end up chatting and laughing for another half an hour, leaning easily on her kitchen bench. I really feel at home with this gorgeous, friendly family, and wish I could fit Jackson and all his fluffiness in my bag.

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Above: “We added the pool, all new blinds and painted the house top to bottom every day, even when we weren’t supposed to! I wanted everything to be black and white (including the internal stairs, which were red). It was so fun for four weeks to have it decorated!” – I came to check

HOME Layard Interiors (“I bought most of Anna’s first container here!”) 9144 6903 facebook.com/Layard-Interiors

Lim’s Holland Village #02-01 Holland Village Shopping Centre 211 Holland Avenue 6466 3188 | facebook.com/ limshollandvillage WINE & DINE No Menu (“it’s like being back in Italy”) 23 Boon Tat Street Clifford Pier (“my favourite brunch place”) Fullerton Bay Hotel

Vitra #14-08 Tan Boon Liat Building 315 Outram Road vitra.com House of AnLi #03-17 Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road 6235 3851 | houseofanli.com

Merci Marcel 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-68

Wonki Ware (“organic and recycled clay crockery from South Africa that I collect”) wonkiwareonline.com Bynd Artisan Holland Village (“I buy gifts from here all the time”)

Smoke & Mirrors (“great for sundowners”) #06-01 National Gallery Singapore 1 St. Andrew’s Road Dempsey Cookhouse (“lunch here is great”) 17D Dempsey Road

44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-54 6267 5066 | byndartisan.com

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Why did you decide to launch Magical Homes? A common deterrent renters have to hiring a home stylist is the costs involved. I’ve always believed interior luxury doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag. Because we’ve worked with renters for years, we understand what their spaces often need to turn a house into a home. So we put together Magical Homes to offer a simple solution. How much does it cost and what does it entail? The cost is $10,000, comprising a makeover of two main spaces. It includes the “holy trinity” of what makes a home beautiful: interior styling, furniture sourcing from third-party stores, and a selection of versatile home décor from Arete Culture. This includes lighting, artwork, textiles, statement accessories and a mirror. You can choose between styling the living and dining room, with a complimentary balcony makeover; or the living and master bedroom, with a complimentary ensuite makeover. How long does it take? The Arete Culture signature approach is to do things systematically and efficiently, and always at our clients’ convenience. People don’t enjoy living in a state of flux! Magical Homes takes about three to five weeks from start to finish, but installation happens in just one afternoon. Keen to give your rental home a luxe look while sticking to a budget? We spoke to CAROLINE CHIN GEYLER of Arete Culture about the company’s new interior design service aimed at tenants rather than owners. for Renters BY KEL FLANDERS

And is the design unique to each customer? Each home we create is individual and reflective of our client’s personality, needs and requirements. All our projects are bespoke. Based on our experience of transforming and working with over 700 homes, we know what pieces can be repurposed and refurbished, and what pieces are missing. It’s all about connecting the dots so the end result is elegant, inviting, impressive and cohesive. Magical Homes takes all our experience and provides a start into professional home styling. Are you still doing entire home makeovers? Absolutely! We’ve been in the industry for a long time so we can work extensively with reno-build partners on end-to-end projects, but a lot of our projects also entail styling work – no renovation involved!

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

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“How long should I keep a mattress for, and how do I know it’s time for a new one?” If your mattress is uncomfortable or causing you aches and pains or allergy issues, it’s time to trade it in. Your body changes over time, so even if the mattress is still in great condition, you might find in five or 15 years time you prefer something a little firmer or softer. A European Certified 100 percent natural latex mattress from Willow Mattress has a three-layer adjustable comfort system. If you decide you want to make it firmer or softer, you can do so without buying a whole new mattress. MATTERS Are you doing everything you can to improve your sleep? CHANTAL TRAVERS of Willow Mattress answers readers’ questions on themost important component of our beds. BY KEL FLANDERS “Domattresses deteriorate quicker in Singapore than they might in my home country?” It’s a fact that humid environments cause faster deterioration of most materials – especially synthetics – so you need a material that’s both natural and naturally durable. A European Certified 100 percent natural latex mattress offers both of these, and aWillowMattress is also certified by the LGA for quality and durability with a 15-year warranty. “What are the main things I should look for when buying a mattress?” Home trial: A good brand will allow you to trial the mattress at home to ensure you’re completely happy. If you’re not truly happy, they should offer a 100 percent money-back guarantee Certification: Are the mattress and its materials certified by a trusted body as being non-toxic and of good quality and durability? Origin of materials: Mattresses that have been shipped all over the globe will have accrued many costs along the way, which can end up being passed onto you. You may actually be paying a high price for shipping, rather than for the quality of the materials.

Willow Mattress is a pop-up shop within Emperor’s Attic, which is at #01-10 Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 OutramRoad. 8787 7817 | willowmattress.com.sg • The WillowMattress is covered in an organic cotton cover, which can be unzipped and put in the washing machine. So, you can wash away any sweat, accidents or the build-up of dead skin cells. “How can a mattress help me sleep better?” The better your quality of sleep, the better your quality of life – from energy levels to your immune system, to your moods and productivity. And the quality and properties of your mattress have a direct impact on the quality of your sleep. Here are some ways a Willow Mattress can help: • A 100 percent natural latex mattress conforms to you, rather than you conforming to the mattress. This ensures your spine is in its natural straight position and there are no pressure points that cause you to reposition and rouse from deep sleep. • In Singapore’s hot sticky climate, it can be impossible to sleep well. One hundred percent natural latex has an open-cell structure so by its very nature, is breathable and allows air to flow. • Because of the elastic nature of 100 percent natural latex, you won’t feel your partner moving around. • Sneezing, itching and a runny nose due to dust mites, mould and dirt are common issues, and asthma can also develop or become worse in humid conditions. One hundred percent natural latex mattesses are made from white sap (a rubber tree’s natural defence against bugs and disease), meaning they’re anti-mould and anti-dust mite.

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At HomeWith ...

ONDINA MONTGOMERY is a woman on a mission to create beautiful resort wear. She runs her business from a studio on the grounds of a heritage black-and-white bungalow, which is where we meet for a chat.

BY KEL FLANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL BERNABE

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Tell us about your move to Singapore and the launch of MAH Collection. I came to Singapore from Sydney with my husband 10 years ago, as he’s an international filmproducer andwas setting up an office here. I’m originally from Denmark and I’d been studying design in Australia. When we arrived here, I finished my degree at Lasalle. I’d always liked fabrics and patterns, which ledme to study interiors and textiles. After I finished, I knew I wanted to open a company, so I started making scarves because I didn’t have a lot of knowledge of fashion. But Singapore isn’t really the right market for them – it’s more of a European trend. A couple of friends said I should make kaftans instead. It was a long journey – finding the right manufacturers, in particular, was lots of trial and error – but we got there. Yes! Last year, I started to do something different, using pleats and folds. We were six months into getting the collection together and nothing was going right! But then one of my customers came into the store and said she could help, as she was a pattern engineer with 20 years’ experience working with European brands. She offered to invest in MAH Collection and we merged three months ago. And now you’re working on your sixth collection?

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Has this partnership changed your business? Absolutely. She helped to translatemy creativity into a language themanufacturers understand. We even have an agent in Australia now, so we can sell there to a wider market; it’s really exciting times. We’re also going to Paris this year to present our collection. So, you are women taking on the world! We want to have a brand that is designed by women, made by women, for women. We’re currently looking into ways we can train and engage unemployed single mothers in the region to help put our garments together. No, everything in the house has been styled by me. We travel a lot as a family and I collect things on my travels. I like to recondition old things and make them look young again. We’ve also done a lot to the house in the last three years – paved the front, added a deck, built my store (which is made from two old shipping containers), replanted the garden and added the pool. What’s your favourite room? The dining room – the table, chairs and lounge were all designed by me. They took a year to be made and delivered, as I collaborated with a company in India that only works with interior designers. I really like how it’s custom-made yet still has a vintage feel. Even the leather I used is treated to make it look like it’s aged. We spend a lot of time in here and always eat together with the children at 6pm. And your favourite piece? Oh, that’s easy: the Conversation Couch in the hall. It’s 60 to 80 years old. We bought it from the most famous flea market in Paris, the Porte de Clignancourt, then had it shipped here and reconditioned. I also love the Knot Sculpture in the lounge. It’s made from recycled red Coca- Cola bottle tops! We met the artist when we were in Brazil and loved his work. He is now trying to set a world record for the longest string of Coca-Cola bottle tops! Your creativity doesn’t stop with your business, does it?

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WINE & DINE Morsels

25 Dempsey Road, #01-04 6266 3822 | morsels.com.sg Bincho 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19 6438 4567 | bincho.com.sg Jypsy 38 Martin Road 6708 9288 pscafe.com/jypsy-martin-road Cure 21 Keong Saik Road 6221 2189 | curesingapore.com HIDDEN SPOTS Bukit Brown Cemetery (“we like going to look at the Peranakan tiles”) 36C Lor Halwa Yunomori Onsen & Spa #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall 1 Stadium Place 6386 4126 | yunomorionsen.com Ganbanyoku Hot Stone Therapy #02-29 Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road 6208 9357 | ganbanyoku.co

The MAH Collection Boutique is open daily by appointment and Wednesday from 10am to 10pm at 7 Grange Road. 9009 2558 | mahcollection.com

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