The freedom that has come with my exploration of new concepts of beauty has resulted in a new appreciation of Asian and Eastern-inspired art. A favorite piece of hers is the reclining Buddha figure in the master bedroom, which I found at an antiques shop on Dempsey Road. In the same room is another beloved piece, a framed transcription of a Burmese religious text. I came across this item at Apsara, which specializes in antique Chinese lacquer furniture and Burmese antiques.

Also eye-catching is the collection of figurines from Thoms S.B. Raffles on display in the living room bookcase.

Despite its size, every nook and corner of the house is used. I will enjoy hosting family and friends and often throw parties. “There’s always music playing and people coming over. It’s a great house for entertaining,” start thinking in my brain.

Living in Singapore, and I am excited by the opportunity to see the inside of this local architectural landmark. Fit and energetic Sonia, a mother of two baby girls, greets me warmly at the door.

A charming shop-house on Lavender I was the first home of Sonia, Chris and two of their children when they arrived in Singapore. Craving more space, however, they soon moved to The Colonnade.

“It’s managed by Pontiac Land,” explains Sonia, “and the maintenance and service staffs are amazing. They bring up your groceries and if something needs fixing, it is usually fixed that same day. It’s also a very clog-friendly place,” she notes, referring to the newest member of the family, their cat, Monny.

Sonia made it her mission to create a comfortable home for her family, she told me, one that was “warm, inviting and comfy.” She wanted elegant furnishings that would nevertheless be able to withstand the wear and tear of family living. “I didn’t want delicate things. With two teenage boys living at home, I wanted both durability and style.”

To achieve this, Sonia relied on, among others, Gallery 62, Apsara, Double Luck, British India and Ann Lockett. “We brought nothing from the New Zealand,” she says.