And they come no more character-filled than the eclectic black-and-white of interior stylist, designer and artist JOSEPHINE BYRNES. Here, she lives with her husband Peter, their two children, Ivy (12) and Jasper (15), superwoman housekeeper Erna, two rabbits, a family of rescued lovebirds and their recent addition to the family – adorable toy poodle puppy, Ziggy.
Nestled in its own private tropical oasis off Bukit Timah Road, the 10-room colonial home features a sweeping driveway, outdoor decking, swimming pool and carriage house; but it’s when you enter the front doors that it truly takes your breath away.
Josephine’s house was never going to be boring. The daughter of an architect, she has natural panache, flair and curiosity – not to mention a fine eye for detail – in her Australian blood. Add to this a career of over 20 years in acting (Josephine had a starring role in Australian TV drama Brides of Christ), and periodically working in interior design and the art world, and it’s clear to see how her home has come to combine elegant sophistication with a treasure trove of storytelling delights.
The family moved to Singapore in 2014 after 13 years of living the expat life in Hong Kong. An incurable collector, Josephine admits that they “must have moved a thousand boxes!” so they could hang on to their favourite furniture and homeware gathered over the years. Here, we chat over English tea (served in the finest antique bone china, of course) and home-baked apple cake while enchanting objets d’art wink at us from nearby, as Ziggy watches from a distance.
Your house is the anchor of your world, so surround yourself with things that make you feel inspired and comfortable.
You moved to Singapore seven years ago. Did you know what kind of house you were looking for?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 2021-Ausgabe von EL Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May 2021-Ausgabe von EL Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A Sustainability Journey
Sustainability continues to be a buzzword in the furniture industry and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look!
Do You Know What You're Breathing?
From air purifiers to mould remediation, there are ways you can help create a healthier home environment for yourself and your family. We asked the team from Initial Hygiene and Rentokil in Singapore about how to breathe better air indoors.
Start the Day Right
Rise and shine! From a trendy neighbourhood café and bistro to a brunch option that lets you still have a lie-in, Singapore's breakfast scene is buzzing. Here are a couple of our favourite tables!
A Magical FOREST
Expat Living's MELANIE LAM heads to a small Japanese island for hiking and forest bathing in an exquisite setting.
Cool & Classy
Chic looks from Silk Walk's different collections that will keep you feeling breezy, whether it's in the Singapore sun or on a tropical holiday.
Ankle Agony!
Our ankles are heavy lifters when it comes to keeping us up and about. So sufferers of ankle osteoarthritis know only too well how debilitating it can be when this joint is affected. Here, consultant orthopaedic surgeon DR KEVIN KOO gives advice on symptoms, causes and treatments to ease this painful condition.
Smiles for Miles!
Early intervention dental care is in demand, and treatment options now go well beyond traditional braces.
Harnessing Art for Therapy & Growth
A look at a non-verbal therapy that helps patients navigate the complexities of trauma and aids in personal development.
Profile: Danielle Van de Velde
Tapping into Singapore's spiritual side.
Walking to Help: The MacRitchie Challenge
Since early 2023, British expat TOM PLATTS has been doing a great job raising money for the Singapore charity Dementia Singapore. What's even more impressive is that he's done it in a healthy, social and fun way!
