BETTER PIECE

Vintage kilim rugs that have gone through wear and tear are given a new life in the form of cushion covers, thanks to local Web store Better Piece.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Vintage kilim rugs that have gone through wear and tear are given a new life in the form of cushion covers, thanks to local Web store Better Piece. It takes up to nine months to weave a kilim rug, and they often feature illustrations that symbolise fertility, luck and protection against evil; these cushion covers not only look good, they encourage recycling and a respect for textile heritage, too. Better Piece offers a myriad of styles, ranging from bohemian patterns to minimalist designs.

Visit www.betterpiece.com.
 
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PARTY PEOPLE

The Partybox 300, from the new JBL Partybox series, features a Bluetooth-enabled wireless speaker with the JBL Signature Sound experience, a built-in light show that can switch among Meter, Pulse and Party modes, as well as mic and guitar inputs. Look out for the soon-to-be-launched 1000, which comes with a DJ launchpad and concealed wheels.

The JBL Partybox 300 retails for $699 and is available at all leading retailers. Pricing and availability for Partybox 1000 will be announced soon.
 
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SERVING UP SMILES

French pop sculpture specialist Leblon Delienne has collaborated with Dutch designer Marcel Wanders to marry the iconic Mickey Mouse figurine with a unique cheese tray in their whimsical interpretation of a fun and quirky piece of kitchenware! Available with white or chrome details, the Leblon Delienne X Marcel Wanders cheese tray is fabricated with Limoges porcelain by J. L Coquet.

Leblon Delienne X Marcel Wanders cheese tray retails from 1,417 euros (S$2,183) at www.leblon-delienne.com.
 
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MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

Cleaning up is a cinch with this new appliance that allows you to vacuum and mop at the same time. Philips latest cordless stick vacuum cleaner Speedpro Max Aqua has a 360-degree suction nozzle, as well as a vacuum and mop system. An Aquaboost pedal allows water to be released so you can mop up any stains on the floor, while the machine’s advanced filtration system ensures dust and allergens are eliminated.

Philips Speedpro Max Aqua is priced at $799 and available at leading electronic stores.
 
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MOD-RESORT STYLE

The latest home collection by leather specialist Loewe rocks chic and sophisticated resort style, complete with woven hanging lampshades and trinket boxes reinterpreted in the brand’s signature leather material. Conceived in partnership with artists from around the world, the new collection exudes an international feel while still projecting a soothing familiarity.

For orders and inquiries, visit www.loewe.com.
 
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Homey Vibes

Fancy stepping into a service centre that feels like a home? Bosch recently unveiled Singapore’s first experiential home-inspired customer care centre. Named Unser Haus, which means “our house” in German, the 1,350 sq ft space has been designed to look like a cosy modern-day contemporary home, where customers can relax while waiting for their appliances to be repaired. Small appliances such as vacuum cleaners can be repaired within the hour, and customers can even oversee repair works being done in a glass room.

Unser Haus at #04-02 Bosch Building, 11 Bishan Street 21.
 
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Award-Winning

Local design studio Design Intervention triumphs again at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2019. This year, it won awards for Best Architecture and Interior Design for a private residence in Singapore, Best Kitchen Design, Retail Interior Design, and even Best Interior Design of a private residence in Australia, bagging a total of five awards!

 
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Growing Greens

Nespresso is doing its part to reduce the impact on the environment with its One Pod At A Time sustainability campaign. Through this, it has established a strong recycling culture encouraging coffee drinkers to return and recycle used Nespresso capsules. In partnership with local urban vertical farm Sky Greens, Nespresso sends coffee grounds from these recycled capsules for use as part of a nutrient mix in growing organic produce. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of Nespresso coffee, remember to send the capsules in for recycling, too!

Nespresso coffee drinkers can recycle their used capsules at all Nespresso Recycling Points, such as Nespresso boutiques, in Singapore.
 
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PURR-FECT SOLUTION

One thing all cat owners do not enjoy doing is clearing the litter box, but putting off doing this chore is bad for your kitty’s health as it can lead to high levels of stress and risk of urinary disease. Avoid these problems with Lavviebot, a smart litter box that automatically cleans and refills. It can monitor litter and waste levels, and update you on your cat’s usage frequency – giving your pet the cleanliness it needs!

Lavviebot will be available for pre-order at www.indiegogo.com by August 2019.
 
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SMART SAVINGS

Communicate with deliverymen via a two-way audio channel, as well as receive alerts when movement and sound is detected in specific areas, with TP-Link’s new range of smart security cameras. Designed to receive and play crisp sound and images – 1080p HD quality and night vision included – the Kasa Cam KC120, KC100 and the weatherproof KC200 come with rechargeable batteries and is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. It is reasonably priced, too, with the entry-level model priced at only $75.

The TP-Link Kasa Cam KC100 ($75), Kasa Cam KC120 ($99), and Kasa Cam Outdoor KC200 ($145) are available at all authorised TP-Link resellers.
 
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TILE OF THE MONTH

FLOWERS IN THE WOODS

Enjoy spring views in your home with Kasai Carta Sakura, a woodinspired Italian tile that boasts beautiful sakura flower motifs! The collection pays homage to kasai, which means fire in Japanese, reminding one of the traditional Japanese artisanal technique of firing wood to protect its natural beauty. Kasai Carta Sakura retails at Soon Bee Huat, 257 Changi Road, www.sbh.com.sg