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RIGHT AT HOME with Kate Springer
Autumn and winter have always been my favourite times of year in Hong Kong, largely because the humidity and typhoons are finally behind us - at least for a couple of months - and we can finally dine outside without melting. And for those of you who are lucky enough to have some alfresco space at home, this is the best time to put it to good use.
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Whether you’re grilling dinner on a terrace or decking out a spacious rooftop, you need weather-resistant furniture and accessories to make the space feel inviting. Here are a few of the city’s top outdoor furniture brands in an array of styles, from sleek modern silhouettes to rustic rattan, fire pits, parasols and more.
A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
The name says it all: Everything Under The Sun carries one of the largest selections of outdoor furniture, accessories, barbecues, carpets, parasols, planters, and fridges in the city. You can kit out your terrace or rooftop in one fell swoop with gear that you didn’t even know you needed. A fire pit? Lanterns? Mist fans? Waterproof speakers? It’s all here, right alongside durable, stylish furniture at every price point. The company also partners with the interior design experts at The Home Stylist, should you need a hand bringing your dream space to life.
everythingunderthesun.com.hk
SPOTLIGHT ON EMERGING DESIGNERS
Romantic globe lights, nature-inspired side tables, all-weather rattan sofas... you can easily create an oasis with the dreamy designs at the Archetypal showroom on Moon Street in Wan Chai. My eye was drawn to the ultra-minimalist, compact Dog Days sofa, a perfect match for Hong Kong’s balmy weather in mind; the Jeanette bucket chairs and barstools by SP01; and Case Furniture’s casual teakwood Tanso dining table, inviting guests to gather around - quite literally. A different up-and-coming talent has designed each collection, yet they still seem to mix and match seamlessly.
archetypal.hk
UPCYCLED PIECES FROM THE PHILIPPINES
It’s all about craftsmanship with the Dalisay Collection - a Hong Kong-based furniture venture that works with artisans in the Philippines to create lasting pieces made with sustainably sourced materials. The new ADAPT line of outdoor furniture, for example, upcycles salvaged trees destroyed by typhoons in the Philippines, as well as durable UV- and water-resistant fabrics. Not only are they designed to withstand the natural elements, but ADAPT pieces also look sleek in any setting. Better yet, the brand offers flexible ownership options - buy the furniture outright or rent it monthto-month if that better suits your lifestyle.
dalisaycollection.com
SCANDINAVIAN STYLES FOR MINIMALISTS
If Scandinavian, mid-century modern, or minimalist describe your ideal decor style, look no further than Establo. Established in 2015, this homegrown furniture brand sources small European brands that prioritise simplicity, form and function. When it comes to the outdoor collections, expect a mix of classic wood benches and picnic tables, right alongside sleek daybeds, sunbrellas and sectionals of all sizes. Establo provides a few small eco-friendly touches, such as using plantable seed paper from Botanical Paperworks in its packaging. Simply add water to the paper, then let it naturally biodegrade in soil.
establo.hk
LUXURIOUS MEDITERRANEAN VIBES
Under the Gandia Blasco Group umbrella, you can find a wide range of European styles all under one roof. Shop the DIABLA collection for vibrant colours and funky silhouettes, play it cool with the Ibizainspired GANDIABLASCO line’s smooth lines and neutral palettes, or celebrate geometry with the modular Isla collection. The Spanish brand also enlisted Japanese designer Kensaku Oshiro to create a sophisticated GRAPY pouf seat that’s perfect for lounging. You can find Gandia Blasco products at Zzue Creation in Horizon Plaza, alongside other outdoor inspiration.
gandiablasco.com
Kate Springer is a Hong Kong-based lifestyle writer who contributes to Vogue, CNN, Home Journal, Tatler, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. You can follow her on Instagram @katespringer. Send news about exciting home and design stories to kate@kate-springer.com.
FITFAM with Ziggy Makant
KEEP STROLLIN’
Nature is so grounding and it provides us with a moment to turn off the technology - and the weather is finally pleasant enough that we can comfortably spend more time outdoors! Here in Hong Kong, we’re blessed with many child-friendly hikes, and so I want to share with you three of my favourite stroller-friendly trails.
PEAK CIRCULAR ROUTE (3.5KM)
A classic that makes every stroller-friendly hiking list in Hong Kong for a reason! Beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline, not too strenuous and it isn’t a big time commitment. To increase the difficulty, you can opt to start out by doing the Morning Trail up to the Peak Galleria first, but your kiddo may need a snack!
TAI LAM NATURE TRAIL (10KM)
This one begins at the Tai Lam Country Park and is more of a thereand-back trail instead of a circuit. Alternatively, you can descend on the trail, walk towards the Tai Lam Tunnel, hail a cab and head home! There is a lot of shade from trees overhead, and a few rest stops such as barbeque pits or lookout points to stop, change diapers or breastfeed.
LAMMA ISLAND FAMILY TRAIL (5KM)
This hike is fully paved and runs across Lamma Island connecting Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan ferry piers. Start off in Aberdeen and take the ferry to Sok Kwu Wan, where you can enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant, then walk it off! Get in a swim at Hung Shing Yeh beach, before finishing off with a ferry to Central.
HOW TO PACK LIGHT FOR YOUR HIKE
Whether I’m taking a stroller or hiking with a carrier - the last thing I want to be doing is lugging around more heavy things! Here are my bare-bones hiking essentials:
• A water backpack is essential. Certain brands can carry between 1.5L to 4L in a small bag like the one pictured. • Parakito is a DEET-free insect repellent that is safe and effective during pregnancy, and for babies six months and up. For younger babies, opt for thin long sleeves and
a citronella spray. • An SPF50 lightweight sunscreen, like
Super Goop Play. • Tissues and wet wipes, always! • Set up contactless payment and
Octopus on your phone so you can ditch wallets. You’ll be good to travel anywhere in Hong Kong!
MOVEMENT FOR MINIS
ANIMALS CRAWLS
Fun for children and adults alike, these primal-flow-inspired movements are too fun to do. Challenge your kids to a race, or complete as many reps as possible in 60 seconds!
BODY BREAK
Starting this month, I’m sharing a kid-friendly workout every month that’s suitable for the whole fam. Try it out with your little ones and tag us on IG @liv.magazine so we can see how you did!
BEAR CRAWL1
Start in an all-fours position, engage your core and lift the knees an inch. Travel forwards, backwards or sideways. Keeping hips and shoulders in line.
CRAB REACH 2
Start by sitting on the floor, with your feet flat and knees pointing towards the ceiling. Keep your knees, hips and ankles in line. Place your hands behind your hips, with fingers pointing away from your body. Lift the right arm, keeping your elbow close to the body, fingers pointing towards the ceiling. Extend your fingers upwards, hips upwards, and reach over the left-hand-side of your body towards the left finger tips. Repeat on both sides.
DUCK WALK 3
Place the feet shoulder-width apart and squat down, placing hips below the knees, and knees over the toes. Keeping your hips low and chest upright, walk forwards without bobbing up and down. Have a relay race with the whole family!
