If, like many of our readers, you enjoy browsing the fabulous finds at Originals Furniture, you may have seen NIKKI SETTLE busy at work in the store. It’s no surprise that her passion for interior styling extends to her Singapore home too. We went along for a look around her Bukit Timah apartment at La Suisse 1.
Tell us a little about yourself and your Singapore journey.
We arrived in Singapore in November 2000 from Sydney on a two-year contract for Steve’s work, bringing along our two young sons Oscar and Louis. It’s hard to believe just how many years have passed since then. What we thought would be a short chapter has turned into a life we never imagined, and even now, we can’t believe how long it has been!
Where did you first live when you came to Singapore and why?
Our first apartment was on Farrer Road and we have stayed very much in the same area ever since. After two years there, we moved to a house on Jalan Kampong Chantek for eight years. For the past 15 years, we’ve been in a condo apartment in La Suisse 1, near the British Club.
What do you love about your Singapore home and the area?
We absolutely love our spacious apartment. The high ceilings create a sense of openness with an abundance of natural light. It’s a very quiet area and throwing open the doors and windows allows the breeze (if there is any) to flow through.
Which are some of your favourite pieces in the home?
The first photograph I bought when I was 15 was of a blind man being led through the streets of India – that would definitely be one. Others include a photo of lifesavers at Bondi Beach, some of our artworks, and our Indian doors. Everything we have has been sourced from here or on our travels where I love to discover off-the-beaten-track shops that sell amazing pieces.
How would you define your home style?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for Geri, starting at The Shophouse and then continuing at Originals Furniture when she opened her store in 2003 until today. That’s what started my love of interior styling. My passion for unique, vintage wooden pieces from Java as well as stunning treasures from India has definitely influenced my style.
What do you love about living in Singapore? Any things you would like to be different?
Our amazing helper Rosie joined us 14 years ago and she is such a huge part of our family.
Changi Airport – is there any other airport in the world where your luggage is on the carousel before you get there?
The weather, for me, is a huge bonus. I hate the cold and I never tire of the warm weather all year round.
Bukit Timah Hill is my happy place; I drag myself up as often as my legs and the weather allow. I have a love/hate relationship with it – hating it at the start, loving it when done and dusted.
Nikki’s Singapore Recommendations
Furniture & Décor
- Originals Furniture | originals.com.sg
- Just Anthony | justanthony.com
- Badger & Fox | badgerandfoxsingapore.com
- Mud Rock Ceramics | mudrockceramics.com
Restaurants, Cafés & Bars
- The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar (“especially if you’re lucky enough to have Denzel looking after you!”) | comodempsey.sg/restaurant/thedempsey-cookhouse-and-bar
- My Little Spanish Place on Bukit Timah | mylittlespanishplace.com.sg
- Kinki Restaurant + Bar | kinki.com.sg
Hair & Skin Care
- Masha at Barvy Hair Aesthetics (“for amazing highlights”) | IG @mashaong_barvy
- Andrew at Expat Hair Salon (“for NKST treatment that keeps the frizz at bay”) | expathairstudio.com
- Agneta from Introglam Studio (“my skincare secret! She’s the absolute best as she customises facials and I completely trust her to transform my often tired-looking skin”) | introglam.com
- Maria at Skin Glow (“she is also fantastic”) | skinglowsingapore.com
This article first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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