House of Milan

WHEN it comes to furnishing the home, most people head to the local furniture stores, Clyde Lee and Sharon Yee went a step further. Last December, the couple spent a week in Milan, shopping for furniture to fill their Cairnhill apartment.

"We could have bought these pieces in Singapore, but there would be a longer wait as some of the items would have to be specially indented," says Mr Lee, chief executive of a real estate investment firm. Ms Yee, director at a financial services company, adds: "Sometimes it is difficult to really tell how a piece would look from the catalogue. It is much better to be able to see it in person."

The couple did research before they left for Milan by visiting the local shops here. They narrowed down several brands that they liked, such as B&B Italia, Minotti, Vitra and Poltrona Frau. "We like the styles of these brands," says Ms Yee. She adds: "We had no expectations when we left for Milan. If we found pieces that we like, that would be good, but even if we came back empty-handed, that would have been fine too."