Whether health-minded, a home-maintenance buff or just curious about what flows through your taps, understanding the difference between hard and soft water can make a difference to your well-being

The hottest furniture and homeware spotted at the world’s largest furniture fare? Gucci, Loewe and Fendi and more brands showcase design chops in everything from sofas, chairs and stools to plates and napkins

With first year fees of US$215,000, the Aman Club on New York’s Fifth Avenue is sure to attract only the city’s wealthiest and most influential clientele – here’s what you can expect inside …

The first-ever Capella property in the Greater Bay Area will feature 57 suites and 36 unique ‘sky villas’ spread across 17 floors, plus interiors by Paris-based firm Moinard Betaille

The owner of a Hong Kong micro-apartment wanted all the trappings of a bigger home – including a tub – in the first property she owned. Two young interior designers made it happen.

Chanel’s cruise 2024-25 show in Marseille reflected the seaside vibes of the French Mediterranean city – take a look at the highlights of its customer-friendly collection

In a vertical city like Hong Kong, there are stairs everywhere – and some are simply stunning.

The hotel melds Japanese sensibilities with Scandinavian design – and is just a short walk from Tokyo’s hip Harajuku and Shibuya

A string of new openings is shaking up the Hong Kong nightlife scene, offering immersive experiences for those seeking more than just a drink.

A new Hong Kong exhibition at Gate33 in Kai Tak’s Airside uses typography to explore the built environments, communities and culture of Wong Tai Sin, San Po Kong, Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan.

The Polish fashion designer loves vintage Rolexes, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the Ritz Paris and travelling to the Maldives, while at home she eats pierogi and enjoys exploring her home city of Warsaw

With 588 rooms, the hotel has suites that wow and an aesthetic that leans into the urban grit of its surroundings – without losing the luxurious touch

The second edition of Tod’s ‘The Art of Craftsmanship’ highlighted the artistry behind the brand’s most celebrated shoe, the Gommino

Appreciation of ‘the finer things in life’ guided designers in a luxury revamp that turned a 2,035 sq ft apartment in Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong, into a home for a couple’s retirement.

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which was destroyed by fire in 2019, is nearly restored, and should reopen to the public in December. The roofing, floor, spire and furniture should be completed by the summer.

Romania’s Jilava prison is ‘a place where you can show the truth about the way prisoners were tortured’, says a former inmate now 80 years old. She heads a group pushing for ex-prisons to become museums.

Minimalist tones are so yesterday – daring hues and bold colour themes are the choice for Gen Z

Polished and playful in equal measure, the Barbie Dreamhouse-inspired Ho Man Tin home of a young family shows it may be possible to please everyone.

Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau are the latest additions to the integrated resort’s list of hotels, not to mention the convention centre and entertainment facilities

Educated in both East and West and now living in Shanghai, Oscar Wang feels well placed to connect and share influences, something that brands increasingly value

Tired of the same old tourist guides to Hong Kong? The Hong Kong Design Centre has produced Design Citywalk HK, a guide to the city’s cultural offerings featuring places well known – and unexpected.

An outdated 1,100 sq ft Mid-Levels apartment has been transformed into a microcosm of Hong Kong, with its balance of energy and serenity capturing the duality of the Fragrant Harbour.

Afghan carpets like watercolours, candles that tell the Palestinian story, a meshing of old and new – Arab Design Now is the centrepiece of a biennial in Doha that announces Qatar as a design destination.

I.M. Pei’s distinctive, angular Bank of China Tower, in Hong Kong, was a heavy influence on architect and artist Raymond Fung, who recalls seeing it under construction and later working for Pei.

Deep in the forests of Japan’s Nagano prefecture, six of Asia’s best chefs came together. With fresh produce and new ideas, they made a special six-course dinner – and new friendships.

Italian custom luxury yacht builder Sanlorenzo sets sail on a new cultural venture with its future cultural HQ, Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice, with new details presented at Art Basel Hong Kong this year

A Hong Kong art gallery owner’s hilltop family home in the New Territories is a kaleidoscope of vibrant, fun artworks – every room inspires creativity and tells a different story.

The show about the Spanish luxury leather-goods house’s entire universe is on view at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre before travelling the world