Versatile Lady

23 June 2011,
As the host for Astro Wah Lai Toh’s ready to fly and AEC’s news talk, Siow Hui Mei could easily switch roles from being a lively host for a game show to discussing serious issues such as the election with prominent politicians in a current affair talk show.
“I have always wanted a lounge chair for my bedroom. The only problem where should I put it – all the space is occupied by my wardrobes!”
Still, she’s a lady at heart who needs a lot of wardrobe space for her clothes, shoes and bags! And like the rest of us, she too went over-budget while renovating her home (who doesn’t?). Here, she shares with us on how to avoid the mistake.

What have you learn from your experience of renovating your home?
Know what you want – know your style and budget. Read up more in magazines to find out more information about style so you can communicate to your designer.

How did you avoid the mistakes if you can do it all over again?
I think I will surely over-budget again! (laugh). But since I’m more experienced, there are some things that I can avoid. For example, there are certain things that we need to decide first before we start the renovation works such as flooring and the allocation of electrical outlets. It could save a lot of money. That is one reason why I spent over my budget – it cost more if you need to redo the works again.

What is your favourite room in your home?
My bedroom. I used to share a room with 3 sisters! Now that I have my own room all by myself, I can choose and put whatever I want in it. My house is 2-and-a-half storey, so the top floor is my space. The area outside the room is turn into a wardrobe-space where I keep my clothes, shoes and bags!

Are you satisfied with your home now?
My current home is not exactly what I envisaged to be but still it is comfortable. If I can afford to buy another house, I would decorate it completely like the way I want it. I like ocean but since I can’t have one (facing my home), a pond will do (laugh). I also like open concept and a wide balcony and garden.

You hosted entertainment show and the more serious, current affair and news-based talk show. Which one does you preferred?
I don’t have any preference, I’m fine with both. Honestly, I never thought I can do entertainment show because I’m quite a serious person (laugh); it’s quite difficult for me to be funny. Both are different and difficult in their own ways. There is more home work to do for current affair show, especially since your guests will most likely be prominent personalities from society; however, in entertainment show, more work need to be done to create a lively atmosphere and establish a connection with the audiences.

Makeup & Hair: Belle Leong
Photography: Alvin Loh @ New Look Studio
Wardrobe: Key Ng
Special Thanks: Future Sofa Sdn. Bhd.
T: +603-7845 9077 / +603-7845 9078
E: info@futuresofa.com
W: www.futuresofa.com