Reviving Peranakan Heritage: The Little Nyonya’s New Chapter in Emerald Hill

The beloved local Chinese-language TV series *The Little Nyonya* (2008 to 2009) captivated audiences with its portrayal of Peranakan culture and history. Now, its star-studded spin-off, *Emerald Hill*, promises to take viewers on another immersive journey, this time set in a 19th-century heritage building. Over two months, the crew worked tirelessly to refurbish this two-storey mansion, managed by the Singapore Land Authority, to create an authentic backdrop for the new series. The effort included repainting, electrical rewiring, decorating, and building a functioning outdoor kitchen, all while retaining the original tiled and hardwood floors.

The total cost for construction and refurbishment amounted to $1 million. The original building has been reimagined as a bungalow with colonial influences atop Emerald Hill. This new setting is home to the Zhang family, which the Mediacorp drama – set in 1950s to 1970s Singapore – will center on. The sprawling cast includes Zoe Tay, Jesseca Liu, Jeanette Aw, Chen Liping, Tasha Low, Chantalle Ng, Ferlyn G, Romeo Tan, Shaun Chen, and Sheila Sim.

Attention to Detail in Set Design

“The devil is in the details,” says the show’s executive producer Loh Woon Woon. “To be authentic to the Peranakan community and accurately portray their wealth, we need specific pieces of furniture or props. Otherwise, the wealth, customs, and style of the Peranakans will be lost in the story.”

Senior set designer Stephy Liew adds: “The team’s overarching mission was to recreate the ambience and lifestyles of the period, providing audiences with an immersive experience through the drama’s space, history, and culture.” The biggest challenge was racing against time to find the right furniture that could match the mansion’s existing structural aesthetic.

The production team consulted historians, visited numerous museums, and rented items from antique collectors. They also collaborated with the set designer of *The Little Nyonya*. The Peranakan community was eager to share their stories, thanks to the success of the original series, which starred Aw as the title character.

Reviving the Legacy of The Little Nyonya

*The Little Nyonya*, which also starred Qi Yuwu and Joanne Peh, was hugely successful when it aired. The two-hour finale smashed ratings records with 1.67 million viewers. It nabbed nine prizes at the Star Awards in 2009, including Best Drama Serial, Best Actress for Peh, and Best Supporting Actress for Ng Hui and Xiang Yun.

The legacy of *The Little Nyonya* continues in *Emerald Hill*, where the main study displays guns and rifles, reflecting the practices of wealthy families in the past. Locus Habitat is proud to be the furniture provider for the main study room. Our grand director chair sets the tone of the entire room, exuding luxury and formality. This collaboration ensures that the study room not only looks authentic but also feels like a genuine representation of the period.

Bringing Heritage to Life

At Locus Habitat, we are known for our exquisite Chesterfield sofas and leather armchairs, which were chosen to furnish the main study. Our Chesterfield sofas, with their deep button tufting, rolled arms, and high-quality leather upholstery, exude timeless elegance. These pieces are handcrafted to perfection, ensuring each one is a work of art.



Complementing our Chesterfield sofas, our eclectic leather armchairs add sophistication and comfort to any setting. Upholstered in premium leather, these armchairs provide perfect seating for relaxing and engaging in conversation. The combination of Chesterfield sofas and leather armchairs creates a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design.

Experience the Charm of Emerald Hill

In conclusion, *The Little Nyonya*’s spin-off, *Emerald Hill*, promises to captivate audiences once again with its rich portrayal of Peranakan culture and history. Locus Habitat's exclusive partnership in crafting the main study area ensures that every detail contributes to an authentic and immersive experience. Our signature Chesterfield sofas and leather armchairs set the stage for a journey back in time, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. The reimagined Emerald Hill home underscores the commitment to preserving heritage while telling compelling stories, making it a truly significant addition to the legacy of *The Little Nyonya*.