Photo: Pexels
With National Day coming up, it’s time to put our nation’s best in the spotlight. One area that we should be proud of lies within the home and decor and furnishing spheres. While we often boast about our hawker fare, architecture, and the events Singapore plays host to, our designers are busy creating beautiful objects that we use in our homes every day.
These 8 brands show why we should be proud that we can find gorgeous furniture and fittings — from the timeless to the quirky — right here at home.
1. Scene Shang
Photo: Scene Shang
Founded by duo Jessica Wong and Pamela Ting, Scene Shang embraces and celebrates our rich Asian heritage, with a firm eye on our Singapore roots. You’ll find modern pieces that will become instant classics, from the iconic Shang System storage system, to smaller items like the Art Deco-inspired The Banker Desk Lamp.
Check out the store on Beach Road or visit them online to see more.
Where: 263 Beach Rd (tel: 6291 9629)
2. Supermama
Photo: Supermama
Supermama curates a collection of impressive Asian designs from around the region, but is also known for its series of locally-minded porcelain plates (designed in Singapore, and made in Japan). These elegant, traditionally-styled plates feature Singapore scenes, including sets inspired by the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands.
The brand has also put out a must-see collection of Star Wars-inspired porcelain-ware, including kopi cups and saucers.
Where: 265 Beach Rd (open daily, tel: 6291 1946) or Gillman Barracks Blk 47 #01-26 (by appointment, email info@supermama.sg)
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3. Hock Siong
Photo: Hock Siong
With its roots in the 1970s, this self-described “family of karang guni traders” specialises in secondhand furniture pieces and antiquities that originally were housed in Singapore homes and hotels. Some of the furniture they find is upcycled or refurbished, and given a unique quirky touch (think pastel-coloured vintage sewing machine tables).
Visiting the store is often described as a treasure hunt in what the family themselves call a “messy space”, but you really could find something one-of-a-kind here.
Where: #01-03 Junjie Industrial Building at 153 Kampong Ampat (tel: 6281-8338)
4. Grafunkt
Photo: Grafunkt
Award-winning designer Nathan Yong and Jefery Kurniadidjaja are the power duo behind Grafunkt, the lifestyle label which teamed up with celebrated Swiss furniture brand, Vitra, to open a store here. You’ll find a fine selection of labels from Milan, London and Copenhagen.
The idea behind the brand and the labels sourced is to bring in products — chairs, tables, bed frames and accessories — that showcase creativity, functionality and quality. You’ll also find original pieces from the Studio Grafunkt collection, such as the cornerblock shelf (pictured).
Where: #02-34/35/36 Millenia Walk Singapore (9 Raffles Boulevard, tel: 6336 6046)
5. Sojao
Photo: Sojao
Meaning “go to sleep” in Hindi, this new local start-up champions the idea of sustainable bed linen. Sheets are made of single-ply yarn spun from long-staple, organic cotton fibres (the longer the fibres, the smoother the material, and Sojao’s had good reviews for being super-soft and supple).
Unlike many big brands, the sheets are not treated with wrinkle-free chemicals like formaldehyde resin or toxic chemical fabric finishes, so they wont’ irritate the skin. And prices aren’t marked up because the brand sells directly to consumers, eliminating the middle man.
Where: While there’s no physical location yet, you can request material swatches or shop online at https://sojao.shop/
6. IUIGA
Photo: IUIGA
If you like Muji, you’ll love IUIGA, a local name that cuts out the middleman to bring you high-quality products, straight from the manufacturers behind your favourite brands. IUIGA lists Muji and Samsonite as names it carries, and products range from storage options, to furniture, bed linen and kitchen appliances (cast iron pans, yo!).
Everything is minimalist, clean and easy to work into your home decor.
Where: Shop online at www.iuiga.com
7. OMMO
Photo: OMMO
Local brand OMMO is all about bringing good design to everyone. That means its lifestyle products — from tea infusers (pictured) to bento boxes and plates — are award-winning and gorgeous, and also very affordable. The aim is to be functional while never compromising on quality or design.
Where: Find Ommo at stores like Naiise (www.naiise.com/collections/ommo) and HipVan (www.hipvan.com/collections/ommo)
8. Journey East
Photo: Journey East
With over 20 years of experience, this iconic furniture store carries a range created by award-winning duo, Lanzavecchia + Wai. With pieces created in Southeast Asia, the latest collection from designers Francesca Lanzavecchia (hailing from Italy) and Hunn Wai (Singapore) is called PLAYplay, which has been featured in the likes of Wallpaper*.
The pieces use a light oak for items like the Polqa Sofa, Gridlock Shelves and Rail TV Console (pictured).
Where: Journey East showroom at #03-02 Tan Boon Liat Building (315 Outram Road, tel: 6473 1693)
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