Singapore is warming up to new furniture brands and that’s great news for homeowners because it means more variety and styles to choose from.
IDEE
Idee (say "yi-day") was founded in 1980, and originally began by importing and selling antiques from Western Europe. The products are based on the theme of "Life is about everyday", so think household items that are of quality and less minimalist, but more about colours and fun. A designer that Idee collaborates with is Belgian Marina Bautier, who created the Dimanche Sofa, made of durable white oak and full grain leather. While the furniture is more colourful, it still boasts the same simple design and clean lines that Muji is famous for. Pieces are also suited for small homes, such as the Puuf, a cushion-like chair that is filled with fine beads and takes up very little floor space. Besides furniture, the Idee collection also includes home accessories such as wall clocks, cast iron teapots, and white porcelain tableware.
Prices start from S$13 for a cup to S$5,990 for the Dimanche sofa.
Available at MUJI, Plaza Singapura, #01-10
3BOSSES
Andrew Tan, co-founder of furnishing stores, atomi and ACTUS hause; Adrian Loh, owner of Equip Group which sells bathware and locks; and Ang Teng Yen, founder of Straits Shutters and Blinds have come together to form 3bosses. The three decided to band together to provide a one-stop solution for furnishing needs of well-travelled and houseproud homeowners. Customers can go to any of the three showrooms with their floor plan, a decor theme, a budget, and have styling advice and product options presented from the three companies under one roof.
Each showroom will have representative samples of what every partner offers. Even the staff have been trained to be able to sell more than just what their own company offers. Customers need to deal with only one boss or his sales staff rather than with multiple parties. To make it even easier for customers, 3bosses has created several design themes to categorise their products. They are Urban, Italian, Black, Opulence and Scandinavian. "With just one glance, customers can see all the complementary furniture, bath and lock fixtures and shutters," says Mr Loh.
Available at atomi/actus hause, Mandarin Gallery, #04-27. EquipGroup, 33 Ubi Avenue 3, Vertex Tower B, #04-35.
Straits Shutters and Blinds, 2 Alexandra Road, Delta House, #05-02X.
UNITED STRANGERS
Logan Komorowski, the New Zealand founder of furniture brand United Strangers, is a firm believer that furniture looks better with age, and that pieces should be kept for a long time, rather than be thrown out after a few years. The United Strangers' collection is best described as modern vintage, but Logan is more excited to talk about the material he uses. "Materials represent the DNA of a product and its spirit. Materials tell a story," he says. His Brooklyn 2-Seater Sofa uses an unusual material - 40-year-old army tents. He gets this material from a war veteran in North Carolina. The time-worn raw material is shipped to the brand's factory in China, where it becomes one of their best-selling sofas, after a three-stage washing process.