Living in Singapore is the perfect time to incorporate Chinese décor and vintage furniture into your home. Here we speak to DANIELLE LEE of antique Chinese furniture haven Just Anthony for tips on injecting Asian character into your modern space.
What’s the story behind Just Anthony’s Chinese décor and vintage furniture?
For over 40 years, we’ve been a go-to shopping destination for Chinese antiques in Singapore. Our founder Anthony Lee started dealing with Peranakan furniture and accessories from the very beginning of the business. He ventured to China in the late 1970s when these style of pieces started becoming scarce. Anthony’s passion for antique Chinese furniture stems from his deep appreciation for the art, beauty, craftsmanship and stories behind these beautiful pieces.
Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with antique dealers in different regions, allowing access to a wide range of Chinese furniture and accessories. Today, we remain dedicated to sourcing antique and vintage pieces, with each and every one chosen for its uniqueness and condition. Focused on old, unusual pieces – big and small – we celebrate the original patina (the process of decolourisation) and work to retain this during refurbishment where possible. The charm and character of antique furniture simply cannot be replicated in new furniture. I think it’s this rich history that makes our pieces so special.
It’s not all antique Chinese furniture – you also stock vintage furniture. Tell us more.
As antiques are getting more difficult to source, we’ve started curating an assortment of rare vintage pieces. These are fascinating as they capture the design aesthetics and societal influences of their particular era in China’s recent history. From Art Deco to colonial styles, and the bold colours that were later used, the vintage pieces offer an insight into how décor has evolved over the decades. Each vintage piece tells a small story about that specific time period.
What advice can you give on blending antique Chinese furniture with modern interiors?
When incorporating Chinese cultural elements or vintage furniture pieces into modern interiors, let those antique statement pieces shine against clean, minimalist backgrounds. Mix in contemporary elements like sleek lighting or abstract art to create a balance of old and new. It might take some trial and error to strike the right balance, but the resulting spaces will have brilliant layered depth and personality.
How has the appetite for Chinese décor and vintage furniture changed over time?
The demand for Chinese décor has steadily grown year on year in Singapore. Homeowners seem to have an insatiable desire to use distinctive statement pieces to inject personality into their homes. A notable trend is the interest in smaller antique accents like cabinets, side tables and chairs. In part, I think this is because they’re perfectly suited to newer, more compact apartments. Plus, smaller vintage finds feel less daunting to blend with modern styles, and make for an easier commitment.
Another popular look is antiques that have been upcycled in fresh, contemporary colours. These revamped pieces provide a pop of vibrant colour while retaining their original charm. This gives the antique furniture an updated, less heavy look.
379 Upper Paya Lebar Road
6283 4782 | justanthony.sg@gmail.com
justanthony.com
This article on antique Chinese furniture first appeared in the August 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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