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Living in Singapore is the best place to incorporate Chinese decor and vintage furniture into your home. Here we speak to DANIELLE LEE from antique Chinese furniture paradise Just Anthony for tips on how to add Asian character to your modern space.
What is the story behind Just Anthony’s Chinese decor and vintage furniture?
We have been one of Singapore’s premier Chinese antiques retailers for over 40 years. Our founder Anthony Lee has been trading in Peranakan furniture and accessories since the beginning. He ventured to China in the late 1970s when this type of furniture was becoming increasingly rare. 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 have developed close relationships with antique dealers in various regions, giving us access to a wide range of Chinese furniture and accessories. Today we remain dedicated to sourcing antique and vintage pieces, choosing each one for its uniqueness and condition. We focus on old, unusual pieces – large or small – and honor the original patina (the process of discoloration) and work to preserve this when possible during refurbishment. The charm and character of antique furniture simply cannot be replicated in new furniture. I think it is this rich history that makes our pieces so special.
It’s not just antique Chinese furniture – you also sell vintage furniture. Tell us more
As antiques become increasingly difficult to source, we have begun to compile a selection of rare vintage pieces. These are fascinating as they capture the design aesthetics and societal influences of their respective era in China’s recent history. From Art Deco to colonial styles and the bold colors used later, the vintage pieces offer a glimpse into how decor has evolved over the decades. Each vintage piece tells a little story about that particular time period.
What advice can you give on combining antique Chinese furniture with modern interiors?
When incorporating Chinese cultural elements or vintage furniture pieces into modern interiors, let these antique statement pieces shine against a clean, minimalist backdrop. Mix in contemporary elements like elegant lighting or abstract art to create a balance of old and new. It may take some trial and error to find the right balance, but the resulting spaces will have brilliant, layered depth and personality.
How has the preference for Chinese decor and vintage furniture changed over time?
The demand for Chinese decor has been steadily increasing year on year in Singapore. Homeowners seem to have an insatiable desire to add personality to their homes with distinctive statement pieces. One notable trend is the interest in smaller antique accents such as cabinets, side tables and chairs. I think this is partly because they fit perfectly with newer, more compact homes. Plus, it’s less difficult to combine smaller vintage finds with modern styles, making it an easier decision.
Another popular look is antiques that have been updated in fresh, contemporary colors. These revamped pieces add a pop of vibrant color while retaining their original charm. This gives the antique furniture a modern, less heavy look.
379 Upper Paya Lebar Road 6283 4782 | [email protected]
www.justanthony.com
This article about antique Chinese furniture first appeared in the August 2024 issue of Expat Living. You can read the latest issue or subscribeso you don’t miss a single copy!
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