PUBLISHED February 10th, 2012 04:47 pm | UPDATED July 23rd, 2024 12:56 am
In Singapore we think A LOT about what’s new, the up and coming. All around us is new development….the promise of a bold, bright future, but while we are focused on the future, it’s easy to forget the past. As shophouses get pulled down for new gleaming towers, precious treasures get destroyed and gradually Singapore’s artisan skills are forgotten. While we covert modern, sleek items found in fine furniture shops dotted around town, it’s funny to think that these designs often take inspiration for furniture found in our Grannny and Grandpa’s homes.
Thankfully it hasn’t gone unnoticed and vintage furniture appreciation is gathering momentum, quietly yet steadily supported by Belle and Cheu, the founders of likethatone. Visiting their warehouse store is a lesson in vintage chic. Each piece has been thoughtfully modernised whilst preserving it’s unique characteristics. For them, restoring or re-purposing vintage Singaporean furniture means preserving history and valuing skills of the past, but also proving that there is a place for nostalgia in our homes: appreciating the personal connection that a piece of furniture has when it’s been used for 90 years, yet it can still enhance modern decor.
Their ever-changing collection of furniture and nic-naks comprises of art deco and mid-century designs, modern industrial pieces that have a worn, reclaimed feel to them, and unique, quirky pieces that simply caught Belle and Cheu’s eye. See handsome rabbit as perfect example!
Working together to enhance each piece, they say they rarely disagree, their aesthetic and vision for the end result is the same…..clearly it’s working out well!
There is no mass production and although it might be tempting to reproduce successes, Belle and Cheu say that’s just not an option, they are passionate about preserving each piece’s original identity whilst tweaking it to make sure that the end result is original every time.
Looking around the store I kept deciding on a favourite but would then peak around a corner and discover another, so whilst I squealed with delight and imagined throwing out my sad old Ikea in favour of this or that at likethatone, I asked Belle and Cheu what their favourite pieces were.
For Belle it was an understated table with a smooth mango wood top. A self-confessed hoarder, she had kept the legs from another table in storage, just waiting for the perfect top. Makes me wonder what other treasures are hidden away just waiting for their ideal partner!
Cheu’s favourite was their check out counter, a modified headboard in what seems to be an American retro style but actually an original 1960’s Singaporean design. Accessorised with Snow White’s dwarfs it epitomises the likethatone ideal. Stylish, practical but with a clear sense of humour.
Belle and Cheu’s enthusiasm and passion for what they do is inspirational, they are happy to impart knowledge, give advice, and of course sell you things to make your home and you look very, very stylish! Apparently when they find a gorgeous piece they often have a little ‘dance around’ in glee, I totally get it!
Written by Heh Zee