Our homes are extensions of ourselves, filled with meaningful memorabilia that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort each time you enter the space. While the chicest of Singaporean homes reflect a smorgasbord of artistic and cultural influences—from Scandinavian decor to modern Japanese interior styles—what often goes missing are quirky touches reminiscent of the best our island has to offer: our community and shared spaces.
The stories of Singapore run as deep as our nation’s early beginnings as an illustrious port hub that supplied the region with a myriad of essential goods. For the unacquainted, Singapore was once known as a centre for the trade of rattan, and by extension, high-quality wicker products. The Singaporean connection with rattan has withstood the test of time, with the humble material seeing a modern resurgence through local homeware brands that honour the traditional roots of the craft. Placing a beautifully-sculpted piece of rattan in your home is akin to a symbol of love from our founding generations, who have passed these practices on to their descendants.
If you’re looking to infuse your space with meaningful decor that boast Singapura spirit, we recommend picking out pieces that really speak to you, whether it is a console table that conjures fond childhood memories, or a decorative tray that pays tribute to your beloved country’s origins. Here, Vogue rounds up the best Singapore-inspired decor that will impart a dose of nostalgia and culture to your space, suitable for citizens abroad who wish to keep a piece of their heritage close to their heart, or anyone who calls this city a home.
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Watch and valet tray stand from Bynd Artisan
What was once leather from the seats of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class cabin has now been upcycled into a vanity essential, perfect for housing your best-loved accessories. This watch and valet tray stand sports the airline’s iconic batik print, woven seamlessly into the design.
$315, available at Bynd Artisan
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Intarsia natural console table from Crate & Barrel
Handcrafted in India with a striking mosaic-like print, this artisanal console from Crate & Barrel is reminiscent of the tiled tables that adorn our void decks—a space that was home to core childhood memories for most Singaporeans.
$2533.85, available at Crate & Barrel
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Nesting coffee tables from Ipse Ipsa Ipsum
Providing a generous surface to display your favourite local snacks and coffee table books, this set of tables is inspired by the vibrant road of Keong Saik—with its colourful tiles, floral motifs and Peranakan-inspired balconies.
$1998, available at Ipse Ipsa Ipsum
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Teng wicker screen from Scene Shang
Singaporean homeware brand Scene Shang is preserving the craft of wickerwork through this special edition room divider fashioned out of the durable material—a statement piece rooted in tradition that is sure to capture the eyes and hearts of all who come across it.
$2200, available at Scene Shang
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Decorative boat tray from Island Living
If you’re looking for a trinket bowl that is equal parts meaningful and chic, Island Living’s boat tray is a nod to Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. This elegant piece—made from recycled teak wood—is an ideal addition to any mantelpiece.
$45, available at Island Living
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Passifolia presentation plate from Hermes
Paying homage to the tropical city we reside in, this Hermès plate paints an idyllic picture of the flora and fauna familiar to Singapore. Crafted by skilled artisans, this is a piece you’ll be excited to bring out at dinner parties.
$490, available at Hermès
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Table lamp from Onlewo
This understated yet elegant linen lamp from local designer Onlewo portrays some of the most notable landmarks in Singapore, ranging from museums and colonial houses to the historical Cathay building and Newton Food Centre. Depending on what your home needs, the same print is available on cushion covers, throws or even face masks.
$285, available at Onlewo
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Linocut prints from Monster Gallery
Singapore-based printing studio Monster Gallery have created a series depicting the familiar snacks found at every local mama shop or convenience store, ranging from White Rabbit taffy candy to Mamee, an addictive fried instant-noodle snack. With a distinctively vintage feel, these prints will complement modern interiors while adding visual interest to your home.
$20, available at BooksActually
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Porcelain plate from Supermama
Crafted from premium Japanese porcelain, Supermama’s gold-rimmed plates bring together many recognisable motifs that represent sights everyone living in Singapore is familiar with—from the delicate arches of the Gardens by the Bay supertrees to the ERP gantries dotting our highways.
$120, available at Supermama
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Coffee table book from In Good Company
Entitled Lost Guides, this stylish travel guidebook spotlights over 100 special spots in Singapore, from off-beat coffee shops to art galleries. Peppering in interviews with local creatives and snippets of Singaporean literature, the book brings our city to life with nostalgic photography and hand-drawn and illustrated maps.
$32, available at In Good Company
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Dragon Playground miniature from Arch Singapore
If you grew up in Singapore in the 1980s, you will remember the dragon-shaped playgrounds that littered our neighbourhoods and public housing estates. While most of the playgrounds themselves have been torn down, memories of the beloved terrazzo-tiled dragon head and the colourful steel rings that children once crawled through are preserved in time through this handcrafted, 3D miniature.
$48, available at Arch Singapore
