It had been on our minds for a while - how to introduce accessories that complement our furniture ranges, are affordable and bring something new to Singapore.  So earlier this year, we went and saw different European ceramics and glassware producers and artisans, the result of which is now on display at Originals’ showroom, at The Sime Darby Centre in Dunearn Road.

Focusing on craftsmanship combined with European quality and design, we are excited to bring in a feel of Tuscany and Paris through beautiful ceramic bowls, vases, canisters, candleholders, lamps and lanterns. Most items are priced below 70 dollars making them good gift items or new, inexpensive home accents for yourself.

We are all moving into the next stage of our journey at Originals.  Thank you to all of our customers who came in response to our One and Only Sale!

Yes we’re moving and yes we are having a Sale!  A first for Originals.  So many people ask us why we are moving!  So to answer the many questions…

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is taking back Gillman Village to develop an arts precinct.  We’ve loved Gillman Village.  We opened in March 2003. It was a great location to launch a new concept in home furniture.  The jungle environment creates a very calm and relaxing space for all of us who work here, and for customers who visit.  Block 7 was previously a Cinema for the British and then Singaporean troupes based at Gillman Barracks.  Over the years, many of the men who served here have passed through amazed at the change and reminiscing on what it once was.   Now of course it looks a very different animal.  We completely gutted the huge space at Block 7 and opened a wide floor to ceiling window which showcased the huge old tree outside.  It’s always been a brilliant viewing point for people.  Sadly, we are now moving.  But it’s been a great time and now we look to the next stage of evolution!

In the meantime we celebrate with our ONE and ONLY CLEARANCE SALE.   It’s a chance to clear our discontinued lines, display pieces and lessen the load to transfer to our new location!  Starts 30th October and finishes Sunday 7th November.

Geri 

PS. Want to know where we’re moving to?  Keep checking our website for the latest news, sign up to receive our newsletter, or join our Facebook group!

This is how the premises used to look, a blast from the past!

In February of this year, I first met Annabel Moore.  She approached me to see if we would consider letting Originals be used as a venue for an idea she had for her charity, Whitewave.  It was a given as far as we were concerned.  The idea was good, the motivation was humbling and the cause was inspiring.  We met a profoundly motivated and driven group of women, who have already made a huge difference to the lives of many Cambodian children.   From this early beginning we were able to witness the whole Nightmarket theme evolve. It was fun and rewarding for us to see the event take shape and then explode with the energy of all of the people who came and supported their cause.  The resulting funds will give great momentum to making their vision in Cambodia actually happen.  We’re all looking forward to Nightmarket, 2011!  If you want to get involved, drop me an email at geri@originals.com.sg

Read more about the Night Market experience and Annabel’s perspective below.  And don’t forget to check out photos on our Facebook page…www.facebook.com/originalsfurniture

Geri

The first couple of hours were a complete blur!  Overall I was so rushed off my feet I never got a chance to get to the Whitewave stall to explain to people why Night Market had come about in the first place!  About a week before the event I had realised we would get a reasonably good turnout, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect it to be so packed.  Six of the Cambodian teenagers I work with were over from Phnom Penh.  They all manned stalls as part of their work experience.  Those kids were so proud to be there; so proud to see products from their country being snapped up.  I have never seen them use their English with confidence before that night, or seen them at ease in the thick of public life, and while I loved the atmosphere of Night Market, and watching all the goods I had so painstakingly chosen and brought back over 13 months get pored over and bought, and seeing the tarantulas and crickets get eaten… the Cambodians’ reactions were definitely the highlight of Night Market for me.

Annabel

Want to know more about Whitewave and get involved in helping children in Cambodia? Check their website: www.smallness.org

Hi and welcome to Originals’ blog!  Originals has been in motion since March 2003.  After many years sourcing furniture throughout Indonesia, I was drawn to a new feel and direction in styling.  Elements of things I had seen through my travels gradually came together to begin the picture of what the store is today.  The idea of clean and uncluttered interiors, but still warm and sociable as opposed to clinical and minimalist, really appealed.  The calmness and lightness of softer natural toned teak, highlighted with the fresh colors I found in India and has become our signature.  The idea of our blog is to simply tell you about the things that inspire us along our way, along with tips for styling, asking for your feedback on new design ideas and sharing our experiences. Feel free to post your comments or questions any time.

Here’s what you’ll find instore at Originals:

Our basic range of functional furniture for the home is the core of our ‘practical solutions for modern living’ philosophy.  The lines are very simple and clean.  The wood is teak so has beautiful grains and the natural unfinished wood is so easy to mix with crèmes and beiges, or stand alongside many different colour ranges.  Our supplier, Ethnicraft is a Belgian company and I love the quality of both their design and production.  They have a clear outlook of what they want to produce with no compromise on materials.  They believe they have a moral obligation to take environmental issues to heart and reflect this in their whole approach to their business.  They tick all our boxes!

The personality part of what we do comes from discovering in India!  After years of travelling to Rajasthan and surrounding states I now have a few regular suppliers I trust, and have built up an understanding of the type of products and the quality of the finishing we look for.  It is fantastic to travel there and go into their world.  There will always be new discoveries and developments that keep us “always evolving” and I’ll be sharing these experiences with you here.

And the final part of the range is from a small supplier I met 13 years ago in Eastern Java, another place I love to go to.  Production is simple and all handmade.  With the original pieces we find, and the changes we can make, or the simple designs we build, we have a pretty unique edge to Indonesian styling.

One thing we can guarantee is that we will always be changing and evolving at Originals!  We try our hardest to totally respect our customer’s right to have the best service we can give them, or simply feel comfortable and welcome whenever they feel like dropping by the store.  We’re on Facebook too, join us and be updated on our latest news and products!

Geri

In India on a buying trip with Sanje & Sonia