Journey East

Journey East has specialised in Southeast Asian teak vintage furniture for over 20 years. Most of its pieces come from locations in Central Java, dating between the 1910s to the 1960s, and featuring influences from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-century Modern, and Dutch Colonial design traits. “There’s a sublime mix of East and West in these pieces as they also feature Southeast Asian techniques such as traditional joinery and hand bevelling,” explains Journey East founder ANITA SAM. “The vintage furniture we carry is almost exclusively crafted in teak, a prized wood of the region.”

Anita’s Tips

Combining vintage and modern items can result in an interesting, creative and stylish look, says Anita, and vintage and retro furniture pieces can blend seamlessly into modern home environments, bringing daring old world charm and character to a space.

“Look at mixing bright modern elements with vintage wood pieces; the latter pair nicely with brightly coloured modern furniture – a retro console with a modern sofa, for example, or modern chairs with a vintage desk or dining table. Bright upholsteries such as throw pillows can also be combined with a vintage chair or sofa.”

Alternatively, Anita advises focusing on smaller accents. “You don’t need to go overboard when adding vintage accents to the home – a well-placed side table, cabinet or sideboard can work as an accent piece, and as a distinctive way of adding retro style to the living room.”

Identifying Styles

Art Deco: 1920s to 1940s, featuring prominent lines, geometric characteristics and/ or exotic wood facades. Art Nouveau: late 1800s to early 1900s, featuring delicate lines, curves, floral or natureinspired motifs and intricate embellishments – for example, hand carvings. Mid-century Modern: 1950s to 1960s, clean sleek lines and proportions, “pencil” legs, a light and airy feel, heavy Scandinavian influences.