Brand Story
Championing timeless designs that are built to last, Space Furniture creates settings that inspire featuring an extensive collection of furniture brands at its Singapore flagship
Space Furniture brings together an inspiring collection of leading brands under one roof
The quest to turn your abode into a sanctuary is a project of passion. Selecting the decorative elements and pieces that are the perfect fit for each area takes time—it’s an experience that Space Furniture hopes to make easier and more enjoyable for designers and homeowners alike at Space Asia Hub, its showroom in Singapore. Now into its 17th year in Asia, the furniture purveyor’s Asia flagship features collections by leading manufacturers and contemporary designers around the world. “Bringing the world’s most iconic luxury brands under one roof is something we treat with passion and respect,” says Jennifer Soh, general manager of sales and marketing at Space Furniture Asia. “At Space, we believe in showcasing only the very best design from around the world and supporting brands who devote themselves to excellence.” The result is a multi-faceted retail experience that celebrates the iconic furniture pieces on display, while showcasing thoughtfully styled settings that are designed to inspire.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
With over two decades of experience in the industry, the Australian retailer launched its first showroom in Sydney in 1993, and has since expanded to Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The 40,000sqft showroom in Singapore is particularly notable for its sheer scale and architectural design, and it serves as the company’s Asia flagship. Previously located at Millenia Walk, the showroom moved to Bencoolen Street in 2012, and is a $50 million investment that combines a collection of heritage buildings into a seamless retail experience. Designed by local architectural practice WOHA, the venue comprises two refurbished historic buildings (a conservation shophouse and bungalow) that are connected by a glass box, a modern addition that suffuses the interior with natural daylight.
“BRINGING THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC LUXURY BRANDS UNDER ONE ROOF IS SOMETHING WE TREAT WITH PASSION AND RESPECT”
The expansive showroom houses inspiring settings featuring furniture and lighting brands around the world—an evolving, ever-changing tableau centred around iconic designs and seasonal pieces. The journey begins at the shophouse block, dubbed the Heritage House, with B&B Italia living and bedroom collections as the highlights of its ground floor. The area also features a sunsoaked indoor courtyard, fitted with outdoor furniture and a vertical wall covered with foliage that gives the space a tropical touch. Another notable zone is the Poliform kitchen gallery at the adjacent conservation bungalow, also known as the Villa section of the showroom. It houses the Italian brand’s kitchen systems on the ground floor, while its wardrobe systems are on the fourth floor. At the second storey, an area dedicated to Giorgetti conveys the classic, understated
aesthetic of the Italian brand, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Another key area, on the third floor of the glass block, is an exclusive space for Cassina, a leading manufacturer that produces designs authored by Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, alongside contemporary collections by Patricia Urquiola, Konstantin Grcic, Jaime Hayón and other internationally-renowned architects and industrial designers. For homeowners seeking a more intimate shopping experience, the VIP room provides an exclusive space to discuss the finer details of their interior concept with design consultants and showroom representatives. Launched in 2016, the personalised service includes the journey by limousine to the apartment-sized VIP area, which was designed by President Design Award-winning interior designer Peter Tay. Timber panels and mirrored finishes fill the space, together with a collection of classic pieces from the furniture retailer.
“OUR BRANDS OFFER DIFFERENT AESTHETICS AND CATER TO MANY DIFFERENT TASTES AND STYLES”
ESSENCE OF STYLE
Ultimately, it’s the creative mix of the old and the new that enables these settings to shine. The colourful, injection-moulded plastic lamps and other accessories by Kartell might enliven a modern dining setting, while the playful eclecticism of Dutch furniture brand Moooi juxtaposes the subdued, elegant lines of Poliform collections on the fourth floor. At the ground storey, the bold forms of British designer Lee Broom’s lighting pieces add visual interest, while sitting elegantly next to iconic Mid- Century Modern designs. “Our brands offer different aesthetics and cater to many different tastes and styles,” explains Soh. “What unites them are the key fundamentals which we look for in a brand partner—to share the same belief in devoting ourselves to excellence, be it in research, design ethos, production integrity, quality, innovations and customer service.”
Key partners include B&B Italia and Poliform, Italian brands which have been working closely with Space even from its early years. “The collections from these two brands continue to be among the bestsellers,” shares Soh. An example includes the Charles sofa, designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. She says: “It’s still much sought after and is a timeless piece.” Other perennials include Gaetano Pesce’s iconic Up armchairs which are also produced by B&B Italia, and the Grace dining chairs from family-run firm Poliform. To add another feather to its cap, the retailer launched its furniture brand SP01 in 2016. Manufactured in Italy and designed for well-travelled urbanites, the Australian-headquartered label draws cross-cultural influences from around the world, to create modern pieces that look just chic whether in a minimalist Japanese-style interior or a glamorous, lofty penthouse. Soh describes the brand as a natural addition to the business, harnessing the company’s expertise in design, retail and marketing.
MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Having that personal touch in all aspects of its business is as important to Space. Building on its long-standing collaborations, the furniture purveyor celebrates the work of creative types and industry insiders through its advertising campaigns, while showcasing their furniture collections in lived-in environments and stunning houses. Entitled A Life Individual, the ad series offers a glimpse into the homes of architects, interiors designers as well as clientele from myriad professions, including art collectors, playwrights, doctors and entrepreneurs. The Singapore edition kicked off earlier this year with a feature starring local architect Gwen Tan of Formwerkz discussing her design philosophy and how it shapes the design of her family home. “Every home is special and one of the joys of our business is being invited into our client’s homes,” enthuses Soh. “It is always fascinating to see how each person’s home is a reflection of their individual style.” The series encapsulates the company’s ethos, and its approach to furniture design. Soh sums it up: “Space and our brand partners believe that good designs are timeless and stay relevant for many years to come.”