Mandarin Gallery Blog

Spring always brings with it a breath of fresh air. It is the season of awakening and renewal, chirping birds and blooming flowers. However, nothing captures the intoxicating exuberance of springtime like the brilliant pop hues of the rainbow. Give in to the infectious spring fever with this collection of delectable retail treats in riotous shades of orange, yellow, pink and blue!

Clockwise from top left: Eva Solo Fridge Carafe (SGD156, The Touch), Doodllery Acrylic Necklace (SGD49.90, .WoodWould..), Ray-Ban Wayfarer (SGD349, OJO Optometry), Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh (SGD114 to SGD147, Marc by Marc Jacobs), Ipanema Sandals (SGD39.90, in:Famous), Angry Birds iPhone4 Case (SGD39.90, Green Light), Triwa Watch (SGD285, Inhabit), Patent Shark Sneakers (SGD229, BAPE Store), Doggie Hair Clip (SGD56, Agatha Paris), Bubu 1er Stool from Philip Starck (SGD250, Platform).

Giving your home a fresh look does not require a drastic overhaul and need not cost you an arm or a leg. Small but interesting home décor pieces are great for spicing up your living space and adding a charming touch to an environment that may have gotten a little stale. From vintage toys to mini sculptures, the following items will fit nicely into the nooks and crannies that need to be filled up.

Vintage Tin Robot Toys
Indulge in nostalgia and go back to the days where toys ran without batteries. These cute tin robots are a blast from the past. Place them on your work desk and they will make for a nice distraction when you are taking a break from staring at your computer screen.

You can find a nice selection of vintage tin robot toys at WoodWould (#03-24, Mandarin Gallery) retailing from SGD19.90 to SGD39.90

Crystal Surprise Table Lamp
Lighting sets the mood so give soulless fluorescent lamps a miss and pick up this unusual hybrid chandelier-lamp. With light bouncing off the strings of crystals, this is more of a dazzling light display than a mere table lamp.

The Crystal Surprise Table Lamp (SGD420) is available at Marxx, #04-14/15, Mandarin Gallery

Guillermo Forchino Comic Art Figurines
If you are not one to take art too seriously, these comic-inspired resin figurines from Guillermo Forchino are perfect for you. Depicting fun, humorous scenes, they are made in limited editions and each figurine is identified by a unique numbered stamp at the bottom.

Mini LOVE Sculpture
By American artist Robert Indiana, the LOVE sculpture is one of the most well-recognised sculptures in the world. Its mini replica is made of brushed aluminum and small enough to place anywhere in your home or office – get one and remind yourself that all you need is love!

The Comic Art of Guillermo Forchino (SGD150 to SGD350) and the LOVE reproductions (SGD170) can be found at Platform, #04-12/13, Mandarin Gallery

Georg Jensen Elephant Bottle Opener
This stylish bottle opener is a fabulous house-warming gift that will look wonderful on any kitchen counter-top. Characteristic of Georg Jensen’s impeccable craftsmanship, this is an everyday object that doubles as a work of art.

The Georg Jensen Elephant Bottle Opener is priced at SGD180 at The Touch, #04-24, Mandarin Gallery

There is no colour more auspicious than red in the traditional Chinese world. With the Lunar New Year right around the corner, it is time to stock up on things in all shades of crimson. Other than signifying the promise of wealth, luck, health and prosperity, red is also warm, attractive and stylish. Take a bold step into the Rabbit Year (and please all your elderly relatives) with a generous dose of happy, festive red.

Clockwise from top left: Marchesa Evening Gown, from TriBeCa, SGD1748, Stelton Thermal Jug, from The Touch, SGD171, Linde Werdelin Watch, from E’COLLEZIONE, from SGD8000, Sereni and Shentel Hairband, from Number Fifty, SGD81, Chloe Sunglasses, from V’zion Galleria, SGD620, Lovelinks Charm Bracelet, from SGD99, Demy Lee Sweater, from Inhabit, SGD409, Converse Sneakers, from in:Famous, SGD59.90, Marc by Marc Jacobs Love Dove Satchel, SGD760, Beverly Feldman Peep-toe Pumps from Scarlet & Ebony, SGD279.

Christmas is a time for getting together. For those of you who have made much effort planning the perfect Christmas dinner party for family and friends, remember that décor is as important as delicious food and free-flowing drinks, for setting the mood and creating the right ambience. Whether you are looking to treat your guests to a new set of beautiful tableware or using the occasion to invest in designer furniture, Mandarin Gallery’s premium collection of homewares and décor stores will have you spoilt for choice.

Danish Designer Homeware
Good conversation is central to any successful party. A piece of quality designer furniture not only makes excellent conversation fodder but is also a worthy investment for the home. Danish designers, Hans J Wegner and Jørgen Møller are both renowned for their mid-20th century works. Selected designs from Wegner’s famous series of chairs, including the Chinese Chair (SGD10,100), is now on sale at Platform. While browsing the store, you may also be tempted to pick up the beautiful spice mills set (SGD230 to SGD290) from Jørgen Møller – passing the salt and pepper has never been so enjoyable.

Shop for these design gems at Platform, #04-12/13, Mandarin Gallery

La Mediterranea Recycled Glassware
Spanish glassware company La Mediterranea is a veteran in the business with 35 years of experience under its belt. Specialising in gorgeous and well-crafted but affordable tableware and vases, the brand is also very dedicated to the eco cause. Merging traditional glass-blowing techniques with cutting edge computerised manufacturing processes, only 100% extra-clear recycled glass is used in production. In addition to being perfect for brightening up the dinner table, they also make great wedding and house-warming gifts.

La Mediterranea tableware retails from SGD24.50 to SGD57.50 at Marxx, #04-14/15, Mandarin Gallery

Stelton Thermal Jug
While your guests settle down for some chit-chat after dinner, pour them a comforting cup of tea with this award-winning vacuum jug from Stelton (SGD171). The cornerstone of the brand’s line of home products, this 1-litre jug is available in stainless and vibrant colours.

This thermal jug, together with other fabulous pieces from Stelton, can be found at The Touch, #04-24, Mandarin Gallery