When it comes to interior design, one style that refuses to die is mid-century modern. Coming from the 1940s-1950s and partly influenced by Bauhaus chic, mid-century designs are characterized by eccentric retro-futuristic shapes, pliable materials, and bold colors that pop—adaptable to any aesthetic. BK has handpicked local mid-century furniture and homeware brands including second hand shops, original design stores, and imported goods from online to IRL design studios. 

 

 

With its recent collaboration with Tuba and Give Me Museum, Papaya Studio has more eyes on their unique collectible mid-century items than ever. But their legacy began more than 40 years ago and claims to hold the biggest collection of homewares in Southeast Asia. The three-storey studio is a haven for mid-century design nerds packed with main furniture pieces and quirky one-of-a-kind knickknacks.

 

 

Those who want to emulate vintage flair with a modern twist can head on over to Never Met studio. Their pieces are taken straight from trendy cafes. Displayed together, the colorful, quirky designs create a moodboard of how minimal mid-century designs can blend with resurging modern trends like maximalism. Since it is a first hand store, you don’t have to worry about the items running out or getting a mismatched set.

 

 

 

Though part of the mid-century charm is defined by vivid colors, it's equally important to ground the room with some sleek essentials. Filling this demand, Chairhouse Studio selects furniture with intriguing chrome, dark wood, leather materials, and zeroes in on minimalists’ favorite hues and dynamic designs. In the past, they were even able to hunt down mid-century hallmarks like the Barcelona chair and other items reminiscent of the grand comfort chair. 

 

 

Another popular online destination for all things mid-century is Yellow Summerine. Typically photographing their products in color blocking sets, shoppers can pull direct references for which pieces suit one another. This is the place to scour one of a kind vintage finds if you want to cop Troye Sivan or Dakota Johnson’s taste from those famous Architectural Digest celebrity house tour videos. From groovy modern ball chairs to wavy lounge sofas and petite coffee tables, they’ve got it all.

 

 

Blu Collectibles have multiple mid-century gems in their roster but they ultimately specialize in locating Togo sofas in all their varieties. Designed by Michel Ducaroy and launched to the public back in the 70s, this uber comfortable cushioned seat has become a must-have in the past few years. With its curved ergonomic design, traditionally quilted cover, and adaptability in moving around the pieces to suit different lounging positions, the sofa became a fashionable and functionable investment to have.

 

 

If you are not ready to swing for the big budget pieces, Midcen Modern is where you can catch smaller kitschy homeware and utensils to compliment your centerpieces. Whether it’s geometrical amber tinted cups, bulbous ashtray, or textured porcelain vases, you’ll find idiosyncratic treasures that you didn’t know you needed here. They also have larger furniture pieces like the teakwood bookshelf and extendable dining table for those who want to take their mid-century obsession up a notch.  

 

 

Lighting fixtures are equally important factors that make or break a mid-century style. Ourspace Object has come up with modern dupes for these iconic old-school counterparts. Discover items like the coveted Arco Lamp, an angler fish like chrome floor lamp that’s been consistently showing up on our screens since the 70s Bond film “Diamonds are Forever” and Iron Man’s living room. You can also browse their silver mushroom lamps, miniature wooden shelves, and acrylic chairs while you’re at it.