IN THE PAST, A CHINESE-STYLED home meant antique Ming furniture, calligraphy scrolls on the walls or chinoiserie prints. Not so today, with the range of Asian-influenced design pieces that are contemporary and functional. Cultural nuances are subtle, and the integration of technology also allows for diverse and new ways of interpreting the past. 

Instead of furnishing one’s home entirely in a single “Chinese” style, there is more sophistication in highlighting a single feature piece. Another tip on how to decorate your home for the dragon year without hassle is to add accessories or artwork to a corner or tabletop.

Of course, Chinese New Year is also a time of gatherings and festivities. There’s no better time to bring out your leather-wrapped mahjong set or serve drinks on an exquisitely crafted timber tray with an Asian touch.

Here are some ideas to dress up your home this Chinese New Year.

Baccarat – Be@rbrick Dragon

Baccarat’s limited edition Be@rbrick Dragon features the golden outline of a dragon on its clear crystal body, in celebration of the zodiac animal of 2024. The dragon symbolises power, confidence and good fortune, making this art toy a talisman for ardent collectors. Available at The Baccarat Boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Department Store Singapore, it retails for S$1,600. 

Poltrona Frau – Mahjong Set

Part of the Italian furniture manufacturer’s Games Collection, this mahjong set features 148 walnut wood tiles and other accessories, housed in a wooden box wrapped in soft leather. It is the same exquisite leather used to make the brand’s luxurious sofas and chairs – perfect for impressing your fellow mahjong mates. Order from Proof Living. Retailing at S$10,886.40. 

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Hermes – Karumi Square Stool

When more guests than expected arrive during your lo hei party, whip out the Karumi Square Stool, designed by famous Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza from the Hermes home collection, to add an oriental touch to your home ensemble. An optional taurillon H leather cushion on the bamboo stool adds comfort. Price available upon request. 

Saporiti Italia – Gong Fu Cha Table 

Designed by Studio Fuksas, Saporiti Italia’s Gong Fu Cha table combines technology and tradition, with two integrated induction cooking units, a water storage portion and waste water basin to facilitate tea-making and serving. The set also includes chairs, a serving trolley and an LED screen to present images and videos to guests during a tea session. Price available upon request.

Mario Tsai – Bloom Lamp

Hangzhou-based designer Mario Tsai founded his studio in 2014 and creates lighting with an experimental focus. The Bloom lamp is composed of individual units that resemble flower petals when put together. Made of PET, it comes in three different colour temperatures and retails for S$13,999 at Sol Luminaire. 

HC28 Furniture – Bold Lounge Chair

A rising star in the design world, Beijing-based Frank Chou’s works meld art and design, tradition and modernity. An example is the Bold Lounge Chair for HC28 Furniture. Its strong, rounded solid wooden frame is a sophisticated and playful interpretation of traditional Chinese furniture. Available from Maison Made & Make, with prices starting at S$2,030.

Ariake – Aizome Sideboard     

Japanese furniture brand Ariake works with designers all over the world to interpret Asian aesthetics and craft into an admirable collection. A highlight is the Aizome sideboard by Zoe Mowat, designed for smaller spaces. Its blue colour is painted with Japanese indigo and the black details with Japanese sumi ink. Available at Grafunkt for S$6,750.  

Origin Made – The Coliseu Collection

Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan moved to Porto to work closely with local artisans. The result is the brand Origin Made. One of his designs is The Coliseu Collection of raised Roman travertine trays, with smoked ash bases that are perfect for displaying your Chinese New Year goodies in style. Available from origin-made.com for 425 euros (S$621). 

Iwakagu – Boke Walnut Tray

Iwakagu is a renowned brand from Shizuoka, Japan, specialising in wooden home products that source their wood from the forests near the factory. This Boke walnut wood tray’s floral profile makes it perfect for serving drinks over the Chinese New Year. Available from artifactt.com or the Artifactt retail shop at Palais Renaissance for S$328.

Georgetti – Nyn Cabinet

The prolific Hong Kong-born, European-based architect and designer Chi Wing Lo is known for incorporating Asian aesthetics into high-end furniture. An example is the Nyn cabinet for Giorgetti, made from maple or walnut Canaletto wood; the piece is ideal for fitting into awkward corners. Available at Space Furniture; price available upon request. 

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