Cover Vitra Hal Re Tube chair by Jasper Morrison, available at W. Atelier. Image: Vitra
Vitra Hal Re Tube chair by Jasper Morrison, available at W. Atelier. Image: Vitra
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Singapore design studio Monocot picks out some timeless Vitra classics from W. Atelier to consider for your next decor makeover
Fun fact: did you know that lilies have floral parts that grow in multiples of three? These beautiful blooms are a monocot variety, from which homegrown design firm Monocot derives its name. The studio takes its botanical tripartite concept to heart with natural order, proportion and practicality as the triple tenets that shape its design philosophy.
Led by Mikael Teh, the Singapore-based firm believes in creating intimate spaces to love and live in, while being attuned to our tropical climate. Teh’s projects combine an effortless sense of minimalist elegance with house plants and cosily tactile touches that make each place feel like home to its owners. To create this enviable effect, among the brands that Teh loves to include in his projects is Vitra, a Swiss furniture manufacturer known for producing timeless classics ever since its founding in 1953, available exclusively in Singapore at W. Atelier.
Don’t miss: Decor tips: How do you select the best chairs for your home?
Above Mikael Teh, founder of Monocot. Photo courtesy of Monocot
Mikael Teh, founder of Monocot. Photo courtesy of Monocot
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The furniture titan is as known for the Vitra Campus in Weil Am Rhein, Germany. Comprising a collection of museum and production buildings by starchitects the likes of Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and Tadao Ando, this destination has often touted as a bucket-list spot for avid architecture and design fans, including Teh himself. The designer still has fond memories of his visit to the Vitra Campus. “After graduating from architecture school, I drove to Vitra campus from Zurich to study the buildings and fell in love with the history and craftsmanship of all their products,” he shares.
Here, he tells us more about some of his favourite Vitra pieces that you can consider shortlisting for a similarly inviting contemporary aesthetic in your home, including that super handy accessory that he loves using in his interior shoots.
1. Vitra Standard chair by Jean Prouvé
Above A group of Vitra Standard chairs by Jean Prouvé, seen in a dining room. Image: Vitra
A group of Vitra Standard chairs by Jean Prouvé, seen in a dining room. Image: Vitra
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“We like classic pieces that can withstand the test of time, and are well made and designed,” declare Teh. Among his personal favourites is the Standard chair by French designer Jean Prouvé, which bears a simple and yet striking form with a natural oak seat and a powder-coated metal frame. “It is iconic and highly versatile, can be used in all kinds of spaces from residential to commercial,” he says.
Available at W. Atelier
2. Vitra Wooden dolls by Alexander Girand
Above Vitra Wooden dolls by Alexander Girand. Image: Vitra
Vitra Wooden dolls by Alexander Girand. Image: Vitra
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Enliven the shelves in your home with an assortment of these classic Vitra accessories. Teh describes it as being “simple and fun, can be seen collectible art”, whether in a kid’s bedroom or an easy way to decorate a family den or living room.
The Vitra Wooden dolls by Alexander Girand are among Teh’s favourite interior styling props. Photo courtesy of Monocot
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“I have a small collection of these Vitra Wooden dolls and I usually bring them along for all my interior styling shoots as they are super versatile,” quips Teh.
Available at W. Atelier
3. Vitra Hal Re Tube chair by Jasper Morrison
Above Vitra Hal Re Tube chairs, seen in various colourways. Image: Vitra
Vitra Hal Re Tube chairs, seen in various colourways. Image: Vitra
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Another chair design that Teh has selected for his clients is the Vitra Hal Re Tube chair, designed by British minimalist maestro Jasper Morrison. It is among the eco-conscious furniture selection produced by Vitra—its seat is made with recycled plastic, and it is also available in a sprightly mix of colours on fabric upholstery or on its upcycled plastic shell.
Above A bedroom designed by Monocot featuring the Vitra Hal Re Tube chair in a pale blue hue.
A bedroom designed by Monocot featuring the Vitra Hal Re Tube chair in a pale blue hue.
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“It is simple, elegant and sustainable, and [has] amazing colours that can work with different spaces,” says Teh, who chose a pale blue version of the chair to match a boy’s bedroom and cater to his preference for the serene hue.
Available at W. Atelier
4. Vitra Potence lamp by Jean Prouvé
Vitra Potence lamp by Jean Prouvé, seen in a study designed by Monocot. Photo courtesy of Monocot
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Match your understated furnishings with the similarly simple and timeless design of the Vitra Potence lamp by Jean Prouvé. It will also imbue your living or dining area with a soft and gentle glow, creating the perfect cosy atmosphere while hosting friends and family. “The Potence is effortless but yet very expressive in its form and gentle luminence,” declares Teh. The lamp can also be adjusted and swivelled to direct light to where it is needed.
Available at W. Atelier
5. Vitra Ball Clock by George Nelson
A colourful version of the Vitra Ball Clock by George Nelson. Image: Vitra
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American industrial designer George Nelson’s Ball Clock for Vitra continues to be a bestselling product and for good reason too. Its distinctive globular form takes on a different look, depending on the mix of colours and material that you choose. “It is super classic, and is like a piece of functional art,” says Teh. “It was my first purchase when I visited Vitra campus and I have been bringing it with me wherever I move to.”
Available at W. Atelier
