Is a New Furniture Brand Really Needed? LAAT Says Absolutely!
We’re drowning in junk—unsold furniture piles up like a landfill of lost dreams. Some think the market’s already full, but LAAT proves you can rewrite that narrative with a splash of smart design.
Meet the Team Behind the Make‑over
- Cherin Tan – a decorated interior designer who runs the award‑winning firm LAANK.
- Alvin Tan – a multidisciplinary artist and co‑founder of the creative collective PHUNK.
These two are the dream‑team in a world that loves taking stale assets and turning them into gold.
LAAT’s Mission: Reshape the Unwanted
Think of LAAT as a second‑chance recycler for furniture. Instead of dumping unsold stock, they breathe life back into it. Each collection is a hand‑crafted, tailor‑made piece that straddles the fine line between art and everyday furniture.
“It’s about bringing value where none seemed to exist before,” says Cherin. “We find the hidden potential in what others call disposable.”
Why This Matters
- Reduces waste and saves resources—because even a single pine table can save three trees if repurposed.
- Creates unique, one‑of‑a‑kind items that feel like a personal piece of art.
- Shows that sustainability can also be stylish—and that’s a big win for shoppers who care about both budget and the planet.
Keep Your Eyes Open for LAAT
If you’re tired of the same cookie‑cut furniture, watch for LAAT’s next release. They’re proof that a brand doesn’t need to be brand‑new to be brand‑awesome. In an industry where the status quo is “more of the same,” LAAT flips the script with creativity, sustainability, and a whole lot of heart.
How did LAAT come about?
Our Long‑Term Collaboration
Alvin and I have been side‑kicks for a good while—think of us as the dynamic duo of the renovation world. We’ve tackled dozens of projects together, turning junkyard treasures into… well, pretty things.
The Spark That Started It All
- We’d already been remixing industry scraps, building cool little gadgets from second‑hand hardware.
- One day, while comparing notes over coffee, I grinned and said, “What if we did this in a big batch?”
- That simple question lit the fire for LAAT—our new platform that turns debris into design.
Why LAAT?
Because the world’s full of forgotten bits that could become something great. LAAT is the place where those pieces find a second life—and where we can keep our creative partnership humming.
Is It LAAT’S intention to create objects that are both design items and artwork?
Giving Old Stuff a Fresh Spin
We’re all about turning throw‑away treasures into something that actually feels like art rather than junk.
Why Repurposing Rocks Us
Because every item tells a story—and that story only crawls when it’s caters to the impossible. These pieces can’t be duplicated exactly, but that’s the thrill: each one becomes a one‑of‑a‑kind masterpiece.
Our Fun Game Plan
- Dig into History: We love uncovering the background of every relic—think of it as a detective adventure.
- Reinvent with Flair: We test out wild, creative ideas that merge old charm with unapologetic modern vibes.
- Make It Unforgettable: The goal isn’t just novelty—it’s to create something that won’t just sit on a shelf but will spark conversation.
What Happens Next?
We blend the original character of each piece with fresh materials and slick design, turning scroll‑worn scrolls and worn‑out spines into trends that your neighbors will envy.
In short, it’s a hunt for novelty in the ordinary. The outcome? A collection that feels like a boutique gallery, all curated from the objects that once faced the trash bin.
Where did you source the materials for LAAT’S furniture?
Turning Trash into Treasure
Picture this: you’re rummaging through a pile of dead stock, overstocks, and forgotten flatware, and then—spoiler alert—your supplier calls you up to donate the stuff they can’t sell. Guess what? We’re turning those “no‑go” items into lighting fixtures, sanitary fittings, and even candle holders.
Why Do It?
Because repurposing is 100% greener than crafting something from scratch and then tossing the leftover bits. It’s all about saving resources and avoiding that extra waste.
Top Repurpose Ideas
- Dark‑room lights – give those kids’ rooms a cozy glow with discarded metal strips.
- Bathroom chic – turn funky old tins into modern faucets and soap dishes.
- Cozy candles – repurpose cracked jars into street‑light shaped holders.
The Fun Side
Let’s be honest: it’s like a treasure hunt with recycled gear. Every surplus find has a new life, and the best part? We’re lessening landfill drama while adding a splash of quirky style to everyday items.
Are LAAT’S furniture manufactured in Singapore?
Singapore’s Creative Geniuses: Turning Everyday Items into Art
It’s hard to find a place where ingenuity meets craftsmanship and where the result is more than just a product. In Singapore’s bustling maker scene, that synergy thrives, thanks to a community of talented manufacturers and craftspeople who love turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Why Singapore?
- Access to top‑grade materials: From reclaimed wood to high‑tech composites, the island has it all.
- Short distances, quick iterations: A weekend to prototype means a week to perfect.
- Community spirit: Think of a local co‑working space, but for makers who open their workshops for a bit of friendly collaboration.
My Personal Mini‑Project
Most people might think a sink is a mundane household fixture, but I found a way to make it a conversation starter.
I turned a massive planter—yes, the kind that would take up a lawn—into a freestanding sink for my kitchen. The transformation involved cutting and repurposing the planter’s sturdy base, adding a custom-made water system, and polishing the finish until it gleamed like a jewel. The result? A functional centerpiece that also says, “I don’t just juggle bananas, I juggle aesthetics.”
How It Happened
- Ideation: A casual chat with local artisans sparked the idea.
- Prototyping: A few days of tinkering, a touch of sketching, and an adjustable basin were born.
- Final touches: Hand‑rubbed polish, a splash of personality, and voilà!
Why You Should Care
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a space‑savvy homeowner, or simply looking to add a dash of personality to your home, Singapore’s makers show that you can bring beauty and function together. The point is, creativity doesn’t need a dealership; a bit of hunch, some local support, and your own imagination is enough to turn dreams into reality.
So next time you spot a “cool” item in your home, remember: it might have come from a Singaporean workshop where ordinary became extraordinary, and who knows—maybe your bathtub could become the next big “art on the go” piece.
What’s your hope and dreams for this venture?
LAAT: Where Creatives Collide
We’re building LAAT to be the go‑to hub for artists, designers, writers, and tech wizards from every niche. Think of it as a digital studio that’s open‑mic for the next big idea.
How We’re Shaping the Beat
- It’s grown naturally, like a community garden that sprouts on its own—no canned slogans.
- Projects spark from real conversations, not formulaic pitches.
- Every new partnership feels like a fresh jam session.
Kick‑off: Klaus Nomi
The very first series pays tribute to the legendary German performer Klaus Nomi, whose soaring voice and avant‑garde style left a lasting mark before he passed away from AIDS complications in 1983. His story reminds us that bold creativity can inspire generations, even after the mic falls silent.
Spreading the Love (and the Funds)
When you snag the debut set from LAAT, a slice of that cash will find a home at Action for AIDS Singapore. That nonprofit is on a mission to fight the rough climb of AIDS and HIV across the island, and your purchase helps them keep the momentum going.
What’s Brewing for the Next Drop?
We’re not locking ourselves into any one idea – imagine a mash‑up of fresh artists, daring designers, and bold NGOs. The goal? Keep the creativity high and the impact even higher.
- New Collaborators: Think vibrant, boundary‑pushing creatives from across the region.
- Partner Projects: With a mix of NGOs and cultural groups, we’re aiming for a blend of style and purpose.
- Open‑Ended Think Tank: Every concept is on the table – we’re ready to jump into anything that sparks meaning.
Stay tuned, because the next series is bound to bring fresh vibes and a whole lot of heart.
How can we get LAAT furniture?
Where to Catch Our Latest Art
Our newest pieces are now on display at Art Now Gallery, tucked inside the bustling Raffles Arcade. Swing by, grab a coffee, and soak in the creative vibes!
Staying in Touch
- Want to peek at what’s on our wall? Send us a DM on Instagram.
- Follow us: @laat.sg
- Drop a comment or a story tag—we love seeing how our art gets into your daily life.
What kind of customisation do you offer?
Customising Your Unique Piece
We can tweak a few details on the items in our lineup. Each piece is a one‑of‑a‑kind work, so once it’s sold out you’ll never see the exact same thing again.
But good news—if we still have the materials on hand, we can whip up something very similar and adjust the colour or finish to make it feel fresh.
What You Can Do
- Change the hue: pick from a palette of vibrant tones.
- Switch up the finish: gloss, matte, or textured—your call.
- Throw in a pop of personality: add subtle accents that reflect your style.
Why It Works
Because we keep enough stock to juggle variations, you can customize something close to the original while still having a fresh, unique look that’s all yours.
Who are LAAT’s customers?
Calling All Creative Souls
Are you the type who can spot a masterpiece in a subway bench, and still feel comfortable tossing the word “upcycling” into your conversation? Then you’re in the right crowd.
What Makes Upcycling a Party
- Eco‑Chic. Turning trash into treasure is a massive shout‑out to the planet.
- One‑of‑a‑Kind. No two upcycled pieces are identical – they’re as unique as your Pinterest board.
- Storytelling. Every scrap has a past; every refashioned item tells a new tale.
Your Red Flag? Not Being Afraid of “Upcycling”
There’s nothing noble about avoiding the term. It’s all about finding that hidden beauty in the mundane, and giving it a second life. If you can see that spark in a discarded dresser or a forgotten quilt, you’re already speaking the same language.
Why This Matters
In a world where new is often celebrated, the art of repurposing reminds us that old things deserve a fresh chapter. And that’s something we all crave – a piece that’s uniquely ours.
Do you accept material donations?
Turn Your Clutter into Artistic Gold with LAAT
Ever find yourself scrolling through a pile of “unused” items and thinking, “I just need a closet to dump these!”? You’re not alone. Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or dealing with that dreaded dead‑stock situation, LAAT is here to turn your mess into something that actually adds value to the world.
What LAAT Can Do For You
- Donation Matching: We help you find respectful, creative ways to repurpose items that people are ready to receive.
- Artistic Reimagining: Our designers transform your “leftovers” into unique art pieces that can brighten any space.
- Warehouse Cleanup: Say goodbye to stagnant inventory—let’s give those dead stocks a new life.
Just give us a quick look at your collection, and we’ll spin it into something that feels both meaningful and funky. And the best part? The change is on a pay‑per‑sale basis—you only pay when the item finds a lovely new home.
So next time you’re about to submit that dumpster dive to a junkyard, think bigger: make it a masterpiece. LAAT is ready to help you re‑imagine your clutter in ways you never thought possible.
This article was originally featured in Home & Decor.
