Flagship stores are meant to stand out but the new Crate and Barrel Singapore digs at Orchard Gateway are literally as big as a ship. We got to scale and snoop the 5-floor retail space during their opening and left happily lugging more loot than Santa. Here’s what’s in store from top to bottom. Bring a backpack and flat shoes…Hell, hire a truck!
Kitchenware – B2
This bigger than Ben Hur Crate and Barrel store has its own dedicated kitchenware space. So what? Well, this means that they now have space for a wider selection of sought after cookware brands and you can get your hands on hard to import items! Think of it as a specialty shop within a department store. Calphalon, All-Clad and Le Creuset are all there, amongst others. Our favourite item has to be the Schmidt Brothers knife block housing beautifully crafted wood-handled knives made of German stainless steel – kitchen nerds everywhere will be clamouring to get hold of these made-in-New York stunners.
Specialty Items (Christmas Decorations!) – B2
‘Tis the season to be jolly. And pretty jolly happy we were to meet the full range of sparkly bits and bobs for yuletide trees this year. Blingin’ metallic ornaments in various Christmassy shapes work well with the gold glitter embellished table runner we spied, if you want to theme a look right through to your table setting. If you’ve already got a quirky assortment of deco’s tucked in a box at home, the folk art-inspired handmade figures would make a cute addition. Grab a Christmas wreath while you’re at it – they are ready and waiting to be customized to your taste.
Dining & Entertaining – B1
Probably our favourite section of the Crate and Barrel store – we love that the crockery, cutlery and glassware on offer meets different price points. Whether you want the basics or better quality, there is something for everyone. We have long been fans of the glossy yet organic Marin Dinnerware and will keep coming back for more. Don’t forget to snap a pic of the Crate and Barrel glassware guide – it comes in very handy when deciding what kind of wine goes in what-shaped glass has you stumped.
Furniture – Level 1, 2, 3
Fans of the brands neutral, earthy palette will continue to be impressed by the selection of understated and functional furniture set-up to sell the Crate and Barrel lifestyle. Credenzas, dining tables, drinks cabinets, bed-frames and coffee tables run the aesthetic palette of reclaimed, farmhouse, vintage and industrial and are accepting of a mash up if you want to mix and match styles. Some C&B surfaces lending their eclectic style would find a happy home with us!
Décor & Accessories – Level 1, 2, 3
You probably know it well already: soft furnishings, linen, rugs and curtains lean towards graphic prints and repeated patterns in tonal browns, burnt orange hues and other citrus variations. Blues, blacks, charcoals and red make a subtle appearance too. To be honest, we’re not really comfortable till we’re being assaulted by colour so we like the idea of mixing some of the toned down, textural cushions with our loud neon pops acquired elsewhere (CB2!). Don’t miss the great selection of picture frames which provides an attractive alternative to those from another well-down home decorator store. And who can go past the Marrimekko bedding – we love a bit of Scandi in bed.
So there you have it, 5-floors of more than you can handle house porn. Go forth and get house-proud.
Crate and Barrel, orchardgateway 277 & 218 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858/238851.