HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE! The Past Perfect Antique store is open on Wednesday 9th august from 11 am – 5pm. On 9th of August, Singaporeans celebrate National Day, which marks Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965. It is a significant public holiday filled with various events, ceremonies, and festivities to commemorate the nation’s sovereignty and achievements. THE SINGAPOREAN FLAG The national flag of Singapore holds significant meaning and symbolism, representing the nation's history, values, and aspirations. Its role is to serve as a symbol of national identity and unity. It featu ..read more

CAMPAIGN FURNITURE - ON THE ROAD AGAIN! Campaign furniture, or “knock down” furniture, is a type of colonial furniture made specifically for travel. Most of it was made for military campaigns and was designed in such a way that it could easily be disassembled, packed and carried on the march. Although this type of furniture has been in use in a basic form for thousands of years, it was the British during the 19th and early 20th century who really took it to a new level of luxury and ingenuity. Lieutenant Colonel Jim Corbett is relaxing in a Roorkhee* chair in Dhikala, India, circa 1937 Pho ..read more

TALKING ANTIQUES - THE MARK OF QUALITY The Past Perfect Collection prides itself on bringing its customers the very best quality antiques from the colonial era in India. We sat down with the owner Pieter van Houten and asked him to share some of his expertise on antiques and finding that perfect piece. A PASSION FOR ANTIQUES You clearly have a love for antique colonial furniture and a great eye for finding special pieces. Where does this passion for antiques stem from? I reckon I was born to be an antique dealer. I was always attracted to the flea markets when I grew up in The Netherlands ..read more

PORTUGUESE COLONIAL CABINETS Portuguese colonial cabinets like the Contador, have a very distinctive style featuring dark wood and, intricate inlay work of foliate, flowers, animals and decorative patterns. Otherwise known as the Indo-Portuguese style, it is the merging of two cultures that created beautiful furniture. Most of the Portuguese colonial cabinets we see today come from Goa on the western coast of India. Goa – The most prominent Portuguese colony in India from 1510 -1961 SHORT HISTORY OF CABINETS The term ‘cabinet’ is now generally understood a medium to large size piece of ..read more

LOVE FOR DUTCH FURNITURE You might say there is class within the calm of Pieter and Marie-Hélène van Houten’s antique store 'The Past Perfect Collection' . Undeniably serene but with just the perfect shot of drama, the store somehow catches you and relax and wake you up at the same time. It is an effect the Dutch born couple has cultivated over the 15 years since opening their business in Singapore. Past Perfect’s showroom in Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore Pieter and Marie-Hélène van Houten in front of a Dutch colonial cupboard from India. THE DUTCH IN INDIA ‘Our love for anti ..read more

DARRYL CARTER - A MODERN TRADITIONALIST The lawyer turned designer Darryl Carter is the master of pared down, serene interiors. He is one of our favourite designers at The Past Perfect Collection as he has a great love for antiques and uses them to create tranquil interiors with a sense of history. His style is classic, yet modern and sophisticated. He effortlessly blends the old with the new.   OLD AND NEW IN HARMONY The Darryl Carter interior style sees a seamless mix of classical elements from the past and the present. Balancing the modern with the old. 'I’ve always been prone to ju ..read more

CHRISTMAS TABLE SETTINGS - SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Christmas Table settings with Good Earth dinnerware are always beautiful and will certainly impress your guests. Vintage, tropical or colourful; you can really go in any direction and enjoy it to the fullest with this gorgeous tableware. Here we show you a few ideas. CHRISTMAS TABLE SETTING - VINTAGE Go vintage and create a classic and enchanting table setting that captures the essence of tradition and elegance. For this classic Christmas table setting we have used one of our antique extending dining tables that is made in such a way that i ..read more

BEAUTIFUL DIWALI DÉCOR IDEAS Looking for Diwali décor ideas? We have got you covered as we love Diwali; the most exuberant time of the year and our favorite Indian festival! It is a five-day festival (10-15 November 2023), with the main celebrations happening on the third day. Diwali translates literally as ‘row of lamps’ and is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. MAKE IT MEMORABLE In India festivals and enthusiasm go hand in hand so we like to go the extra mile to make it memorable for our customers! We have been trying to come ..read more

ANTIQUE FURNITURE LEGS - HOW SEXY CAN THEY BE? There are so many antique furniture leg styles, it can get confusing. Reeded, cabriole, scroll, tapered, splayed. And how about a bulbous leg? Furniture leg styles can tell you a lot about the antique itself, its origins and inspiration. Therefore, this knowledge is very useful. In this blog, we will explain the styles of legs you may find on antique furniture from our collection. And to the question 'how sexy can furniture legs be?' Well, it is said that the prudish Victorians would cover them up for the sake of modesty! FURNITURE LEGS - TOO ..read more