Located at the Star Street precinct, Archetypal was founded by Desmond Wong, who saw a rising need for quality and better knowledge in the market for design-led products. As a result, the 1,600 square feet multi-label furniture boutique retails an array of products from local brands to brands sourced from other parts of the world.

“The furniture business in Hong Kong has traditionally been dominated by Italian super brands, but with the general living standard getting higher, people are more conscious about what they want in their homes. With that in mind, we want to bring something fresh to the market at a more accessible price range,” Wong explains.

As an advocate for small brands and upcoming talents, Archetypal chooses its products for their ability to “demonstrate innovations in material usage, craftsmanship and the manufacturing process” where “their beauty can merge seamlessly into our daily life.”

Series 2 by Another Country

Citing an example, he explains, “the Heavy Light by Decode London offers a fresh perspective on concrete by creating an artistic contrast between the smooth exterior and the rugged interior.” Other brands that are carried by Archetypal includes Anglepoise, Another Country, Terence Woodgate, Lee Broom, Blu Dot and Resident.

Heavy Lamp by Decode London

With regards to local brands, Archetypal retails EOQ, a Hong Kong based furniture brand designed by Michael Young. Wong appreciates the label’s background process of optimising on engineering skills available in Shenzhen – a manufacturing possibility that Young had explored while he was working on a restaurant in Asia. “Young eschewed plastic in favour of recycled aluminium, which is both sustainable and creates beautiful clean lines,” he says. Another local brand available at Archetypal is Loveramics, a contemporary ceramics brand that collaborates with designers to create fun, functional and affordable pieces.

Dub Lights by Michael Young for EOQ

Archetypal is also undefined by any particular aesthetics, choosing to retail products based on design merit. Towards the end of April, UK industrial designer Lee Broom’s Nouveau Rebel will be available in Hong Kong for the first time. “Lee’s collection has also been a special one for us. As you can see from our collection, Lee’s designs are a lot more glamorous than other brands, but the perfect balance between the classic and the modern,” Wong says. He also alludes to taking in the collection due to a rising interest in marble.

Nouveau Rebel by Lee Broom

“Now that our concept store is open, we will concentrate on finding more independent designers for unique pieces that you will only find at our store,” he concludes.

Archetypal
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