This teak dressing table was part of an ensemble of six furniture pieces designed by Singapore architect Tay Kheng Soon (b. 1940) while he was pursuing his Diploma in Architecture at the Singapore Polytechnic between 1958 and 1963. It was a personal project he undertook for the matrimonial home of his wife's cousin, a semi-detached house in the vicinity of East Coast Road.Designed with pronounced rectilinear elements evident in the mirrors, table, and cabinetry, this creation exudes an understated, minimalist charm that demonstrates an exploration of modern and minimal formal language inspired by De Stijl and Bauhaus. The tabletop features a slatted wooden panel topped with glass, introducing texture and a subtle luminosity to the piece. This detail represents an aesthetic nod to the slatted screens commonly found in tropical homes — used to provide shade while still allowing for ventilation and cooling. A triptych mirror which can be folded to close completes the composition. A striking aspect of this vanity table is the pair of storage units underneath it, which had been thoughtfully designed to maximise storage space and functionality. The one on the left features a curved swing-out compartment that bring items with easy reach, and while the other on right consists of two sets of drawers for organised storage. The integration of modern design sensibilities with vernacular lifestyles and locally sourced materials reflects his early pursuit of tropical modernism — which would become a central theme in his future architectural projects.
