We asked a few experts in the Philippine interior design industry about their varying perspectives on current trends.
Tatler Asia
Above Ferdie Ong | Living Innovations General Manager

"At the Milan Furniture Fair, I saw Minotti using unique marbles, namely Bardiglio marble and Calacatta gold as new table top finishes. They create a rich and more elegant ambience than the normal black or white marble. They also used metal finishes like bronze and brass to create a vintage feel.

Rooms now have a dual or multi purpose. The kitchen can also be the living room, or the guest room can transform to a home office. Bulthaup presented a kitchen that transforms from a simple minimalist wall to a functional kitchen in a matter of minutes.

Furniture now isn’t just comfortable but also visually appealing. Limited edition pieces are also popular. Our brand Promemoria can engrave your name on the table, create an ostrich leather chair if you want, or create a side table with gold leaf—it’s all up to your imagination."

Tatler Asia
Above Marleen Uyecio | Kuysen, Vice President-Creative

Massive and chunky sofas that are set low to the ground. Legs, if any, are concealed and integrated into the overall structure. This new trend is evident in Baxter, Living Divani, and Alivar.

"Metal legs for side tables give a lighter and more interesting play on colour. The use of copper for a rose gold hue paired with different finishes is both contrasting and harmonious. Even more interesting is its combination with a marble top for a sleek, modern yet timeless design. While Carrara marble is still widely favoured, the black Marquina and brown Emperador have been featured lately in most catalogues.

More and more furnishings are becoming like art pieces. Lines, materials, and colours now merge to form contemporary yet ageless items. Unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship ensure that they can withstand the test of time and everchanging trends."

Tatler Asia
Above Florence Ko | Managing Director and Co-Owner, Furnitalia

"In furniture, harsh lines and angles of the minimalist trends are softened with rounded corners, circular, and oval shapes, bended woods and raw-finished materials, all of which are traditional furniture design features.

Among the designer collections, a standout is the Altea Sofa by Roberto Lazzeroni for Flexform Mood. This oversized upholstered sofa with curved corners and a high back projects a very luxurious and dramatic look, perfect for houses with high ceilings. 

Another unique creation is the Beam Sofa System by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, which incudes a centre table in between the seats.

Sectional sofas with round corners provide lots of seating. Expect more oval shapes in side tables, coffee tables, and dining tables. As they say, round shapes have a calming effect can make a space seem friendlier."

Tatler Asia
Above Stephen Sy | Founder and President, Focus Global Inc

"Personally, I would still go for pieces that are timeless, with uncompromising quality, of course. Trends come and go so quickly, but in furniture, I want something that would be relevant for years and years, pieces that I can even pass on to my children.

I suppose it shows in the brands our company chooses to represent. Ethan Allen has been around for more than 80 years--it never goes out of style! Its tables, shelves, and beds made of solid wood are sturdy, intricate, and commanding.  If you want to update the look, you can just change the fabric, and you’re on point!

On the other hand, B&B Italia has iconic pieces that are as highly-coveted now as they were when introduced decades ago. You have the Serie UP, the Le Bambole, the Charles, etc, that have sort of become collector’s pieces."

Tatler Asia
Above Anthony Concepcion | Managing Director, SMEG Philippines

"There is a revolution going on now in the home. The kitchen has become the centre and the heart of the home, with the spotlight on kitchen appliances. Such appliances today cannot just purely be functional, they must also be aesthetically appealing. The trend is built-in as opposed to bulky, free-standing appliances that are energy-saving and jam packed with high tech features such as the “self-cooking and self-cleaning” oven. So the moder n kitchen has a clean, uncluttered look, so that one’s focus is on the most important thing in life—and that is to bond in the kitchen with friends and family over a wonderfully cooked meal."

Tatler Asia
Above Eugene Lorenzana | Managing Director, Roche Bobois

"Vintage Modern or adding modern elements to vintage designs is a trend that will continue to be stylish. 

Another timeless trend is the use of earthy, organic hues—different shades of brown and deeper reds—but, this time, in pieces with softer curves and flowing edges. When used together, these elements can create an elegant, profound serenity. The Profile bed is a good example with its refreshed vintage frame upholstered in a chestnut velvet fabric to create a cosy and luxurious look.

Mixing tones with a splash of colour can liven up the room and hopefully your 'quality time.'"

Tatler Asia
Above Dexter Go | Vice President, Dexterton

"Bathrooms are heading towards thin lines—the edges for the washbasins are now slimmer, thanks to new technology. I see this in some of our brands, such as Laufen and Falper. Laufen SaphirKeramik basins are so thin they only measure from 3 to 5mm. Falper Quattro Zero basins are also ridiculously thin at 4mm compared to the basins of several years ago, which are around 9mm. Glass is also making a comeback in the bathroom; table tops and drawers are sometimes made entirely of glass. You can see this in our Artelinea bathroom furniture. Copper is the 'in' finish among our GESSI faucets. As for bathroom tiles, I see a lot more marble designs this year. Our Ariostea tiles are now able to replicate the very expensive marbles such as Arabescato Classico, Zebrino Bianco, and Onice Perlato."

Tatler Asia
Above Brian Hontiveros | Owner of Scavolini

“Flexibility in terms of materials, finishes, and elements is going to be a key factor to consider in the coming year. The mix of matte and wood finishes is what we recommend in terms of aesthetic value in kitchens. This combination of materials makes it easy for designers to blend different types of environments whether it be modern, minimalist, or industrial. As in the photo, we also recommend mixing the type of storage units with overhead cabinets, drawers, and shelves so that the overall result is a perfect synergy between style and function.”

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