Homegrown furniture brand and one of the country’s leading architects aim to redefine modern Filipino design with their latest collaboration at this year’s Manila FAME.
Genteelhome, a brand known for its furniture pieces, recently made waves with the launch of the Ugnayan Furniture Collection. This latest collection is a collaboration with renowned architect Royal Pineda that merges modern Filipino artistry with luxury furniture, creating pieces that bring character and warmth to living spaces.
“Ugnayan” or “communal living,” reflects a unique Filipino way of life. It shows the strength and beauty of community, as seen in how each piece combines woven textures, carved wood and fluid lines. Pineda shared, “We’re embracing the challenge of modernization. In the sea of mass-produced furniture, we want to give the spotlight to Filipino artisans. For us, the human touch is important.” This philosophy is at the heart of the Ugnayan collection, where every piece is handcrafted to highlight modern aesthetics with traditional elements and imperfections.
The collection is more than just furniture — it’s a testament to Filipino culture and craftsmanship. As genteelhome’s founder and principal designer, Katrina Blanca de Leon, explained, “At genteelhome, we go beyond creating bespoke furniture. We highlight Filipino talent, nurture connections and build a legacy of quality and innovation in every piece we produce.”
“It’s about creating jobs for Filipino artisans, preserving craftsmanship, and passing down these skills to future generations,” De Leon added.
The collaboration with Pineda came naturally. De Leon spoke highly of Pineda’s vision and how it aligns with genteelhome’s mission. “We were looking for a project to work with, and Architect Royal is one of the visionaries I admire. His advocacy in promoting Filipino architecture complements our goal to showcase Filipino design to a global audience,” she shared.
One standout aspect of the collection is its emphasis on shared spaces. As De Leon described it, “Ugnayan is like a common living [area], just like the Philippine way of life today. We’re strong on our own, but when we’re with our family, spending time together, we become stronger. Each piece can fit more than one person because it’s meant to be shared.” This focus on communal living is evident in the design elements, from the larger seating pieces to the intricately woven patterns that symbolize unity.
When asked about her favorite pieces, De Leon found it difficult to choose but spoke fondly of the “Roberto” dining table and “Flerinda” dining chair, which she likened to a modern-day couple. “Flerinda is a modern woman who excels in all she does, while Roberto is supportive, embodying a partnership that’s strong and complementary. It’s a representation of how different strengths come together,” she said.
Ultimately, the Ugnayan Furniture Collection is a celebration of modern Filipino design. It offers a narrative of unity, craftsmanship and sustainability, with each piece carrying the distinct touch of Kampampangan artisans. “We envision Filipino furniture and design being appreciated by an international audience, and Ugnayan is just the start,” De Leon concluded. — By Franchesca L. Tuazon
Know more about genteelhome by visiting its official pages: Facebook- genteelhome; Instagram – genteelhome.ph; Website – genteelhome.ph; Pinterest – genteelhome.
