Interior design is one of the best ways to showcase your culture. And homes that take inspiration from Filipino design elements allows you to marry tradition with modernity. Moreover, Fiilipino homes certainly have a timelessness to it that transcends trends yet still gives you the flexibility to customize your interiors to accommodate your personal tastes. In this article, we take you through five classic design ideas that are a must-have in your Filipino-style abode.
Rattan furniture
Rattan furniture is as ubiquitous part of Filipino homes. The hardy material works just as well indoors as it does outdoors. That is because natural rattan is low maintenance and resilient: rattan is able to stand up to harsh tropical conditions. And when it comes time to clean your rattan furniture, you can simply dust it off.
A rattan set lends itself well to outdoor setting such as your garden or patio. The natural material complements greenery for an organic look. To customize your vignette, easily dress it up with pillows designed for outdoor use.
Indoors, rattan furniture can be incorporated into your living room, dining areas, or bedrooms as an upholstered sofa, dining chairs, large ottomans, or even as painted headboards.
Woven home décor
More on natural materials, woven décor refreshes your home interior design with its earthy, organic feel. Woven baskets, vases, and other pieces are very widely available locally and are easy to source. You can even find woven items designed for your home office such as pen holders and laptop stands. Baskets of course provide storage solutions especially if space is at a premium. For entertaining, woven placemats, plate chargers, and coasters can be combined with modern dinnerware for an updated take on a Filipino-themed dinner party.
All these make woven home decor the perfect combination of form and functionality.
Capiz shells
Capiz windows area cornerstone of the Filipino home, and one of its most defining design elements. But Capiz can also find its way in other parts of your interiors. With its iridescent quality, a capiz shell lamp makes for a great conversation piece. Hang one in your dining room or as an accent to your living area. Other ways to incorporate this material into your home?
Try an eye-catching capiz lamp, which illuminates a room even when it Is not turned on. Classic lanterns in playful colors is a great addition to children’s bedrooms while the classic white can be used to light up a garden.
Philippine woods
Kamagong. Molave. Yakal. Narra.
These are some of the local woods that first come to mind when we think of Filipino interiors. Each one has its distinct qualities and are suited for different home design and outdoor applications.
Narra, although endangered, is one of the most popular hardwoods. Because this species is protected, it is likely that you will find Narra in older homes, such as in floor tiles. Along with Narra, Kamagong is also considered endangered. This wood, also known as Philippine Ebony is characterized by its dark streaks. Hard and durable Molave is strong enough to use for windows as well as railroad tracks.
Pottery
Finally, local pottery lends a decidedly Filipino look and feel to your home. But what makes it different from other types of pottery? Firstly, local pottery has been in existence for thousands of years. The infamous Manungggul jar, which features two human figures on a boat is one of our most notable pieces.
Local stoneware artisans can be found across the country from Sagada to Cavite. The painstaking process which involves sourcing clay, aging, casting, hand forming, baking, cooling, and glazing can easily take several days. The result are handmade pieces that each contribute a unique decorative touch to your Filipino home.
Interested in putting a Filipino twist to your home interior? Inquire with us today at www.jasanchetainteriors.com!