Bo Concept's 60th Anniversary

Sixty years. Three generations of Danish design founded by two Danish craftsmen. Sixty years. A vision that started in a small furniture factory in Denmark to what is now a global retail furniture chain in more than fifty countries. Sixty years. And still counting.

Top Trends at Manila Now 2011

The recently concluded Manila Now 2011 furniture show just proved once again, that the Philippines still has the competitive edge in furniture design. The furniture design trend for this year, I must say, is all about the natural look. Wood for this year, has been given quite a recognition and is left at it's most natural state. Sanded finish wood, combined with rattan or concrete, worked well with the contemporary lines and construction of the furniture pieces. One cannot help but be excited with such beautiful craftsmanship and design. As I am catching my breath from a heart-pounding visual array, let me give you my top picks at the show.

Manila Now: PIFS 2011

The Philippine International Furniture Show (PIFS) is a must-see event that showcases local furniture and decor design to the world market. This is held annually in Manila which targets mainly the foreign trade buyers and importers. The Philippines had a strong market two decades ago when the demand for furniture was strong in the United States and Europe. In the past years though, due to the global economic crises and with the entry of China in the furniture industry (known for it's cheap and abundant labor), the export market has been experiencing a slow down. This year, the furniture industry is renewed with the positive economic growth rate brought on by the present administration. The furniture exhibitors are also going "green" this year to align with the worldwide awareness on environmental protection. I am quite excited at the new designs that will be showcased in this show, especially now that our homegrown local designers are really competitive with their designs.

The Philippine International Furniture Show 2011, Manila Now is organized by the Chamber of Furniture Industries of The Philippines (CFIP). It will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Manila on March 3 to 6, 2011. You can visit their website at  http://www.pifshow.com/ for more information.

Filipino Genius

Who hasn't heard of Kenneth Cobonpue? After numerous design accolades from the international design community, Kenneth is a "household" name to designers and architects in the Philippines. Not only is he known for his furniture design ingenuity, but also for promoting Filipino craftsmanship through the materials he utilizes in his designs. And now, he leaves us in awe again with his new collection for 2011. Here are a few favorites:

Wooden Pedestals

photo courtesy of elledecor.com

I first came across these wooden pedestals around six years ago, at a magazine featuring one of Kelly Hoppen's interior design projects. Fast forward to today, these wooden pedestals are still hot. They look great as accents to a very polished modern interior. They give the room character and depth and makes for an interesting conversation piece. The ones in the picture, which are in the showroom of Ralph Pucci, are by furniture designer Chris Lehrecke from New York.