The bespoke elegance of Genteel Home
By Rufa Claire Desor
The timeliness, creativity, and elegance of the artistic furnishings of manufacturer Genteel Home stood out despite being a first-time exhibitor in the 2023 edition of Manila FAME. With a decade of experience in the industry, Genteel Home was able to embody the show’s theme “Feel What’s Possible,” through its bespoke pieces.
From humble beginnings with only a single commissioned project under her belt, Katrina Blanca De Leon, the principal designer of Genteel Home, worked tirelessly to see her dream flourish into decorating large spaces, and tailor-fitting designs to meet the detailed needs of the company’s clients. Now, Genteel Home sets its sights on broader horizons, hoping to make its mark in the international market by showcasing the Philippines’ rich culture and trademark craftsmanship.
Recognizing Manila FAME as a prime opportunity to present Genteel Home globally, the company will continue to highlight its strengths in the show’s next edition.
The Personality in Genteel Furnitures
Genteel Home is not just providing functional interiors; it also curates a personal design journey for its clientele, making furniture that transcends mere utility into an intimate expression of personality and style.
In addition, Anna Bianca Velasco, the branding and strategy manager of Genteel Home, shares that each design is unique and never duplicated. She assures that every client receives a one-of-a-kind experience, adding sentimental value to every design.
Another aspect that makes Genteel Home special is its people. “Everything is made by hand, and we believe that they bring warmth and happiness in the homes of our buyers,” Velasco adds.
Crafting upscale furniture that seamlessly blends luxury with comfort, Genteel Home intricately weaves rattan strips, known as solihiya, with solid wood into its designs. At Genteel Home, the design process is more than just creating furniture; it's a shared journey with each client. By carefully considering their interests and preferences, the company, together with the client, weaves a bespoke narrative, creating iconic and storied pieces.
From Native Origins to Global Market
Situated in Bacolor, Pampanga, Genteel Home elevates the essence of the region’s artistry and culture by weaving together local materials with global design trends to create products at par with the international market.
The brand preserves the art of solihiya weaving by ensuring that each piece is passionately crafted by delicate hands and made with passion.
While artisans draw inspiration from different influences around the world, the incorporation of solihiya in furniture crafting lends a unique Filipino essence. “Slowly, they [Genteel Home artisans] are expanding their horizons. They’re changing their designs, and even complementing or blending Filipino design with international designs,” Velasco adds.
Rattan weaves paired with a natural wooden aesthetic, give a homey sense of a typical Filipino household while providing a fresh contemporary look. By incorporating indigenous materials and infusing colonial influences the interiors give off a nostalgic vibe. The simplicity of the designs greatly adds class, whether as a main piece or an accent to a space.
Genteel Home is also proud to showcase the Filipino core value of kapwa (fellow)—a recognition of shared identity and self with others—by treasuring its community of artisans much like a family.
Echoing a brand lesson, Velasco explained, “For you to portray a certain culture, you need people to do it and that’s what makes it better. The Filipino design is all about its people and its flexibility.”
