Ronald Ventura is one of the most recognizable figures in Southeast Asian contemporary art. Since his first solo exhibitions in the 2000s, Ventura has become known for his signature multi-layered paintings. Featuring hyperrealism, cartoons, graffiti, and other recurring motifs, hisworks—from paintings to sculptures—are pluralistic in both form and material. Throughout his career, his art has […]
Crate and Barrel’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Showcases MyHome Editor-in-Chief’s Expert Curation
The globally renowned home goods retail brand, Crate and Barrel, recently reached their 10th year milestone in the Philippines. As part of their anniversary events lineup, they hosted their second Portraits of Life in SM Makati on September 19th.
Bearing the essence of shared lifestyle with key individuals, the brand collaborated with four distinguished creatives to curate some of their beloved pieces. These notable personalities were Creative Director Vince Uy, Interior Designer Cecil Ravelas, Entrepreneur Milka Romero, and MyHome Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Architect Geewel Fuster.
Each of them unveiled their carefully chosen items, mirroring their personal style and admiration for Crate and Barrel. And as an architect and mom, Fuster put together a collection that not only embodies her aesthetic but also fits her dynamic lifestyle.
Advertisement
A Multi-Hyphenate Woman’s Crate and Barrel Favorites
MyHome’s EIC believes that choosing the perfect furniture and objects comes from understanding their value, functionality, and quality first. Particularly if you have kids around, the mileage and return of investment of each item should be the utmost priority. Taking these factors into consideration, here are the prized pieces that made it into Fuster’s roster of Crate and Barrel favorites.
Handpicked Versatile Furniture
One of Fuster’s top picks is the Retreat Sofa from Crate and Barrel’s new September collection. She described it as something “very modern yet classic”, which can be styled in different ways. Its ample size capable of seating three to four persons makes it a perfect fit for families and homeowners who like to entertain. She paired this with the Triomphe Side Table, also from the new collection.
Another piece that made the cut is the Momo Accent Chair featuring off-white faux shearling upholstery and cantilevered armrests. Thanks to its mid-century hairpin legs contrasting its soft fabric, it can double as a cozy accent chair or even a statement piece.
Advertisement
The Mazz Bouclé Dining Chair by Leanne Ford, with its playful proportions, also captured the architect’s interest. Its slender legs combined with a tubular cushion makes it versatile enough to use both in the dining and living areas.
To complement the seating, Fuster also scouted some of Crate and Barrel’s treasured tables. Among them is the Winslow Oak Wood Console Table by Jake Arnold, with its organic curves and asymmetrical design. The Leon Burl Wood Coffee Table additionally caught her attention, which she says exudes the “vintage European vibe” she’s into these days.
For end tables, the architect selected three, namely—the Fleur Tall Burl Wood, the Sable Black Marble Tiered, and the Turmont Glass. Each piece highlights the unique natural grains of their wood materials, further emphasized by their form’s organic lines and curves.
Advertisement
Top Choice Complementary Decor
With the Retreat Sofa and Leon Table as centerpieces, Fuster was able to build a cohesive selection of complementary decor. She made sure to adorn every area of the space with a special item from the renowned brand.
Starting from the floor, the Palermo Flat Weave Black Area Rug made the cut with its handcrafted jute fabric. Embracing the irregularities of its hand spun yarns, it creates a muted striped effect of different shades of black.
As for the walls, the framed painting Good Things gives viewers the freedom to interpret it in multiple ways. Its dynamic black linework on a white gray canvas allows you to hang it horizontally or vertically, adding depth and intrigue to any space.
Advertisement
In addition, the Rye Brown Mongolian Sheepskin Throw Cover makes the perfect addition to the chosen plush seating. The silky, soft, and long-haired front side with faux suede back provides a cozy yet luxurious feel to any decorative pillow.
To give tables, shelves, and countertops a sophisticated flair, MyHome’s EIC included two natural ceramic pieces. They’re the Ophelia Centerpiece Bowl and the Plateia Earthware Vase, both designed to hold botanicals and ornaments.
Two creations of fashion designer Laura Kim from the newest Crate and Barrel products also made it to the list. The PomPom 3 oz Pinch Bowl and the Toulouse Taper Holder bring another layer of rustic yet elegant charm. And to match the beige marble taper holder, a set of Dipped Black Taper Candles were added to her curation.
Crate and Barrel: A Reflection of Meaningful Living
Fuster regards this collaboration with Crate and Barrel as a “delightful and fun experience.” She further details how the brand uses its masterful selection of home items to make beautiful interiors accessible to everyone. With this, homeowners can interpret and create their own meanings of these beloved pieces.
The architect understands that curating objects for your home is a journey of discovering and inspiring your personal style. So, she was grateful to be given the opportunity to select items and elevate a spatial experience for the event.
“It is truly an honor to be celebrating [Crate and Barrel’s] 10th anniversary together with everyone here who, I am sure, share the same love and passion for the artistry and craftsmanship of the brand,” Fuster expressed. “Its ethos of producing not just high-quality but elegant products has made our personal visions and lifestyles into a memorable experience.”
Photos courtesy of Daniel Tan and Crate and Barrel PH
Read more: The Best of Louis Poulsen Lighting Fixtures
As the built environment evolves, the role of the architect demands reconsideration. For Jose Siao Ling, Co-Founder and Principal Architect of Jose Siao Ling & Associates (JSLA Architects), the role extends far beyond being a licensed professional who designs and oversees construction. By championing ethical practice, ISO-certified systems, and mentorship-driven leadership, he built a firm […]
Public spaces in Metro Manila are often defined by movement rather than pause. People in transit hurry through; the underpass is a shortcut, not a place to stop. Underground, the installation by photography group FotomotoPH, reimagined the Paseo Underpass as a visual experience. FotomotoPH is a Philippine-based photography collective dedicated to promoting, exhibiting, and fostering […]
Born and raised in San Pablo City, Laguna, Ito Kish made a name for himself through residential and commercial design, as well as curatorial work. This new season, built on the idea of Filipino Culture Meets Global Curiosity, unfolds both as a composed showroom environment and a new collection shaped by stillness and balance. A […]
Breaking through in their respective careers is a daunting task for any young professional. For Architect Pierre Briones, architecture has always been an intentional pursuit. Having spent much of his childhood around construction sites, Briones’s environment shaped his interest in architecture, including his fascination with how structures and buildings are built. “Choosing architecture was never […]
Not many people know this, but during the Martial Law era, National Artist for Architecture Bobby Mañosa was also a toy designer. He had an iconic line of toys, called “Bobi Toys,” that he sold in Makati during the 1970s and 1980s, which he discontinued as his own kids grew older. His toys have not […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]