Living Innovations Presents “A Toast to Tranquility” at its New Showroom
Living Innovations, one of the country’s premium distributors of luxury furniture hosted an exclusive gathering titled “A Toast to Tranquility”. Held at their new sprawling showroom in Mandaluyong, this event celebrated the understated elegance that defines modern design. Hosted by Rafa Siguion-Reyna, the evening brought together esteemed architects, designers, and tastemakers for an intimate exploration of spaces that exude sophistication through restraint.
In partnership with BluPrint, the event marked the unveiling of Living Innovations’ new showroom and product line. This collaboration showcased a distinctive space filled with functional and refined furniture pieces that all exude a timeless elegance.
But more than a showcase of brands, it was a tribute to the patrons and creatives who inspire Living Innovations to continually elevate the art of luxury. And in the midst of the holiday rush, moments of calm and reflection took center stage.
At its core, true luxury celebrates quality and artistry. It enriches life, inviting us to slow down, savor the present, and find joy in every detail. It fosters connection and transcends possessions, thriving in shared moments and thoughtfully curated spaces. Quiet luxury embodies subtle elegance, offering peace, beauty, and grace.
Practical Elegance
BluPrint Editor-in-Chief Geewel Fuster warmly welcomed the evening’s esteemed guests to set the tone for the event. She thanked attendees for joining the celebration and expressed her gratitude to Living Innovations CEO Ferdinand Ong for hosting the occasion. Fuster emphasized their shared commitment to shaping the future of design through exceptional craftsmanship and innovative offerings.
“True luxury lies in the way spaces make us feel,” she shared, encouraging guests to embrace the concept of quiet luxury—an understated elegance that offers peace and beauty without fanfare.
CEO Ferdinand Ong then took the stage to deliver a compelling message. He spoke about the evolving concept of luxury in design. “Quiet luxury is not about excess,” he explained. “It’s about thoughtful choices, impeccable craftsmanship, and creating spaces that resonate.”
Ong’s speech emphasized Living Innovations’ commitment to enhancing everyday living through quality, comfort, and timeless beauty. He described the company’s philosophy of quiet luxury as embracing “authenticity, thoughtful design, and elegance” over fleeting trends or spectacle. He also underscored the brand’s commitment to offering “not just products, but an elevated way of living—one that celebrates quality craftsmanship and lasting style.”
Looking ahead, he expressed excitement for new launches that blend tradition and innovation, reflecting Living Innovations’ core values. He concluded by sharing a vision for the coming year, focusing on “growth, fresh perspectives, and continued innovation,” guided by a dedication to designs that resonate with clients.
The Art of Quiet Luxury
The evening transitioned into a special segment of BluPrint Circles, a series of roundtable discussions curated by BluPrint to foster meaningful conversations among industry leaders. This particular session focused on exploring how authenticity, thoughtful design, and timeless elegance define this sophisticated aesthetic. Esteemed architects Anthony Nazareno, Jorge Yulo, and JJ Acuña shared their insights, shedding light on how these principles influence their work and shape contemporary spaces.
Jorge Yulo captivated attendees with his insightful perspective on the importance of “effortless restraint”, saying, “Luxury is about subtraction. It’s about removing the unnecessary to reveal the essential.”
He also highlighted the value of material honesty, explaining that “a comprehensive respect for the material” ensures a design’s timelessness. This philosophy embraces simplicity as a means of achieving profound emotional connections to spaces.
The Power of Context
JJ Acuña, architect and founder of JJA / Bespoke Architecture, highlighted the importance of context in design. Acuña’s work showcases an acute awareness of environment, culture, and history.
“Quiet luxury is rooted in the story of a place,” he explained. “It’s about creating harmony with surroundings.”
Acuña also touched on the importance of enduring craftsmanship. “It’s so nice to have furniture you can pass on to your loved ones, pieces made with honest, natural materials.” His approach reinforced the idea that quiet luxury is deeply personal and timeless.
Anthony Nazareno summed up the segment with a heartfelt discussion about the emotional impact of design. “Quiet luxury speaks to the soul,” he said. He elaborated on the importance of materiality, saying, “Truthfulness in material and honesty are very important to me.”
Nazareno shared his practice of educating clients about the care and longevity of quality materials, emphasizing that thoughtful design leaves a lasting impression. “These beautiful things, whether furniture or architecture, require TLC but can last generations if treated well,” he added. The architect particularly praised the impeccable proportion and timeless craftsmanship of the pieces curated by Living Innovations.
Yulo aptly concluded, quiet luxury is “declaring war on ephemeral design” by embracing timelessness and authenticity. Acuña echoed this sentiment, saying that well-crafted pieces are investments that transcend trends and generations. “These amazing furnishings,” he said, “make you feel good and tell a story about you.”
A Showcase of Elevated Design
As the event’s central theme, the art of quiet luxury echoes a growing movement in architecture and interiors. This philosophy champions subtlety over ostentation, focusing on quality and intention.
One the evening’s main highlights was a special presentation that creatively showcased selected pieces through an immersive storytelling experience. Curated and styled by interior designer Jegs Santos in collaboration with Geewel Fuster, the performance followed a couple moving through elegant spaces—each room embodying the concept of quiet luxury.
Every item—from furniture to decor—was chosen to highlight the artistry of restraint. Attendees admired the subtle interplay of materials, colors, and forms, which demonstrated that luxury lies in the details.
From a cozy bedroom to a serene walk-in closet, a festive living room, a warm kitchen, and a beautifully set dining room, each vignette highlighted the thoughtful details that elevate everyday living. The journey culminated with the lighting of a stunning Christmas tree.
Host Rafa Siguion-Reyna led the guests in a heartfelt toast by the illuminated tree. They raised their glasses to quiet luxury, meaningful connections, and a holiday season filled with peace and inspiration, marking a memorable close to the enchanting event.
More Innovations Ahead
Living Innovations’ “A Toast to Tranquility” invited guests to reflect on the essence of quiet luxury—an approach that values authenticity, thoughtful design, and lasting elegance. Through engaging conversations led by industry leaders like Ferdinand Ong, Geewel Fuster, Jorge Yulo, JJ Acuña, and Anthony Nazareno, the event highlighted the profound impact of embracing design that prioritizes meaning over excess.
By evening’s end, attendees left with a fresh perspective on creating purposeful and beautiful spaces. The event emphasized that quiet luxury is more than a trend. It is a philosophy grounded in timeless design principles.
About Living Innovations
Living Innovations is a premier destination for the discerning tastes of Filipinos, offering a curated selection of the world’s most renowned luxury furniture and home brands. Dedicated over two decades to delivering exceptional products and services that exceed customer expectations, the company has built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Visit their website to learn more.
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