Timeless decor choices
In this day and age, I go for quality more than brand—style and function before anything else.
I love timeless pieces, although I admit, I enjoy mixing in playful ones as well, since I get bored easily. It is my profession, after all.
My home interiors are never the same. Furniture is often rearranged, and décor shifts from one look to another. My family has grown used to the constant changes around the house. Still, there are pieces that remain. These furniture and decorative elements are versatile, adaptable to many styles, classic in form, and always updated.
Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani are masters of timeless fashion. They never simply follow trends. They refine and update their classics. The same holds true for their home lines. I’ve always been in love with their pieces, whether furniture or soft furnishings.
Here are some elements I never change.
Real animal hide
I prefer zebra in this case. It looks gorgeous when layered with a large abaca rug on the floor. It will highlight any sofa whether upholstered in fabric or leather. Any metal furniture piece, whether modern or midcentury, will always go with it. Practically any piece of furniture will look good with a zebra rug.
Gilded mirrors
Need an immediate upscale? A gilded mirror will do wonders to any wall. This is perfect hung solo for a plain painted wall finish in white or any neutral color—instant drama!
You need to get the wood carved gilded mirror with baroque or Neoclassic moldings or federal type figures. I like the mirrors with Louis the XVI chinoiserie details. JB Woodcraft has the most intricate ones, found locally in even rustic finishes. You can find the European versions at Casa De Memoria and Rue Angelique.
Leather armchair or leather sofa
I’ve had mine for more than 20 years. My sofa is well loved by my kids and my labradors. It stands outs in my living room too. Whether in black or tan or burgundy, chesterfield type or squarish, it is timeless.
If an armchair exists, this can look worn out—this is the trend! Golden Goose sneakers are known for a worn out look. The prices though are not. In its Rome headquarters, all the armchairs look like they came out of a dumpster. You can mix a refined looking upholstered sofa or leather piece, then have a very worn out armchair. This is a way you can mix a style to avoid a boring set up.
Solid wooden table/solid bookshelves/ armoire
Moving into our new condo, this is one piece I cannot get rid of. It’s a 3-meter long, 3-inch thick solid yellow narra table top with matching legs in the same thickness. It is a little crude since it was done by my dad’s carpenter.
It was a truckload of narra sold to my dad 25 years ago by one of his patients and my dad had it made and given to me. Of course, it’s something I will keep for sentimental reasons but also due to its timeless look and material.
I have a few pieces I have to worry about since they are of emotional value to me—a kamagong open shelf once owned by Sen. Claro M. Recto and given to my dad by one of his best friends, Tito Raffy Recto Sr.; and a 3.5 m tall pyramidal Ah-Mah style wooden cabinet given to my dad by my Lola Paz Fores.
These are timeless and will go with any modern piece that you place it with. In any Filipino household, there are a few furniture pieces that are brought from one generation to another that we must keep and pass on. It is inevitable.
Natural finishes
Abaca, leather, marble, wood are finishes that look good forever. I’m not sure if they will last forever but they do look good. Abaca, in the form of wallpaper, can stay nice for more than 10 years as long as it doesn’t get wet.
Patterns with stripes for fabric and wallcover
Stripes are always a favorite especially for bedrooms. Somehow they always have a feel good factor. For me, I like playing with stripes mixed with floral prints.
Animal prints
This can be subjective but it is timeless. This can be in zebra, leopard, or tiger print. I love all and can mix them up! This is gorgeous with a strong dark color such as wine for a lounge or library. Animal prints mixed with soft powder pink are beautiful for a girl’s room.
Mouldings, wainscots, cornices
Classic mouldings never go out of style. These can be stylized and simplified. These can also be done in stone.
Orientalia
Oriental details are always everywhere whether subtle or obvious. Sometimes, I go all out with the oriental details whit chippendale elements. Although there are interior spaces that we just want touches, these can be in the form of pagoda lampshades, or planters, or tableware.
