ON MARCH 6 at the Philippine International Furniture Show at SMX Convention Center, former Miss Universe Catriona Gray unveiled “Payak,” her first capsule furniture collection under local brand Genteel Home.
It was a moment rich in symbolism, of the Pampanga brand’s leap from the provincial to the universal, from humble beginning to metropolitan sophistication.
“From one commissioned piece for a client in Manila came residential projects to commercial spaces and offices, with my small garage work area,” says Genteel Home founder and principal designer Katrina Blanca de Leon of her brand’s 2013 origination.
By 2021, Genteel Home had established its first showroom – now called Furniture Atelier – along Fil-Am Friendship Highway right at the boundary of Bacolor town and Angeles City.
The vast collection of art masterpieces and customized furniture and furnishings it showcased made an immediate impression, enhanced by the adjunct workshop – atelier, hence – where clients can watch and engage the skillful artisans crafting
their commissioned pieces, from chairs to side tables, bedsteads and headboards, to furnishings.
Bespoke elegance verily becomes Genteel Home with its hand-woven solihiya design, “where each rattan weave embodies the perfect marriage of form and function…its repetitive pattern not only reinforces the structure but also provides essential airflow, particularly in the tropical climate of the Philippines,” as a lifestyle editor raved about it.
In July 2023, Genteel Home set its atelier in Manila whetting the metropolitan taste for its signature elegance in curated residential lifestyles.
In April 2024, Genteel Home gained its foothold in Northern Luzon with its atelier sited in La Union.
In the country’s diverse design landscape, Genteel Home has unarguably distinguished itself with that unique creativity and passion to craft bespoke pieces and fashion astounding design spaces of refined elegance.
Engaging fashion celebrity Heart Evangelista as the brand’s new ambassador in 2024, De Leon noted how she embodies Genteel Home’s very essence “of passion, pride in Filipino roots, and confidence in making a mark on the world.”
This, as Genteel Home poises itself to enter the international market in home furniture and furnishings.
Design philosophy
WE HAVE great vision and a unique culture. One that’s built on a strong set of values of craftsmanship, functionality, and sustainability. Each client represents a “mood box” comprising of bits and pieces of the actual materials and colors we use for the design. This way, we are guided in making a personal connection with the client’s personality and surroundings. Simply creating a beautiful space that supports the wellbeing of our clients while investing in the happiness of their loved ones.
I am proud to say that every bespoke masterpiece meticulously crafted by Genteel Home holds a story, a narrative that transcends time and connects generations. It’s a tale of love, joy, and memories, waiting to be shared and treasured by your loved ones in the years to come. We don’t just create furniture. We create milestones and legacies. We believe that the objects we surround ourselves with shape our lives and leave a lasting impact.” Katrina Blanca de Leon
