Design trends have always been ambivalent in nature, remaining unusually predictable and uncertain with every shift. As easily as they come, a trend emerges and seeps its way across the design branches effectively dictating the product selection and overall demand in the market.
I’ve been attending Manila FAME, the country’s premier lifestyle and design event here in the Philippines, since 2014 where I’ve witnessed first-hand all the breath-taking designs and creativity of the Filipinos, and this season as they celebrate its 66th remarkable edition Manila FAME is here to present us more spectacular designs I’ve ever seen before.
One of the highlights is the Design Commune, were they feature items from more than sixty (60) micro, small and medium enterprises – MSME across the country, which presented four (4) market-oriented themes based on the orthodox trends: Greens, Blues and Whites, Ethic Nomad, and Naturals.
We are a country that comprises 7,000+ islands, and this designs perfectly suits the occasion.
The Greens
Not all of us were born in this city jungle, and honestly, there are times that I miss the simple rural life.
But adding some items that will remind me of my childhood at home helps to uplift my spirit every day, and always reminds me of the fun that we had.
Green reminds me of freshly picked vegetables in my Mom’s backyard, the morning dews, and my neighbor’s humble farm where we used to camp under the mango tree while enjoying our local version of brunch but instead of champagne, we enjoyed the homemade freshly brewed coffee.
Aside from green also meaning abundance and prosperity, it also reminds me of my childhood hobby – gardening. In grade school, Mrs. Parlade taught us how to cultivate the soil for gardening, how to properly pick the stems for replanting, the do’s and don’ts of creating natural fertilizers, and even how to create natural support for baby plants to protect them from the strong winds. I also learned how to be creative in using natural and unused materials as my pots!
Its fresh and glowing appeal makes Green a perfect touch in addition to our urban lifestyle. And since it is indeed a struggle to do gardening in your condo, thus urban gardening is the new “It”.
We become creative by building greenhouses on our rooftops and growing our favorite kitchen herbs in small pots, cactuses, and succulents in our houses and even in our offices.
From home and office furniture, decors, and accessories both indoor and outdoor – green will always have a fresh appeal.
The Blues & Whites
For me, blues and whites are very inspiring and motivating. It reminds me of a perfect summer island vacation or maybe lusting about going to Santorini. But then, we can always make our home and spaces look “vacation-ready” by adding some touch of blues and whites for our home decor and furniture, and even in our pristine kitchen!
If carpeting is not an option for our spaces, we can use these wall hanging papers drapes made of organic pulp.
These shade also reminds me of our rich deep Philippine sea and white sands, or the early Chinese dynasty’s porcelains that are so precious we always want to have them.
The Ethnic Nomads
Another mainstream trend, the Ethnic Nomads are also a driving force in the design, lifestyle, and fashion industry. Influenced by the people who love to travel and seek adventures from various remote lands, This trend depicts rich culture and strong traditions, which I wish to experience and learn by me first-hand.
Visiting the rich Igorot tribe, experiencing the ceremonial ritual while dancing around the campfire, and wearing a piece of their traditional fabric, are one of the best still waiting on my bucket list.
And do you know that each painted designs have a special and powerful meaning?
Each color symbolizes meaning, and also each weave symbolizes strength. These things could also be known when you listen to the locals’ folks' stories.
The Naturals
As the saying goes, “..we will always come back to nature” is always true.
Yes, we love the buzzing city life, all those crazy lights at night, and how cool the technology that we have for our daily convenience, both at home and office.
Yet, nothing is more relaxing and peaceful than going natural. Being natural makes you free – free from any doubts, your thoughts, and your dreams.
Would it be nice to have fresh flowers around?
This section also reminds me to stay grounded and humble at all times. Every weave symbolizes the strength and togetherness of the people, and how the simple life makes it more fruitful holistically.
Being a nature-lover per se, I find that presentation of the Design Commune is one of the best that I’ve seen in years. It combines all the crafts and items made by our Filipino collaborators from various islands of the country and proudly speaks their story through aesthetics.
Headed by the internationally renowned designer Tony Gonzalez, together with the top designers supporting the product development stages, such as Tes Pasola, Detlef Klatt, Stanley Ruiz, Wataru Sakuma, Conrad de Leon, Leo Sano, and Reine Shih, were among the Filipino designers who took part in Design Commune.
Products from A. Garcia Crafts, Asia Ceramics, Celestial Arts, Inc., Finali Furniture and Home Accessories, Kit Silver, Nature’s Legacy Eximport, and Prado Filipino Artisans among others in this boutique-style setting from this season’s Manila FAME.
What do you think of this season’s design color trend? Tell me your thoughts below!
Wow there were quote some unique design ideas you shared. I especially loved the blue and white designs!
ReplyDeletereminds me of blue ocean and white sands. A perfect vacation.
DeleteI love the idea of adding some green to the interior of your homes. Green is a soothing colour and especially in cities like Dubai where it is next to impossible for us to enjoy some greenery around us (it is a desert we live in here), adding green to the interiors of your home really helps psychologically!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the green as well. It's refreshing color!
DeleteI love the greens and the neutrals <3 They look so relaxing. Very inviting to go home to at the end of a very stressful day. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly! And also traditional :D
DeleteBeautiful show and wonderful products. Love the displays.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina. Hope you could join us in April 2018 next show.
DeleteWow, so simple yet creative and elegant. This is my kind of style of decoration.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I'm happy you like it. All the products are locally made and created by Filipino artisans from various islands of the Philippines.
DeleteI love all design. Really love to decorate my house like this. But the truth it far from that.isk isk isk
ReplyDeleteYou can still add some touch on your home! Visit us here in the Philippines, and let's do a shopping tour :D
DeleteGreen is definitely my colour - such soothing and relaxing color too. And to go tribal once in a while wouldn't hurt anyone too
ReplyDeleteI agree. Some love tribal especially those who have travelled to exotic tribes.
DeleteWow this is a really great blog. I love the mix of designs and great inspiration there
ReplyDeleteThank you Ciara :D
DeleteLoved these photos! I would love to deck out my house like that.
ReplyDeleteSondra xx
prettyfitfoodie.com
Oh you must! I hope I help you to inspire to redecorate soon.
DeleteEverything looks so good! I love the blue and white trend! I always love to look for new design inspo
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Corinne!
DeleteAwesome picks! My favourite is blue and white. I love the ocean theme so I've actually done blue and white a few time. If I had to change, I'd go for the Naturals. I like the Ethnic colours, but I feel it's a bit too colourful for my tastes.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I love the blues and whites as well, and the greens :)
DeleteGreat coours, everything looks so vibrant and interesting. Loving the lights too, they're beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you Aine!
DeleteEverything look so beautiful and it is hard to chose one style but I really love the natural style. Beige and and a lot of wood.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely taste in design Dada.
DeleteI too I miss the simple rural life. Love such rustic and simple designs. feels like we are returning to old ways in a small way nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteI agree. And it is nice to have natural colors at home. I believe it brings more luck!
DeletePretty, I just love all these styles. I'm always a fan of things with lots of color. I like to keep my home bright.
ReplyDeleteOpt for a natural-style trend, and a hint of blues and whites. It will make your space look bigger, and airy.
DeleteI love the naturals, you can play with thme without actually changing them. Patterns, colors, and all will go with
ReplyDeleteExactly, This trend is very versatile and cost effective.
DeleteI visited Cebu Island for a couple of time. You make me miss My Filipino friends. I love the blue designs.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome!
DeleteThe Cebuano-made designs are rocking the Manila FAME! I hope they would join the next season this coming April 2018.
All these set-ups are beautiful but I think my favorite is the blue and white ones! So clean and so classy looking!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenn, I love how they arranged them all.
DeleteWow this is so interesting. It really is true the difference color can affect our moods. My favorite are neutrals. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely taste in designs, Annette! Great choice :D
DeleteWhat some absolutely beautiful design trends, I am loving the blue and white that is gorgeous, I could have that in my home.
ReplyDeleteIt would be perfect for you Sarah :D
DeleteI'm really loving the combinations in the blue area! The different blue tiles lined up on the wall is genius!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jen! I will share more design soon :D
DeleteI love the greens one of my new favorite colors. As always such a great job with the images.
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen! My Nikon D300 and Huawei P9 never disappoints me.
DeleteI love the blue and white color trend because it reminds me of the beauty of Santorini!
ReplyDeleteThank you Milton. It also reminds me the same.. OMG time for vacation!
DeleteI love the use of nature in decorating. Now I want to redo some rooms in my house.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! You can apply all these trend to each of your rooms :D
DeleteThat place it's so beautiful. My favorite one is "The Blue and Whites". Maybe because blue is my favorite color.
ReplyDeleteBlue also reminds me of a brighter day :)
DeleteThank you for visiting!
I have always loved the blue and white colour scheme and you are right in saying that it is a Greek theme. But I would love to explore the Ethnic Nomads trend further as its so vibrant and full of colour.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Ethnic Nomads trend tells more mysterious stories. I like that as well.
DeleteAll the trends look amazing! It's impossible to pick a favorite! And what's more perfect is that wall decor is arranged in line with the colour which just look perfect! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! The designers did their amazing job for this season's exhibition. All of these products are locally made.
DeleteHi girl,
ReplyDeletethanks for inspirations. Until the end of this year I'm moving to my place and I see so much stuff that I could use :) I love blue tiles on the walls and wooden dining table :)
Best,
Kasia Walkow
OMG many of you love the blues and whites trend!
DeleteLove it all but especially the blues! Classy and simple all in one.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I find that it could be an all year round trend. Its refreshing and dreamy!
DeleteGreen is an ideal color! Although not my "favorite" (it's in the top 3), green is a great color to decorate or accentuate your rooms. Your pictures really capture that accentuation.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roger.
DeleteWhat is your top favorite color?
I adore green.Plants are the best.Glad you shared this
ReplyDeleteThank you Amrita! IT feels so eco-friendly!
DeleteMy husband and I have been slowly remodeling our house over the years and I'd love to attend a design conference like this. Our style is probably more in line with the naturals, although I have to admit my eye was drawn to a lot of the greens, which I never would have guessed. So many great ideas!
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing Alison! Here in the Philippines, we have many beautiful and crafted items for home and offices. You might want to visit here in the Philippines, to check these products from all over the islands, and maybe visit their workshops.
DeleteLet me know if you are interested!
This are some amazing designs. I really liked the natural ones, they are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI will always be a huge fan of the greens. It is just my style.
ReplyDeleteThat's totally cool Angela!
DeleteI love everything about this place and the pieces. The chairs are very stylish and modern, and such vibrant colours too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Azlin! Hey visit us here in the Philippines. You can enjoy many island for your relaxation, plus hop for more items for your home and souvenir for friends.
DeletePhilippines is a one-stop shop destination.
What an incredible event, I am loving all of these different types designs you're so luck to attend these shows
ReplyDeleteThank you Miranda :)
DeleteI've been attending and supporting this event since 2014. And each season, they showcase one of a kind items. They never disappoint me.
Love these new design trends. Everything looks so pretty and picture perfect. Would love to visit for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Tasheena!
DeleteVisit us here in the Philippines!
The blue is very people. I have to admit I don't understand design trends. I tend to go with what I am loving at the moment. Right now that is grey and black. Oh and a little silver.
ReplyDeleteThat's still chic.
DeleteEverything looks so amazing, this must have been fun to get a glance at upcoming design trends!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam! I have other designs to be shared very soon! You'll gonna love the too.
DeleteWow some awesome design inspiration here! What an awesome event you got to attend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cassie!
DeleteManila have lots of amazing events like this. And I enjoyed it most.
the whole space has that artistic feel. I'm liking some of the products and designs, are they expensive?
ReplyDeleteThank you Isaac.
DeleteI find them not too expensive, but on reasonable price. Of course if you have ordered in volume, they would gladly give you a discount. The event was a success, and many exhibitors are happy.
I've always been a fan of neutral colours when it comes to decoration and have always opted for clean whites and natural beiges but the rich blues and greens are also very calming. This place looks like an amazing showroom to get all the inspiration you need for the home!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'm eyeing for that natural hanging fibers, its very airy and appealing.
Deletei love some tribal, bohemian and nature decors for home. It fees like the air is so clean and that I am so close to nature when you put handmade prods and wood stuff at hoe
ReplyDeleteExactly. Oh I instantly feel in-love.
DeleteLots of beautiful and unique design masterpiece. What I really like the most is the nature style and the Green style, so refreshing looks
ReplyDeleteIt's like having a vacation in the tropics!
DeleteThese are so many great looks. I love the Blue and white. I would love that color combo in my kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThis will be perfect to your home Claudia :D
DeleteI recently visited a similar home store here in India, and loved the amazing design trends. Especially in your post too, I loved the Blue and White's, they make such a great combination with plantations.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jhilmil! I'm glad you like the latest trend.
DeleteThose are cool designs! So nature and comfort. I like the blue and green chairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria!
DeleteThat's is a limited design :D
I never liked blues and whites until today....
ReplyDeleteAng gagandaaaaa!
Thank you Mitch! You should try the shades of blues and whites in your home. Start with one of your favorite rooms.
DeleteI love the greens and the naturals. I love being able to wear things that are close to my mood and green is my favorite color.
ReplyDeleteAkamatra from akamatra.com
Thanks awesome Akamatra :)
DeleteBeing with nature is a beautiful feeling.
My favorite has to be the green! It is so pleasing and soothing to the eye, plus I love some greenery around at home!
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool choice Sangita :D
DeleteGreen is my favorite color but I wasn't sure whether I should use it in my home. These interiors look gorgeous and vibrant. I am going to take some inspiration from these :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mayuri!
DeleteYou will eventually find the perfect color for your home.
Oh this is how a dream house should look like. I love the deep blues and reds in the eclectic designs. I agree, this reminds me of campfire and mango trees!
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you dear!
DeleteI love "The Greens" section. It's very refreshing to the eye.
ReplyDeleteI like it too, especially I'm here at concrete jungle and greens are becoming rare.
DeleteI always love colorful and unique designs! These are so beautiful and catching!
ReplyDeleteI wish to redecorate but it will take quite a long time.
Don't worry Colette, you can redecorate little by little.
DeleteWhat a fantastic event to see all those new trends in interior design! I love that blue and white combo. It's so fresh and the pattern of those tiles looks exciting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina! I hope you can visit us here in Manila soon.
DeleteI really had a good time going through your photos. It is as though I was there as well. Love to browse decoration ideas and these have given me lots of fresh ideas.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you like them, Emily!
DeleteI like to bring nature into my home. I am a big fan of collecting shells on our vacations and displaying them in creative ways through the house.
ReplyDeleteHow many shells have you collected, Venus?
DeleteOh my. The green background with the chairs and green pillows are so pretty. Very nice styles here.
ReplyDeleteThank you Stephanie :D
DeleteGreat ideas. I love the lamps. There are so many fashion ideas I have not seen before, like the hanging fish.
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah that's a cute one!
DeleteOh wow what an amazing event to attend! I love home décor so this was fab to see new trends. The blues and whites are stunning!
ReplyDeleteI really love the green designs with the plants. I always dream of doing something similar in my house, but I am horrible at keeping plants alive!
ReplyDeleteHello Aireona, don't give-up! You can always learn.
DeleteOoh the blue and white reminds me of the greek/turkish heritage! SO beautiful! Loving the olive trend as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ayesha! Have some green at home.
DeleteWe love the Ethnic Nomads the most, but it does need a dash of bright red. (We love red!)
ReplyDeleteAs always, beautiful (and now colorful) blog post!
Thank you dear!
DeleteI love to visit home design shows like this. It gives me inspiration for my own home.
ReplyDeleteHello Kelly,
DeleteOur next show will be this April 2018! Let me know if you wish to visit :D
I never thought that going green would look that good! Ang refreshing lang :) I think it's a perfect place to relax after a busy day in the city. I also like the blues and whites. Santorini-inspired! :)
ReplyDeleteHigh five on that Shalene :)
DeleteThis place would be a favorite of mine to shop at! I love decorating with worldwide flair. I love artisan pieces that are unique. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mama! Please visit our artisans here in the Philippines.
DeleteI love all of these designs! I'm totally in the decorating mood now.
ReplyDeleteHahaha that's good to hear!
DeleteThis looks like a cool event. The green and natural colors are my favorites. I love green on white and definitely never go wrong with natural shades.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon :D
Deletehow beautiful these designs are... if only I can have my own home
ReplyDeleteYou will soon!
DeleteSuch beautiful pieces to choose from. There are so many beautiful combinations that would fit right in our home.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic! Which on is your favorite?
DeleteI love all the designs bu he Greens are what I love the most
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool choice!
DeleteBlue and white is my favorite combination lately! Great for interior design, especially and all these ideas are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear!
DeleteBeautiful place and unique too. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. keep on exploring our blog.
Deletethis is so beautiful. Wao imagine all that design n colors in my house now....definitely everyday find excuses to stay at home
ReplyDeleteRacheal
You can use these design trends in each of your rooms.
DeleteFilipino artists are so talented, such great designs and colour schemes!
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy! Come see us here in the Philippines!
Deleteblue always my fav color. the design so unique and beautiful. love your sharing and picture very much. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jason, I am happy that you like them all!
DeleteThese designs are so beautiful and creative. I love green color as it gives me the feeling of nature.
ReplyDeleteExactly what I love too, Linda :)
DeleteThe greens look very nice and zen, but I would definitely go for the blue and whites. More of my style and liking.
ReplyDeleteBlue and whites are very IT!
DeleteAll of these designs look like they are so pretty. I would love to see them in person.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Bobbi! Visit our artisans here in the Philippines.
DeleteI am really in love with that blue and white look. I would love to have that in my home!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good news! Thanks Krystle.
DeleteThe weaving on that basket and the blue tiled wall are unreal. I love how modern everything is but that they also give off such a calm vibe!
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating :D
Deletewow this is great design that I ever see . Something unique , colorful and relaxing looking design . Especially the green one , look so shady and fresh . love it
ReplyDeleteI love how creative yet nature-based these designs are, I would love to have some of these furniture at home
ReplyDeleteThank you Mei Bee. Let's bring back the nature in our home and office.
DeleteI love the green and blue designs most especially. Such great work! xo, Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzanne! Keep on visiting our blog.
DeleteWow I really love all the designs, each one is so incredible and artistic!!
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Very artistic!
DeleteI am half filipino, need to come here- also the designs are up my street so might check site similar. I love the calm look vibes your blog is so full of passion. don't stop. add me on insta @lovesxtine xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! Which part of the Philippines is your homeland?
DeleteI have always loved designs with the hues of greens and blues. Colors of nature and the skies are always relaxing to look at. (Gee Villaruz)
ReplyDeleteThank you Claire! Your choices will makes your home look refreshing and vacation ready.
Delete