I go for products made by people who are driven by their values; products with a soul. I especially like the ones that have rich stories attached to them. Stories always connect people.

Grant Lim is the founder and resident curator of Home Studio, a home and design mecca in San Juan, Metro Manila that sells luxury furniture, authentic Italian tiles, quality lights, and high-end mattresses. The style acumen required for curating such an extensive array of unique and sophisticated items comes effortlessly to Grant, who has learned all about the Italian design philosophy throughout his years as an avid follower of design and the arts.

“My appreciation for design and architecture is an ongoing and continuous journey,�? he says. “And this journey is what I want to share with my clients. I’m a people person, so I enjoy conversations with them. We both learn from each other.�?

While personal home curators are usually thought of as distant specialists, Grant’s keen eye for design is something all the shoppers at Home Studio can benefit from. When you walk into the impressive, three-story shop, he’s right there with you, taking you through every piece and helping fill in your vision.

“My choice of products is not dictated by trends, what’s in fashion or by popular brands,�? says Grant. “I go for products made by people who are driven by their values; products with a soul. I especially like the ones that have rich stories attached to them. Stories always connect people.�?

Below is the Daily Tribune interview with Grant:

Daily Tribune (DT): How did you become interested in design?

Grant Lim (GL): I became drawn to design after college, when I was studying abroad in Taiwan. I got to immerse myself in the culture and widen my horizons. I became exposed to all these works of architecture and design. I was so impressed by them that it just encouraged me to learn as much as I could.

Most of the pieces found in Home Studio come from Italy.

DT: What is your training and background in aesthetics, or is this purely instinctive and natural for you?

GL: I don’t have any formal training in architecture or design at all. This is really just my passion. I love getting to work in aesthetics. I soak up as much knowledge as I can from designers I look up to, then I approach my work according to my taste and experience.

DT: What are the advantages of shopping in Home Studio?

GL: Shopping at Home Studio gives you the inspiration to expand your creative instincts. We provide you with countless ideas to make your home a place that reflects who you are. We work with clients and designers to make sure that their space comes out to be a personal masterpiece. We are very serious with our mission of “Making every home and space a masterpiece.�? So every piece in our showroom is a work of art.

Our clients also get the opportunity to consult with me while I’m in the store. I do my best to attend to all Home Studio customers. I love being able to assist them as they choose the right pieces for their homes.

I go for products made by people who are driven by their values; products with a soul. I especially like the ones that have rich stories attached to them. Stories always connect people.

DT: How do you select what you will sell in the store? How do you approach your curatorial work? What is the basis for the shop selection of items?

GL: Choosing pieces to sell at Home Studio is a love affair. I say this because I choose pieces that make my heart beat. I don’t necessarily go for big brands. Instead, I go for pieces I have a personal connection with.

“I choose pieces that make my heart beat.�?

I always choose quality pieces that have stories attached to them. I’m a storyteller, and that’s how I guide people through Home Studio, by telling them about the background of each piece. There is emotion in design, and that’s best unlocked through stories. So I always take a personal approach when I’m curating, because I believe that people want to decorate their homes with pieces that they feel a connection with.

I’m most drawn to pieces that look unique. Most of our pieces come from Italy, and that’s definitely something that you will not see in other stores in the Philippines.

DT: What makes a good piece of furniture?

GL: Obviously comfort is most important. But also, a nice piece of furniture is one that shows good craftsmanship and attention to detail.

As mentioned, stories are another thing that make pieces interesting. I’m always researching on my favorite designers and architects, reading about their lives and, if available, stories behind their pieces. The seemingly random things that sparked their creativity inspire me to retell their stories.

DT: How would you describe your typical customer or client? Tell us their demographics.

GL: Affluent homeowners, ranging from 35 to 60 years old. They put a premium on craftsmanship, uniqueness, comfort and durability. Of course, they demand excellent customer service. They seek the expertise of architects and interior designers in building and designing their homes. We work on their residences as well as their commercial establishments.

My choice of products is not dictated by trends, what’s in fashion or by popular brands.

DT: How has it been like selling to this special sector? What are their quirks? How do you deal with difficult customers?

GL: As mentioned, we have very discerning clientele who pay a premium for the pieces that they buy. Hence, they deserve only the best in terms of product quality and customer service. Part of our mission is to provide a delightful, memorable experience with Home Studio. We are thus prepared to deal with any “quirks�?, so to speak, of our clients. As the old adage says “The customer is always right.�?