A season for collecting
For lovers of traditional grandeur, Santos introduces heavy historical statement pieces, classical gilt work and the irreplaceable sparkle of old-world illumination that bring an instant sense of history to a space.
KASSA by Karen Santos brings together European antiques, vintage finds and modern accents for the holidays
The most memorable interiors are rarely assembled in a single shopping trip. They evolve over time, bringing together objects from different places and periods, each with a story to tell. This holiday season, Karen Santos brings that sensibility to KASSA with a collection of European antique and vintage furniture, lighting and home accents selected for their craftsmanship, character and enduring appeal.
Currently the country’s special envoy for culture and the arts to the UAE, Santos studied in Switzerland, Italy and England, where she was introduced to antiques and vintage furniture and decor. She also witnessed how people lived with them, expanding her appreciation for fine furnishings while honing her eye.
The assortment reflects Santos’ discerning eye, honed over decades in fashion and home furnishings. After more than 30 years at the helm of Kashieca, she ventured into the natural stone business in 1997, establishing KASSA. A collection of table linens followed in 2014, celebrating traditional Philippine embroidery through contemporary tablescapes. Her interest in European period furniture deepened when she renovated her own home, prompting her to seek out pieces that were difficult to find locally.
19TH century multi-layer clear crystal. chandelier
BAMBOU square side table in iron, painted in gold leaf.
HAND-PAINTED porcelain sitting monkey candleholder.
ORANATE Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Commode.
READING Nook.
ORNATE antique gold Rococo mirror.
CHINESE crackleware porcelain lidded ginger jar with hand-painted scenes, late Qing.
BRONZE table lamp coconut tree and monkey design.
The resulting collection rejects rigid historical rules, opting instead for an intelligent, eclectic dialogue where distinct eras collide with magnificent grace. For lovers of traditional grandeur, Santos introduces heavy historical statement pieces, classical gilt work and the irreplaceable sparkle of old-world illumination that bring an instant sense of history to a space.
Yet, she skillfully subverts expectations by anchoring these storied antiquities with the weightless, avant-garde energy of 20th-century modernism. Sleek mid-century lighting, clean-lined Italian structural silhouettes and playful decorative accents from the late modern eras round out the collection. Rather than adhering to a single period, these items invite pure experimentation.
Ultimately, Santos champions the beauty of contrast, reminding us that a home is the ultimate canvas of personal expression shaped by the soulful objects we choose to surround ourselves with. The true joy of decorating lies in these brilliant contradictions and in finding the unique combinations that feel entirely one’s own.
As the festive season arrives and invites us to slow down, gather and celebrate, these rare discoveries encourage collectors and homemakers to look beyond the merely decorative and invest in pieces with physical presence and lasting craftsmanship. In an age of transient trends, these acquisitions assert that a space truly becomes a sanctuary only when it is anchored by the weight of its own history.
Discover the collection at KASSA by Karen Santos, 3322 Harvard Street, Pinagkaisahan, Makati City. For inquiries, email furniture@kassa-ph.com or follow @kassabykaren_santos on Instagram.