OUT OF INSPIRATION: Exploring unique furniture

Where do you usually get your inspiration when decorating your space?

Many people turn to the internet for ideas, photos and design guides, while others look to the glamorous homes of celebrities for inspiration.

While familiarity often plays a major role in choosing home furniture and décor, many homeowners today prefer to explore different styles before envisioning how they want their spaces to look. Going beyond conventional designs and experimenting with unique pieces and uncommon materials can give a home a more distinctive and sophisticated character.

At Manila FAME 2026, Genteelhome’s Bigkis Collection showcased the creative visions of Southeast Asian designers through a range of distinctive furniture pieces. The collection encourages homeowners to be more adventurous with their choices and explore designs that go beyond the ordinary.

A sofa that sets the tone

The composition of a living room often begins with the sofa. Genteelhome’s Butter Scott Sofa pairs well with the Seta Loveseat, featuring an elegant and organically curved asymmetrical silhouette.

One of the piece’s defining features is its low profile, complemented by light oat-milk-colored fabric. The soft tone is paired with a wraparound armrest on one side and a wooden base for support. The contrast between the wood and the light-colored upholstery adds warmth while giving the sofa a refined and elegant appearance.

Tables that make a statement

To complement the elegance of the sofas, Genteelhome’s collection of center tables moves beyond the conventional rectangular and square forms.

One standout piece from the Bigkis Collection is the Round Coffee Table, a sculptural design defined by flowing sectional lines. The table combines molten brass inlay or cast metal with dark, high-gloss wood and liquid resin. Like the sofas, the table features a low-profile structure, giving the living room a more grounded and contemporary feel.

Another distinctive piece from the collection is the Nesting Table, which offers a variation of the traditional round table. The tables are designed to overlap one another and feature a combination of wood and traditional handwoven rattan cane webbing along the sides. The contrast between the natural materials creates a warm yet contemporary aesthetic.

A living room is not limited to a single table. Adding a well-designed side table can complement the existing furniture and elevate the overall appearance of the space.

Genteelhome’s custom table design features bobbin or ball-turned legs, with repeating spheres carved from solid timber. The contrasting shapes create a distinctive visual effect, making the piece both functional and decorative.

For those looking for something more unconventional, the Fluted Demi-Lune Cocktail Table offers flexibility as either a center or side table.

The piece features a curved, multi-tiered construction made from layered wood sheets, creating prominent ridged textures. Its design also offers a unique visual effect: the sections can be pushed together to form a circle or separated to create a different configuration, allowing homeowners to adjust the table according to their space and preference.

A bookshelf beyond the ordinary

Looking to elevate an empty corner or add more character to a room?

While traditional bookshelves are often built as solid, divider-style structures, the Davos Bookshelf offers a lighter and more open alternative. Its open-frame silhouette, visible wood joinery, and rounded, arched outer frames give it a distinct mid-century modern character.

A touch of elegance

Another way to add personality to a home is through statement pieces that combine color, texture and comfort.

The contemporary upholstered chaise lounge, paired with an arching bobbin-style floor lamp, creates a striking addition to either a living room or bedroom. Its sculptural appearance immediately draws attention, while its upholstered form provides a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Bringing the collection outdoors

For homeowners with larger spaces, such as verandas, patios or gardens, the Bigkis Collection also offers furniture designed to complement outdoor areas.

The collection features a combination of chairs, side and center tables, and floor lamps. A uniquely designed traditional-inspired armchair, paired with an ottoman and floor lamp featuring dense native fibers, creates a balance between contemporary upholstery and natural textures.

The combination produces a bold, eye-catching accent while maintaining a connection to traditional craftsmanship.

Simple, stylish and purposeful

For those who prefer furniture that looks simple yet remains distinctive and functional, the Bigkis Bench offers a versatile option.

The bench features a curved solid-wood frame with integrated light-blue and teal upholstered seats. The seats are separated by a built-in central wooden divider that doubles as a tray or small table.

Its handwoven soliya or rattan backrest adds another layer of texture, allowing the bench to stand on its own as a decorative piece or complement greenery in a garden or outdoor space.

Bedrooms should not be overlooked when it comes to thoughtful furniture choices. Instead of settling for ordinary bedside or accent tables, homeowners can introduce pieces that combine style and functionality.

The Wayfarer Desk highlights a multifunctional design with a fold-out setup that can function as a cabinet or trunk. Its versatility makes it suitable not only for bedrooms but also for study areas, home offices or even a carefully chosen corner of the house.

Its combination of form and function demonstrates how a single piece of furniture can contribute to both the practicality and elegance of a space.