Following Maison&Object Paris, the Manila-based studio unveiled a new collection that reimagines Filipino craftsmanship through contemporary design.
What does it mean to redefine a home? Many individuals tackle this very question when designing spaces they want to make sense of, reverting to memory and identity to give them answers. More often than not, sentimentality plays an important role: decades-old photographs are framed artistically; certain pieces of furniture are chosen because they recall a childhood home or a meaningful trip abroad. Knowing this to be true, Tahanan, a Manila-based design studio, takes this idea further by creating sculptural furniture that is both rooted in Filipino craftsmanship and collective memory, yet feels distinctly modern. After presenting for the second time at Maison&Objet Paris, the brand has set its sights on expanding further into Europe.
Founded in 2020 by Thea and Carlo Yu, Tahanan–which literally translates to “home” in Tagalog–was inspired by the design techniques of communities across the Philippine archipelago of 7,641 islands. Soon after, Brian Ver came on as creative lead, leading the in-house production team in crafting thoughtful, meticulously made pieces that celebrate local materials and traditions while reimagining them for contemporary living.
Since their launch, the brand has collaborated with creatives such as Paris-based fashion designer Charina Sarte and designer duo Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco. Their new 2026 collection, which they unveiled at both Maison&Objet Paris last January and at a dinner held at Mischief in Le Marais, features pieces anchored in what they like to call “subtle maximalism.”
Craft Is in the Details
At Tahanan’s Maison&Objet showcase, one of the immediate standouts was their Accent Cabinet, a striking wooden cabinet featuring carvings inspired by Filipino tradition and hand-carved stone handles. Because each handle is individually shaped, no two pieces are exactly alike.
“The carvings on the Accent Cabinet are trims that call back to old Filipino furniture. We’re big on edge detailings,” explains creative lead Brian Ver.
“If you look up some vintage cabinets from the Philippines, all of them have framed edges either in intricate wood or bone inlay. This version from Tahanan is sort of a more contemporary, pared-down version of what we used to see in our childhood homes,“ he adds.
This cabinet embodies the new collection’s approach to subtle maximalism, balancing the detailing with refined restraint through a thoughtful mix of high and low finishes. This design language is also evident in other pieces such as the Twin Coffee Table, where sculptural marble tops feature similar edge detailings, and in the Chaise, a modern chaise lounge with foam padding set on a handcrafted wooden base.
Ver expounds on this approach when creating their unique pieces.
“For example, we can make paint and lacquer feel more precious when mixed with marble or when we choose to make the marquetry even more detailed. Filipino furniture is quite big on embracing natural grain beauty over ornate images. So it was more of replicating the textural concepts of Filipino furniture through varying veneer arrangements and creating sculptural marble or stone bases we found beautiful. Our version of maximalism is all about time and time well spent on creating objects. Effort is rare nowadays,” he says.
Sustainability and Collaboration
Collaboration and craftsmanship are at the core of Tahanan’s process. While Ver leads the creative vision, the designs are brought to life by the brand’s in-house production team. Open dialogue is encouraged throughout the process, with artisans often suggesting small adjustments that refine a piece further. These exchanges, Ver notes, are essential to preserving traditions and ensuring that each object carries a human story.
The brand works with materials sourced from the Philippines, Italy, and beyond, seeking out those that they like to say “bear imprints of the human touch.” Imperfections are embraced as signifiers of character rather than flaws. Materials such as Italian veneers, Philippine hardwoods, marble, leather, and metal accents all come together to form pieces that feel both refined and deeply personal.
This aligns with how the brand views sustainability, which is no longer just a buzzword.
“We believe that sustainability is grounded on longevity. Tahanan pieces are not designed alongside trends; our goal is for it to outlast generations and be passed on from tahanan to tahanan (home to home)–that, to me, is sustainability,” shares Ver.
Pieces to Watch Out For
Tahanan’s latest collection introduces a range of thoughtfully crafted pieces that showcase the brand’s signature blend of Filipino tradition and modernity. Here are pieces to watch out for:
1. Twin Coffee Table
What better piece of furniture to set the tone for an indulgent morning ritual than a table rich in detail–a chocolate marble surface grounded in a maroon lacquer finish and FSC-certified wood with intricate edge detailings.
2. Freestanding Foldable Screen
Designed for spaces of any size, the Freestanding Foldable Screen is crafted from FSC-certified wood with detailed veneer inlay, offering an elegant way to divide rooms while adding texture.
3. Leather Oval Dining Chair
Crafted from FSC-certified wood and fine veneer, this dining chair features a gracefully curved form with leather padding. Available in ash, rosewood, or wenge, each piece is finished with a refined stain.
For more information on Tahanan, follow them on Instagram at @tahananfurniture or send them an email at inquire@tahananfurniture.com.
