THE “luxe look” was among the trends in furniture and homeware in 2015, and is likely to continue and assume different forms in 2016.

“It came about because of the influx of knockoffs in the market,” said furniture designer Ito Kish. “People wanted something better and more original. Many young, well-traveled people have also shown a greater appreciation for quality and artisanal pieces.”

Because of its association with luxe or high-end styles, black finish was very popular. Lighting, whether table, floor or hanging lamps, also became a design statement.

“More people are realizing how well-designed lighting can change their personal spaces with just one click,” said Kish.

Tradition and culture were also vital inspirations for designers like him.

Special, handcrafted details aren’t only tactile and interesting, but are also associated to a certain degree with luxury.

When Kish and his team displayed their collection last year in the October edition of Manila FAME, for instance, they tweaked the Batibot chair by exaggerating proportions and using new finishes like chrome, copper and brass.

They also reinterpreted the classic plantation lounge by adding more woodcarvings and incorporating shagreen or decorative sharkskin.

ITO KISH tweaks the classic Batibot chair by resorting to new finishes and exaggerated proportions ARNOLD ALMACEN

Kish felt as early as 2014 that these twin sub-trends would be big.

“Although these pieces were inspired by our culture and traditions,” he said, “we gave them a luxe feel as our response to a prevailing major trend.”

Part of these trends will continue into the new year, he added.

Black, for example, will remain big. Chrome and brass pieces will be softened by floral prints.

“This year, I’ve seen a mix of old and new with a hint of greens,” said Ram Bucoy, Crate & Barrel head of marketing. “Filipinos try to preserve the past by adding old pieces to their remodeled spaces,” he added. “Our love of nature and lack of space have created the need for urban and vertical gardening.”

Juxtaposition of materials like metal with raw wood was also huge in 2015.

Bucoy sees Filipinos’ preference for artisanal pieces inspired by nomadic tribes “from Mindanao to Africa” to continue in 2016.

“It gets more fun in 2016,” he said. “I see modern and geometric shapes, interspersed with succulent-looking plants inspired by Scandinavian homes, to dominate the scene. Anything DIY and artisanal will also be big.”