As homes become more compact, demanding less visual clutter to maximize space, Philux furniture company has come up with a product line to fulfill this need.

Head designer Jessica Kienle-Maxwell says that attending Parsons The New School for Design in New York, and Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques in Paris, allowed her to appreciate the understated artistry and utilitarianism of Arne Jacobson and Hans Wegner.

“It would be nice to come up with our version by introducing a natural Filipino element, like matting and patterns of wood,” notes Jessica.

The Scandiniana collection pays homage to the pale woods, delicate lines, minimalist aesthetics and practicality of Scandinavian design while combining Filipino materials such as woven saguran, the sturdier fibers from buri and rattan weaving.

The Copen (short for Copenhagen) media storage and shelves are made of ashwood with saguran matting, while the folding screen divider is adorned with a chevron pattern.

 Feat of engineering

The Chevert table, an engineering feat of crisscrossed bentwood and a glass top designed by Jessica’s father, Max Kienle, is given a twist with gmelina with an antique beige finish.

The Stockholm, a furniture collection of curved frames and tapered legs in ashwood, is given an earthy Filipino touch with solihiya, or woven rattan.

“Philux has never played around with different materials before. We want a contemporary, international design with a Filipino flair,” says Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Philux vice president for sales and business development.

The new lifestyle collection is just part of the story. Stephanie and Jessica have opened their fifth branch at the retail area of Shangri-La at the Fort.

Philux Home focuses on the lifestyle atmosphere. Jessica designed the interiors, which, unlike the other showrooms, has an urban vibe—raw concrete flooring, exposed elements and drop ceilings, and accent walls made of acacia veneer and solid wood.

Innovations

Keeping Shangri-La’s traveling guests in mind, Philux Home introduces accessories by local artisans such as embroidered pillows from the Cordilleras, baskets from Laguna, Romblon marble vases, t’nalak glass holders and T’boli abaca place mats.

The siblings also launched Little Philux, a children’s line of furniture, inspired by the needs of Stephanie’s three-year-old daughter Andrea.

“The market lacked children’s furniture of good quality in simple designs that would last,” says Stephanie. “Ours use water-based finishes, which is important for children’s safety.” The headboard alone comes in 15 designs.

The children’s palette consists of sea foam, peach and rose quartz. Jessica also favors white and light gray in duco finish, an opaque coating that covers the wood grain and gives it a luxurious surface.

The 36-year-old company has come a long way. In 1980, Swiss engineer Max Kienle started with two carpenters. His Filipino wife, Zelda Aragon, established Philux of which she is chair and president, while Max is general manager.

In the past, the Filipino market preferred the flawless surfaces of Philux’s mahogany furniture. Aniline, a dye that penetrates the wood to give a deep rich color, was a popular finish.

Today, Philux has widened its range of woods. It produces acacia tables that reveal the growth rings and streaks of natural color. It also uses ashwood and walnut that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The local mahogany is sustainably sourced.

Jessica updates her father’s chairs by scaling down silhouettes and using patterned upholstering.

 Dad’s advice

Although the siblings have been taking the Philux style and business forward, they still go to their parents for advice. Her dad’s pointers on design, Jessica says, “is about comfort. He said that before you come up with a new idea, stick to basics in terms of standard dimensions and ergonomics. It’s important to have the functional and comfortable piece.”

Stephanie describes Philux as a company whose sophisticated image is born out of quality, sound design and service.

“Our goal is to be a home and lifestyle brand that is Filipino. My dream is to see fresh graduates, starting their job, visiting the store,” she says.