Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay and Joseph Tay recently inaugurated the building housing their brainchild, Casa Bella, on Jupiter Street in Makati.

Casa Bella carries high-end indoor and outdoor furniture made of the finest materials.

Clients can choose from the best international furniture brands such as Cassina, Kettal, Moroso, Ditre Italia, Novamobili, Henge and Cattelan Italia.

Attended by the Who’s Who of Manila’s social set, the event also launched the floral brand and flower school that was born from the mind of Stephanie’s mom, Elena Coyiuto: Fig and Vine Floral Studio.

“I don’t do weddings or huge events. I specialize in small events and things like congratulatory bouquets,” said Coyiuto-Tay. “Fig and Vine is not just a floral school. We teach people how to make arrangements, but you know how you can go to Sip and Goh to paint and enjoy some wine or some refreshments? It’s kind of like that—a floral school with a twist kasi mahilig kami to add a twist to everything.

 

For all age groups

“As for our target market, we’ll have something for all age groups. This is in addition to our art school—we have professors from Ateneo and other schools who will be teaching. My mom will manage it; she’s in charge of everything. Nothing happens without her approval.”

Which brand is her favorite when there is so much beauty to choose from in Casa Bella?

“Kettal because its furniture can last in any kind of weather,” she said. “For example, one of the problems you’ll encounter with outdoor furniture is humidity. Kettal uses different kinds of technology to make the furniture resistant to rusting, fading, and so on. They’ll remain good as new.”

Cassina displays lovely curves and a hint of fun in its serious shapes, while Moroso offers colorful wares. Moroso’s funky designs include a chair with rounded, exaggerated forms and several baskets in which to put magazines and replace with decorative objects.

Cattelan Italia’s slanted table is perfect as counterpoint to larger pieces or chairs.

Novamobil’s functional wares are perfect for those who want ergonomic designs.

“We also carry other imported brands like Henge for stonework,” said Tay. “And, of course, we also feature local products with good designs and quality.”