Growing one’s own herbs increases in popularity as a passion project, especially in highly urbanised cities like Metro Manila where space is a premium asset. Because of their ability to occupy small spaces, these edible gardens can easily be integrat

Perched on a cliffside above Nyang Nyang Beach on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu Estate stands out among the villas that line the coast of the island. An infinity pool, the pièce-derésistance of the place, is framed by frangipani trees. Gliste

In a tropical haven like the Philippines, there is never a wrong time to host a festive outdoor fete. A lush garden party surrounded by bright greens, bold flowers and the delicate delights of nature bring incomparable added benefits to a get-togethe

IMAGES COURTESY OF FORNASETTI JJ ACUÑA / BESPOKE STUDIO ■

In 1981, a major fire broke out after lightning struck the Vitra factory, razing most of the production facilities in the furniture manufacturer’s headquarters in Weil am Rhein, Germany. This disaster proved to be a turning point for the Swiss design

Labelled the “The Gemini Residence”, this handsomely handcrafted project was aptly named for the fact that its newlywed owners share the same Zodiac sign. Geminis are symbolised by the twins, representing the air sign’s adaptability and duality. Thos

Breath is the essence of life and very often, in the freneticism of the daily mundane, we forget to breathe. Responsibilities pile up as we go through the motions of checking things off the To-Do List, holding our breaths as we move fast and hard, le

In sun-drenched Calabasas, designer to the stars Martyn Lawrence Bullard has created a haven that marries the modern Mediterranean with the timeless allure of mid-century design for media personality and socialite Kourtney Kardashian. The newly built

A lone figure looks out across the rolling hills beyond, standing on the terrace of a colossal building that looks like the stuff of dreams. It sounds almost like the subject of a film still or a painting, and yet this beautiful sight does truly exis

It was 12 years ago when interior designer Chlöe Elkerton first took her mother on a trip to Sri Lanka. What started as a casual family holiday inadvertently set a new future in motion for the designer, turning the country into her new preferred trav

The architect Xavier Huyberechts has a wonderfully poetic way of describing how he designed the weekend getaway that he and his brother, Damien, built on their farm south of Johannesburg. He says that he wanted to “gently lift the carpet at the botto

Unbeknownst to many, The Philippines is among the largest exporters of bamboo in the world. The country is home to approximately 39,000 to 53,000 hectares of bamboo stands that naturally grow sporadically or in patches along riverbanks and rush fores

The art of cultivating bonsai first piqued Bobby Gopiao’s interest as a teenager when he signed up for his high school botany club. By then, he had already inherited his green thumb from his mother, who was also a lover and collector of native and im

The natural wine movement has the world in a tizzy and the Philippines is caught in the middle of the whirlwind. And why wouldn’t it be? In this tropical climate, the (generally) lower in alcohol, naturally lighter bodied and higher in acid beverage

The inspiration for this print—a combination of personified suns and stylised architecture, both typical of Fornasetti—is the island of Capri. Created by Porto Fornasetti in the Fofties, Sole Di Capri was conjured from his imagination, before ever ha

“I love that I get to escape easily to this special haven of absolute joy,” shares fashion mogul Rajo Laurel. Indeed, just two hours out of the heaving urban jungle of Metro Manila, perched high on a slope overlooking one of Batangas’ shimmering blue

To many, the image of a serene escape conjures aseaside retreat replete with natures sights and sounds, savoured with a cool cocktail in hand. Today, however, a vital factor plays a major role in the travel landscape: wellness is now taking centre st

When the Philippines started embracing American culture after gaining independence from Spain, it was also enamoured by the art deco architecture popular then in the rest of the design world. The style flourished in 1920s Manila, which was beginning

The coveted ‘Alabang lifestyle’ captures a unique blend of hustle and calm. Amidst the relentless pace of its urban landscape, dwellers also benefit from the tranquillity only nature can provide. Underscoring this is Filigree’s Botanika Nature Reside

Now in its third year, the Tatler Homes Design Awards continues to celebrate the country’s most creative, most innovative and most talented figures in the fields of architecture and design. This year’s edition brings together a distinguished panel co

Unparalleled elegance, enduring virtue and absolute quality are all contained in the Baccarat name. For centuries, the fine crystal retailer has created a reputation for mastery, as it decorated the palaces of kings and enchanting discerning clientel

If Europeans are renowned for their old-world designs characterised by textured walls, hand-trawled windows and tumbled marble; and the Japanese for wabi-sabi—a worldview centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection translated into their

Integrating plants into our living spaces isn’t just an aesthetic choice but a more fundamental one to foster nature and sustainability. Wonderplants duo Joanne Tengco and Giselle Yujuico decorate interiors with a variety of greens and emphasise why

A change of scenery can magically elevate a dining experience to extraordinary heights. You don’t even have to venture far; a mere shift from your usual dining spot within the confines of your home can already work wonders. Imagine dining in your lan

Teak is a durable timber commonly used in Southeast Asia. Whether for furniture or as a surface material, its golden hue boasts a certain warmth that is unique to the region. Lesser known is the beauty of the actual hardwood tree, which resonated wit

It was only a matter of time before the celebrated Filipino architectural designer, James “JJ” Acuña, dropped his other foot firmly on home turf. With his first rooted in Hong Kong since 2005, after a ten-year stint in corporate architecture, the sou

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It’s not the first time that Smeg’s distinct retro flair finds accord with Dolce & Gabbana’s ornate style. After working together on the three striking and successful collections, the two Italian brands unite once more to craft a gorgeous range of ki