Philippine Furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue lives in a modern home, inspired by traditional Asian pavilions, and is on a constant mission to fill it with pieces he loves and understands.
He describes the modern sanctuary as possessing cold architecture which is “made warm by things inside”. In essence, this sums up Cobonpue’s entire design ethos, to take the already existing and invigorate it with new life which reflects the individual.
Having grown up in Asia, studied industrial design in New York and lived for three years in Europe, Cobonpue’s philosophy was born out of an appreciation for global approaches to design. The way he values the East’s emphasis on handmade craftsmanship and traditional techniques, and the West’s respect for international appeal, privileges Cobonpue with a unique design perspective.
Returning home to Cebu, where the design arena places high importance on environmentally friendly processes, has strengthened Cobonpue’s approach. He now takes inspiration from the lush greenery and sparkling seaside that surround his home, and finds encouragement in the young farmers weaving walls to their homes and fisherman constructing their own boats from natural materials.
“Learning to live off the land and sea to make up their living environment,” explains Cobonpue, summing up his home’s impact on his design philosophy. It is these attitudes which Cobonpue brings to his lifestyle as well as his work, ensuring his home reflects his character and expresses an affiliation with natural beauty.
He refers to the furnishing of his house as an ongoing process with no end, and somehow, it seems safe to assume that Cobonpue would not want it any other way.
Kenneth Cobonpue
kennethcobonpue.com
