No matter how many beautiful hotels or gorgeous Airbnb homes we stay in, there’s truly no place like home, which is our sanctuary. We go home after a day out of it feeling grateful.
Thus, it’s important that we choose furniture which create a warm and welcoming appearance, while holding up against everyday wear and tear. It’s not just a functional bed, a table or a chair; the style of furniture is something that says a lot about you.
And anybody who wants their personal space to speak volumes should make Commune at the Shangri-La Plaza a new destination.
Established in 2011, Commune (www.thecommunelife.com) is a home-grown furniture design and lifestyle company that crafts high-quality artisanal works for the design savvy. The brand’s commitment to quality is reflected in its involvement across the full production process—from creative conceptualization to the eventual manufacture of each final product. A strong advocate for sustainability, it also uses eco-conscious wood and timber imported from sustainable sources in the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia. Its first store in Philippines, located at the East Wing of the upscale mall, carries artisanal wooden furniture in the latest design styles, and accessories for the home. Their designs are modern pieces that combine form and function with timeless appeal.
Commune’s compact furniture is designed for modern apartment homes. They have pieces for the living room, dining room, bedroom and study. These furniture were designed for modern living and would look great in condominiums and apartments. The designs are inspired by international trends and ideas, such as mid-century modern, modern Scandinavian, modern retro, industrial and many others.
“We believe our furniture represents the changing tastes of younger generations and wish to introduce a homemaking lifestyle that is ethical, sustainable, yet trendy and chic,” said Gan Shee Wen, sales and marketing director of Commune.
“We focus on wood furniture, minimizing lead and formaldehyde content in our production for environmental safety purposes, as well as focus on natural materials that are friendly to the environment.”
Audrey Ngui, who brought Commune to the Philippines, said they chose the brand because the quality and designs are superior while the prices remain affordable.
“The premium wood furniture has a modern and trendy aesthetic that’s perfect for Filipino urban apartment sizes,” Ngui said.
Commune places value on timeless designs that have greater longevity. They introduce one to two new collections every year, but keep products that are selling well in stores for a longer time.
What makes Commune worth visiting, aside from the modern and innovative furniture, is the superior shopping experience it offers. The in-store experience engages the consumer’s five senses—sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste—through beautiful visual merchandising displays, excellent curation of wood furniture with paired modern accessories which they encourage customers to touch and feel, a customized Commune Home in-store fragrance and a café experience that allows shoppers to gather with friends or family and relax in a cozy, homey environment. It is with the hope that when all the five senses are engaged within the store, a beautiful and lasting sixth sense that resonates powerfully with the concept of homemaking—emotion—can be formed.
The store also offers an in-store 3D interior planning and visualization service for homeowners on a renovation journey, so you can see your dream home designed with Commune furniture even before deciding to purchase, and enjoy it through the virtual reality experience.
“3D technologies are game changers. You need to keep an eye on them and embrace them,” Gan said.