By Geolette Esguerra
We need objects to remind us of the commitments we’ve made. That carpet from Morocco reminds us of the impulsive,
freedom-loving side of ourselves we’re in danger of losing touch with. Beautiful furniture gives us something to live up to. All designed objects are propaganda for a way of life. -Alain de Botton
Much of marriage exists on the intangible – love, fidelity, loyalty, devotion; the entire sacrament rests on promises of eternity, supplemented only by technicalities in paper. For marriage to bear greater weight, we rely on symbols which represent virtues deemed requisite for a blissful union. Coins, veils, cords, and candles are taken not only in the hope that they will bring luck, but in faith that these symbols can strengthen the bonds of matrimony.
For many, the true testament to a relationship is the home. As married life is subject to hurdles and bumps along the way, what holds together a couple who have long forgotten their vows is the sanctuary they call home. In a house filled with objects, we unconsciously create nooks and crannies of memory, those we retreat to when the need arises. In choosing the objects that shape our space, we ponder: do we want our furniture to be fashionable, stylish, and popular? Or, like marriage, do we seek stability, integrity and fidelity?
As young couples seek pieces symbolic of their life together, they turn to tangible pieces they can pass on to future generations. Furniture, akin to marriage, should be built on sound structure and firm foundations. In the furniture design studio Casa Periquet, furniture is perceived as a lifelong companion, one whose value grows over the years. The studio specializes in custom-made pieces, rather than mass-produced items, with each piece tailored to fit the specific needs of a client. Tina Periquet, the notable principal of the leading design firm Periquet Galicia Inc., is also the designer behind Casa Periquet. A product of Pratt Institute and Assumption College, Ms. Periquet seeks to mold and sculpt space instead of adding mere ornamentation, and is greatly sensitive to the inherent properties of the materials she uses in designing furniture that is faithful to the true nature of the material.
Casa Periquet is not only a design atelier; it is also a laboratory where innovation in design is cultivated by the constant exploration and testing of new ideas. The firm is built on a foundation of old-fashioned values such as integrity, structure of design, expressive detailing, harmony of proportion, and pride in one’s work. The firm deems itself a respectful heir and custodian of the tradition of furniture craft and, in turn, employs the highest standards of excellence, passion, and professionalism in the designing, purchasing, inspection, and delivery of furniture.
Designer Furniture
Each furniture piece is designed in a holistic manner, one in which all aspects of the piece is studied. Ms. Periquet designs from a perspective in which each furniture piece is a building in miniature – crafting a chair in the same manner in which an architect designs a house. Great importance is given to the quality of furniture, as the pieces are designed with structure, materials, and finishing in mind. Casa Periquet makes use of traditional joinery such as the dovetail, mortise-and-tendon, and tongue-and-groove joints, rather using hardware like nails and screws. High quality furniture-grade reclaimed wood is almost exclusively used for furniture pieces, exposing the wood’s natural beauty through the application of transparent sealers and hand-rubbed oil-based finish. Instead of the widely practiced method of encasing pieces in varnish to hide the imperfections, this celebration of the material allows the inherent beauty of wood to express itself.
The Isabella lattice chair was designed for a client in the United States who required a flexible, unadorned dining chair. After going through seven prototypes, the chair achieved its final form, demonstrating ingenuity in the removable backrest that allows for ease of transport, as well as the ability to change the lattice panel design whenever desired. Like the ventanilla, the lattice backrest allows light and air through while creating an interesting pattern of light. Its beauty lies in the flexibility of the design and the simplicity of the lines of the lattice back, accommodating a play of light and shadow.
A piece reminiscent of our childhood, the Gallenera is a contemporary take on the traditional receiving bench used to keep fighting cocks and poultry gathered, in place of cash, for the landlord. The Casa Periquet version of the gallenera makes use of modern lines, evoking quiet strength in its simplicity.
Quality over quantity
To couples starting out, the acquisition of furniture comes slowly, enhanced by apprehension due to the cost. In reality however, you get what you pay for. Mass-produced items produced by the hundreds may not be able to withstand the wear and tear that furniture is frequently subject to. Couples should not only consider the price tag, but should also think of furniture pieces as long term investments. What little you save in purchasing a bed will reflect in your future finances when you need to have it replaced.
In the end, a house should be filled with meaningful objects, those whose characteristics reflect the personalities of the inhabitants. A home filled with loving individuals creates exquisite nuances and memories, and a home with furniture built to last speaks highly of the beautiful relationships within.
Casa Periquet is located at 308 Third Floor Narra Building, 2276 Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati City, 1200. For inquiries or appointments, the studio may be reached at: (632)8102315 (landline) or (63992) 8736787 (mobile) or (63917)8736787, or at email@casaperiquet.com.
