Design destination Kish finds a new home

MANILA, Philippines - Ever since it opened in a small, 45-sq.m. space, furniture haven and interior design firm Kish has been building its name as the brand of choice for sophisticated and eclectic interior design connoisseurs. Ten years later, Kish remains at the forefront of the scene, boasting an exclusive collection of furniture and décor and a diverse portfolio of clients.

“The challenge has always been to constantly rediscover and evolve the brand,” says design consultant Ito Kish, CEO and creative director of Kish. “It’s always been exciting to push the envelope, and the feedback has been so encouraging. We know we’re moving in the right direction.”

The right direction was apparently just somewhere down the street. Early this year, Kish closed shop at its humble headquarters in the famed LRI Design Plaza and opened its doors in a new, immense home a couple of steps down Nicanor Garcia St. Now in a 450-sq.m. showroom, Kish has an expansive space all to itself to feature both its unique product catalogue and flair for design.

“It’s ambitious,” says Kish, “but Kish has always been about defying rules and just going for it.”

Arorog pieces from Vito Selma’s Ikebana collection form a bright white living area display.

The effect is similar to the experience of walking into a fine art museum. The new Kish store stays true to its bold and modern design sensibility, with a collection of pieces ranging from neoclassical home décor to organic, Asian-inspired furniture, all composed in beautiful displays throughout the space. From antique Filipino relics to sleek metallic clocks to classic Italian leather sofas, the wealth of design elements and inspirations in Kish seems limitless. In the anteroom, an early 20th-century Maranao boat is festooned with floral arrangements amid a backdrop of brass-plated sunburst mirrors. A throwback display to classic European furniture features an elegant wooden bedside table with an ornate porcelain Victorian lamp, intricately detailed glass jars and Chinese lion figurines. In another area devoted to modern Asian style, Cebuano designer Vito Selma’s three-dimensional stained mahogany coffee table is featured with a ceramic moose head and tall French vases, flanked by wicker lounge chairs. “We want every space to tell a story,” says Kish, “that’s what we want to be a signature Kish look.”

But in time with growing its artful and classy appeal, Kish is similarly focused on strengthening its foothold as a budding enterprise. “When people walk into our doors and see the pieces, they get inspired about what to do in their homes and offices and spaces. We have to make sure we capture that inspiration and recreate it in their space,” says Kish. “If not, we’re not doing our job.”

Metal vases with intricate patterns and a tiny bouquet of flowers take center stage in this simple display.

As such, Kish has recently expanded its portfolio to include new services for every possible design need. Products are now available for contract or bulk sales for designing corporate spaces. Visual merchandising services are now available for retail outlets looking to spice up their displays. Kish has also recently launched a gift registry service for personal buyers, and new homeowners will be excited to look up Design-For-Life, a floor plan generator.

“We’ve moved to a new home and we’re growing and we’re all excited,” says Kish, “so I don’t think we’re ready to stop anytime soon. This looks like a good place to make Kish even better.”

The new Kish store is located at 233 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air II, Makati City. For inquiries about any of the products and services, visit www.kish.ph, call 896-8366 or e-mail info@kish.ph.