Furniture buying can be problematic, especially when your coveted items and budget do not coincide.
But take heart. If you are wise about it, budget constraint should not stop you from buying the objects of your desire, according to Marleen Go-Uyecio, creative director of the interior design company, Kuysen Design.
As Marleen pointed out during the opening of Kuysen Design Experience Center last February 21, "Sometimes you buy furniture for the sake na may malagay ka diyan.
"After how many years, you will buy again kasi ayaw mo na yung nilagay mo dun.
"So, in a way, parang nagsayang ka rin pera... It is an investment.
"Some people would call me, saying, 'I have a budget of this much.'
"But pag-alis nila, they buy more kasi, 'I want my passion, e.'
"The fact that ikaw mismo pumipili, it is something you are passionate about.
"If not, you just let your contractor or architect do the choosing, di ba?"
Kuysen Design Experience Center, a five-story multi-purpose building along Jupiter St., Makati City, houses a variety of high-end furniture pieces.
During its opening, Marleen proudly declared that their furniture pieces are "not disposable."
She said, "It should be referrable. It should last you five, ten years, ganyan."
This philosophy stemmed from Marleen's father, Kuysen Go.
"When my father started the business, it was more about quality...
"Parang, when you buy things, it's not about volume, e. It's about the value for money.
"It's something we learned from our dad na hindi puwede yung pinakamura bilhin mo, and then masisira. We want something that last."
WHAT GIVES YOU JOY
For Marleen, buying furniture pieces should not be about trends.
She said, "Our tagline is 'Inspiring Creativity, Delivering Solutions,' so we want to give solutions to the homeowners na something they appreciate.
"Something hindi lang function, hindi lang design—it's a combination of both."
In the age of social media, choosing a furniture piece has also become a reflection of your personality.
Marleen said, "I think sa home, nag-evolve na rin talaga yun. Even before all this, when we started with the bathroom, dati hindi masyado pinapansin yung banyo, e, kasi extra room. You have to furnish it.
"Ngayon, people really consider what shower to use, what basin... anong mas gusto kong gamitin?
"Do I want a bath tub or do I want a shower? It evolved na, mas may personal touch.
"Hindi na basta meron. At the end of the day, what you feel is important.
"Ngayon nga, di ba, what gives you joy? That's important mas lalo na ngayon."