A home is never truly finished, and that’s what makes it exciting. For young collectors, curating their spaces is an ongoing experiment filled with discoveries and happy accidents. Their advice? Don’t overthink it. Collect pieces that hold meaning for you.
For a new generation of collectors, art is more than acquiring beautiful objects—it’s about transforming blank walls and empty corners into a space that feels authentic and lived in. In this feature, we speak to a young couple building a home where nostalgia, creativity, and personality intersect.
Their space seamlessly blends vintage finds, contemporary works, and personal collections, forming layered environments that evolve alongside their journeys as collectors. Here, they share how collecting has become an organic part of their daily lives, shaping a home that feels both curated and deeply personal.
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How would you describe your overall aesthetic or style?
It’s really about pieces I connect with. The story behind something is as important to me as its aesthetic. As a graphic designer and photographer, I’m drawn to quirky, imaginative things—a little offbeat. I guess you could say I lean toward lowbrow art: playful, a bit strange, blurring the lines between the familiar and the unusual.
Could you share the story behind the first piece you added to your collection?
The first piece my husband and I added to our collection was a set of four works by MM Yu, an abstract series inspired by the four seasons. I’ve always loved her work because the colors are vibrant and uplifting. It was also the first piece we both instantly agreed on, which is always a good start! It felt like the perfect foundation for our collection, something that brings us joy.
What do you like about this piece [the SkyFlake] and why do you think it resonates so strongly with people?
It’s unexpected and familiar at the same time. Linds Lee took a SkyFlakes cracker and transformed it into this monumental piece with incredible detail. You can see every little ridge and hole. It’s nostalgic, it sparks conversations, and it’s the piece that guests are most drawn to when they enter our living room.
Your Gachapon collection is seriously impressive! How did that come together?
Our collection of Gachapon and mini figurines wasn’t something we intentionally set out to build; it grew over time during our travels. It’s a mix of offbeat, slightly unhinged characters alongside figurines from shows my husband and I love, adding a playful energy to our space.
Our open shelving in the living room is perfect for displaying them. This area has become a place for things that are meaningful to us—gifts, art from friends, our first puzzle, photos… It’s always evolving as we find new things we love.
I’m fascinated by your 3D-printed lamps. What inspired you to get into 3D printing and design?
I’ve always been into the idea of DIY home décor, and while designing our space, I realized that many of the pieces I was drawn to were either 3D-printed or could be recreated through 3D printing. That got me curious about the process, and once I started exploring it, I saw how much creative freedom it offered. Being able to design something from scratch meant I could add a personal touch to our home in a way that store-bought pieces never could.
Any favorite pieces, or stories behind specific things in your collection?
I’m a huge fan of Louie Cordero, and his piece “Almost Dawn” is one of my favorites. I’ve always admired how he combines bizarre, almost unsettling characters, his use of color, and how he layers things. The mood conveyed in this piece feels very relatable—it perfectly captures that feeling of creating something to the point of exhaustion. As a night owl, I connect with it instantly.
READ ALSO: Artifeks: Built to Last, Made to Matter
Where do you usually go to buy art?
Large fairs like Art Fair Philippines and Art in the Park provide a great overview of the current art scene. Early on, we found our pieces in Art in the Park—artists like Nicole Asares, Raffy Ugaddan, and Bjorn Calleja. We also like to visit local galleries or browse on Etsy for risograph prints. Social media is great for keeping up with artists we already love and for discovering new ones too!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in creating your home or collection?
Definitely figuring out where everything goes, especially in the beginning. There’s a lot of second-guessing when mixing different styles. We didn’t work with a designer, so it was a lot of trial and error. Big pieces were easier—we knew where they’d go before we bought them. But smaller items were trickier. We’ve been here a year but still have some artwork we haven’t hung up yet because we’re still looking for the perfect spot. The hardest thing is not to rush the process.
This article originally appeared in our April 2025 issue.
Photography by Ed Simon of KLIQ, Inc.
