Rafe Totengco
Cover Rafe Totengco and Rymn Massand

Style maven and Philux managing director Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez launched her book "Embracing Natural Design" in New York’s chic downtown hot spot La Mercerie.

The book was published by world-renowned publishing house Rizzoli. Vibrant in a mango-coloured dress, the author greeted and welcomed guests from Manila, New York, Hong Kong and Europe who came to celebrate her success.

The book showcases stylish homes focusing on indoor and outdoor spaces that blend tasteful artisanal craftsmanship and fresh naturalistic design.

As soon as you open the book, prepare to be transported into Gonzalez’s world of beauty, taste and adventure. While each place featured has a distinct and unique approach to design, you still get the sense of feeling of calmness and serenity in all of them.

Read also: Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez Reveals Her First Book on Life, Design, and Style

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Photo 1 of 9 Christian and Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez
Photo 2 of 9 Ricky Delgado, Gage McAfee, Alex Maxwell Cecala, Linda McAfee, Vicki Delgado, Alessandra Perez Rubio, Anthony Loverde
Photo 3 of 9 Maxime Leroy Tullie, Beatrice Locsin, Mark Amadeo
Photo 4 of 9 Ramon Padilla, Jhonel Faelnar, Carla Villacorta
Photo 5 of 9 PJ Pascual, The author with PJ Pascual, Bonnae Gokson, Sheila Marcelo, Madeline Pulling, Linda McAfee, Gage McAfee, Carla Villacorta, Brooke Pulling Kienle Gonzalez, Bonnae Gockson, Sheila Marcelo, Madeline Pulling, Linda McAfee, Gage McAfeeCarla Villacorta, Brooke Pulling
Photo 6 of 9 Mela Bengzon
Photo 7 of 9 Jenny Guse, Nicki Clendening and Mina de Leon with the author
Photo 8 of 9 Stephanie with Charles Miers
Photo 9 of 9 Gemith Gemparo, Tom Bishop and Katie Ford

The residences, for instance, display an exquisite layering of classic and modern furnishings. She also tells her readers how to bring sustainable elements into their living spaces. She mixes different textures and details in the form of wood, stone, bamboo, seagrass, and caning. For the urban section, she adds tropical greenery and flowers to give life to its surroundings. Some of the featured residences are those of India Hicks, Nate Berkus and Kenneth Cobonque, all of whom show their own take on styling their homes.

How did it all begin? Gonzalez started working on the book in July 2019, with her editor, Sandy Freidus, guiding her through the process. To her surprise, Rizzoli chose to publish it.

At the end of the evening, she felt honoured and grateful for all the guests who came to celebrate with her.

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