Cover The living room of Erica Concepcion-Reyes is filled with antique Filipino and European furniture, paired with contemporary works by renowned Filipino artists Arturo Luz, Jigger Cruz, Brian Uhing, Manuel Ocampo and Romulo Galicano (Photo: Toto Labrador)
The living room of Erica Concepcion-Reyes is filled with antique Filipino and European furniture, paired with contemporary works by renowned Filipino artists Arturo Luz, Jigger Cruz, Brian Uhing, Manuel Ocampo and Romulo Galicano (Photo: Toto Labrador)
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Jewellery designer Erica Concepcion-Reyes has her fair share of design principles. In this interview, she tells us why it’s important to thrive in a space where there’s beauty and meaning
Form and function, soul and substance are two combinations ubiquitous in the home of Erica Concepcion-Reyes. Quite understandable. As a jewellery designer, she naturally values an item not just for its aesthetics, but for the story, provenance and intention behind it. “I want our home to feel soulful and lived-in, layered with history, personal treasures and modern touches,” she tells Tatler. “It’s a space that evolves with us, where each corner reflects a moment, a memory or something we love.”
Every item in her home has earned its rightful place. “I always consider how they will be used in daily life. But I also believe that beautiful spaces should still feel inviting,” she says.
In case you missed it: What is inside Jaime Ponce de Leon’s home?
Above Foyer with an antique Baccarat chandelier set against contemporary Jigger Cruz paintings. Antique silver and ivory pieces adorn the tabletop (Photo: Toto Labrador)
Foyer with an antique Baccarat chandelier set against contemporary Jigger Cruz paintings. Antique silver and ivory pieces adorn the tabletop (Photo: Toto Labrador)
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Her designing and discerning eye directs Reyes in carefully choosing pieces that she welcomes into her home. “I naturally respond to detail, texture and storytelling through objects,” she shares. She also makes her choices on the basis of a personal principle: that whatever goes into the home must always contribute to the growth of its inhabitants.
Reyes defines a well-designed space as one that is thoughtfully created with consideration, curation and comfort. “A home should be reflective of the people who live in it. I also think layering of periods, materials and moods adds richness. Lastly, lighting is everything. It sets the tone and breathes life into a room,” she elaborates.
More from Tatler: Home tour: inside Mark Wilson’s art-filled abode in Makati
Above An antique French commode is paired with 18th-century Filipino bishop’s chairs and santos, contrasted by a bold contemporary artwork by Jigger Cruz (Photo: Toto Labrador)
An antique French commode is paired with 18th-century Filipino bishop’s chairs and santos, contrasted by a bold contemporary artwork by Jigger Cruz (Photo: Toto Labrador)
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Design techniques
At the heart of Reyes’ approach to design is the belief that a home can be both stunning and meaningful. It is not just about creating visually incredible spaces, but about developing them to narrate a story, honour a legacy and nurture the people who live in it. Especially so, since her home was inherited from her grandmother who used to live in it.
“Every place should serve as a gentle reminder of who you are, where you’ve been or where you want to go,” Reyes says. “That’s why I gravitate toward pieces that hold memories—things collected over time, or items that feel rooted in culture and craftsmanship.”
She thoughtfully layers them, through textures and materials: antiques, art collection and memorabilia from family trips and heirlooms. While Reyes’ home is deeply personal, it’s also intentionally flexible. She describes it as a living space that can evolve with her family’s rhythms and needs. “I don’t believe in static spaces,” she declares. “Our home grows with us. As our tastes shift or we bring in something new from a trip or project, we make space for it. I think that’s what keeps a home alive—openness to change.” Reyes also emphasises the importance of adding accessories and paying attention to small details for a bigger impact in the long run.
See also: Patis Tesoro shows no signs of slowing down in her effort to preserve and promote Filipino design
Above Erica Concepcion-Reyes welcomes Tatler in her home (Photo: Toto Labrador)
Erica Concepcion-Reyes welcomes Tatler in her home (Photo: Toto Labrador)
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“I tend to avoid anything that feels overly done or fleeting. I gravitate towards long-lasting design elements, uncommon pieces with history and excellent craftsmanship”
“Accessories add personality. They can either elevate a space or distract from it, depending on how they’re edited and arranged. It’s like jewellery for a room—the right balance can completely transform the feel,” she explains. “They bring warmth, texture and personality to a room.
Many of the ones we chose, like antique silver, alabaster and crystal pieces, are things we genuinely love. They make the space feel distinctly ours.” She points to the antique gilded European mirror in her entryway as a visual example: “It sets the tone, anchoring the space with history and craftsmanship, yet balanced with abstract art.”
Related: Small talk: Erica Concepcion Reyes on jewellery-making, inspirations and more
Final touches
Above A pair of 17th-century carved piedra china Foo dogs (Photo: Toto Labrador)
A pair of 17th-century carved piedra china Foo dogs (Photo: Toto Labrador)
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Sharing her design principles with those building their own homes or curating their spaces, Reyes emphasises authenticity over perfection. “I tend to avoid anything that feels overly done or fleeting. I gravitate towards long-lasting design elements, uncommon pieces with history and excellent craftsmanship. That said, I do love incorporating contemporary art and a few modern touches to keep things feeling fresh.”
She also encourages a mindset of slow layering and investing in quality where it matters, especially in lighting, textiles and key furniture pieces. Ultimately, Reyes’ home is a celebration of her life’s passions: design, storytelling, family and heritage, all brought together in a space that feels both refined and relaxed. “I want people to walk in and feel at ease, but also inspired,” she says. “To me, a home must reflect that sensibility; it’s a curated space but with warmth and fluidity. It’s a place for entertaining, collecting, daydreaming and simply being ourselves.”
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Credits
Photography: Toto Labrador
Topics
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
