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The living room
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Deanne Lim balances timeless elegance with organic forms, showcasing the best home decor items her brand Twenty Third has to offer
The line between work and play is usually distinct—but not in the case of Deanne Lim, founder of home design company Twenty Third PH. In contrast with the rapid development of Cagayan De Oro, her home is an oasis for creative expression. “This is more than just a home. It’s also a working showroom for Twenty Third by Deanne,” she shared. “I needed a versatile backdrop to showcase our collections while still feeling like a home.”
The property had been in her family for years, but its location in an industrial area made it seem even more remote. Yet when roads and infrastructures started to develop in Cagayan De Oro, Lim saw an incredible opportunity. Her goal was “to transform something that felt distant into a place that’s now accessible, functional, and meaningful for both my personal life and my business.” The result is a curation that elevates a classic design with an unexpected range of organic materials.
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The living room
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Deanne Lim first started the Twenty Third home decor brand in the United States, taking inspiration from the cosy transitional American style. Her designs are also influenced by growing up in the Philippines’ tropical climate and travelling to places like Bali, which features many natural spaces that prioritise flow and lightness in each space.
Above Products from Twenty Third being featured in Deanne Lim's home
Products from Twenty Third being featured in Deanne Lim's home
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An undeniable feature of the home is its neutral colour palette, which provides a timeless foundation that gives Lim’s style room to grow. The creams and beiges provide the perfect backdrop for Twenty Third by Deanne’s products to shine.
The vases and lamps take inspiration from her trips abroad, especially to Indonesia. For Lim, “their shapes mimic the layered architecture of temples, and they bring a sense of history and craftsmanship into the space.” The pieces add a playful twist to each room, inspiring Lim to release her creative spirit in a comfortable atmosphere.
More from Tatler: Home Tour: A multi-generational tropical modern home in Kuching, Malaysia
Above The kitchen, featuring brass hardware and products from Twenty Third
The kitchen, featuring brass hardware and products from Twenty Third
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For Lim, the kitchen is truly the heart of the home. Its inviting layout makes it the perfect place to entertain family and friends. The warmth of the space is complemented by the brass hardware used for the cabinet handles, sink, and faucet. “At first glance, it might seem simple and minimal, but the small details make it stand out,” said Lim. “It’s these little touches that elevate the space.”
Above The dining room
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The dining room
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The kitchen also overlooks the living area, allowing Lim to feel a seamless connection to everything happening in her home. The space also faces expansive windows that allow natural light to filter in. Lim’s favourite time of the day is right before sunset as the breathtaking views infuse the kitchen with an almost otherworldly glow.
Above Solid hardwood doors
Solid hardwood doors
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Another key element of the home design is the use of classic hardwood in the doors and arches. “This took some time to perfect, but the craftsmanship was worth the wait,” Lim enthused. The result is a space that aligns deeply with Lim’s goal for both her home and her brand: to evoke a sense of belonging. “I wanted to create a home that feels both expansive and welcoming, where people naturally come together,” she said.
Above A desk area in the bedroom
Above The bedroom
A desk area in the bedroom
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As a reflection of Deanne Lim’s journey as a designer, the house will continue to change over time. Its intimate connection to her family history and her brand makes it a playground to test innovative ideas in home decoration trends.
When imagining how the house will evolve, Lim remains optimistic and curious. For her, the house “will always reflect my lifestyle and design philosophy—a blend of functionality, beauty, and warmth. It’s about living in your work and making it your own, in a way that’s both personal and deeply satisfying.”
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
