What is inside Jaime Ponce de Leon’s home?

This home in Manila, which he shares with his partner, is used solely for entertaining—a striking transformation that further defined Ponce de Leon’s creativity. His overall idea for the space leaned toward eclecticism, an approach that combines elements from various traditions. For this home, the auctioneer fused Filipino antiques with European sensibilities.

“When we started, that area on Roxas Boulevard was essentially barren, and nothing else was around. We had a fantastic view of Manila Bay and Cavite from that space, making it conducive for hosting or simply enjoying the surroundings. It was incredibly quiet, so we decided to create it.”

The foyer is already a sight to behold. When guests enter the space, they will be greeted by a monochromatic tent-esque ceiling and curtain. Faux candles on gilt sconces and a large antique metal urn with flowers can be seen on the narrow wall leading to the living area.

“I prioritised the foyer because I had to have the illusion of an entrance that resembles a tent. I wanted that feeling of warmth upon entry,” he says. And warm it is in the living room, where the inviting hardwood slatted ceiling, natural stone wall, century-old doors, an 18th Century altar table and an Yves Klein table add to the ambience. This design choice evokes a sense of old-world charm, enhancing the overall feeling of cosiness. “If you observe my design principles, you’ll see that I am not focused on symmetry; I prefer everything to be askew,” Ponce de Leon says.

Related: Jaime Ponce de Leon reveals to the public Juan Luna’s long-lost masterpiece

“Look at the positioning and arrangement of my couches—everything is intentionally unbalanced. Nothing is perfectly aligned, and that approach has become a defining characteristic of my work, especially in the spaces I design,” he adds.

The salon is Ponce de Leon’s personal favourite. The room features chinoiserie wallpaper from Stark, a Chinese bamboo chair, a mariposa sofa from the late 19th Century, Filipino antiques, tons of books, portraits of random models by Amorsolo, Zalameda, Aguilar-Alcuaz, Mia Herbosa and some war scenes by Fernando Amorsolo.

“I chose this theme because it conveys a powerful message about the effects of war—a stark reminder of what Manila endured and suffered during that time,” Ponce de Leon says about the Amorsolos in his salon. “It’s a good reminder of why we must, by all means, avoid war and conflict.”

The charm of their dining area seamlessly aligns with the rest of their home; after all, the art dealer envisioned this space as one of the grandest spots in their abode. He and his partner love and continue to entertain. In this area, visitors will notice that Ponce de Leon avoided using all wood, as it could make the space feel too heavy and monotonous. Instead, he encased the wooden panels in green marble to create a richer and more opulent ambience.

For history enthusiasts and antique collectors, the buffet table from the Paterno family and the 19th-century Baliuag sideboard add a touch of cultural significance. A custom Omeng Esguerra table paired with Carlos Trece kabiseras and B&B Italia chairs also complement the overall vibe fully juxtaposing with each other. For Ponce de Leon, it’s essential for designers to create intentional spaces where guests can gather to prevent overcrowding.

Read more: In Conversation with Jaime Ponce de Leon

“As a designer and planner, I believe it’s crucial not to overwhelm a space with too many areas for socialising. In this design, which is tailored for entertaining, I focused on directing guests to key areas—the living room and salon for overflow, and then the dining room,” he says.

“The experience begins in the living room and flows into the dining room. Too many gathering spots can dilute the spirit of entertaining and the pleasure of socialising. By streamlining the layout, we enhance the intimacy of the experience, encouraging guests to connect more deeply,” he adds.

For Ponce de Leon, this thoughtful arrangement not only fosters interaction but also ensures that the atmosphere in his space remains vibrant and engaging. In the master bedroom, where he spends his time reading, he reflects, “It’s quite simple. Unfortunately, the elements have diminished the beauty of the wallpapers I installed many years ago, as this is a 15-year-old apartment”.

He says, however, that another beautiful Baliuag commode from the 19th century will greet curious peers. “I discovered it in an antique shop while walking in San Francisco and it was mislabeled as Indian furniture. Those are among the treasures from the early travels I shared with my partner.”

There’s often curiosity surrounding the artworks an auctioneer features in his own space. And this is precisely what we inquired about during the interview. As an art dealer, Ponce de Leon aimed to incorporate smaller gems that would seamlessly blend into the entire space. “Nothing too major, but meaningful touches,” he says.

In different parts of his space, one would find familiar works such as a Fernando Zobel from the Seventies, a rare David Medalla, early Macario Vitalises, early-period figurative Lao Lianbens and Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz from the Fifties. There are sculptures like a Don Quijote by Saprid, a large watermelon by Abueva in the dining room, as well as rare ceramic vases by Joya.

“These pieces enhance the overall ambiance of the space.” As a whole, the space reflects a maximalist interior. “More is more,” he says, adding that he also drew much inspiration from interior designers, including Renzo Mongiardino, Tony Duquette and Elsie de Wolfe.

“If you notice the tent entry, you’ll see the influences of Stéphane Boudin and Emilio Terry. These decorators who inspire me the most,” Ponce de Leon says. For Ponce de Leon, there might be a clash when working with other designers, especially when their visions diverge.

“We all have unique styles, but there is a significant difference when choosing between architects and interior designers. The training and discipline of interior designers are often focused on elements like layering and texture, which contrasts with architects’ linear and structural approach. While architects prioritise structure, interior designers are more attuned to the elements that enhance a space. This distinction is important for clients to understand.

Ponce de Leon believes that the home reflects one’s psyche. Like his home, the art dealer embraces everything beautiful. “I am not confined to a specific period or style,” he says.

He emphasises, “It’s always my intention to highlight that as a designer, you must know how to live. One of the key lessons I learnt in design school is that to effectively convey a message to clients, you must demonstrate your understanding of living well. You can’t impart a certain way of life if you don’t know how to live it yourself.”

This perspective underpins his approach to design, shaping how he curates spaces that tell a story. “Clients are often wowed by the space because it’s such a rich amalgamation—a visual melody, if you will. It creates a pleasing aesthetic that resonates deeply,” he concludes.

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