Casa Bella’s well-curated collection of furniture pieces are must-haves for every home
CASA BELLA is Joseph and Stephanie Tay’s vision come to life—bringing in the finest of European furniture traditions to the local scene and elevating the design experience of exquisite homes in the country
The overused cliché, teamwork makes the dream work, has never felt truer for Casa Bella’s founders, Joseph and Stephanie Tay. Ten years ago, the newlyweds’ passion for design led them to the establishment of a brand that thoughtfully and meticulously curates well-designed European home pieces and makes them available to Philippine shores. This was the birth of Casa Bella. From carrying a single brand, the company has now grown its range to seven labels—making itself known to its loyal customers for its impeccable taste and keen eye for luxurious pieces. And with the abundance of designer furniture stores out in the market, Casa Bella brought in new perspectives through the fresh eyes of its business owners.
Last year, the duo opened the doors of its flagship showroom in Jupiter Street in Makati City. It is the business’ biggest showroom to date. And while the challenge of bringing more pieces and more brands was daunting, the Tays have a decade’s worth of experience in the furniture
industry honing their eye for style and making their business prosper throughout its years of experience. Each line has a unique identity, catering to all of Casa Bella’s customers, who have distinct tastes but agree with the unrivaled sophistication and elegance that the store carries. The differences then, make the difference— versatility strengthens the Casa Bella brand. The couple says of their brand’s new home: “Our showroom embodies who we are as a company: design-oriented, quality workmanship, and versatile. We wanted to give our clientele an immersive experience into the world of luxury and design through our European brands.”
Joseph and Stephanie are not just business proprietors. Immersed in the fine craftsmanship of the artisans that have built the masterpieces housed in the showroom, the couple and their genuine understanding of the business paved the way to long-lasting relationships with partners and patrons. The wide array of fabrics and finishes empower customers to mix and match various designs. And with the Casa Bella’s brand of high quality and sophisticated designs, one is assured that everything that comes from the store is well-made and timeless.
In recent years, the local scene has seen a rise of a more discerning market with a more developed and self-aware sense of style. Hence, Casa Bella have made sure to continuously update their lines, bringing in the latest styles and expanding their collection year after year.
Cassina, an Italian brand, showcases traditional Italian design through its iconic and classic pieces created by world-renowned designers. Kettal, a brand born in Barcelona, Spain, remains the leading outdoor furniture brand that combines versatility, creativity, and quality design. For the artistic and playful at heart, Moroso combines contemporary design and functionality into its pieces. Henge, another Italian brand, focuses on careful selection of sophisticated and natural materials into the production of their furnishings. If one is looking for more varied designs, one might prefer Cattelan Italia, a brand that is popular in international markets and more versatile in its approach to design. Ditre Italia is a historic Italian brand that produces luxurious upholstered Italian furniture. Aside from furniture, there’s also Novamobili which offers built-in wardrobes and closets for every home. All of these brands are Italian in origin, with the exception of Kettal.
Having brought all these brands to the market, Joseph and Stephanie have thoroughly ensured that each of these lines is well-represented by the Casa Bella brand. And while all of these lines are well-loved by the Tays, both of them have their own preferences. Joseph, with his more classic and conservative taste, prefers Cassina’s iconic and timeless pieces. On the other hand, Moroso is Stephanie’s preferred brand as it reflects her creative and artistic side.
Understanding their personal style and preferences has been a journey that the two have taken in their years of experience. This has made them sensible and sensitive to the needs of their clientele with the brand’s versatility as a key element in its ten years’ worth of success. Casa Bella even offers assistance for those who are still developing their own style at home with in-house interior designers and architects willing to help clients in deciding which pieces would suit their homes best.
With the new space, Joseph and Stephanie have created two new brands as well. Fig & Vine Floral Studio, a brainchild of Stephanie, offers fresh flower arrangements to liven up any occasion. The two floors of the showroom cater to the customers of the floral studio as well, eventually giving it its own floor soon. The Vineria, a wine bar and cafe lounge, was also introduced for clients who prefer a more private setting for meetings and gatherings.
A lot has happened since Casa Bella’s early beginnings. From a dream realized to a bustling business empire, the Tays’ passion has groomed them to be trusted tastemakers in the furniture business, with foresight for their market’s needs and preferences and an enviable understanding for business expansion and success.