For five decades now, Kettal continues to be a vanguard of outdoor furniture, establishing a universal language of design borne from the pioneering spirit that forever changed alfresco living. Though the collections have evolved and the brand is now leagues away from its first collection, the quintessence remains. The lifeblood that inspired this Barcelona-based family business’ first success, the Alu Piccolo chair, is carried over to their designers like Spanish Architect Patricia Urquiola and Italian designer Rodolfo Dordoni. While design periods fade and clients’ tastes change, the brand manages to maintain a solid footing and presence in the competitive world of design. Since the 1960s, Kettal has emerged from a company offering the humble folding chair to becoming one of the most important outdoor furniture companies in the world today.
In the Philippines, the Kettal brand is represented by Joseph Tay and Stephanie Coyiuto-Tay, owners and managing directors of Casa Bella Home and Living. Aside from Kettal, this couple is responsible for introducing prestigious European brands such as Moroso and Driade to our market and recently launched their new headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. Joseph shares, “The amazing yet confounding element about the brand is that it easily blends with every architectural and interior design. I am impressed with how they are able to pull these looks together. I have delivered and witnessed these collections in a classic space, in an ultra-modern house, a tropical home and even a maximalist one.”
Aside from the aesthetics, the company ranks high in quality. In trade fairs, they are the lone brand that proudly displays how their products are made. When Joseph visited the company’s factory, he personally tested the products, filling a pillowcase with water. He can confidently testify to his customers that no leak came out because of the waterproof material.
While it is a brand built to be enjoyed outside, the style of these pieces make them look comfortable indoors as well. They possess a sleek style that borders on formal. With a selection of over 50 choices of aluminum colors, ropes and fabrics and porotex rug options, clients can customize and bring more character to their spaces.
In his six years of showcasing luxurious brands, Joseph admits that Kettal is the only brand that received a hundred percent nod of approval among designers. The triumph of these pieces must be credited to the passion and leadership of the owners, Manuel Alorda and his son, Alex. Joseph reveals, “The secret of the company lies with the family that built this name. Alex grew up and worked his way up in his father’s factory and learned how to put collections together by heart. Unlike other brands, Alex is involved in the process. Every single piece and detail was developed along with the designer.”
In the past three years, the brand has been received well. According to Joseph and Stephanie, the demand from private residential projects is consistent. Several homeowners are investing and beautifying their garden and pool spaces. Lanai living is also popular in this tropical country where we experience seven months of warm weather. Joseph shares a story where one client prefers to spend his days on his Kettal collection in the patio and has not touched his living room sofa in months. Another client asked him to test the products on the spot. Before finalizing the transaction, Joseph had to bring the pieces out while it was raining and time the minutes it would take to dry. After 15 minutes, the pieces were almost dry and he closed the deal.
For the last 20 years, Kettal has participated in several outdoor hotel designs worldwide. Due to its world-class industry standards and rust-resistant quality, the pieces will last for a very long time. A majority of Kettal’s furniture also comes with paint that is 100 percent environmental friendly. Locally, the requirements for better furniture have increased due to the growth in tourism and several hotel chains calling Philippines their home. Previously, hotels did not have to consider spending for original products due to lack of competition. It is a different market now, and establishments have to start upgrading their aesthetics and offer better products to their guests to stay in the game. The Kettal brand is already working with Discovery Primea to furnish one of its restaurants.
Six years ago, there was a lack of options for the Filipino consumer. Now, brands are arriving. As for Joseph and Stephanie, they are grateful for the pioneers who brought in global brands because it helped pave the way for consumers to start investing in furniture when building a home. The Kettal brand is now part of that movement, providing homes and projects high quality and meaningful collections.
Casa Bella Home and Living is at G/F MDI Corporate Center, 10th Avenue corner 39th Street, BGC, Taguig City. For more information visit their website on www.casabellahomeandliving.com or email them at [email protected]
Follow me on Instagram @cal_tavera