Bahay, a new design studio, is opening in Culver City. There is an opening celebration party tonight (May 9th) at the store: 3825 Main Street, Culver City, 90232.
The press release can be read below the fold.
(Every Tuesday, there is a Farmer's market on Main Street so the street will be closed. Please park in the Cardiff Parking Structure on Cardiff Street, one block West of Main Street, between Venice Blvd. and Culver Blvd.)
Bahay means home in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. It is the idea of home that inspires the creators of Bahay, who believe a home should consist of not only wonderfully made furniture, but art and accessories which create an environment that is a reflection of one’s true personality and style.
Bahay features their own contemporary designs as well as pieces inspired by modern furniture masters of the 20th century. Bahay’s Furniture is made using the best techniques such as mortise and tenon joinery coupled with natural raw materials and exotic hardwoods, resulting in beautifully crafted products at reasonable prices.
In addition, Bahay offers a Bespoke Furniture Service, which allows clients to customize designs for their home. Bahay will assist clients from the conception of the design all the way to the finished product.
Beyond unique furnishings, Bahay showcases artwork by celebrated contemporary artists from around the globe including Kevin Ancell, Chad Attie, Andrew Cramer, Melinda Hackett, Britt Michaelian, Peter Tunney, and Edwin Wilwayco.
Bahay 3825 Main Street, Culver City, CA 90232
Bahay. Nice name. Well since I was born in the PI, I might just head out to the opening to represent. Press release doesn't state what time the festivities begin. Any idea?
Alec- Do you have a number to post so we can find out what time the opening starts?
I want to swing by as well...
Enrique- maybe I will see you later...
Turquoise: It's a date then. Alec, are you coming? Any others interested?
[PS to Turquoise. Nice interview on Holly's Decor8 site!]
The opening is from 6 to 9!
i was just talking about opening an import store with my cousin named "bahay" a few months ago! grr. i need to act on my random ideas.
Enrique - thank you!
I am going to get there closer to 7:30-8:00.
Hope to see you!
[Hey Turquoise. Sorry I missed you. I ended getting there just after 6pm and left shortly after 7p. I loved the store; did you? I went straight from work and didn't have my camera. Hopefully, you captured some good pics...]
Bahay is everything I'd hoped it would be. I've always loved the exotic woods, capiz, mother of pearl, linens, silks, and primitive folk art of the Philippines. But much of what gets imported into the US is cheesey and tacky--mostly the poorly-made merch that is produced for tourists. Bahay takes these native materials and adds a sexy, contemporary sheen to them. The furniture is clean-lined, modern and looked to be very well-made. The prices are very good--especially for the wood pieces, which are especially reasonable given the quality. Also, I loved that the store stocked a lot of primitive folk-art pieces. I ended up buying a small, primitive stone Tao-Tao statue and a modernist egg made of exotic Kamagong wood. (If I can resolve my email issues, I'll post a pic of my purchases on the Flickr slideshow.) Owner Kana Manglapus was a charming hostess and extended generous discounts tonight on many of the floor models. Bottom line: if you feel like breaking out of the DWR/Room and Board box and adding some *authentic* modern exoticism into your design mix, Bahay is definitely worth checking out.
Enrique- what a bummer I missed you!
I had a great time, met a bunch of people and the space was much more than I expected.
And yes pics are being posted soon, my camera is always on hand!