The holiday season is a time for tradition, but what if you could reimagine it with a fresh eye for design? That’s exactly what the graduating students of the Philippine School of Interior Design-Ahlen Institute (PSID-Ahlen) have accomplished with their 48th graduation showcase, the Designs of Christmas Exhibit (D.O.C.E.). Held at GH Tower in Greenhills, this stunning collection of 12 student-designed installations proves that Filipino design sensibilities have evolved beyond the conventional.
Moving past the usual red-and-green color scheme, the exhibit dives into how Christmas can be reinterpreted through culture, character, and chronology. As interior designer and PSID professor Pojie Pambid explains, “Today, design is more curated, more personalized and more experimental, even during Christmas.” The result is a breathtaking journey through diverse aesthetics, each one offering a unique perspective on the holidays.
A Look Inside the Festive Designs
Each of the 12 booths is a world unto itself, telling a story through its carefully curated details and inspiring a new kind of holiday aesthetic.
- Brutalism: This raw yet inviting entertainment room uses grooved concrete, breeze blocks, and a coffered ceiling to create a stripped-down, tech-free space perfect for old-fashioned conversation. The warmth of the lighting adds a surprising softness, proving that even a minimalist approach can feel festive.
- Victorian: Step into a holiday fairytale inspired by the grandeur of the Victorian era. Enriched with steampunk elements, this display is an imaginative blend of the past and future, using bold colors, brass accents, and ornate details to create a space that feels both historic and whimsical.
- Art Deco: Formal glamour meets Bohemian warmth in this Manhattan-inspired setting. Deep green walls, rich gold accents, and plush velvet seating create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. A feathered Christmas tree becomes the focal point, blending sophistication with a touch of whimsy.
- Mexican: Inspired by the solemn yet joyful Las Posadas, this booth blends reverence with celebration. Soft lighting, vibrant Otomi patterns, and intricate papel picado-inspired panels create a space that beautifully honors both the spiritual and festive sides of the holiday.
- Brazilian: Experience a festive fusion of Rio’s Carnival and the Filipino Christmas. The design uses fluid curves, warm woods, and tropical textures to create a vibrant, high-energy space. It’s a sensory experience that invites you to feel the rhythm and light of the season.
- Filipino: Titled “Simoy ng Pasko,” this dining lanai is a serene homage to Simbang Gabi. An achromatic palette, soft greens, and gentle textures create a tranquil space that embodies the sense of togetherness and quiet faith that defines the Filipino Christmas.
- Velvet Frost: Inspired by rich chocolate plum and mint hues, this living room feels like a cozy retreat. A hand-painted floral mural and a sculptural tree lamp reimagine traditional holiday lighting and décor with a modern, artistic flair.
- Liloura Lush: A soft and elegant space defined by a delicate palette of lilac, icy blue, and ivory. It’s designed to be both festive and timeless, proving that a sophisticated aesthetic can also be practical for everyday living.
- Spiced Ember: This whisky lounge radiates warmth and refinement. The palette of russet, orange, and flame is complemented by layered textures and sculptural accents, offering a fresh take on a cozy, intimate holiday gathering.
- Noël Aurora: Inspired by the serene beauty of Iceland, this room transforms from day to night. During the day, it’s light and airy, but as evening falls, it shifts to crystalline hues, echoing the ethereal magic of the Northern Lights.
- Urban Cosmopolitan: A bachelor pad that is all about clean lines and bold geometry. Inspired by origami, the space features angular furniture and a striking red Christmas tree, creating a modern and comfortable holiday setting.
- Rustic Soirée: Step into a French provincial Christmas Eve. This booth evokes a sense of timeless tradition with a stone archway, wooden beams, a glowing hearth, and a truly unique ceiling-mounted Christmas tree that blends rustic warmth with sacred symbolism.
My personal favorites are the booths from Filipino, Art Deco and Rustic Soirée – the ones that I felt more Christmassy among the batch. But all the designs have their own unique strengths.
This stunning exhibition is more than just a showcase of student work; it’s a testament to how design can connect us across cultures and imagination. It’s a powerful reminder that the holidays are a living tradition, one that can be continuously reinterpreted and celebrated in a way that feels personal and meaningful.
The Designs of Christmas Exhibit is open to the public from September 27 to October 31 at GH Tower, Greenhills. Get ready to be inspired!
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