A week ago on Thursday, my favorite shop Space Encounters launched its new line of furniture, dubbed “Hunting Season”. Contrary to what one might imagine after seeing that title, it’s not a collection of leopard print couches and mounted heads. The furniture and interiors are mid-century and Nordic-inspired — elegant lines, soft colors — and the use of animal prints and faux fur is subtle, yet gives the collection an exciting visual twist. Although one can admire the talent and focus used in putting everything together, one can hardly accuse designer Wilmer Lopez of being too serious: the designs exhibit playfulness in his use of classic style and pop sensibilities.

It’s no wonder Space Encounters is a favorite feature in not only most home style and interior design magazines such as Home Living, but of fashion, pop culture and lifestyle publications such as Rogue and Honeymoon+Travel. The pieces have become quite a regular in many fashion spread shoots.

Unlike in most furniture shops (especially designer ones), clients are encouraged to experience the display the way it was meant to. Touch the pillows, lie on the sofa, sit on the couches — it’s art that’s meant to be a part of your life, after all.

Of course, interiors wouldn’t be complete without knick-knacks and accessories. These originated from myriad sources: some were made to order, others collected from various places in the world Wilmer and his partner Thor Balanon have visited. And if you’re thinking that print of a line from a Star Trek series got lost and somehow found its way into the collection, it didn’t. Wilmer (and Thor, who manages the shop) are pop culture geeks, and their tastes range from Western sci-fi to Asian cinema to Korean pop and indie music.

Here’s me with Thor and Wilmer.

Wine flowed, and k-pop was playing. We all had a lovely time. Guests included Wilmer and Thor’s friends and clients — writers, artists, filmmakers, design enthusiasts, among others.




All pieces are made to order, so fabrics and wood finishes can be customized. Take your time to imagine the possibilities. If there’s anything I’ve learned about design, it’s that just like space, there is much to be discovered.

Space Encounters (spaceencounters.net) is at Unit B Mezzanine, Padillla Condominium Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road (formerly Emerald Ave.), Pasig City. Tel. # (+632) 910-8031. E-mail them at info@spaceencounters.net