MANILA, Philippines — Interior design has been evolving to emphasize emotional engagement and immersion, especially during the holidays when homes become centers of nostalgia, creativity and community.
The Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID)-Ahlen Institute is leading this movement, nurturing designers who blend traditions, culture and innovation to redefine holiday interior.
Globally, the experiential trend is taking root in both retail and residential interiors, marked by designs that stimulate the senses and build emotional connections. PSID-Ahlen students are responding to the growing demand for spaces that connect and engage the senses, designing interiors that have compelling narratives and multisensory elements.
Here are some concepts from PSID-Ahlen students that showcase this design trend.
Perlas Restaurant
One example of this experiential design is the Perlas Restaurant concept that honors the Philippines’ maritime beauty, which will blend the beauty of the country’s many islands with the Filipinos’ deep love for food and social interactions enjoyed over meals.
Polynesian Pool House
Another example would be the Polynesian Pool House, an imagined three-story resto-house that captures the spirit of the culture. This concept explores how Polynesian patterns, textures and storytelling can create a meaningful dining experience, with each floor immersing guests in a different cultural layer.
Greek Mediterranean Home
Lastly, the Greek Mediterranean Home concept would be a house where guests would experience Greece. The elements from the furniture to accessories, the texture to materials make it a perfect relaxation home for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the serenity of the Mediterranean Sea.
This trend of experiential interior design is also most evident in immersive holiday installations seen in museums, cultural exhibits and shopping centers.
Later this year, PSID-Ahlen is holding their exhibit for their graduating class called Designs of Christmas Exhibit (D.O.C.E.).
The exhibit will feature four galleries that would immerse the audience in different ways of experiencing the holidays. Gallery visitors will experience Christmas as a journey through time, a reflection of the character of Christmas, through color options or from a cultural perspective.
“The upcoming exhibit delves into Christmas styling and decorating as a major driving force in introducing holiday trends amid impeccable interior designed spaces,” said Pojie Pambid, PSID-Ahlen’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The exhibiting class of 2025 promises its viewers a variety of styles and trends guaranteed to inspire, setting the stage for a new way of designing for the holidays.”
PSID-Ahlen’s D.O.C.E. is slated to open on September 27, 2025 at the GH Tower in Greenhills.
