Kenneth Cobonpue’s sculptural, handcrafted designs have long captivated design lovers around the world. Recently, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and co-founder of Facebook, joined the list of notable individuals who admire the Cebu-based designer’s distinctive creations.
In March, Zuckerberg purchased a $23 million Georgian-style mansion in Washington, D.C. The 15,400-square-foot residence, located in the private Woodland Normanstone neighborhood just 15 minutes from the White House, was designed by architect Robert M. Gurney. It replaced a $5.15 million property that was demolished in 2013. The new brick-clad estate pairs traditional architecture with modern, understated interiors.
Among the furnishings featured in Zuckerberg’s home are pieces crafted by Cobonpue, including the Croissant Easy armchair and the Balou sofa. The armchair, inspired by the soft curve of its pastry namesake, is handwoven from abaca fiber and supported by a powder-coated steel frame. Light filters through its delicate weave, adding both texture and movement to the space.
The Balou sofa, with its rounded frame and deep cushions, brings a playful, casual energy to the room. Inspired by the gentle character Baloo from The Jungle Book, it’s a piece made for lounging—soft, oversized, and impossible to resist sinking into.
In the designer’s Instagram post, reshared from Luxury Listings, the mood is captured perfectly: “Kenneth Cobonpue’s signature blend of organic form and masterful craftsmanship brings a sense of artful warmth to the home. The sculptural Croissant Easy armchair and the woven Balou sofa soften the formality of the interior and offer an elegant counterpoint to its massive spaces. In a capital known for power and prestige, these pieces are proof that beauty, shaped by hand, belongs at the very center of it all.”
Cobonpue’s work reflects a quieter kind of luxury, one shaped by natural materials and skilled hands. In a home that might otherwise feel overly formal, his pieces offer warmth and ease. They serve as a reminder that no matter how grand the space, there is always room for comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.
