Life at the Top
IT’S LIVING THE DREAM— AN URBAN HIDEAWAY WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW, A CONDOMINIUM WITH THE SPACE AND COZINESS OF A HOME, A SPACE MASTERFULLY PLANNED ACCORDING TO HOW A FAMILY LIVES. IVY AND CYNTHIA ALMARIO ARE FAMOUS FOR CREATING WORLDS WORTHY OF CINEMATIC DR
Ivy and Cynthia Almario are famous for creating worlds worthy of cinematic dreams and poetic ideals
“IT’S ALL ABOUT this billion dollar view, isn’t it?” asks Ivy Almario. We merely nod in awe and agreement. This penthouse unit in one of the swanky buildings in Ortigas Center is everything we imagine a city flat to be: luxurious but understated, sleek but inviting and livable, a sophisticated space that is still, at its very core, a family haven.
“Although we had to do a lot, we basically flipped things around, and now, it’s as if it has always been this way. The unit has two floors, the kitchen, dining and living rooms were on the first floor, and the bedrooms and the balcony were on the second floor. But our client loves to cook and wanted to cook and entertain while enjoying the view of both the balcony and the skyline. So we converted the original kitchen and dining and living rooms into a master suite, and the second floor became the public space. Now they can enjoy the view while entertaining, and they really love it! Can’t you just imagine what it’s like cooking and seeing all that? Come here and try it!” Ivy tells us. So we dutifully and obediently did, and it felt as if we were starring in our very own cooking show.
When the Almario sisters design, Ivy does the interior architecture and Cynthia does the interior design. “So, for the kitchen, we had to bring in an island and create so much storage because the place was actually one of the guest rooms.” They work seamlessly in creating that distinctive signature of an Almario space, a place where the client’s dreams and realities are equally considered and equally fulfilled.
A holiday at home
The master bedroom was created from two public spaces, and the luxury of a hotel suite served as the Almarios’ inspiration. “There’s something a bit New York about the layout, don’t you think? From the minute you enter, there’s an international feel to it,” Cynthia remarks. She then proceeds to show us the hidden storage amongst the wooden paneling in the foyer. “Don’t you just love it? Doing a condo is really all about finding solutions to making the most of a space.”
Cynthia and Ivy are very proud of the solutions they did find for this flat. “So, we really went all out with the master bedroom. We created a sitting area, a beautiful ceiling and lots and lots of shelves and
storage for their personal collections. The closet is a dream of a closet, with leather fittings and even a built-in desk!”
For the dining area, Cynthia actually had to come up with a plan B. “We had already chosen a dining set. But when we brought it in, it just didn’t feel right. It seemed bulky and awkward. So, I thought of having two smaller tables, and it worked so well. It’s very versatile, they can put the tables together when they want a big group or separate them for a more casual and intimate feel. Sometimes, the result’s even better when your first idea doesn’t work. We always learn that we shouldn’t be too attached to our ideas.”
Seeing red
Ivy and Cynthia are also known for their fondness for layering colors, prints and textures. For this particular flat, they chose a red, gray and silver palette. “Red is actually not one of our go-to colors,” Cynthia admits. “But for this project, we worked with an art curator. They brought in some pieces that had some touches of red, and we just ran away with it. I made an effort to find red accessories. Luckily, I found enough to form the tableaus for the living areas! And they all worked with the chrome, marble and gray fabrics we had chosen. Gray is good for urban spaces and the red gives good energy.”
On the day of the shoot, our photographer had a field day, finding many angles and detail shots. Ivy muses, “This project was like a gift. The client was very open to our ideas, and really trusted us. It was our first project with them although we had worked with some of their family members. The communication and chemistry were good.” Cynthia concurs, “Yes, you would think that some clients would be hesitant to reverse things and change it all up as much as we did, but they were so calm about it.”
It is no surprise that Atelier Almario were able to carry off a laborious renovation and design job with so much flair and minimal resistance. They have solid design credentials, yes. But they also have a reassuring presence and absolutely positive energy that is both infectious and inspiring. Though they may propose seemingly sweeping changes, they also imbue their clients with the faith and hope that it will all work out in the end. And it always does.