Making One's House a Home
One's home says a lot about himself—his personality, taste, quirks. Often translated through different looks—vintage, contemporary, classy, eclectic etc.—there is a style that speaks to each individual. For some, it's a tasteful mishmash of two or more of these looks. For those still looking to find theirs, they may want to take a cue from some of Cebu's interior designers.
How did you end up being an interior designer?
I have always been the artsy one since I was a kid. While little kids my age colored with crayons, I was already experimenting with pastels, oil and watercolor paint. I drew a lot too, which got me a few awards in and outside of school. My parents recognized my talent and later encouraged me to pursue a course in something I was passionate about. Interior design seemed like the natural choice for me and I have enjoyed it since.
If you were to come up with a home design theme for 2017, what would it be?
For 2017, goodbye black and white, and hello green! This year is about embracing the old and the organic, especially with the Pantone color of the year "Greenery." Organic simply means raw and natural. This is great for those looking for a revitalizing and fresh look for their home. To get this look, find cozy, possibly vintage-inspired furniture and items that pair metal with raw wood. For the decor, go with blue ceramics and other artisanal/handcrafted items, accents with palm leaf/botanical patterns. Plants are a must-have, even in small bits. Soft furnishing like rugs and pillows can be of natural material or have large geometric prints. A more rustic approach would include exposed brick walls and concrete which are so popular now. To add a touch of luxury, have a bit of gold or brass in a few pieces. There are so many ways to play with this trend. You can go allout vintage or completely industrial or both. But I have to say, I'm loving this design trend so far.
I graduated from Cebu Doctors' University with a degree in B.S. Biology as my pre-med. While I was in my first year of med school, I realized that interior design was my passion. I decided to quit, enroll in Interior Design at the University of San Carlos and then take the licensure exam to be able to practice. It was not an easy journey for me. There were bumps along the road but I remained focused on my goal and strove harder. I am thankful that I have a very supportive family and now I am happy that I made the right decision, doing what I am passionate about.
If you were to come up with a home design theme for 2017, what would it be?
It would be multi-functional interior design in different styles and spaces. A good and effective interior design is more than just aesthetics; it is rather innovative and has interesting solutions to living space, which could improve the functionality and appeal of the interior. Multifunctional interior design is essential to smaller homes, apartments and condos. It calls for an open floor plan that incorporates the living and, dining rooms and kitchen, therefore, maximizing the space without compromising the existing given area. This type of design gives additional comfort, accessibility and effectiveness. It does not limit; rather it innovates new ideas on how to utilize your home regardless of style or which part of the interior. Customized furniture and built-in furniture plays a vital role in this type of interior. Arranging each furniture piece according to its functional zone that defines and creates separate space between areas visually in a more creative yet comfortable manner. Residential interiors are more of a personal experience and expression of how interior should be perceived by the client.
How did you end up being an interior designer?
I was acquainted with interior decor at such a young age because my late grandmother's house was filled with Delftware and reproductions of Edgar Degas paintings. That sparked my curiosity in pursuing a design related profession.
If you were to come up with a home design theme for 2017, what would it be?
It would probably be so fun to design a countryside chateau or a beach house inspired by architect Francisco Mañosa's local sensibility and interior designer Albert Hadley's innate chicness. Perhaps a living room bringing back rattan seating with tropical-patterned upholstery paired with an acrylic coffee table with a transitional silhouette and Asian decor to match. The flooring can be painted a geometric pattern. The bedroom can have a wooden four-poster bed, with very interesting artwork and artifacts, such as organizing boxes in shagreen. A sisal rug can anchor the bedroom arrangement. It could also be interesting to incorporate Capiz in the windows and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The bathroom can be pre-Colonial Filipino inspired with sleek bathroom furniture and fixtures incorporating shell-like accessories. A big and enormous sculpture can serve as a centerpiece.
How did you end up being an interior designer?
Ever since, my strengths and interests have always been in designing, so I enrolled at the University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus and pursued Interior Design. After getting my Bachelor's degree, I immediately took and passed the licensure exam for interior designers.
If you were to come up with a home design theme for 2017, what would it be?
For home styling, the Neoteric Folk design would give life to a 2017 living room, a space we Filipinos know to notably have a hospitable character. It welcomes the visitors, comforts, and speaks so much of the ones dwelling in it. Neoteric Folk is a combined concept that lives up to the fresh designs of today and also reflects the lifestyle of the homeowners. Neoteric folk look comes with an overall wall, ceiling and floor in neutral colors with an element of wood to give warmth to the interior. Fill the space up with clean, yet new-look, one of a kind furniture with pastel palettes and brass accents on home accessories; a client's handpicked painting or any art piece would complete the space. As a designer, we need to be flexible with the client's preferences. For design is always diverse, the goal is to let the interior tell their story.