IN PERFECT HARMONY
Renowned interior designer Budji Layug brings distinctively Filipino nuances to a cosy hideaway in the American state of Georgia, writes Marga Manlapig
Many of us yearn to get away from it all, to build a place where we can escape from the hustle and bustle of modern living. For one Filipino émigré who lives and works in Atlanta, that meant building a family retreat far removed from a city that is considered the ninth largest metropolitan area in the United States.
For this, the homeowner wanted to incorporate a hint of Filipino flair into her home and called in an expert who has l ong been known for seamlessly integrating proudly Philippine-made furniture and accents into living spaces both here and abroad: award-winning interior designer Budji Layug.
SOOTHING SPACES
“I wanted to create a space that would be perfect for helping the residents clear their minds after a week at work,” Layug explains when asked about the impetus behind the house’s overall design. “The air is fresher and one can definitely breathe much easier. The location is quite restful
for both the mind and bod y: a little way up in the mountains and surrounded by trees; there is even a small brook running near it. I decided to create a space that would complement rather than mar the location.”
The house itself is set in a cl earing on the foothills of the Blue R idge Mountains: a wide expanse flanked by the Appalachian forest with its towering oaks, pines, and maples. On the outside, it gives off a classic American country cabin theme with its sturdy, somewhat weather-worn wood and glass façade and gabled roofs. The inside, however, pays homage to modern diversity in terms of design.
Within, the split-level residence shows off an open layout that allows for freeflowing movement. Walls are kept to a bare minimum and panoramic windows show off an almost 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain ranges. High ceilings are also a key feature as these are a way of staving off the sweltering summers common to the southern United States.
Like many of Layug’s other residential projects, this house gives off a friendly, convivial vibe as it seems t o be uniquely designed to host both intimate family gatherings and larger parties with friends and colleagues from the city.
A Touch of home
At first glance, the interiors give the impression of being in a classic w esternstyle hunting lodge. Rustic wood panelling
At first glance, the interiors give the impression of being in a classic western-style hunting lodge
covers many of the house’s surfaces and each of the two fireplaces is set into rough-hewn stone walls. It may also be noted that many of the pieces of furniture used within are made of wood and leather—but the western touch stops there as these are mostly beautifully crafted items shipped in from the Philippines.
“The homeowner specifically asked for a few touches from home,” Layug points out. “In order to do so, I chose pieces from local designers like [Cebu’s] Kenneth Cobonpue. The smooth curves and clean lines were a good fit for the overall design.”
Indeed, closer inspection of the tables, chairs, and fixtures arranged throughout the house gives credence to this particular detail. Rattan and wicker are woven into armchairs that would not be out of place in a typical Filipino home; the same materials may also be seen in the trio of lamps illuminating the main dining area. Likewise, additional Asian nuances can be seen in the lighting fixtures in the kitchen: woven wire and wicker lamps of different sizes reminiscent of the rattan spheres tossed around for sepak takraw or sipa.
One particular sitting area boasts sturdy, dark-stained furniture made of thick bamboo sections lashed together with sturdy rattan twine in a fashion typically seen in seaside resorts and homes along the coast. A matching glass-topped coffee table sits in the centre of the area and, when seen together with the rough-hewn look of the stone fireplace built into one wall, the effect strikingly calls to mind bonfires by the shore
It is not surprising that the homeowner is eager to drive down to this almost idyllic cottage
or, more fancifully, tribal nights in the great outdoors. Brightly coloured woven throws and cushion covers further enhance the somewhat native touch.
Layug’s distinctive “tropical modern” aesthetic also extends to the outdoor sitting areas on both the second floor veranda and the dual-level patio below. Residents and guests can take in a verdant view of the woods and rolling hills in comfortable woven wicker armchairs on the upper level of the patio, setting down cocktail glasses or coffee cups on a heavy glass-topped table carved from a hardwood log. On the lower level, just by a brook with a sparkling surface, one may catch up on reading or conversations in a set of curved Kenneth Cobonpue club chairs with an open-weave pattern.
a personal retreat
For all its rustic looks, however, this house also boasts of plush comfort and sophistication.
In the dining and kitchen areas, the furniture is beautifully upholstered in smooth, brown leather as an accent to the creamy neutral colour scheme and marble countertops serve as both workspaces and serving areas.
Likewise, the main bedroom looks and feels like a proper personal retreat. Along with the bed and the dr essing bench that sits at its foot, there is also a comfortable breakfast nook to one side and a cosy chaise on the other on which t o gaze out onto the mountain views.
One particular room, however, seems rather distinct when compared to the rest of the house. With its pinewood and white marble fixtures, the house’s main bathroom seems to be more Swedish rather than East-West fusion. Located in a part of the house that stands at the f oot of a slope with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto stupendous sylvan views, the bathroom calls to mind the clean lines and rustic features of a classic Scandinavian spa retreat in the heart of the f orest.
Considering its location, it is surprising to note that the one concession L ayug has made with regard to the antebellum interiors of the American South are the vintage-styled ceiling fans in the main li ving areas—a necessary fixture typical of the region and one that fits in surprising ly well with the rest of the décor.
After a week struggling through the stress and pollution of the urban jungle, it is not surprising that the homeowner is eager to drive down to this almost idyllic cottage as a way of restoring one’s balance in totally restful surroundings.