Manila

Dynamic duo Cynthia and Ivy Almario curate the home of an avid art collector

Designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario have a keen and experienced eye for detail. They understand the impact a single piece of art can make when hung on a blank wall, but also know the powerful effect a home with richly decorated walls, brimming with visual inspiration, can have. ‘It was a dream to work with a client who’s been collecting art since he was young,’ says Cynthia. Being close friends of the family, the Almarios already knew what the client’s burgeoning art collection offered long before the project started. They were also particularly well-suited to the task: having designed the homes of several other art collectors over the years, they’ve become skilled curators.

Design-wise, the home was simple enough to work with. ‘Architecturally, we were working off a plan based on a property development’s model unit. The original was Mediterranean in theme — something we wanted to move away from,’ says Ivy. ‘The family wanted something more modern and rustic: a little Pottery Barn, a little Restoration Hardware.’ During construction, the Almarios squared off all the rounded edges and curves that were introduced in the first floor plan. But as the work progressed, tastes and preferences evolved. The owners decided to take a new direction and the home was to become a uniquely Philippine abode instead.

Now the home is designed around local art. ‘The collection includes many pieces by Filipino masters, which the family was lucky to acquire when they first began investing in art years and years ago,’ Cynthia explains. ‘When we first met them, we instantly knew they were ahead of their time.’ Filipino contemporary artist Ronald Ventura was an early favourite, and his trademark affinity for realism and science fiction represents a running theme in the owners’ collection.

As guests walk through the foyer and into the living room, they experience over 20 pieces — never overwhelming, all cohesive, and set against a beautifully cool grey colour palette. Works by Filipino masters such as Ventura, Marina Cruz, Elmer Borlongan and Ang Kiukok permeate the space. ‘They all share a common thread; there is absolutely no discord because he collects the art he loves,’ says Ivy.

The standout piece is found in the living room: a vibrant and meticulously textured piece by Jigger Cruz. ‘There was just something about that painting,’ Cynthia says. ‘It reminded me of a painting I once saw in Amsterdam, and it just so happened that the family had made that same connection. There was something so successful about the piece, how it had evoked such similar responses between us and them.’

With art as the centrepiece of the home, local touches such as t’nalak throws, a Kenneth Cobonpue chandelier and local furniture fill the spaces, adding further dimension and meaning.

As the sisters point out, there’s much to be said about an art-filled room, and about someone who understands art. This quality translated into three-dimensional space means a home that lives, breathes and evolves as vibrantly as the art housed within it.