For many, settling into a home marks an endpoint, a project completed. For Vince Uy, however, his aparment is a living narrative, a space that breathes and shifts in step with its inhabitant’s own journey. It’s a philosophy rooted in the understanding that personal evolution and changing lifestyles naturally imprint themselves onto one’s surroundings, making the concept of a “finished” home an ever-receding horizon.
This belief in continuous adaptation finds vivid expression in the creative director’s own Makati apartment, a residence within a 1990s building that he has guided through numerous iterations over the 12 years he’s lived there, with the most recent renovation recently concluded. “I guess the thing with my style is more of really intentional maximalism,” Uy explains.
And it’s this principle that animates every corner of his home—a curated abundance of stories, colors, and textures. The larger unit cuts, a feature of older buildings like his, provide a generous stage for this dynamic design to unfold.
Having lived in the building since 2001, moving units once to accommodate a growing collection and a desire for more space, Uy appreciates the qualities of his ‘90s high-rise. Beyond the larger unit cuts, features like floor-to-ceiling windows offer an expansive feel, bathing the maximalist interiors in natural light.
Subtly guiding the placement of furniture and even color choices are feng shui principles. Uy keeps his layouts flexible to optimize the flow of energy, further enhancing the apartment’s adaptable and harmonious atmosphere.
The recent renovation wasn’t about a complete overhaul but a strategic enhancement. Beyond the practical, it was an opportunity to play and update. While most of the home is grounded in a “predominantly mocha” base, individual rooms now present their own distinct hues. The study is sage green, the guest room eggplant, and the kitchen a vivid mustard yellow. Even the master bedroom received a new coat of personality with a shade called apple crumble.
His spirited confidence with design is evident: “I like to play with color.” Uy’s home is a living entity, constantly adapting. Areas like his dining space have undergone numerous transformations, and arrangements throughout the apartment transform every couple of years. This fluidity reflects not just changing tastes, but an evolving lifestyle. For instance, he used to have the living room laid out for entertaining. “But now it’s more designed to chill,” he shares.
Stepping into Uy’s apartment is like entering a personal museum. Inspiration is often a blend of his travels and the distinct periods of his life, evident in the many items he brings back from his journeys. His home, in essence, is built from the fabric of his own experiences and the impressions left by art exhibits he’s visited.
The foyer and hallway make a distinct impression. A striking sea dragon console sourced from a local supplier showcases unique artwork and offers an immediate glimpse of the personality within. A short corridor leading to a powder room and bedroom serves as a mini gallery, with an imposing piece by Leeroy New holding space.
Ultimately, Vince Uy shaped a home that functions as an authentic extension of himself. He defines home as a place of “comfort, safety, and personal peace,” a sanctuary where he can truly be himself, regardless of how unconventional or maximalist his design might appear to others. In every colorful room, every curated object, and every evolving arrangement, his Makati apartment vividly reflects the beauty of a life well-lived and well-displayed. It’s a space that mirrors him, providing a profound sense of balance, well-being, and the irreplaceable feeling of being perfectly, intentionally, at home.
Read the full story by grabbing your copy of BluPrint Homes, available at the sarisari.shopping, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download here or through Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon
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