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Given that the entire third level had been left unchanged since the structure was first built in the mid-90s, Anla’s task was to transform the space from drab and old-fashioned to sleek and modern. On their first meeting onsite, Anla and Mike spent an hour talking about how the unit should end up looking.
“I wanted the look and feel of a condo in Makati or the Fort,” says Mike. “I work in the Fort, and I wanted space that would make the drive home worth it.”
Since the space was originally designed to house the bedrooms of Mike and his four siblings, there were major renovations needed. “I removed a lot of walls and created an open floor plan where one of the former bedrooms made room for the kitchen and dining area,” explains Anla. The unit now has three bedrooms, three baths, two walk-in closets, an open living room, a dining area, and a home office/film room.
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The living room was outdated with furniture pieces that were neither comfortable nor functional. Now, a custom accent chair adds a pop of color and lends a casual vibe to the living area.
Across, is the kitchen and dining area, exuding elegance. The area is also down-to-earth with its warm bronze tones and smooth tufted upholstered seating. Predominantly neutral with clean finishes, this area is one of Mike’s favorite spaces.
To the right of the dining area is one of the guest rooms, while beyond the kitchen is the office/film room. One of Mike’s non-negotiables was an office and film room, which the designer combined in one space. “I work from home a lot and I really like to watch movies,” he shares. Mike knew that he had to get the perfect recliner to go with it. “I tried a lot of styles from the low-end ones to Lay-Z boys,” shares Mike in his three-month quest for “the one.”
Further is the second guest room that could potentially become a girl’s bedroom (the owners chose to have three bedrooms with two-three kids in mind). The bedroom gets a hotel-inspired headboard that is also seen in the master’s bedroom next to it.
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Framed by an elegant cushioned headboard that goes up to the ceiling, the master bedroom is equal parts dramatic, sleek, and warm—a far cry from its former state. For the most part, Mike stepped out of his comfort zone. For the walk-in closet, Mike says it was mainly for his girlfriend, Luisa. The master bath also became ergonomic for Mike’s height. “I don’t need to bend down too far to use it. Anla took my height into account and was very detailed about the measurements.”
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Mike couldn’t be happier with the end result. “It’s my dream house, for now.” Anla was able to give life to a structure that was deteriorating. “I was so happy it was achieved, the lines, the colors, and the way it looks is elegant. It’s something I can be very proud of.”
This story first appeared on CondoLiving Vol. 11 No. 1 2016. Edits were made for CondoLiving.OneMega.com.
