The pursuit of a truly personal sanctuary often transcends meticulously planned layouts and curated aesthetics. For homeowners who see their space as an evolving reflection of their life, this condo unit by Kix Suarez offers a fascinating study. Amidst an amassed collection of art, furniture, and mementos within defined walls lies proof that his personality can still flourish unbound.
Living independently in Tokyo’s vibrant creative scene for almost five years allowed Suarez to shape his living space entirely to his own vision. It was a period of profound personal freedom in an abode that served as a direct extension of his artistic sensibilities. But upon returning to the Philippines, he became familiar with the constraints of staying with his parents once again. While his room in his family’s residence offered a degree of privacy, the underlying feeling of being in a shared home is a persistent reminder that the space, however personal, was not his to command.
The desire to regain a self-directed lifestyle led to a decisive move: acquiring a condo unit in one of the metro’s older buildings. Upon purchasing the 84-square-meter unit, Suarez found it already midway through a renovation. The space was in a reasonably clean state, with termite treatment completed and fresh white paint applied throughout. The bathroom had also been updated, and the lighting fixtures were already installed.
However, the current trajectory of the renovation didn’t align with his vision for the space. So, he decided to stop the work and undo most of the recent changes.
In collaboration with his contractor, Suarez let his unbridled nature infuse the confined space with an authentic projection of himself.
Like an artist facing a fresh canvas, Suarez saw the need to start with a blank slate. He stripped away the already laid out vinyl flooring to restore the original raw concrete base of his new space, which was polished to a smooth finish.
Interestingly, the seasoned creative kept the installed lighting fixtures. He shares that he doesn’t use them much, seeing them more for function than for aesthetics. But he was keen to transform the walls in the living and dining areas, painting them a muted dark blue hue.
“I’m in denial because I like black a lot. But blue is the color that I’m now accepting as probably my favorite color,” Suarez admits. “I don’t really [turn on] the lights in my apartment. So, it’s kind of just daylight seeping in. It’s darker [inside]. And I don’t like bright places. So, blue felt like [the right] color. It was also [the color of] my childhood room.”
Suarez’s “no thought” display of these beloved items is precisely what renders it so thoughtful. It naturally showcases his support for his friends in the creative field, serves as a tangible recognition of his dedication to past work collaborations, and embodies the joyful fulfillment of childhood desires. But more importantly, this space embodies his hard-earned independence.
“The more I curate, the more it’s not going to feel authentic or organic,” he states. By skipping a rigid aesthetic and trusting his instincts, Suarez created a space that echoes past memories and fuels his present growth within its walls.
“I think there’s always this thing where I wanna express myself. And I think this [condo unit] is kind of like a culmination of that,” Suarez continues. “I never really intended to leave Japan, but I had to. It was kind of like an extension of that… That whole thing about my life there, I can have it here also.”
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
Read more: A Studio Type Apartment That’s Big on Style
Ricco Ocampo is no stranger to retail. He found success in launching lasting brands such as eyewear i2i New York and clothing brands Sari-Sari Store and The Black Shop. His eye is sharp when spotting what sells and is in tune with the pulse of the market. At the House of O – his home […]
A simple thesis took center stage at the launch of the new Bertazzoni flagship showroom in Makati: impeccable design leads to exceptional taste. The renowned Italian appliance brand Bertazzoni, gathered the country’s leading architects and designers for an evening titled “Taste by Design.” The event, held in partnership with BluPrint, was a compelling showcase of […]
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
The typical daily Philippine urban bustle recedes when entering the Merville neighborhood, winding through until you reach more genteel streets. This is where architect Sudar Khadka grew up, formerly in an older house on a 540-square meter lot, which his parents bought in the late 1980s. He has now designed and built a completely new […]
In the Philippines, heat and humidity are the norm. Typically, we would combat these mechanically, shutting all windows and curtains to switch on the air-conditioner, essentially placing our comfort at the mercy of the refrigerant. The clients for the Pflieder Residence, an active family that loved the outdoors, resisted this initial impulse. Lor Calma and […]
Architecture has the power to bridge the past and present, reshaping spaces to meet modern needs while preserving their original character. A well-designed renovation does more than update aesthetics. It honors a structure’s history, layering new narratives onto its existing foundation. Rather than opting for demolition, AP House architect Don Lino, alongside Project Architect Ronald […]
