Rinna Soriano’s favorite part of her work is sanding. At her workbench, she stays focused, following the grain, adjusting to changes in its direction. Narra, she has learned, can have interlocking grain. A piece of mango once proved particularly difficult until a worker explained that she had reached the point where a branch once grew […]
An Exclusive Look Inside the Chic Condo of Ivy Almario
Interior designer Ivy Almario of Atelier Almario has long been revered for her ability to weave elegance and personality into the spaces she designs. Known for her sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic, Almario has created countless environments that merge timeless beauty with modern functionality. But when it came to her own home—a two-story condominium in the heart of Makati City—she approached the design with a more personal vision in mind. This was to be her sanctuary, a space where she could unwind with family, laugh with her sisters, host friends, and still feel surrounded by the art and elements that inspire her daily.
For Almario, home isn’t just about shelter—it’s about creating an environment that nurtures both the spirit and the senses. “As an interior designer, north, south, east, or west, wherever I look, it should be eye candy,” she says. Every corner of her condo showcases this mantra, from the thoughtfully arranged vignettes to the carefully selected artwork lining the walls. But while her eye for design is evident in every detail, it’s the stories behind each piece, and the personal significance they hold, that truly make this residence unique.
A Place for Family and Friends
The Almario clan is extensive, and Ivy is particularly close to her two sons and their partners. However, it was important for her to create a sanctuary where she could unwind with her sisters and girlfriends. “We need them, especially to color our lives and make it meaningful,” she shares, underlining how her personal relationships deeply influence her design approach. She envisioned her condo as a chic, yet cozy retreat, blending elegant details with pieces that reflect both her family life and her social circle.
Smart Living Meets Personal Touches
While Almario’s home exudes classic charm, it is also equipped with the latest technology. Integrated smart lighting solutions allow her to adjust the ambiance with ease, a feature she finds particularly surprising and delightful. Additionally, motion detectors installed on the stairs ensure that the space is both practical and welcoming.
Throughout the home, Ivy Almario has ensured that personal items—like the photography work of her son—make the space uniquely hers. “Personal items make a home a home,” she says, emphasizing the importance of sentiment in her designs.
What Almario has crafted here is a personal statement. Every piece of furniture, every accent, and every corner tells a story of a life lived with intention, reflecting her journey as both a designer and a woman deeply connected to the people and things that matter most.
Want to see more of Ivy Almario’s beautiful home? Order your copy of the MyHome December 2024 issue, available via the sarisari.shopping website, Shopee, and Lazada. E-magazines are available for download via Readly, Press Reader, and Magzter.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
Read more: Setting New Standards: A Conversation with PIID’s Outgoing President Ivy Almario
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