Public spaces in Metro Manila are often defined by movement rather than pause. People in transit hurry through; the underpass is a shortcut, not a place to stop. Underground, the installation by photography group FotomotoPH, reimagined the Paseo Underpass as a visual experience. FotomotoPH is a Philippine-based photography collective dedicated to promoting, exhibiting, and fostering […]
The Evolving Sanctuary of Michelle Hui Lao
Beyond brick and mortar, homes possess a hidden soul—the ability to morph into living narratives. They are silent witnesses to the lives of their inhabitants. Such is the case of fashion stylist Michelle Hui Lao’s home, a dynamic space that reminds her and her son of the changes they have encountered in various stages of their lives.
Welcoming Changes
Nestled in Mandaluyong, Lao’s 102-square meter dwelling place never had a single and constant trademark concept. With functionality as the top priority, her home’s design and her free will to decide how she lives her life have always been locked in a cosmic ballet. And as someone who’s deeply invested in the creative field, the fashion stylist understands the importance of adaptability and allows her space to mirror the dynamism of her creative process.
Similar to her evolving taste and needs, her three-bedroom abode undergoes transformation when her lifestyle demands it. How the place appears now is beyond recognizable from what it looked like back in 2020.
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Before, it used to feature mismatched décor with varying textures, colors, and patterns. It was an eclectic haven boasting with character. But its current design leans more towards modern style involving simpler and cleaner elements to act as a neutral backdrop for her sentimental items to stand out. As much as she values function, Lao wants her space to be a reflection of memories and experiences as well. And if she can add beauty to that, it’s already a win for her.
Reimagined Spaces
The home features a primary bedroom, her son’s room, a maid’s quarters, a kitchen, and a balcony all renovated along Lao’s evolving lifestyle. But the living room holds the most evident and drastic changes compared to the previous design.
One of the noticeable differences made is Rinne Abrugena’s yellow abstract painting hanging above the sofa. With its massive size, it draws immediate attention. Beside the painting is Nice Buenaventura’s Mateo Francisco portrait and a mini yellow tiered sculpture.
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Lao added more pops of color in a lip painting displayed in the center of the living room and in the vertical stacks of books on the floor. The sofa and the lamp beside it share the same beige color, creating an intriguing contrast against the vibrant wall décor. Additionally, the marble coffee table ornamented
with gray busts seamlessly blend with the neutral backdrop of the space.
“I think design is not just about completely redoing your house, but about how you live within that house.” Michelle Hui Lao is a different story altogether. Sometimes, I know immediately where a particular piece will go. Most of the time, I enlist the help of my friends who are more adept at placements than I ever will be.”
Echo of Identity
Lao sees herself as full of contradictions, and this trait translates into her home’s design. Having multiple facets channels her creativity and has been her driving force in picking out and curating the pieces in her space. She even compared this innate attribute to the idea of the wrong shoe theory and Marcel Duchamp’s quote about going against yourself. And achieving that in her own space is a satisfaction she can’t put numbers on.
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Get a closer of look at Michelle Hui Lao’s beautiful home by ordering your copy of the MyHome October 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: Home and Heirloom: Gabriel Schmid Blends Tradition with Modernity
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