Almost a year ago, I finally embarked on the biggest decision my perpetually-broke heart can make – I invested in my own condo unit, a place that I would eventually call my own after three decades of living with my parents.
For someone who considers homeownership as the ultimate barometer of success, I consider this decision as the best I have made. Since I bought on pre-selling terms, my unit wouldn’t be ready in two years. But this early, I have already collected pictures and pictures of design pegs, and have already expertly curated the looks I want via my Pinterest page.
Before, if you wanted a tastefully decorated unit, you had to get the services of an interior designer. However, the changing times and the availability of resources online has led to a change in perspective among Pinoy homeowners in decorating their homes.
SM Home is changing the way Filipinos approach interior design, starting with the launch of their “Essentials in Condo Living” design series. The program puts the spotlight on very small living spaces optimized and styled up by up and coming professional designers, highlighting how is it possible to turn even a small living space into a perfect home.
“In recent years, we’ve seen condo sixes shrink. And as they do, homeowners have to learn how to maximize spaces, to live comfortably without feeling cooped up,” notes SM Home assistant Vice President for Marketing Tom Castaneda during the media presentation of new condo set ups at the ground concourse of SM Makati.
He adds, “Since small condos demand creativity when it comes to optimizing space, SM Home has turned to design experts to help highlight ways to do that through a series of condo-like setups, as well as expert talks. There’s no shortage of furniture, accessories and small appliances that are designed specifically for condo living. SM Home is filled with compact yet stylish and multifunctional pieces that are condo perfect!”
Here are the tastefully and brilliantly designed setups as unveiled during the launch:
Tapped to lend their design prowess to the project are for up and coming designers who showcased their personal taste using many of the pieces from SM Home.
SM HOME’s Tom Castaneda with designers Ivy Crisostomo, James Razo, Erika Uichanco and Maya Franco
The living room, which takes inspiration from travel buffs is courtesy of Ivy Crisostomo. As a travel buff, I immediately fell in love with the design aesthetic and the brilliant use of elements. I am not too sold on the wall color (“African Herbsman from Boysen) but I see myself copying the design and applying it on my home.
Complementing the living room is the bedroom, a masterpiece created by James Razo, the managing director of his design firm The Gold Team Design Hub.
Cozy and inviting, the bedroom uses clever play on mixed-use pieces, while also making sure that the personality of the home owner shines through the pieces displayed in the room.
In charge of the charming dining room set up is Erika Uichanco, who was named on Real Living magazine’s “Creatives to Watch 2015.”
What I loved most abot Erika’s work is that she was able to make a small space very charming and functional at the same time. Admittedly, there were too many accessories and pieces crammed in such a small space — yet surprisingly, it works. I actually see myself living and using the dining area she designed!
Lastly, the kitchen was the brainchild of Maya Franco. Like the dining room, the kitchen contained a lot of elements and pieces that somehow blended well together, making for a very charming space.
Staying far too long in Pinterest has cultivated my love for quaint kitchen islands that do double duty and I saw that with Maya’s designs.
All design setups were heavily influenced by the popular Scandi-chic style with touches of rustic-luxe.
Personally, I am in awe of the brilliant use of pieces, color and inspiration in spite the limited space. I can’t wait to try them soon!
