An OFW Surprised His Parents With This Condo Unit

“When I acquired the property, I knew from the very beginning that it was for my parents. I just wanted it clean and spacious-looking, while being cozy at the same time,” shares Danilo who prefers only his first name to be used.

Since he works in China, he collaborated with interior designer Ina Rivera, giving her free rein in terms of choosing the furniture, materials, finishes, and accessories. “I just had to insist on my preferences in terms of the appliances,” he adds.

For her part, Ina took into consideration Danilo’s wish to have an airy and comfortable space for his parents. “It had to be spacious to accommodate guests, have enough storage space in every area of the unit, and additional prep space without doing anything major to the existing kitchen,” explains the designer.

“I saw the reaction of his siblings, and more importantly, his parents. It hit me then, that this home that I helped create is a tribute to the sacrifices his parents made for the entire family,” Ina shares.

Kitchen

Since the family enjoys entertaining guests and cooking, the interior designer retained the original layout and kitchen cabinets, then added an extra table to serve as breakfast nook and extra prep area. Ina also chose stools that can be kept under the table to keep the area from the door free from obstructions.

"I had to encourage movement and interaction among the users and between the users and the space. Ang laki at maluwag niya tignan kasi there are no big scaled furniture in the unit and I painted the walls and ceiling in white" she explains.

Living and Dining Areas

The designer chose to work with neutral colors and different shades of blue. With natural light streaming into the unit through the sliding glass doors, it's easy to feel at home and at ease the moment you step inside.

Dining Area

Ina opted for a Scandinavian-inspired dining set with matching chairs and a glass-topped table with wooden legs. When the owners have guests, the extra prep space in the kitchen can accommodate two more people.

Look closely at the walls, the designer chose a sleek wallpaper to spruce up the walls. "Wallpaper gives the room more character and texture, plus, it can be installed in a day and it lasts longer when properly maintained. I chose a wallpaper pattern that looks like concrete with grooves and bolts," Ina adds.

Living Area

A two-seater sofa with storage is paired with a bright yellow accent chair, and a coffee table that can be used as extra seating when needed. Notice the ledge behind the sofa? It's a clever way of keeping wires and other knickknacks out of sight. There's also a secret open shelving on one side to house te Wi-Fi router and other belongings.

We also can't help but fall in love with the hexagonal shelves serving as wall accents. 

Matching the prep table in the kitchen are the shelves and entertainment console in the living area. 

Master Bedroom

The designer used a neutral but textured wallpaper to liven up the walls. "It gives that relaxed hotel bedroom vibe when styled with all the bed linen and pillows," she exclaims. Mirrors serve as wall accents and help create an illusion of a bigger space.

Second Bedroom

Instead of buying a bed, Ina and Danilo decided to have the bunkbed customized by the workers. "Since this room has a window that overlooks the hallway from the elevator, I had No Plain Surface install window decals similar to what's seen in the kitchen," Ina shares.

Bathroom

The designer decided to create a beautiful vanity using the existing fixtures by adding a round mirror and wall lamps. For a cohesive look, they also used the same wallpaper seen in the living and dining areas.

To keep clutter at bay, there are enough storage nooks and stackable wire baskets. "There are no closed cabinetry here, lalo na 'yung ilalim ng sink para if there would be plumbing issues, madali pa rin siya ma-access. It still looks airy and you can see what items you already have," Ina explains.

Ready for your own home makeover? Get in touch with interior designer Ina Rivera through mobile at (0947)-279-4166 or e-mail vezadesigns[at]gmail.com.

 

This story originally appeared on Realliving.com.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.