It's a common misconception that living in a condo comes with limitations. Many people believe you can't have the space you want or do the things you love because of the limited floor area. However, in our City Condos series, we're here to prove there’s so much you can do in a condo unit. We'll showcase condos that offer creative solutions and inspiring interiors, proving that you can always achieve a home that supports your lifestyle and reflects your personality, regardless of size. So, get ready to be inspired and discover the endless possibilities of condo living.

Condo Overview: 

Size: 19 square meters 

Interior designer: Idr. Rolando Batingan Jr. (RCB Interiors) 

Principal designer and design supervision: Idr. Angelo Aguilar, PIID (ACGA Designs | [email protected])

Main contractor: WDJ Construction

Style: Modern-Luxe with Dark Gray Tones

Location: Fern at Grass Residences, Quezon City

Imagining how to turn a 24-square-meter condo unit into a home can be daunting, and it becomes even more challenging when you have only 19 square meters to work with. However, as seen in this Quezon City condo unit, proper space planning, understanding the owners' needs, and creative thinking can work like magic.

Designed by interior designers Angelo Aguilar and Rolando Batingan Jr., this studio unit will serve as a weekend getaway for a family of four and will be rented out on Airbnb during weekdays. Featuring a modern-luxe aesthetic that emphasizes gray tones and walnut wood laminates, the space feels welcoming, and its compact size is hardly noticeable once you step inside. The designers have done a splendid job of transforming it into a comfortable urban home.

In an interview with The Beat Asia, Angelo shared that they achieved a visually dramatic impact and a sophisticated atmosphere by incorporating reflective surfaces, bold colors, and metal accents. They also utilized vertical composite panels to create the illusion of a higher ceiling, effectively expanding the space vertically. "This style is perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly yet luxurious look reminiscent of hotel suites," he added.

The Space:

Entryway

One of the challenges of working with a compact unit is making it look airy and more spacious. As soon as you enter the unit, you'll be greeted by a full-height bronze mirror with black metal framing.

To enhance the area's functionality, the designers also installed an IKEA shoe cabinet that doubles as a console table. Next to it is a wardrobe cabinet equipped with a safety deposit box for storing clothes, luggage, and other items.

Kitchen

To ensure the kitchen complements the modern-luxe aesthetic, the kitchen cabinet doors were replaced. Additional wall cabinets and wire baskets were added to provide ample storage for dinnerware and cutlery.

Instead of using ordinary tiles as a backsplash, the designers opted for bronze mirror panels. Completing the upgraded kitchen is a mixer faucet that adds to the luxurious feel of the cooking area.

The designers also managed to incorporate a mini bar, housing the refrigerator, microwave, and espresso machine. The owners appreciated this addition as it contributes to the hotel-like ambiance they wanted for the unit.

Dining Area

The owners desired a multipurpose dining area that could transform into a vanity nook or home office when needed.

To accommodate this, an additional pull-out table was installed under the slim desk. Extra drawers were also added for storage, and chairs were chosen that can be easily tucked under the desk when not in use.

Entertainment/Living Area

A single sofa bed is paired with a modern rug to define the unit's entertainment area. Take a closer look at the wall behind the TV and you'll notice that it complements the rug and artworks in the space. Choosing materials that complement each other gives the unit a more cohesive look.

Additional mirror panels with metal framing also helped define this area and visually expand the space.

Sleeping Area

Fluffy pillows and throws adorn the bed, which features an upholstered headboard. Beneath the mattress is a customized bed frame that doubles as a storage cabinet for extra pillows, throws, and large bags.

Above the headboard, wall lamps have been installed to set the mood in the unit.

Bathroom

Before the renovation, the bathroom appeared bare without enclosures and storage units. Staying true to the theme, the designers not only added a shower enclosure but also upgraded the existing lavatory by installing a black granite countertop and a washbasin with storage cabinet underneath. 

The original swing-type door was replaced with a sliding door to save space.

Since there's only one ceiling light in the bathroom, they chose to install a mirror with a built-in tricolor LED light for added illumination.

From the designers:

“In the design world, luxury is not defined by specific colors or materials as much as it is defined by how you feel in the room. A luxuriously designed room must encompass beauty, comfort, timelessness, elegance, and functionality. Nowadays, there are plenty of affordable yet quality small and functional furniture pieces available that can help you save space. Making the right selections will enable you to create a well-designed space without exceeding your budget.”

Photos by Idr. Rolando Batingan Jr.

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