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: 62 square meters

Interior designer: Idr. Angelica Fua (@inwardspaces_ph | [email protected])

Style: Contemporary Tropical

Location: Quezon City

The pursuit of a place to call home is an important part of a couple’s journey. In turning this 62-square-meter condo unit in Quezon City into a home, the owners, who are newlyweds, wanted a contemporary tropical aesthetic that’s both functional and a feast for the eyes – simple yet airy and inviting.

But a home isn't merely about appearances; it embodies comfort, memories, and stories. It's the aroma of morning coffee and the echoes of late-night laughter. Guided by the expertise of interior designer Angelica Fua, the couple successfully created this haven – a place that truly feels like theirs, with a focus on the essentials, including a functional bathroom, sleek flooring, and ample storage.

The condo embodies simplicity with a touch of warmth, enriched by tropical-inspired details that infuse character into the space. For the owners, it's more than a condo; it's the tangible form of their shared journey, a testament to their aspirations and love.

The Space:

Dining Area

A wide wall mirror and complementary wall paneling serve as cornerstones for the dining area, simultaneously fostering the illusion of an expanded space. The owners made a deliberate choice to invest in sturdy furniture that will stand the test of time. This is especially evident in their choice of a six-seater solid wood dining set, which commands attention at the heart of the common areas.

As for lighting, the designer chose wall sconces that enhance the ambiance during dinner time. Situated between the dining and living areas is the wife's standing desk. Given her remote work setup, having a designated workstation at home is a must.

Just a few steps away from the dining area, there's a built-in buffet section that doubles as a coffee station. Adorned with a quartz countertop and finished with wood laminate, this space seamlessly marries functionality and style. 

To utilize the full height of the wall niche, the designer incorporated open shelves illuminated with LED lighting, providing an ideal showcase for books and cherished photographs.

Kitchen

The kitchen underwent a complete transformation due to its limited size, which didn't meet the homeowners' needs. As part of an effort to brighten the entire unit, the designer replaced the original black granite countertops with pristine white quartz countertops. 

Additionally, the countertop space was extended, providing the owners with ample room for meal preparation.

Meanwhile, the kitchen backsplash harmonizes with the white countertop base and showcases subtle veining for added texture. The designer's choice of a large-cut porcelain tile not only contributes to the aesthetic but also guarantees effortless maintenance.

Wondering where the refrigerator is? It's ingeniously tucked away within the utility closet, a versatile space that also acts as a walk-in storage pantry. The utility closet's door features a charming natural rattan weaving detail, known as solihiya, echoing the design also found in the buffet cabinet. 

According to the designer, this choice enhances the tropical ambiance of the unit, evoking the serene atmosphere of resorts – a vibe the owners aimed to capture.

Living Area

When it comes to embracing the tropical style, the strategic use of decor and furnishings can help you achieve the look without overwhelming the space. In the living area, a jute area rug harmoniously complements the rattan poufs, coffee table, and sofa bed.

Looking to infuse tropical elements effortlessly? Try pops of color through pillowcases and a faux plant, breaking the monotony of the neutral backdrop. Additionally, the artwork above the sofa introduces visual intrigue.

A 55-inch TV graces the wood-paneled wall, accompanied by a suspended built-in custom entertainment unit in a glossy white laminate finish just below it. The designer chose a swivel-type TV mount, affording the owners the flexibility to adjust its angle towards the dining area as desired.

Bedroom

For an ideal sleep and relaxation haven, the bedroom should remain free of distractions and unnecessary decor. The designer curated the space with a queen-size bed featuring a built-in headboard crafted from wooden slats, serving both as a functional element and a captivating wall accent.

An uplight integrated into the headboard casts a gentle glow that complements the pale green accent wall above it.

Adjacent to the window, there's a separate workstation for the husband, cleverly designed to accommodate their printer and other work essentials. Additionally, it doubles as a vanity area for the wife when not in use.

From the Designer:

"In achieving the contemporary tropical aesthetic, try to use tactile, natural materials found in our environment—rattan, wood, and stone. You can also add color accents like olive green to enhance the look. You can never go wrong looking at Mother Nature for inspiration."

Photos courtesy of Idr. Angelica Fua

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