ARTISAN LVTN: 2018

airbnb

PROJECT: Manhattan Inspired Airbnb Studio

Airbnb is so popular nowadays that everyone from the most experienced traveler to the occasional tourist won't have trouble finding qu...

Airbnb is so popular nowadays that everyone from the most experienced traveler to the occasional tourist won't have trouble finding quality accommodations almost anywhere. Wanting to convert this previously unused unit into an income-generating space, the client approached me to design this unit to create a home for both Airbnb guests, as well as visiting friends from their native home of Cebu.
In transforming this 40-square-meter unit, the first step for me was to set our design and vision for the space, which luckily, the clients have trusted me with. The only requirements set forth by them were to create storage space for bags and luggage, create a sense of privacy for guests, and finally, maximize the space to be able to comfortably accommodate up to four guests at a time.
Simplicity was key for this Airbnb in order to create a space that is both trendy with a classic look, a look that is both eye-catching and welcoming to almost any guest. With that in mind, we chose a neutral color scheme with plenty use of blacks and grays for contrast, paired with a mixture of patterns and textures for interest.
Upon entering the space, guests can leave their bags and slip onto bedroom slippers with the custom-made wooden rack by the entrance before being greeted by a cozy dining nook and living space. Benches upholstered in grey fabric seamlessly fit around the corner, while an old wooden table which was given a new look with a fresh coat of grey paint, make up the dining nook. This, highlighted by a white, modern, cone-shaped drop light with a tan leather accent. Next to the dining is a modest living space with a comfy L-shaped sofa that can easily transform into a queen sized bed should there be more guests. Proudly displayed behind the sofa are a collection of travel photos, rendered in black and white, that the client has shot throughout the years.
To easily define the space and to create a sense of privacy, a divider was put-up between the living space and the sleeping area. A multi-tiered design allows for decorative items to be displayed on either side, such as books from the client's own collection that guests can pick-up and read during their stay. While the divider allows for privacy in the sleeping area, it still allows for natural light to filter in through frosted glass panels into the living space. Opposite the queen sized bed and the custom divider is a wardrobe finished in light-wood laminates, matching with the rest of the pieces. The left side of the wardrobe has large open shelves to allow for storage of bags above and a space large enough for check-in luggage below, while a desk provides a proper work space for guests who travel for business. Finally, white subway tiles used as the back splash livens up the kitchen and for the bathroom, a round mirror and gray walls give is a subtle sense of sophistication.
Note: This unit is available on Airbnb, just click right here!

A collection of patterned throw pillows and an area rug with a chevron motif creates a bold statement.

Photographs shot by the client from their travels.

Round white marble tray and black marble serving tray from Marmol Stonework

Creative use of wooden crates can allow a number of styling possibilities, such as this crate from Mori Home used as a pseudo book-end.

This large crate from Mori Home can be used as a magazine rack for leisurely reading.

This cozy dining nook is the perfect place for morning coffee or midnight cocoa.

Elegant in black, these gray walls are complemented by black marble toilet accessories from Marmol Stonework

accent wall

PROJECT: Dining Area Nook

This dining area is part two to my previous post, the White Kitchen project . Common to many renovation projects, things will tend to...

This dining area is part two to my previous post, the White Kitchen project. Common to many renovation projects, things will tend to have a domino effect. Right next to the kitchen, the dining area also needed an upgrade to match the improved look of the kitchen interiors.
Although not much is needed aside from a fresh coat of paint for the ceiling and brand new wallpaper, the brand new divider wall—separating the dining room and kitchen—needed major treatment.
Since the White Kitchen was renovated and made larger, the previous wall had to be moved closer to the dining area.What was previously a bar counter is now a tiled accent wall covered in a mix of both smooth and rough sandstone, a perfect backdrop for a classic art piece. Surrounding the wall is a custom arch, done in a faux-wood laminate finish, which in fact are extra storage cabinets. One notable feature to the cabinets is that the paneling not only adds depth and texture but also obscures the gaps where the doors meet, making the cabinet as inconspicuous as possible. Marrying both aesthetics and practicality, this dining area nook is a cozy space with a little bit of a surprise.

annex

PROJECT: The White Kitchen Annex

Like many homes in Manila, there is a main kitchen for the many simple tasks, but there is also a dirty kitchen or annex kitchen whi...

Like many homes in Manila, there is a main kitchen for the many simple tasks, but there is also a dirty kitchen or annex kitchen which usually does all the heavy lifting. Being the partner to one of my previous works, the White Kitchen project , this kitchen follows a similar palette of whites and neutrals.
Built from an old shed, structural work was the first step before this kitchen could live up to its task. This involved a couple of changes to the lay-out of doors and windows for better flow, and new skylights to flood the kitchen with natural light during the day. Plenty of the old materials and finishes from the White Kitchen renovation were actually reused for the annex kitchen. This allowed us to save a lot of old-but-good materials as well use help us minimize the budget.
Almost everything, from the sliding door, aluminum windows, glass-paned cupboard doors to the marble counter tops and even the ceiling fan, were refurbished and reused. It was like a giant puzzle, finding old pieces that fit while taking great care in saving these items for reuse. This dilemma was especially true for the marble that has been used in the previous kitchen for decades, before being removed and relocated to the new annex kitchen. Despite being almost completely made of recycled materials, a fresh coat of white paint for the cupboard doors and a coating of wax over all the marble surfaces made everything look as good as new. Finally, with the installation of the appliances—including a vintage Caloric gas range—the annex kitchen is ready to use for years to come.

classic

PROJECT: The White Kitchen

Change is always a constant, especially for this home of almost thirty years. After going through a number of renovations in the ...

Change is always a constant, especially for this home of almost thirty years. After going through a number of renovations in the other areas, the main kitchen finally had it's chance for an upgrade. This kitchen project had three major requirements, to create more storage, to make it long-lasting and to make it beautiful. Simple as it may sound, the process was definitely tedious. First, there was a much needed change to the size of the existing kitchen, including the need for a larger window for more natural light. This meant a lot of demolition, relocation and restoration work before installation of the kitchen cabinetry and other finishing work could begin.

Keeping in line with the dated look of the house, the design direction for this kitchen was to combine the timelessness of the colonial style while incorporating modern materials and plenty of new kitchen accessories. A color scheme of different whites and ivory served as the base for this design. Wood plank tiles created a warm and cozy look to create a balance with the vanilla-white cabinetry and the white subway tiles. Moldings and trims lined up the edges for a more classic look as well. Plenty of storage was needed so the cabinetry was designed to cover every inch of the kitchen. A variety of trays, wire baskets, pull-out systems and other accessories were also added for more efficient storage solutions. Easy to clean and with a modern look, glossy acrylic laminates was used for the cabinet doors. Adding more storage and working space, an island counter was added in the center which doubly serves as a dining area as well. Combining the best of both worlds, two different kinds of stones were used for the counters. The perimeter counter is topped with white quartz, a very hard and durable material best used in kitchens. On the other hand the island counter is clad in beautiful hand-picked Romblon marble which features more veining and visual impact. All this, illuminated by the cherry on top, a brass chandelier with a modern-vintage look, truly making this counter the center of the show.

With so much design work and detail put into this, all this effort will go to waste if it did not last, so stainless steel was the material of choice for all cabinet interiors. A definite pick due to previous experience of the owners to water damage, warping and termites. Beautiful with its classic look and both functional and durable, this new kitchen is definitely a worth it investment that will stand the test of time.