ARTISAN LVTN: home

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design project

PROJECT: Mid-Century Bungalow Renovation

Peeling back the layers of old homes is always intriguing, the same way that you go into an antique shop not knowing what you'll...

Peeling back the layers of old homes is always intriguing, the same way that you go into an antique shop not knowing what you'll find. However, despite the usual intrigue and excitement of discovery is also the challenges and headaches that renovations bring.
Built sometime in the 60's, the first thing that caught my eye in this mid-century home are the unique patterns on the facade. Made from precast concrete—a technique rarely used today due to its added cost and dated style— the textured facade adds an interesting look to an otherwise plain wall. Inside, the home is actually larger than it appears, with a cozy kitchen and a spacious master bedroom in the main floor alongside the living and dining space. On the far right of the home, a door opens up to a staircase leading down to the lower floor which houses a storage turned bedroom with access to the backyard.
Old and dated, almost every part of the house needed repairs while some needed a serious upgrade in terms of style and finishes. The only important thing that I needed to consider was knowing what to preserve and what to change. Luckily, everyone agreed with my proposed direction, starting with the new black-and-white color scheme for the house. We chose to paint the beautiful facade in white to highlight the textures and maintain a welcoming atmosphere. The rest of the house painted in black, from the perimeter wall, to the garage and all around the wood boards of the house. This resulted in a very modern look for an otherwise old-style home.
Inside, the first major step was to open up the living and dining space by removing the existing ceiling. In doing so, we were able to welcome more light and air into the space. It also allowed us to figure out the old electrical system and to fix-up the convoluted wiring. With that done, it was easier to work with every other room step-by-step. For the master bedroom, aside from the repainting, the only major renovation work was it's en suite bathroom. Previously a his and hers bathroom with very old fixtures and tiles, the bathroom has been transformed into a modern-classic style with white marble tiles and white walls. The kitchen was fully renovated as well, everything had to go except for the classic-looking cabinets. Floor and wall tiles were changed, the kitchen counter was replaced with a new black granite slab and the back splash was finished with modern subway tiles. The finishing touch to the kitchen are most definitely the brass handles over the newly painted cabinets in light gray, topped with gold-accented drop lights.
Downstairs, this old storage room was split up into two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Since the lower level has a much lower ceiling height, we tried our best to maximize the space and to give it a spacious feel by painting everything in white. We also used small LED lighting, allowing us to illuminate the bedrooms despite the low ceiling height. The lower ground floor also has direct access to the backyard, however, the backyard then was uninviting without a proper patio. Making use of the wide space at the back, a patio was built, extending to almost a third of the land. Accessible from the bedrooms through a common hallway and shaded by foliage, the patio became the perfect breakout space. An open and carefree space that is perfect for lounging on a quiet afternoon, or for beers and barbecues on the weekend.
The whole project was a challenge, from the simple process of repainting the walls and updating the ceiling, down to the task of fixing messy electrical wiring and clogged plumbing, renovating an old house is always difficult. With no architectural plans as a guide, the contractor had to retrace and redo everything, it was a slow process but inch by inch we were able to finish. The result, an updated home with a more modern look but still retains its olden charms.

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!