This Metro Manila Apartment Redefinition Will Blow Your Mind

Sonny wanted his home to serve multiple purposes. The space needed to allow him to work from home, cook, entertain guests, and provide a respite from his hectic city life. He yearned for a warm, functional home, yet similar to a modern art museum. Our goal was to make this possible while maximizing the space and creating a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle.

When we first found the apartment, it was a bare shell, featuring an open layout inclusive of the sleeping, living, and dining areas. We chose to maintain this open design and added customized elements such as a new kitchen, bathroom, and extra storage to fit Sonny’s requirements.

Upon entering, one is greeted by the dining and living areas. To the right of the dining table is a full-length arch mirror, cleverly placed to amplify the perception of space. To the left, you find the compact yet well-equipped kitchen, hidden fridge, microwave, comfortable sink, and an induction cooktop and oven.

To balance aesthetics and functionality, we employed a mix of closed cabinets and open shelves. The cabinets help to conceal any kitchen clutter, while the open shelves display Sonny’s charming Le Creuset and mug collection. For a streamlined look, we used finger holes instead of door handles and opted for bleached solid wood and plywood with a wood stain. The kitchen countertop and splashback are made of water-resistant solid wood.

Additional storage includes a floor-to-ceiling pantry accessed via a sliding polycarbonate door and a larger built-in unit. This space accommodates personal items like books and Sonny’s Blu-ray collection. Wooden slats added to the cabinet provide an appealing textural detail.

The green floor tiles in the kitchen differentiate it from the dining and living areas. We used a small curve to soften the transition between these spaces. The dining area features a custom round table with a green quartz top and fluted wooden base, seating up to four. This also doubles as Sonny’s work table.

Designed as an entertainment area, it houses a light gray L-shaped couch that comfortably accommodates 2 to 3 people and can also function as an extra bed. Sonny’s love for films is catered to with a 65-inch TV that can be viewed from both the living and sleeping areas. For flexibility, we opted for a small side table over a large coffee table.

The sleeping area, though part of the open space, is distinctly defined by a textured cement wall which creates a nice contrast to the white walls of the apartment. A platform elevates the sleeping area from the rest of the apartment and provides extra storage for cleaning materials. A large built-in closet caters to Sonny’s storage needs. At the foot of the bed, a counter doubles as a room divider and workstation.

Tucked behind a sliding door by the kitchen, the bathroom is a play of color and textures. The ceiling sports a salmon pink finish, and the walls an army green hue. We used tiles, balancing style, and practicality for areas more prone to water splashes. The laundry space, equipped with a combo washer, dryer, and additional storage, is nestled beside the shower. We opted for polycarbonate over the fluted glass to allow natural light in, which is also more cost-effective and easier to source.

We took a versatile approach to the lighting design to accommodate all functions. Under-cabinet lighting brightens up the kitchen countertop, a soft pendant lamp graces the dining table, and another pendant lamp illuminates the platform desk. A reading lamp beside the bed adds an accent, and track lighting is utilized for general light, proving useful and flexible in the long run.

Final touches included the addition of block-out roller blinds for light control when watching films during the day and sheer curtains for privacy without blocking light completely. The curtains also add a layer of softness to the space, enhancing its cozy feel.

The result of this project was a warm, functional, and artistically pleasing home, perfect for Sonny to retreat to after a long day. In a busy city like Manila, where people often need to reside close to their workplaces, repurposing small inner-city living spaces becomes crucial. With clear and deliberate intentions, we transformed Sonny’s apartment into a refuge, a home, and a safe space that maximized every inch.