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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017 Isah V. Red, Editor
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Young Life
Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor isahred@gmail.com.ph
By Daniel Reyes
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ONDOMINIUMS have allowed many Metro Manila-based Filipinos to live in convenient locations within or nearby commercial and business districts. But such accessibility and added amenities come in exchange of actual living space. “In recent years, we’ve seen condo sizes shrink. And as they do, homeowners have to learn how to maximize their spaces—to live comfortably without feeling cooped up,” noted SM Home assistant vice president for Marketing Tom Castañeda. To help condo owners create a space that is comfortable and functional, SM Home partnered with interior designers Ivy Crisostomo, James Razo, and Erika Uichanco, and Architect Maya Franco for its latest design series dubbed “Essentials of Condo Living” on Sept. 16 and 17. The featured experts created living spaces designed in Scandi-chic style with touches of rustic-luxe.
Choose multifunctional furniture
Scandi-chic minimalist approach is ideal in designing small spaces as this “less is more” concept focuses on selecting a few but very functional pieces. “When you say Scandinavian, it is about simplicity; then the chic part is more of the feminine elements [injected by] using colors and textures such as suede,” explained Crisostomo. Considering space constraints in a condominium, Crisostomo emphasized getting multifunctional furniture such as a sofa bed and a center table that has storage. Razo, who were assigned to design the bedroom, used a dresser-cum-night-and-study table and low table at the foot of the bed. “These key furniture pieces are multifunctional and allow additional storage… then different textures are added for interest and contrast,” he said.
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HOW TO LIVE BIG IN A SMALL SPACE
CONDO LIVING. With the right design and furniture pieces, it is possible to live comfortably in a limited space of a condominium unit.
Create illusions
Mirrors can transform a room and instantly make it larger than it really is. Razo advised placing the mirror strategically to
properly give an illusion of space. “It should mimic the reflection of a window or a passage way so that it adds depth or another dimension to it because the mirror acts as a space multiplier,” he explained. Illusions can not only be achieved with mirrors, though, as lighting and dark colors, such as the Scout’s Honor and Fine Wine, can blur the edges of a certain space as well as set the mood in the room. “I realized that while light colors reflect light, dark colors absorb light. And as they absorb it there’s much more subtleties and hues which somehow blur the edges of the space,” shared Franco. Moreover, Crisostomo said that putting an accent lighting adds a dramatic effect to a certain space
overdoing it. Uichanco suggested to stick with three to five items and just play with heights and textures. “In my case I used three candle holders and two vases, so it’s a matter of mixing everything and playing with heights. Then I used two different vases, one with texture and the other being plain,” she said. She also added that playing with heights and textures is not only limited to table decorations, but can also be applied to lights. “I played with two lighting fixtures by using two different shapes and colors. Just like what I did, I put them in different heights again like the centerpiece because it adds more depth,” she explained. In the end, these interior designers and architect posit Play with heights and textures that in a very limited space the essentials of condo living Elevating the dining experience can easily be done is multi-functionality without sacrificing comfort, and by adding a centerpiece, but experts cautioned against planning well to lessen the clutter.
From left: SM Home assistant vice president for Marketing Tom Castañeda, Ivy Crisostomo, James Razo, Erika Uichanco, and Maya Franco
HAPPY SKIN’S CUTEST COLLECTION LOCAL cosmetics brand Happy Skin makes Sanrio fans truly happy with its 23-piece collection—its largest to date—of lippies, blush-ons, nail polish and more featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Lala and Kiki (Little Twin Stars).
Air Touch Sponge (P499) in My Melody
Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie in Hello, Hello Kitty (P599) comes in apple pie color; Moisturizing Lippie in Best of Friends (P599) comes in blushing rose; Matte Lippie in Kitty Cat (P699) comes in cool red
Get Cheeky With Me All- Day Hydrating Blush in Hello Kitty (P899) comes in peach shade Make A Clean Sweep Micellar Makeup Wipes (P249)
Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets (P175)
Express Gel Polish (P299 each) in Red Apples (red), Purr-fect (deep violet), Peaches & Cream (peach), Curious Kiki (light blue), and Lala Love (baby pink)
The Happy Skin x Sanrio Characters collection is now available at Happy Skin stores and counters.