Cozy up for the rainy season with these home decor and design inspirations

Pull out those ultra-fluffy bunny eared bedroom slippers and scatter all your throw pillows and plush blankets all around because the rainy season is prime time to stay indoors.

With this Wednesday doing double duty as a likely rainy day + national holiday, what else is there to do except cozy up? Now that it’s the season to be hanging out in your own pad, why don’t you spruce it up a little, rearrange or even redecorate altogether?

Here are our favorite home decor and design picks to inspire you switch things up a little to make rainy days spent in the dry comforts of home even more awesome.

(Skara Chair by Philux Home)

World Without Walls: The Onglao home

Main inspirations: Geometry, play of light and open spaces

Great for: Two – three storey homes

Takeaway style ideas: Roof deck guest room and glass stair railings

Accessorized by light (natural or otherwise) and stripped of obtrusive walls, the home of celebrated architect Conrad Onglao is art given architectural form, a home of open spaces behind closed doors.

“The center of the house is the place that draws people together. It is usually unintended, but it has a certain charm that makes everyone sit and chat, and just gather around in it,” he explains.

The house, geometric in structure, is also an interlude of white and black all throughout. It is, indeed, a faithful interpretation of Onglao’s initial inspiration —  a white-walled, black-detailed Chanel boutique that he used to work on in the US. To make sure that the white in this house seemed more organic though, Conrad traded in the usual coats of paint for plaster of Paris, giving the walls and pillars a fashionably uneven and lived-in look.

Aside from installing lifts and meticulous lighting that transforms the house at night, the real story lies on the top floor. Paved with rocks and lined with grass and small water installations, the top floor makes for a perfect setting for gatherings with friends and loved ones.

From the left corner to the back of the house, one would find what looks like a Balinese garden — all green and well-maintained, but still slightly disheveled to give it an organic look. It is decorated with stone statues of Buddha and a couple of huge, antique plank doors from Indonesia. These doors may lead to nowhere, but they certainly add an “idea of space” to the garden.

Testament to the generosity of the homeowner when it comes to sharing space with guests, he also built a glass-encased guestroom on the top floor – the best room in the house, so he says. Here, visitors can stay in the Onglao home, without having to interact with the owners each and every second of the day. “You know how sometimes, you visit a house, but you don’t want to be all over the place all the time? Here, you can visit us, but actually enjoy a space of your own. And it’s got a nice view too,” beams Conrad. (By JOSE PAOLO DELA CRUZ | Photography by KENJI O | PeopleAsia February – March 2014)

(The opening salvo of the modern geometric masterpiece that is the Onglao residence)

(The carefully planned lighting transforms the black and white spaces into dramatic nooks at night)

(Greens of palm and bamboo add color to the modestly sized yard and pool)

(The pristine roof deck guest room with walls of glass)

 

W17: The Cause of Luxury 

Main inspirations: Repurposed + upcycled materials and Filipino-made crafts

Great for: Quirky, bold and eclectic homeowners (of both homes and apartment units)

Takeaway style ideas: Mix and match pieces — don’t be afraid to experiment!

Luxury wouldn’t be the first thing on anyone’s list upon entering the La Fuerza Compound in Makati City, what with the industrial, basic atmosphere its white warehouses evoke. But just like the great Hollywood studios of old, these giant warehouses are home to hidden gems and treasures — some more timeless than the others.

Tourism official and political wife Kaye Tinga and former Rustan’s Home division consultant and interior designer/stylist Andy Vasquez Prada are two halves of the fabulous pair behind this haven of good finds.

According to its proprietors, W17 was to be set up like a home. “We wanted it to feel really homey and show you how to do it in your environment. I think there are elements of all those things,” says Andy, whom Kaye admires for his visual acuity.

“Part of why we got together is because we have the same vision of creating opportunities that would sustain a community,” Kaye shares. More than just a business of selling, their partnership strives to make a difference.

To achieve this vision, Kaye and Andy work with suppliers from local communities in various parts of the nation. One of their partners is a small cooperative in Cebu that manufactures napkins, placemats and packaging. This cooperative has 250 workers supporting 50 families. They’ve also partnered with local glass recyclers and local cloth makers.

“Luxury need not be expensive” says Kaye. “And we believe that something beautifully made and done well is a luxury in itself. Things are priced on what they are worth. You pay for quality and 20 to 30 years down the line, the items you bought here will still look brand new.”

They define luxury without the expense that goes with it. “Not everybody can buy a China cabinet that’s worth half a million pesos. People can buy an item or two, but everybody gets to leave with wonderful ideas,” Andy shares. Warehouse 17 is located in La Fuerza Compound 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. (By MABEL GUIA ACOSTA | Photography by MANUEL GENEROSO | PeopleAsia June – July 2012)

(Local driftwood becomes a novel decor piece juxtaposed with Chinese antique)

(The grand showroom of W17)

(Aside from showcasing unique items, W17 inspires design ideas)

Philux Home 

Main inspirations: Clean lines, neat silhouettes and timeless styles that posses beauty x durability

Great for: Those looking for investment pieces that will last a lifetime

Takeaway style ideas: In case Philux’s already beautiful selection of pieces doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they accept made-to-order requests.

Philux has been a leading Philippine furniture designer, manufacturer and retailer since the ’80s. Beginning with making basic pieces of furniture, the company has expanded to making residential living, commercial, dining and bedroom pieces that withstand the test of time — not only in terms of style, but also because materials used are always of the best quality.

Philux designs may not make you think “native” or “inherently Filipino” at first glance, but guess what? Many locally sourced materials are, in fact, used in the production of their items and are handled by Filipino craftsmen who know the materials best. It’s a lesson on proving that “Filipino-made” can be synonymous to urban styles and international designs.

Arguably, the best part about Philux is that the expert furniture maker doesn’t only sell their products — they provide design and space planning to help buyers figure out which items best fit their needs, have short term furniture rental services and even a bridal registry and are open to creating customized, made-to-order pieces for residential and commercial spaces. Visit their recently opened showroom at Shangri-La The Fort for more information.

 

(A mock set-up to give you ideas for a loft)

(Neutral colored winged armchair that’s great with a sala set or can stand on its own)

(What did we tell you about scattering throw pillows and plush blankets on a rainy day?)

(Great furniture isn’t just a joy for adults; kids can have even more fun!)

(Philux’s take on the ottoman chair)

(Embla Dining Set with Embla Chairs)

(Classic doesn’t mean monotonous and predictable; play around with colors and designs while still maintaining a touch of class)

(Dream about napping on this sofa on a gray, rainy Sunday afternoon)

(You can always cozy up under the sheets with this Oslo bed)

(Here’s an idea for a relaxing living room set up)

(A restful ambience for a restful day)

(Get much needed me time with this Skara chair)