8 Things to Love About this Scandi-Inspired Bungalow
In this bright and airy family home, the owners decided not to have a Wi-Fi connection to be able to enjoy their house to the fullest
When homeowners Dianne and Teddy decided to build their family home, they knew they had to make the most of the 120sqm space since they opted to have a bungalow. “Space planning was the longest and most difficult part. It’s so hard to fit everything we wanted into a120sqm bungalow, plus, we needed to maximize the space with everyone’s needs in mind,” shares Dianne. Aside from making sure they won’t end up with a plain, boring space, the two also had to consider the needs of their son who has cerebral palsy.
After asking an architect to work on the home’s design, they embarked on a fun DIY journey in finalizing the interiors. In every corner of the home, guests will see DIY pieces and curated furniture. Loved this space, too? Here are eight more things that make it peg-worthy:
1. It’s built behind the Swedish concept of Lagom.
Lagom, a Swedish word that means “just the right amount” became the driving force behind this family home. With the popular philosophy in mind, Dianne and Teddy became mindful of the pieces they’re bringing into the home and the overall feel they wish to achieve. “Nothing is excessive or overly decorated, with furniture and décor pared down to just the essentials,” Dianne shares. In each area of the home, you’ll see basic pieces and essentials that serve a purpose.
2. The house has a bright, airy, and inviting feel.
The combination of white, gray, and wooden touches gives the home a homey, soothing ambiance. To complement the neutral color palette, the owners also opted to have an open layout for the common areas—with the living and dining areas directly connected to each other. There are huge windows that let in natural light, adding to the home’s cozy appeal.
3. The owners don’t have a Wi-Fi connection.
While some can’t last a few hours without scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, the owners undergo a digital detox at home. “Our friends often ask for the Wi-Fi password and they’re surprised when we tell them that we don’t have Wi-Fi! It’s been six months since we moved in and we’re surviving naman. We have more time for other activities and mas nae-enjoy namin ‘yung house kasi we won’t be on our phones and laptops,” relates Dianne.
4. It features a picture-perfect kitchen and pantry.
While some try to keep supplies and ingredients inside cabinets and on shelves, there are those who allot space for a compact pantry. Dianne and Teddy identified the spaces that should be prioritized and they had the floor plan adjusted accordingly. “We removed a breakfast nook [to be able to accommodate] a walk-in pantry/storage,” they share. The pretty kitchen highlights light-colored laminates seen on the kitchen cabinets, spotless countertops, and lovely subway tiles. A perfectly concealed door leads to a well-stocked pantry with matching wired baskets and bins.
5. The DIY pieces make this home unique.
“Kailangan talaga may DIY because it wouldn’t be our home without a DIY piece,” Dianne says. Aside from sourcing and shopping at different stores, the owners worked on a few DIY pieces to complete the home. One of Dianne’s favorite pieces in the house is the DIY console table in the entryway. Teddy got the metal bar from the hardware, then they asked a welder to build the frame. “The table top came from an old wooden palette we had lying around. It only took a day and a half to complete the table,” the lady of the house adds.
6. Well-thought-out pieces complete the Scandi aesthetic.
In sourcing for the pieces to bring into the home, the owners looked for practical, budget-friendly items that match the aesthetic they’re going for. “In keeping within the Lagom principle, we tried to balance the aesthetic and functionality of the furniture we chose and overall look of the house,” shares Dianne. To look for the right pieces, the owners visited stores like Mandaue Foam, Landmark, SM Home, Our Home, and Home Depot. “Don’t rush to complete the look of your home and resist the urge to fill empty spaces. Take your time to search and select practical but meaningful items. Your décor doesn’t have to be new, sometimes you can repurpose your old stuff and it will instantly freshen up a space,” she suggests.
7. They have a spacious pavilion meant for family gatherings.
To maximize the sprawling outdoor area, the owners decided to create a pavilion where they can host family gatherings and get-togethers with friends. With its own kitchen and dining area, entertaining would surely be a breeze. It features a reclaimed wooden table from an old house, a console table from Pottery Barn, and a bench of DAaZ Philippines.
8. The cabana is a hideaway on its own.
Whether they want to relish the breeze, read a book, or simply take a nap, the cabana is the place to be. Defined by black grills, the relaxing nook is furnished with hanging lamps from IKEA and a whimsical macramé swing from Amazon.
Click here to see more photos and view the complete home tour.
