Your Modern Filipino Home Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Add pizzazz to this well-loved style with these handy ideas inspired by a Tagaytay condo unit

We’re all familiar with antiques and old décor items found in many Filipino homes. How many times have you seen butaca chairs (armchairs) and decades-old wooden pieces in the homes you’ve visited? While these can add character to any space, you shouldn’t limit yourself when it comes to decorating a Filipino home.
If you’ve always wanted to achieve the warmth of modern Filipino homes, you can do it without turning your space into a dated and dull haven. As seen in this two-bedroom unit, you can work on a contemporary Filipino style by updating your color palette and bringing in accent pieces. See how design consultant Grace Moslares transformed this home:
1. Settle on a neutral color palette.
A palette consisting of white and earthy tones lends a warm, cozy vibe to a space. Take your cue from this project by painting the walls white and using works of art to spruce up the space. Grace also incorporated backsplashes to add pops of color to the home. You may also explore colors like beige and taupe.
2. Showcase locally available materials.
What better way to give your modern Filipino home an update than with wood and other popular local materials? In finalizing the furniture pieces for this home, the design consultant sourced for locally available wood. A variety of pieces also complete the home, many of which highlight the beauty of capiz and rattan. In the living area, we can't help but fall in love with the capiz lighting piece and metal-and-rattan-sofa.
3. Keep the look balanced with sleek pieces and accents.
Too much wood can make a house seem stuffy and crowded. Achieve just the right combo by tempering such details with modern touches. In the unit, the kitchen features details in black—as seen in the backsplash, countertop, and appliances. Grace was still able to tie it to the rest of the home by bringing i wood-toned elements.
4. Pick your accessories wisely.
You may opt not to use wooden pieces heavily, just be creative with the accessories you're going to add. In the master bedroom, Grace paired the wooden bed and storage piece with a woven pouf and area rug for extra warmth. The setup still looks pleasing and inviting, as all the must-haves are against a white backdrop.
5. Use works of art as accents.
Framed pieces with a mix of light colors can liven up any area and pair well with wooden touches. Consider going for abstract paintings and prints to serve as conversation starters.
This snippet originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of Real Living Magazine.