This Las Piñas Home Is An OFW Couple's Dream Abode
Their family members here in the Philippines helped them bring their vision to life.
Designing a home is no easy feat. There are many moving parts to the process, which means that as much as possible, you will have to be very present all throughout, both mentally and physically. As such, it was incredibly impressive to hear about this 75 sqm residence in Las Piñas that was turned into a minimalist and Scandinavian–style home while its owners, Joe and Bryan Reyes, were living all the way in Dubai.
In 2018, Joe and Bryan, who are both OFWs, decided to renovate their house with the intention of transforming it into a place for them to stay during their yearly visits to the Philippines. They envisioned it as somewhere they could relax, unwind, and leave the stress of their busy lives behind.
Of course, given their situation, Joe and Bryan had to figure out a system for managing the renovation. Thankfully, their parents gamely stepped in and took on the responsibility of monitoring every stage of the design process. Bryan’s father supervised the construction, while his mother managed the financial aspect. Meanwhile, Joe’s mom watched over the kitchen renovation. All their efforts, along with the expertise of Ar. Argel Miranda, helped bring to life this home, which is fitly nicknamed “Chill.”
At the moment, Joe and Bryan are deservedly enjoying the fruit of their labor. However, they revealed that their “forever home” – which will be located in the province and where they intend to retire – is a project that they have yet to take on. “When that time comes, [we] intend to be hands-on, personally experiencing every step of building our dream residence. We yearn for the joy and satisfaction that accompanies creating a haven from the ground up, infusing our love and dedication into every nook and cranny.”
Find out how this couple transformed their home into a modern Scandinavian retreat:
Exterior
Principles of the minimalist and Scandinavian design styles are evident in the exterior of Joe and Bryan’s home, with its abundance of clean lines and fuss-free look. The couple shared, “We chose the minimalist Scandinavian style to maximize the footprint of our house and create a cozy and airy ambiance. We were inspired by the clean lines, simplicity, and functionality of Scandinavian design. We wanted our home to have a calming and peaceful atmosphere, and the minimalist Scandinavian style perfectly suited our vision.”
Living Area
Joe and Bryan’s home follows an open layout, which The Spruce describes as a plan “in which two or more common spaces have been joined to form a larger space by eliminating partition walls.” An open layout can help create a sense of openness and promote good traffic flow in a space.
“Whether you're in the living room or the kitchen, you won't miss out on anything happening in the other space,” the homeowners revealed. “The layout was designed to foster connection among the people living in the house, allowing easy interaction and a sense of togetherness. This open design concept contributes to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of our home.”
The furniture pieces used in this home were sourced from a mix of local and international brands, ranging from stores like IKEA to Pinoy creators. “We believe in supporting local Filipino entrepreneurs and artisans, so we incorporated furniture and decor from talented local craftsmen,” the homeowners said. For instance, the sofa was locally designed, and the ottoman was reupholstered by skilled craftsmen.
Dining Area
Minimalism is embraced in every part of this home, including the dining area, which is full of sleek lines and free of excess. “As a couple constantly on the move due to our overseas work, we sought to create a calming environment that promotes a sense of tranquility and order,” Joe and Bryan explained. “By adopting minimalism, we aimed to create a space that fosters relaxation and provides respite from the hectic nature of our lives.”
Kitchen
The kitchen underwent a significant amount of change, according to the homeowners. Their focus when working on this area was creating “a functional and visually appealing space” that could be used for gatherings with family and friends.
To achieve this look, Joe and Bryan opted to have the kitchen cabinets be made of acrylic materials and installed quartz countertops to help maintain a clean aesthetic. They also made sure the kitchen followed the palette followed by the rest of the home, which consists of light gray, blue, white, and birchwood.
Bedroom 1
One of the things Joe and Bryan were inspired by was the concept of hygge, which is described by Country Living as a concept that “encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.” To turn their home into a warm space that lives up to its nickname, the couple employed the use of natural materials, light colors, and lots of natural light.
Scandinavian materials such as light-toned wood like oak and pine, natural stone finishes, and neutral textiles were incorporated into every room to help create an inviting and harmonious atmosphere. “These materials not only exude a timeless elegance but also connect us to nature, bringing a sense of serenity into our living space,” the homeowners wrote.
Bedroom 2
The bedroom occupied by Joe and Bryan’s young daughter is also a study in understated but welcoming design. They shared, “By combining minimalism and Scandinavian design, we aimed to achieve a home that embodies simplicity, functionality, and tranquility. This design choice allows us to maximize the use of space while creating an environment that effortlessly blends with our lifestyle and provides a sense of calm.”
Workspace
Another special feature of this home is the presence of digital artworks personally created by Joe. You’ll see one of them hanging over the workspace, serving as the perfect accent to this little nook.
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ERRATUM: This article has been edited to reflect the correct names of the homeowners.
