How an Interior Designer Turned a Narrow 24sqm Condo Unit Into a Modern Home
Some units, like this condo in Mandaluyong, look narrow and long, so it’s up to the owner or the designer to make the most of the space.
In transforming this 24sqm, one-bedroom space, the owner tapped interior designer Angelo Aguilar. Taking into consideration the owner’s requirements, Angelo worked on a modern-contemporary style that highlights the use of neutral and soothing colors, customized furniture, and separating the areas without making the entire unit look cramped.
"The client’s vision is to have separate areas for entertainment, work, and relaxation. He wants it sophisticated, functional, and ideal for short-term rental," shares Angelo. After the renovation period, the condo unit now looks more functional and inviting—a home in the city that the owner can be proud of.
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A modern-contemporary 24sqm condo unit
Kitchen
One of the owner’s requests is to separate the kitchen from the rest of the unit to contain the cooking smells. Angelo decided to install a glass sliding partition to define the kitchen without blocking off the natural light streaming in from the windows.
To improve the kitchen, the designer also installed white subway tiles as backsplash and additional T5 lighting under the hanging cabinet to make it easier to prep meals. Meanwhile, defining the wall opposite the kitchen is the TRONES shoe cabinet from IKEA.
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Living Area
Aside from listing the unit for short-term rental, the client will also use the space as his home whenever he is in Manila. Given this, he wants the living area to be as flexible as possible. Angelo added a sofa bed so that the area can be used as extra sleeping space when needed.
"The customized entertainment cabinet is made of laminated marine plywood with T5 lighting and an extra storage cabinet where essentials can be kept," says the designer.
Enhancing the mood in the area is cove lighting with downlights that help improve the overall lighting of the unit.
Dining Area
Given the layout of the unit, the design team defined the dining area with a customized dining table that can accommodate two to three people. The dining table has a black metal frame with a clear glass top to control the visual weight of the space.
Adding a full-height mirror in the dining area helps create an illusion of a bigger space, too.
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Home Office
The owner specifically requested a home office, which Angelo delivered. Placing it near the window allows the owner to maximize natural light during the daytime. A sea green accent wall helps achieve a calming vibe as well.
Aside from the additional wall shelves, framed photos of the owner’s favorite cities around the world are also on display.
Bedroom
Since the bedroom is compact, the owner requested to make sure there’s enough storage in the space. "One of our solutions is to have a customized floor-to-ceiling cabinet, then beside it is a full-height wall mirror to create an illusion of space," explains Angelo.
The bed is another customized piece that has secret compartments underneath where extra soft furnishings and luggage can be kept.
Angelo used the same sea green wall paint in the bedroom to achieve a relaxing ambiance, then complemented it with a padded headboard and soft furnishings in soothing colors.
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Click here to watch a video tour of the condo unit.
Interested to work with IDr. Angelo Aguilar? You can get in touch with him through email at acga.designs[at]gmail.com. You can also follow ACGA Designs on Facebook and subscribe to ACGA Designs’ Youtube Channel.
