A Five-Star 55sqm Condo Unit for a Balikbayan
To fully enjoy the fruits of her labor, the owner requested for a luxurious, hotel-like home in the Philippines

There’s no place like home, and for fellow Filipinos who have been working abroad for years, going back to the Philippines is the best reward. Of course, it will be even more exciting if you’re settling in a space you invested in. This two-bedroom, 55sqm condo unit in Manila is a result of a retiree’s hard work. Since she wants to enjoy a hotel-like ambiance whenever she comes home, interior designer Monica Eres worked on a modern classic look with understated elegance.
“We used green and gold to add color to the walls. There’s harmony between the two, plus, the pairing has a regal quality to it. The client also wanted a clutter-free space and storage options for her unit,” shares the designer.
Going for a green and gold color palette definitely elevated the hotel-like look of the unit, giving it a nature-inspired vibe that adds to the cozy feel. Inviting, easy on the eyes, and still sophisticated? This condo home definitely deserves five stars.
Take a peek inside the hotel-like unit below:
Kitchen
The unit features an open layout, with the kitchen, dining, and living areas promoting ease of movement. For the kitchen, the owner wanted an all-white look which complements the space. To keep it from being too plain, the designer brought in a graphicoat glass backsplash and the stunning Volakas countertop. “It’s amazing how just a few gray veins can gently break up the space and provide a fresh finish,” Monica shares.
Notice how the appliances are placed in niches to create a streamlined look.
Dining and Living Areas
To make the unit look larger than it really is, the designer placed a large mirror in the dining area then framed it classic moldings to maintain the luxe aesthetic. Even the lighting pieces evoke elegance.
READ: Placing a Mirror in These Areas Can Help Make Your Small Space Look Bigger
Dining Area
Monica opted for chairs in green with slim legs to keep within the color palette. Notice how the dining table mirrors the chairs’ legs to create a cohesive look.
Living Area
The designer had the sofa and coffee table customized not only to fit the allotted space but also to match the overall aesthetic. Sprucing up the sofa are pillows in colors that complement green and gold. Monica also made sure the wall accent showcases the palette.
“We added a floating entertainment cabinet with mirror doors and a display cabinet that also serves as a shoe cabinet,” shares Monica. The open shelf above the TV features a laminate finish to add warmth to the setup.
Master Bedroom
What’s a hotel-like condo unit without a posh sleeping space? In the master bedroom, the designer had dimmable lights installed then paired it wall lamps to add dramatic flair to the space. The closet on the left side of the bed has a sleek finish completed with chic knobs and handles.
At the foot of the bed is a wall-mounted storage unit which can be used as a vanity desk when needed.
READ: How To Achieve a Hotel-Like Tiny Bedroom
Second Bedroom
Given the compact space, Monica decided to have the bed customized so that they can still add enough storage for the owner’s son’s belongings. In addition to the closet, there’s also overhead cabinets where essentials can be kept.
Storage Units
To maximize every inch of space, the interior designer added slim cabinets and open shelves where décor and knickknacks can be displayed.
Bathroom
The owners can definitely look forward to soothing baths in the all-white T&B. Monica expertly paired the ivory countertops with white cabinets and floors. To keep it from being boring, gold touches can be seen in the chosen fixtures and décor. “This bathroom definitely sings luxury,” she shares.
The entire bathroom was retiled to give it a luxe upgrade while the statement wall lamps and striking bath fixtures complete the look.
To further maximize the T&B, the space in front of the sink functions as a mini laundry nook where the washer is kept. There also a shelf for laundry supplies and a cabinet for belongings.
Ready to give your home a makeover? Get in touch with interior designer Monica Eres through email at interiorsbymonicaeres[at]gmail.com. You can also follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaEresDesignStudio.