A Renovated 55sqm Condo Unit in Makati

Let there be light—that was the client's challenge to interior designer Tala Singson for the renovation of a 55sqm unit in Makati. "I told her that I wanted it to be bright, airy, and easy to clean," says the client. When they first saw the space, most areas were wrapped in darkness, thanks to numerous partitions that impeded the flow of light from the windows. The kitchen had no light source at all.

The poor lighting wasn't the only challenge that Tala had to hurdle. A thick column stubbornly stands in the middle of the living and dining areas, complicating plans to have a more spacious layout. Portions of the parquet floor were chipped, meaning the flooring had to be overhauled.

The finished design, however, all but suggests these obstacles were minor—the unit now feels fresh and rejuvenating, glowing with soft light during the daytime. Tala tore down the walls dividing the living and dining areas, and replaced the bedroom wall with a glass partition to create a sense of connectivity and openness. Newly installed clerestory windows on the kitchen wall allow limited entry for light, just enough to illuminate the space while the client is using the space. "I think the interiors reflect a collaboration between myself, the client, and the contractor," says Tala. The client curated the unit with her collection of artwork and drawings, while the contractor (William Brothers Manila) did a fine job executing Tala's designs, particularly the redesigned column with its parquet tile cladding.

Living Area