Feel Zen Inside This Bright and Calming Studio Unit
Measuring 26sqm, the compact space is completed with a Muji-inspired color palette and customized furniture

There’s something about a home bathed in natural light that makes it comforting and welcoming. Take for example this 26sqm studio unit in Taguig—you won’t think about the size of the space because you’ll instantly want to relax and enjoy its homey ambiance.
Given the unit’s rectangular layout, design consultant Euzon John Catayong focused on creating a spacious feel and achieving a Zen-like vibe. To accomplish this, he drew inspiration from Muji, a well-loved brand known for its simple aesthetic. “The unit features a perfect balance between elegance and minimalism while still being easy-to-maintain. It’s also unique because despite its size, it has been maximized without sacrificing design. It has ample storage and the hint of Zen you get in all areas of the home gives off serene, good vibes,” explains the design consultant.
Take a peek inside the studio unit below:
Entryway / Kitchen
The unit has a one-wall kitchen that’s located on the left side of the hallway from the main door. According to Euzon, they had to take into consideration the placement of the appliances to keep it clutter-free. Since there’s no provision for a washing machine, he had to make space for it under the refrigerator, too.
From this angle, you can see the overhead modular cabinets to provide the owner enough storage and the graphicoat glass used as backsplash.
Dining Area
In an open layout, it’s important to define each area from the rest of the space. To separate the dining nook from the living area/bedroom, the design consultant used fluted wood to create a wall accent that complements the lighting piece. To complete the area, he paired the two-seater round dining table with matching Wishbone Chairs.
Living Area
Euzon combined the living/entertainment area and bedroom to create the focal point of the unit. Beside the closet is a TV mounted on another accent wall and a console that provides extra storage. To enable the owner to accommodate friends, the design consultant paired the console with matching tufted accent chairs in gray.
From the bedroom, you can see how the design consultant’s chosen shades work well with each other. To stick to the Muji-inspired look, he worked with colors like white, muted light gray, and pale ceramic oak-shade tiles. The abstract painting seen beside the bathroom door is Euzon’s personal work. “I made it with a touch of some colors that work in contrast with the plain wall of the workstation area,” he shares.
Workstation
Having a dedicated space for working is important for the owner. Euzon decided to complete it with a hanging work table to save on floor space and an upholstered chair with slim legs. To keep the walls from being too plain, wall-mounted shelves were installed to hold books and other décor pieces.
Bedroom
Well-lit shelves flank the inviting bed while an artwork serves as part of the headboard. According to the design consultant, they kept it as minimal as possible to maintain the theme. “The lighted platform bed frame is decorative and gives off a gentle glow that comes in handy when watching TV or reading a book,” he shares.
A built-in side table that mirrors the table in the workstation holds a lamp and a few essentials.
The floor-to-ceiling glass panels not only give a view of the city, it also let in plenty of natural light that makes the unit look and feel bigger than it really is. “We skipped the use of curtains and used blinds instead. We also didn’t use mirrors because there’s natural light streaming into the unit. It makes the unit look elegant and cozy even at night,” explains Euzon.
Bathroom
To tie the look of the bathroom with the rest of the unit, the design consultant used beige wall tiles and a lit-mirrored medicine cabinet as storage. Though not seen in the photo, a natural stone wall cladding accent wall completes the shower area. “This material gives a hint of Zen and paired with black accessories and metals, it makes the bathroom unique,” says Euzon.
Ready to give your home a makeover? You can get in touch with design consultant Euzon John Catayong through email at ej_catayong[at]yahoo.com. You can also call him at (0915) 726-9995.
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