Houses

A Charming Contemporary Country Home in Batangas

Instead of asking for a congratulatory gift after passing the board exams, this nurse asked for budget to fix up his space, instead. The results are amazing!

Photography: Dairy Darilag Pictorial Direction: Issa Villar and Tala Singson

In lieu of a gift from his parents after Vince Morales had passed the nursing board exam, he asked for a budget to fix up his room. He then discovered a love for creating things with his own hands, and it was his family’s three-bedroom bungalow in Talisay, Batangas, that he chose as his first project.

His first DIY handiwork was his own bedroom, where he made an amazing mural of the New York skyline using only a black Sharpie pen. It was only natural for Vince to work on the rest of the house after that, and with some persuasion, he got his parents’ approval to move things around, reuse some of his nanay’s old belongings, and make additions to the home he grew up in. The Morales home now has spruced-up spots like the kitchen and dining areas, living room, and even the patio.

Working on a limited budget has made Vince a DIY expert. He confesses that he is inspired by the simplest of things, and readily visualizes what he wants, so it’s easier to determine where to source materials. Vince adds, “Dapat rin kumpleto ang gamit mo. Meron si Tatay ng lagari at martilyo. Ang laging nasa bag ko, metro. Best friend ko ang spray paint. Kasi pag hindi mo nagustuhan ang kulay, i-spray paint mo lang ng white or black.”

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The excitement never fades for this nurse who, after a long week at the hospital, looks forward to his days off when he can scout shops in the city not just for more home items but also for bits of inspiration. “Pag nagkaroon ako ng sariling bahay, hindi talaga minimalist, kailangan all out,” Vince says with a smile.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

Common Misconceptions About Minimalism, According to an Interior Designer

A minimalist home can most definitely still have splashes of color, and as long as it's done with restraint, those well-placed hues can actually be the highlight of your home.

Did You Know That Yassi Pressman Has A Lakehouse Airbnb in Canada?

Get a tour of Redkey Lakehouse in Ontario.

Ward Off Mosquitoes: Products to Buy During the Rainy Season

Because we want our homes to be safe havens.

Minimalist Furniture 101: How to Pick the Right Pieces for Your Home

Create a space that exudes simplicity and sophistication by choosing the right minimalist furniture for your home.

We Tested Different Mattresses, Here Are Our Top 5 Picks

Our writer tested (and lay down on) the beds in these mattress showrooms to see what feels good and which ones would fit within your budget

20 Common Construction Terms, Decoded

Don't get lost in translation with your foreman and avoid mistakes with this handy, on-site guide by a project manager

Here Are 7 Hotel-Like Bedsheets You Can Buy Online

Invest in your sleep and add these to your cart.

This Airbnb in Zambales Seamlessly Blends Modern Design & Probinsya Feels

This property can comfortably fit up to 40 people!

Check Out Jennylyn Mercado & Dennis Trillo’s Charming Mountain Hideaway

It has a greenhouse, several viewing decks, and much more.

MUJI’s New Airbnb is the Perfect Place to Experience A Slower, More Sustainable Lifestyle

Its design marries the traditional Japanese aesthetic with MUJI's trademark minimalism.

8 Practical Ways to Give Your Bathroom a Relaxing Vibe

Learn how to transform your bathroom into a peaceful retreat with these practical tips and tricks. Create a spa-like atmosphere and enhance your relaxation experience.

Everything You Need to Know About Minimalist Asian Aesthetic

It's worth the budol, if you think about it.
Load More Stories