A Family Home in Laguna Showcases History and Local Culture

One wouldn’t think a house in the province can look cool, elegant and contemporary, yet retain a feeling of warmth and coziness at the same time. Yet, the owners of this house have created a family home that is not only refreshing but also updated.

Originally built in 1970s by the owner's cousin, architect Francisco de Tiangco, the home doesn’t show even a tinge of its age. Its facade is painted a cool green-and-white, and a rich collection of greenery embrace the home from the outside. The owner's innate sense of motherly practicality prompted her to choose home décor in heavy-duty wood and wrought iron – most of which she easily acquired through Artes Espanol, a furtniture shop in Manila.

Good sense also guided her in keeping precious antiques – not only for their sentimental value, but most especially for their long-lasting durability. Several pieces of hand-me-downs from her parents, along with pieces culled from her retired pilot husband’s travels, add a sense of history and earthiness to her home’s updated look.

Despite its three decades old age, the home is refreshing and welcoming. It has maintained its youth alongside its rich history, and it has made its homeowners feel more at home than ever.

Read the original article ("Practical Magic") in the September 2009 issue of Real Living Magazine. Download your digital copy of Real Living on the Real Living App now! Log on to summitnewsstand.com.ph/real-living for more details.