Past Meets Present in This Pamana Home in Iloilo City
LAHUBRE Designs created a bright and airy home with a nostalgic ambiance
It’s not uncommon for Filipinos to hand down precious belongings from one generation to the next. Aside from jewelry, some families even pass down properties – like this stunning home in Iloilo City. It was previously renovated by the new owner’s father and was given to her before she got married.
To reflect the taste and lifestyle of the new owners, LAHUBRE Designs was tasked to revamp the common and utility areas of the home. “The home’s design style is more of an amalgamation of and conversation between several design styles. It’s a marriage between the traditional and contemporary,” explains LAHUBRE.
From the foyer to the lovely dining area – this marriage of the old and new shines through. The house is bright and welcoming, with vintage pieces that add character to the space. “Majority of the furniture used as either just refurbished or restained,” the design team adds.
Take a peek inside this beautiful home below:
Foyer
A rebuffed table defines the foyer and clues guests in on the theme of the house. To complete the entryway, a cowhide rug adds a touch of luxury to the space.
Living Area
Many homeowners shy away from using an all-white palette because it might end up looking boring, plus, it’s quite challenging to maintain. This house fully embraces the palette as it gives an airy and spacious vibe.
“When you have beautiful pieces and works of art ready to grace the space, the logical step would be to provide a subdued canvas for all of them,” says LAHUBRE. From décor to interesting accent pieces – the owners have a couple of prized possessions.
The design team painted over an old accent wall and replaced the glossy flooring with large, contemporary gray stone porcelain tiles. For the furniture, the original plan was to reupholster the old sofa, but the owners decided to have two extra-large sofas custom-made to achieve a relaxed, “put-your-feet-up” vibe.
The extra long coffee table used to be the old dining table in the house. It was cut to size and restained to complete the living area.
A credenza or a dining room sideboard commands attention in the living area. This nook is polished with a marble stool and rustic terracotta jars.
One of the biggest changes done in the common areas involves the floor plan. Since the owners decided to revamp the layout, it freed up a ton of floor space inside – keeping it flexible so they can further personalize it as their tastes evolve.
“The built-in bookshelf now occupies the space where the old bar used to be. It has 12 niches and also serves as the owner’s playground for her curatorial talents. The lower portion of the shelf houses modems and wires so this is enclosed in paneled cab doors,” explains the design team.
Dining Area
How grand is the dining area? According to LAHUBRE, the owners decided to splurge on the transformation of the underused veranda into a dining area and bar. The stately dining space features a rare and valuable Magkono wood or Philippine iron wood used to create the 10-seater dining table. It’s paired with matching wooden chairs and Kenneth Cobonpue’s Little People chandelier.
The china cabinet placed at the end of the room is another vintage piece. It was restained in ebony to anchor the blank accents used in the dining room.
Breakfast Nook
Rustic yet chic, the breakfast nook is a few steps away from the living area. The owners requested for this space because it will just be the two of them who would be sharing meals most of the time. “The 10-seater dining table is reserved for bigger gatherings – after the pandemic, of course. The banquet seat in the breakfast nook is a custom-made piece by a local furniture maker,” shares LAHUBRE.
Bar Area
Just how sophisticated is this bar area? Since the existing bar prior to renovation was too big, the design team ended up constructing a new coffee bar and island counter in black paint and Nero Marquina top. “Choosing black for the bar injects a bit of drama and glamour. ‘Black straddles the old and the new; it is the link between the traditional and the modern,’ as designer Kara Mann puts it,” LAHUBRE explains.
Kitchen
Who wouldn’t love to prep meals in a kitchen as pretty as this? The original plan was to use Paonazzo countertops but since it’s too expensive, the designers chose to use Calacatta Quartz instead. The finished look is charming, sleek, and perfect for cooking.
In this part of the kitchen, the overhead cabinet doors mimic the French doors separating the living and dining areas to create a seamless look.
Laundry Area
Such a chic laundry area, don't you agree? It’s completed with chic tiles, woven storage, and plants to liven up the space. Since work is concentrated in this part of the home, the cabinets are all painted black for less maintenance.
Movie Room
“Renovating the movie room was a last-minute decision. It was a simple renovation, too. Walls were repainted in dark gray, blackout curtains were added, and the false ceiling beams were adjusted to maximize the height of the small room,” explains the design team.
Vintage Touches
Vintage pieces, like these gems, are found all over the home. “Think twice before getting rid of pieces that have been in the family for years. A simple rebuff, restain, or reupholster will do wonders. In most of the renovations we do, we always pay homage to the original materials and forms of the structure and its contents, battle scars and all. These alone form a large part of the design narrative,” shares LAHUBRE.
Ready for your own home makeover? Get in touch with LAHUBRE Designs through email at lahubre.ph[at]gmail.com. You can also follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/lahubre.
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Have you recently spruced up your room or renovated your home? We'd definitely love to see the result! Send clear photos (with your full name, city address, and accompanying kuwento) to [email protected] with the subject "DIY Makeover" and we may just feature your DIY project!
