This Modern-Filipino Family Home in Cagayan de Oro Has a View of the Sea
Design consultant Grace Moslares and her team at Magara Designs used wood, natural finishes, and handcrafted pieces to create a home that's well worth the wait

Building a home doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye but it helps to have dependable professionals on board who can help you make it happen. This is what the owners of this family house in Cagayan de Oro did—putting their complete trust in design consultant Grace Moslares, knowing that she and her Magara Designs team will give it their all to deliver a home they can be proud.
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And true enough, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, team Magara was able to turn over a striking home with a welcoming modern-Filipino style. “We achieved the style through continuity and cohesiveness of wood throughout the spaces while highlighting the view of the sea through picture windows,” she shares.
Just like in any Magara Designs project, Grace made sure to complete the areas with handcrafted pieces by the team, curated furnishings, and handpicked Filipino materials. Magara Designs has worked on many Filipino style projects and it has become the design consultant’s advocacy to showcase wood, capiz, or any Filipino material to spruce up spaces.
Take a peek inside the Filipino house below:
Foyer
Setting the tone of the space is the lovely foyer completed with panels and furnishings done at Magara Designs’ studio. Jayson Bongat, one of the team’s leads, was in charge of everything done in the studio. The captivating wall accent works well with the wooden touches in the area, with potted plants adding a refreshing touch.
Living Area
One of the first things you’ll notice in the living area is its high ceiling accentuated by beautiful droplights. Sunlight streams into the space, thanks to the big picture windows chosen for the home.
According to Grace, all items in the living area were custom-built for the house. Its focal point is the tree bark center table, a functional art piece done by Jayson. A mix of wooden pieces and modern chairs complete the area, keeping within the modern-Filipino theme.
READ: Your Modern-Filipino Home Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Dining Area
Some shy away from working with too much wood, thinking it can make a space look heavy on the eyes. Take your cue from Grace by breaking the monotony with sheer curtains, plush seating, and potted plants. Taking center stage in the dining area is the acacia wood dining set paired with tufted chairs and a customized bamboo lighting piece.
Kitchen
Spacious and ideal for cooking, the kitchen has an extensive countertop and a kitchen island that doubles as a dining nook. Completing the space are custom-made cabinets, tiles selected by the owners themselves, and top-notch appliances like a wine freezer and a dishwasher.
We can’t help but admire the kitchen island, though, with its distinct cladding design reminiscent of a puzzle. According to Grace, each wood cladding was installed one by one.
Staircase
The design consultant made sure that even the smallest details in the house match the overall style as seen on the chosen railing for the staircase. From this angle, you can also see the compact powder room tucked under the stairs.
READ: 6 Easy Ways To Achieve Modern Filipino Style
Powder Room
Though compact, the powder room is still a visual marvel. Jayson made the mirror which features small hardwood pieces combined to make one beautiful piece. Grace completed the space with quality furnishings and a plant.
Second Floor Landing
The second floor gives an unobstructed view of the spaces below while also allowing the owners to marvel at the nearby mountains and calming surroundings. Though not seen in the photo, Grace incorporated a customized work area and storage space on the second floor.
Big windows let in natural light and help promote cross-ventilation to keep the house airy. Arnel Lozano, who’s in charge of all the site works, supervised the finishing of the window valances in the house.
Prayer Room
Grace shares that because of the pandemic, homeowners have started incorporating different areas into their homes. Aside from home offices, many have requested to have a prayer room. Magara Designs made all the furnishings in the space while Arnel crafted the wooden cross.
READ: This Two-Storey Home Showcases A Mix of Traditional and Modern Filipino Pieces
Entertainment Room
This compact room is all about relaxing and lounging. A droplight complements the high ceiling while comfy seating pieces polish off the look. The items sourced at Manila and done at the Magara Designs Studio were all shipped to Cagayan de Oro.
Master Bedroom
Modern yet still Filipino, the master bedroom features a four-poster bed, inviting chairs, and a carpet. Furnished with just the essentials, it’s also reminiscent of a posh hotel room. “All of the custom-fit furniture pieces, including the customized entertainment center wood cladding, were done by Magara Designs and headed by Jayson,” shares Grace.
Terrace
The master bedroom has access to a furnished terrace where the owners can take in the view and enjoy coffee in the morning. With an ambiance as peaceful as this, it can also function as a workspace or as a reading nook.
Girl’s Bedroom
The girl’s bedroom is furnished simply, with Grace ensuring it’s comfortable and ideal for sleeping. The work of art above the bed somehow serves as inspiration for the color palette, with the soft furnishings mostly in soothing neutrals.
This room also has a window seat that serves as a reading area and extra storage.
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Boy’s Bedroom
The third bedroom mirrors the previous room, the only difference is seen on the color palette used as this space features touches of blue and darker tones.
Boy’s Bedroom 2
While following a different layout, Grace was still able to incorporate a window seat/storage in this private space.
READ: A Young Family's Two-Storey House with Modern Filipino Design
Second Floor Balcony
Doors on the second-floor landing open up to this magnificent balcony where the owners can gather to bond and enjoy some snacks.
Second Floor Veranda
Whenever one of the owners would need some quiet time, nothing compares to precious minutes spent here while taking in the serene view. They can also entertain guests here and even serve refreshments.
Facade at Night
From the outside, passersby can admire the beauty of the house, with the chosen materials and finishes shining through. The windows play a big role in creating a striking exterior.
Interested to work with design consultant Grace Moslares and Magara Designs? Follow them on Facebook: Magara Designs. You can also follow @magaradesigns on Instagram. For inquiries, you can email them at magarainteriors[at]yahoo.com.