See How This Bare 101sqm Condo Unit Was Transformed Into a Bright, Airy Home

"While the world was on lockdown, my husband and I stepped into our new home, a 101sqm two-bedroom condo unit in Makati City," shares Real Living reader Macel Jimenez-Rada.

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Moving into a new abode during the quarantine was certainly challenging, admits Macel. But on the bright side, it gave them something to look forward to. "Project Casa Rada (as we would like to call it) took my mind off the collective despair brought about by this curveball of a pandemic." 

BEFORE 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

The couple's goal for their bare condo unit was to achieve an overall "bright, warm, and cozy" vibe. Fortunately, huge windows allow plenty of natural light to stream into the unit, especially in the common area, which naturally give the space an airy feel.

AFTER 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

Maximizing the natural light, Macel and her husband decided to paint their walls and ceiling white. The couple also went for a neutral palette highlighting grey and white.

Touches of natural materials like wood and rattan added warmth to the condo's elegant interior. 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

"We went for a scandinavian-sprinkled-with-boho aesthetic for the open plan layout, [which covers] the living and dining area," explains Macel. 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

Dining area

To create the illusion of a bigger dining space, Macel installed three full-length mirrors on the wall. Placed adjacent to the windows, the mirrors also perfectly catch the natural light streaming in from the windows, making the space look brighter. 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

"Since in-person interactions have been severely curtailed, we had to rely on the reach of Google, various social media platforms, and the tried-and-tested Shopee and Lazada to find suppliers," she shares. "We truly are in the era where you can find (almost) everything at a touch of a button." 

According to the homeowner, she got most of their furniture from Upcycle Manila, from the mirror, couch, dining table, to the console table. Meanwhile, their dining chairs are from Furniture Source. 

Take a closer look at their picture-perfect entryway: 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

Macel purchased the dried flowers from Pretty Withered, and she got the chic solihiya cabinet from Upcycle Manila. 

Kitchen

BEFORE

Similar to the common area, the couple also opted for an all-white palette for their kitchen with touches of grey and black. This made the compact space appear bigger and more pleasing to the eyes. 

AFTER

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

White subway tiles used as backsplash were paired with a black countertop.

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

AFTER

Home office 

"One of the two bedrooms serves as our work-from-home station," shares Macel. "Designating a specific area for our home office is our attempt to mimic the physical boundaries [that a] traditional office used to provide." 

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

READ MORE ABOUT CONDO UNIT MAKEOVERS

Makeover Time! Homeowner Didn't Think A Sofa (Or A TV) Would Still Fit In Her Studio

A Tiny 21 sqm Studio Unit Undergoes A Needed Makeover

Bedroom 

The master bedroom, on the other hand, had a "minimalist" look, and it looks extremely cozy and inviting. "We chose beddings and pillows in muted tones of cream and white to evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility."

IMAGE Courtesy of Macel Jimenez-Rada

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], and we may just feature your DIY project!