Ultimate Makeover

How an Interior Designer Renovated a Two-Bedroom Unit Into a One-Bedroom Japanese-Industrial Home

IDr. Madelaine San Jose utilized the 30sqm space to create a minimalist and comforting haven complete with a spacious work area

Photography: courtesy of IDr. Madelaine San Jose, PIID Interior Designer: IDr. Madelaine San Jose, PIID

Those who purchase bigger condo unit cuts more or less have a plan of how to maximize the space they own. From setting up a home gym to turning it into a walk-in closet – it varies depending on the needs of the owner.

This 30sqm condo unit used to be a two-bedroom space which interior designer Madelaine San Jose turned into a one-bedroom home to meet the owner’s requirements. “He wants to prioritize his working area. We decided to incorporate an edgy industrial vibe with refined modern aesthetics and a dash of Japanese minimalism to create a relaxing, contemporary living environment,” shares the designer.

READ: Things to Remember When Creating a Minimalist Home

Check out the unit’s transformation below:

Foyer/Entrance

BEFORE


According to Madelaine, they didn’t have a hard time renovating the entire unit as it wasn’t properly furnished yet and it only had existing finishes upon turnover.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

AFTER


From having an uninviting vibe, the unit now has a captivating and welcoming appeal – with neutral earthy colors dominating the space. The main door was repainted in dark gray to work in contrast with the concrete-finish accent wall.

The flooring was also changed from ceramic tiles to a stone plastic composite flooring that looks like wood. “We have added a wall-mounted rack with knobs as additional storage where the owner can organize his jackets, caps, bags, and accessories,” adds the designer.

Dining Area


CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Most of the pieces in the unit are custom-made to make sure they complement each other. They opted to furnish the dining area with a bar table and bar stools. “The table has three shelves on the left side near the kitchen to make sure there’s enough storage where the owner can keep essential items. It can also work as an extra prep space when cooking,” says Madelaine.


“The wall finishes in the common areas of the unit feature a mix of plain white walls and concrete finish accents while the furniture pieces are rustic, conveying the precision of minimalism and charm of asymmetry,” the designer adds.

READ: All The Finishing Materials You Need For a Modern Minimalist Home

Kitchen

BEFORE


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The entire layout of the built-in cabinets was changed to accommodate the new look of the kitchen as well as to maximize the storage that can be added.

AFTER


Completing the new look of the kitchen are mirrored backsplash to create an illusion of space, a solid surface countertop with marble finish, and plain white laminated kitchen cabinets.

BEFORE


“We made sure to choose appliances and fixtures that match the color scheme of the entire unit,” shares Madelaine. Opting for a monochromatic palette for the cooking area creates a neat and modern look as well.

AFTER



ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Work / Studio Area

BEFORE


Prior to the renovation, there used to be a wall defining one of the bedrooms, separating it from the living area. This was torn down to make way for a spacious work area as requested by the owner.

AFTER


The owner has an envy-worthy workspace, to say the least. He has a desk, an office chair, a reading corner, and a small lounging area where guests can relax.


There are also multiple storage options where he can display collectibles as well as a wall-mounted pegboard.


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

“We added an outdoor rug in the middle to incorporate a Tatami-inspired accent also known as a straw mat that is usually laid in rooms as opposed to the general flooring,” Madelaine explains. Completing the look are the foldable Tatami chairs that can be easily folded away when not in use.

READ: What is Japandi Style and How Can You Achieve It?

Master Bedroom

BEFORE


The bedroom could use some warmth and storage which Madelaine was able to deliver.

AFTER


The walls are painted in dark gray to create a calming and inviting sleeping area. Madelaine added wooden slats that double as accents. “We carefully selected the furniture pieces since the space is tight. We opted to use a full-sized double bed with drawers underneath,” says the designer.

To create extra storage, built-in shelves were likewise installed below the wall-mounted TV. Meanwhile, the mirror helps create an illusion of a taller space.


BEFORE


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

AFTER


The closet near the door is another custom-made piece, built with an overhead cabinet and a built-in desk with drawer that serves as an alternative working area. The existing master bedroom and T&B doors have been replaced with custom-made doors that feature a wood slat detailing with a stained finish to serve as extra accents while also allowing the designer to create a cohesive look.

READ: What is Japandi Style and How Can You Achieve It?

Bathroom

BEFORE


“The T&B has been completely transformed by installing light gray wall tiles and replacing all existing bathroom fixtures,” says Madelaine.

AFTER


The flooring features two shades of gray to differentiate the toilet area from the shower area. There are also pin lights to keep the space well-illuminated. Above the lavatory counter, the designer placed a wall-mounted mirror that has a built-in cabinet and an open shelf to allow the owner to keep his essentials within reach.

BEFORE


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

AFTER


By the door is a compact laundry area complete with a washing machine, baskets for clothes, and a wall-mounted shelf storage for towels.

 

Interested to work with IDr. Madelaine San Jose, PIID? You can get in touch with her via email at designgonemads[at]gmail.com. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @designgonemads to see her finished projects.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Latest Stories

3 Ways to Cool Down Your Home, According to Architect Oliver Austria

Bring the heat down with these useful tips.

5 Budget-Friendly Makeover Tips To Revamp Your Tiny Home

Discover 5 budget-friendly tips from expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Wooden Finishes Transform This Condo Into the Ultimate Bachelor’s Pad

The owner requested for “a modern design with dark wood accents.”

10 Wallet-Friendly Smart Devices for Your Home

Let's make life easier when we can.

Mid-Century Meets Tropical in this Sprawling Resort-Like Home in Calamba

It is located at the foothills of Mt. Makiling and surrounded by lush greenery.

This 150sqm Family Home in Bacolod is the Perfect Blend of Luxurious and Homey

This hotel-like space has dark colors, ultra-modern elements, and more.

5 Container Home Building Essentials for First-Time Builders

Top 5 essentials for building a container home with expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Learn About Homebuilding From the Experts: Here Comes RealLiving Masterclass!

Get the best design advice from two of the country's top architects.

This 24 Sqm Condo Unit Was Transformed Into a Stylish Home for a Family of 5

Learn more about how an interior design studio utilized the space's small footprint with a P350,000 budget.

Want to Learn How to Decorate a Small Space? Check Out This 54sqm Condo

This Pasay City condo highlights lots of small-space hacks you'll want to see.
Load More Stories