How an Interior Designer Transformed This Condo Without Major Renovations
Interior designer Angelica Fua focused on choosing the right wall treatments, furniture, and storage solutions
Dressing up a newly turned over condo unit can be exciting and daunting at the same time. After all, where do you begin and how budget do you need to allocate to make it a home? Like we always say, achieving a cozy and functional space doesn’t have to be expensive nor stressful.
Take your cue from interior designer Angelica Fua, who successfully transformed a one-bedroom condo unit into a welcoming second home for a young woman in her 20s. Since the 60sqm space will also serve as a hangout place for the owner and her friends, the interior designer also had to make sure there’s enough room for lounging, enjoying food, and sleeping.
READ: 10 Mini Makeovers That Cost Zero Pesos
“We also had to minimize major renovation work by embracing the unit’s deliverables as well as create a sophisticated and modern design with elements of whimsy,” the designer explains. It really helps if the unit you secured already has quality finishes so all you have to do is personalize and improve.
Check out the makeover of the condo below:
Entryway
Angelica defined the space near the door with an entryway where shoes and bags can be kept to avoid clutter. The customized modular cabinet can also work as a buffet table for the dining area. To complete the look, the designer also added a custom-made mirror and a suspended shelf to add visual interest to the space.
Kitchen
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After
According to Angelica, they most of the finishes in the kitchen to minimize demolition work. Some of the features she incorporated include the gray subway tiles as backsplash and the metal and glass open shelf where décor and drinks can be displayed.
READ: This Homeowner's Minimalist Kitchen Will Inspire You to Declutter
Dining Area
The dining area is the focal point of the unit, with its captivating wall treatment highlighting a custom three-piece bent metal frame with beveled mirrors. Angelica says that these materials “open up the space and reflect more light in the room.”
To create a cohesive look, the designer paired the six-seater solid wood dining table with woven chairs. “Given the ceiling height, it felt appropriate to balance it off with a statement basket pendant light similar to the chosen dining chairs,” she adds. A neutral carpet with geometric patterns anchors the space.
Seating Corner
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After
The locally made rattan daybed serves as extra seating for the owner’s friends while the throw pillows and artwork add pops of color to the unit.
Living Area
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After
“The wall finish used behind the sofa is the same one seen in the entryway. It’s a finish called ‘Venetian plaster,’ which is more durable than paint or wallpaper. It also creates a soft texture that’s best displayed with minimal decoration,” explains the interior designer.
The L-shaped sofa can accommodate five people and can also be converted into a full-size bed when needed. Behind the sofa is a built-in console where the extra pillows, router, and landline phone are kept. Meanwhile, two upholstered green swivel chairs are placed near the balcony so the owner can admire the view while reading or enjoying a meal.
Though not entirely seen in the photo, the wall in front of the sofa features a custom wood paneling to create a subdued textured wall. “Since the dining area is meant to be a showpiece wall, it’s important for the entertainment area not to compete with it,” says Angelica.
Bedroom
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After
A ledge beside the window conceals the AC condenser unit and to make it functional, the designer created an inviting window seat complete with a cushion and pillows which can be another hangout spot, an extra sleeping space, or a reading nook.
Beside the queen size bed is a built-in vanity with a backlit oval mirror. “We removed the wardrobe unit to accommodate the vanity setup then we added two cubbyholes for bags and knickknacks,” the designer adds.
Bathroom
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After
No major renovations were done in the bathroom and Angelica made sure to add plenty of storage to accommodate toiletries and cleaning supplies. She incorporated a custom-made medicine cabinet and a lavatory drawer with wood laminate that mirrors the one used in the bedroom.
Ready to work on your own home makeover? Get in touch with interior designer Angelica Fua through email at angie[at]inwardspaces.com. You can also follow her on Instagram: @angiefua.
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