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Transforming a Compact Mandaluyong Apartment for a Family of Five

In the heart of Metro Manila, Philippines, a vibrant family of five—a couple and their three sons—resides in a 28-square-meter apartment in Mandaluyong City. Having lived there for four years, the family faced a common urban challenge: their home, perfect when their children were younger, now felt cramped as the boys grew. To address this, they sought the expertise of Joseph Carroll Aguarez, principal interior designer at a renowned Philippine design practice, to reimagine their space. The goal was to create a home that reflected the family’s lively personality while maximizing functionality and intentionality in every square inch.

A Strategic Redesign for Urban Living

Located in the tallest tower in its area, built in 2018, the apartment boasts an exceptional position in Metro Manila, close to major business hubs and popular shopping destinations, with unobstructed skyline views. The original layout included an open kitchen, a combined living and dining area, a bedroom, a compact bathroom, and a balcony. Instead of altering the floor plan, the design focused on smarter storage solutions and strategic furniture placement to enhance usability without sacrificing style.

Drawing inspiration from the family’s love for cycling, Aguarez incorporated elements from their colorful bikes—featuring rust, green, and mustard accents—into the design. The result was a neutral base punctuated by vibrant pops of color, creating a cohesive and dynamic aesthetic.

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Thoughtful Details in Every Corner

Upon entering the apartment, slim cabinets provide efficient shoe storage, while a wooden hook system for hats, bags, and keys doubles as a decorative feature. The entrance wall, painted in a muted gold accent, clearly defines the space. In the living room, fluted PVC wooden panels contrast with a tall living tree, softening the rectangular space. A custom-made sofa serves as a couch by day and slides out into a larger bed at night, catering to the family’s evolving needs. A flexible wall light in the corner swings forward for nighttime reading, adding both practicality and charm.

The media cabinet, a customized storage unit, houses clothes, the children’s belongings, a TV, and even a tall vacuum cleaner. Clear polycarbonate doors on one cabinet keep the space visually light, while a mirror on the side prevents the area from feeling cramped. The dining area features an extendable IKEA table, perfect for a family that frequently eats out but still values a functional dining space.

In the kitchen, colorful subway tiles echo the living room’s palette and are easy to clean. Carefully planned drawers and a quarter-round mechanism maximize storage in hard-to-reach corners, accommodating a portable induction stove, rice cooker, and air fryer. The bedroom maximizes vertical space with floor-to-ceiling cabinets featuring the same fluted panels for continuity. A double bed sits slightly elevated to allow a pull-out single bed for the youngest son, while wall lamps by murals provide ambient lighting. An office corner with a floating desk and mirror backing creates a sense of openness through reflective surfaces.

The compact bathroom uses terrazzo-finished tiles in the same accent colors, with a shower curtain to keep the space flexible. Cabinetry above the toilet, painted in rust, provides storage for stock items.

Under-Bed Storage

Embracing Urban Living

This project highlights that urban living doesn’t always require a larger home. For this family, the apartment’s central location means easy access to nearby gyms, playgrounds, and schools, reducing commute times and fostering a sense of community. By prioritizing multifunctional furniture, clever storage, and a vibrant yet cohesive design, the space now perfectly suits the family’s needs while reflecting their personality.

This thoughtfully redesigned apartment demonstrates how intentional design can transform even the smallest spaces into functional, beautiful homes, proving that in urban settings, smart planning is the key to thriving.

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