Warm & Familiar: A Dive into Modern Contemporary Filipino Design

 

Wood-and-tile-parquet floors, off-white textured wallpaper, and ambient lighting create the perfect backdrop for this lounge nestled within the city of Manila. 

We, at Hurray Design, are thrilled every time we are brought on board a project that wishes to embrace local design. Our team believes that there is so much more to it than what most people are aware of! While many accept that local interior design is restricted to ancestral home renovations, traditional Filipino restaurants, and local retail concepts, there is an underestimated versatility, timelessness, and richness to Philippine interior design. 

With the concept of Modern Contemporary Filipino, a 240 sqm multifunctional space meant for pleasure, wellness, and fitness was created to suit the client’s tastes.

At the heart of the floorplan lies a wide lounge and bar area

Combining traditional Filipino aesthetics with a contemporary user-centered style is what makes Modern Tropical, one of Hurray’s signature themes, work. 

The marriage of neutral solid tones on the walls and soft surfaces, and natural tactile textures such as woven sisal for the chairs, capiz for the bar, and marble for the tabletops create an inviting balance within the lounge. 

A flexible layout for a broad array of activities and users was made possible through the use of lightweight but durable furniture. The recreational space can be arranged in a lounge set-up, as well as a conference set-up, depending on the users’ preference.

Initial 3D Rendered Perspective

A platform stage, backdropped with two flat-screen TVs and a projector screen, was also installed for formal events. Two pairs of lounge chairs mirror each other, creating a casual area for invited speakers to interact in front of a crowd.

Warm lighting softens the wooden linear elements

Opposite the bar, at the far end of the room, is a smaller lounge area designed with an intimate conversational layout and deeper seating in mind. This cozy nook creates a restful and informal setting — a nostalgic vestige of our lolo and lola’s sala. 

To create an airy and bright space, a contrasting colour palette of antique brown, pearl white, stone, sand and pandan was used.

Touches of green appear throughout the space

Completely transformed and enlivened, this sensible ageless interior design brings the users back to their roots, a place they feel at home and at ease,  where they can foster camaraderie and work-life balance. 

Loving this design? Book an online meeting with us so we can discuss your dream space! 

Liking it but not exactly convinced? You can also check out our other works here!

Article cover by Gio Rogelio