Actress Sylvia Sanchez and her family used to reside in a gated subdivision in Ortigas City.
When Typhoon Ondoy struck the Philippines in September 2009, their house was among those ravaged by the floods and after the traumatic event, they had to look for a new and safe house.
Two years after that disaster, fortunately, the family had found a new place that’s not prone to flooding, “Tumakbo kami dito kasi naghanap kami ng mataas na area. So dito kami napunta,” the veteran actress shares. They moved into an exclusive hilly subdivision in Quezon City located on a sloping piece of land, making it perfect for the veteran actress, her husband, and their four kids.
With Sylvia and her husband art worked in tandem, they were able to transform it into a home, “Asawa ko ang nag-design ng lahat ng buong bahay na ‘to. Siya ang nagplano, ‘yong kuwarto, lahat. Pinabayaan ko siyang i-handle ang construction side. Siya ang namroblema no’n,” she says. Once the structure is up, it was Sylvia’s turn to take the wheel. “Sa akin naman ‘yong design ng bahay. Ako nag-isip kung ano ang ilalagay, kung anong klaseng furniture ang bibilhin. I believe na magaling akong mag-design ng bahay. Pero hindi ako magaling mag-explain,” she shares.
The veteran actress was able to achieve a look that’s simple, sophisticated, and inviting even without following a specific theme for her home’s interiors. According to Sylvia, this home became the perfect place for a new beginning for their family.
Here’s a glimpse of their lovely home:
The Living Area
This area showcases a modern and elegant appeal with it’s chosen pieces of furniture and décor. It also features a semi-abstract painting by National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz serves as the focal point in the area which is part of his series on cyclists, the painting is the sole work of art in this part of the home. There is also a piece of painted glass decor are on display on a console table and porcelain figurines.
While on the other side, it features a well-selected furniture pieces and floor-to-ceiling shelves holding Sylvia’s prized collection. And because their family loves to bond and stay at home, the abundance of seating pieces is a must. “Sa sala lang, dito lang kami lagi. Tapos makikita mo, lahat natutulog sila diyan, or lahat andun sa kuwarto ng mga anak ko, gano’n lang,” Sylvia shares.
While in this corner, a cozy reading nook can be seen. It features a wooden table that holds the décor pieces and a luxe table lamp matched with wing chairs in red, for a cozy reading nook.
A communal compact powder room was placed in one corner of the living area. It is decorated with minimal accent pieces and its focal point is the wall covered in geometric veneers. This space is a little bit small but has an elegant and hotel-like appeal.
The Dining Area
This inviting area has an eight-seater square table and tufted dining chairs. Sylvia opted for chrome pendant lights to illuminate the space and match the tables and chairs, The striking work of art featuring bold hues added color to this area. Placed on the side is a shelf with mirror backing that holds more figurines.
The Kitchen
This elegant kitchen looks straight out of a cooking show. It’s perfect for prepping meals because of the modern minimalist open design with a spacious island.
It also has a cream-colored countertop and enough storage to keep clutter at bay adding some spacious feel. The cooking area is also well-equipped with a five-burner cooktop, a stainless range hood, and a built-in oven and the soft-closing cabinets and drawers.
You will not see walls nor dividers that separates the kitchen from the dining area. Thus, this creates an efficient space that allows the owners to entertain and host get-togethers with friends.
Arjo’s Bedroom
Arjo Atayde’s bedroom is a bachelor’s dream, this room is located on the topmost level of the house. It features a sleek aesthetic, enough storage, and comfy pieces defined by hints of gray, black, and red. With a red shag carpet anchors the bedroom and ties the look together. There are comforters and additional beds placed on the carpet that his friends can use when they visit his place.
On the left side are cabinets with frosted glass doors filled with Arjo’s clothes and belongings. There is also a slim entrance leads to his walk-in closet, this is where he kept his shades and shoe collections
A black sofa where Arjo can relax while watching TV and can also accommodate his friends during sleepovers was placed near his king-size bed. There’s a shelf in his room that holds the giant flat-screen TV that features some of the awards he has won.
Ria’s Bedroom
Meanwhile, below Arjo’s room is actress Ria Atayde’s bedroom. Its layout looks similar to Arjo’s personal space. According to Ria, her brother copied her room. With it being spacious and organized, the bedroom also has a similar cabinet where her clothes and belongings are kept. While a dainty wallpaper defines the wall behind the bed.
What’s inside Ria’s walk-in closet? Well, her collection of beautiful bags. “I think I have more than fifteen. Pero not all of them are expensive brands, ha. I only have about four or five expensive bags,” Ria shares.
There is also a shelf in her room that holds the TV that features her books, a few photographs, some magazines, and her collection of souvenir shot glasses.
The Veranda
This veranda will remind their guests of a tropical feel. It’s located on the same floor as Arjo’s bedroom, that’s why he’s the one who uses the space the most.
It also features an inviting daybed, a seating area, and a dining set that is meant for entertaining and spending time with guests. Arjo and his friends hang out here sometimes.
This area also functions as his personal gym since he uses the space often. All his gym equipment was kept here, like his elliptical machine, bench press machine, and set of weights.