Angelo Aguilar of ACGA Interior Design, the 25sqm bare studio unit was transformed into a functional, compact bachelor’s condo.
The colors in the unit are predominantly neutral with occasional use of teal to enliven the space. “It’s based from the colors that Ryan required. He doesn’t want a lot of colors, so the most dominant colors are teal, gray, black, and then there’s wood,” Angelo explains how they came up with the unit’s color palette. They also opted to keep the walls white to reduce the expenses. Besides, the white walls are the perfect background for the wall decals made by Ryan’s friend from Dezign My Wall.
Upon entry, guests are greeted by a modest kitchen, which has been renovated to add more overhead cabinets and open shelving as well as more counter space. “Originally, ang kitchen niya, maiksi lang ‘yong counter space. So we extended it. Naglagay rin kami ng hanging cabinets, and installed a backsplash. Mahilig kasing magluto si Ryan, kulang sa kanya yung dating counter. We also played with the lighting. These light tracks are dimmable so he can control it,” Angelo shares.
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Across the kitchen is the bathroom, which also required a major renovation. According to Angelo, the bathroom used to have a plastic shower enclosure with a cream-colored tile floor, the ‘typical bathroom.’ Hence, Angelo and his team updated the space and changed the shower enclosure to glass. They also retiled and repainted. A large anchor wall decal also adds a playful visual interest. The bathroom that used to be ‘sad,’ as Angelo described now looks more spacious and stylish.
Against the wall outside the bathroom is a nook for Ryan’s shoes and other knick knacks, which also serves as a mini foyer. Next to it is the glass pocket sliding door that blocks the smell from the kitchen, which also makes Ryan’s studio seem like a one-bedroom unit.
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When you enter the sleeping and entertaining area, the left wall features a entertainment-working-area. On one side is the mounted television and cabinet. The cabinet is topped with an extended surface that serves as Ryan’s work desk. “I work from home sometimes, so I want an area for that, too,” Ryan shares. Tucked under the work desk is the dining table.
Opposite the entertainment-work desk-dining is the custom loft bed that integrates the ‘walk-in’ wardrobe of Ryan, which he also asked the interior designer to build for him. Underneath the loft bed made by WJDJ Designs is the living space with the sofa bed and Ryan’s collection of snow globes and shot glasses from his travels. A mirror is also installed behind the sofa bed to make the space appear larger.
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The other side of the living space that faces the windows of the unit is the area for Ryan’s wardrobe. Ryan shares that he does not really like folding his clothes, so he has more hanging space in his wardrobe. Another feature in the compact bachelor’s pad is the hanging clothes rack that Angelo added to the wardrobe area in the same finish as the loft bed’s metal details.
The loft, a queen size, was used only once by Ryan since its turnover last December 2018 due to his knee operation the day after he moved in. “Unfortunately, I had a knee surgery last December, when I moved in. So I haven’t really used the loft bed. Good thing I have a sofa bed, so dito muna ako,” Ryan shares. He also said that it would have been his favorite spot in his compact condo if he could only climb it during the time of our visit. While he heals from his knee operation, he likes to hang out in the living area.
