Unit at Escalades at 20th Ave.

It would be ideal if every homeowner, moving into a new home could acquire the services of a space planner or an interior designer. Not everybody, however, can afford such professional assistance, and, not everybody is willing to forego the sense of accomplishment one derives from fashioning a home according to one’s aesthetic inclinations.

Still, the wise homeowner will always be open to sound advice from experts in the field of space planning and interior design. Experience has armed them with smart, ingenious ways of beautifully resolving problems.

Arch. Lynn Del Rosario, tapped by Robinsons Land Corp. to create models for Escalades at 20th Avenue, a mid-rise residential development in Cubao, Quezon City, gives this advice to those just stepping into condo living: “It is important that the homeowner first defines the different spaces of the condo according to their function. What are your needs for this particular space? Do you need more storage? Are you the type of person who needs to have a space to lounge in and relax?
Do you want the space to be homey and inviting, or minimalist and functional? This way, you will be able to identify requirements and prioritize based on your lifestyle — and also avoid costly mistakes in the design process.”

“Choose a style that speaks best to you,” said Arch. Del Rosario. Recognizing the space limitation inherent in condo living, she also exhorts the homeowner to “get inspiration from nature. Bring the outdoors in — that way, you can visually open up the limited space you have so that coming home after a day at work becomes a refreshing experience every day.”

Of course, you don’t have to be literal about bringing the outdoors in. A thoughtful selection of colors can bring similar experiential benefits. According to her: “Colors can dramatically alter any space within a home, and the color possibilities available today are almost limitless. Colors can convey the feelings or emotions of a room, or of the homeowner. By the clever use of colors, our homes are transformed.”

Here are some color tips: pale colors and white can refresh a tired room, give it a clean look as well as a bright and spacious atmosphere. Rich colors create an intense effect and can make a room more cozy and intimate. Neutral tones work best with almost all types of furniture and are easy to mix and match with different types of fabric.

As a final word on color, Arch. Del Rosario said, “We cannot change the color of our walls and ceilings as often as we change our clothes, thus we must be practical in our color selection.”

She also provides these tips on making space: Find unusual places for storage (built-in wall storage, overhangs, under the bed). Select furniture that are compact, multi-purpose (if you are using painted furniture, painting all the pieces in the same base color pulls the room together visually and avoids the look of having clutter). Maximize light by avoiding single overhead lighting in small spaces as it has a tendency to draw the walls in.

Escalades at 20th Avenue will no doubt appeal to those in the market for a space that will reflect their inner creativity. The units — which come in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom cuts — are turned over to the homeowner in a finish that is ready to receive design inputs from the homeowner, a clean canvas with which one can impress her sense of aesthetic.

More information is at www.escalades20th.com.