How I built my house and made it a home.
Welcome to my home. Here you see how my domestic dreams have become a reality. Ever since I was a little girl, I always had a penchant for dressing up my own space. I have this innate talent for putting things together, organizing and decorating most likely inherited from my awesome grandmother and mother.
The heartbreaking experience of my family having to sell the house I grew up in motivated me early in my acting career to be frugal. I applied for a scholarship in De La Salle - College of St. Benilde so I could start saving more money for my dream home. I subsequently stopped shopping and traveling for about 5 years and worked my pretty butt off, not minding the supporting or antagonist roles given to me. I remember admiring a co-actress’ new shoes and before I’d think of buying a pair for myself I’d think, “This would probably be the equivalent of a wall in my house. So nevermind.” The sacrifices I made helped shape me into the practical lady I am today.
My little dream of having a house to call my own came to fruition in March 2010. I saved up enough to furnish my house, but not hire someone to do it. I had to learn about interior design and source my own materials. I had the help of contractors and furniture designers but I basically drew everything up from scratch. I started off by scanning interior design books and magazines for pegs I wanted to emulate. I often went to home and fabric warehouses to get the lowest prices possible. I even scoured thrift stores along Kamuning and Evangelista for vintage treasures. I also took hand-me-downs from my mom and lola then had them refurbished to my liking. I went as far as drawing the layout for my kitchen and bedroom. The experience taught me not just about design but also how to keep my home in order because I had to know how everything worked. I know how everything was built and made because I monitored everything from the ground up.
Today, my house is still a work in progress. I’m a proactive homeowner - I clean, I cook. Though I have house help, my amazing Manang Bell and dynamic assistant Katkat who help me keep my life in order, I make it a point to be active in the maintenance of my home. A house would not be as cozy and welcoming without your personal touch. Whether all you have is a bedspace in a dormitory or room in your parents’ home, you should make your space your own. Knowing yourself is translated through how you maintain your personal space. Let your personality shine through your chosen style but never neglect cleanliness and orderliness. A grown up young lady knows her way around a space she fixed up herself. Hopefully my blog doesn’t just provide you with recipes and pretty pictures, but also with insights into how you can be your own domestic goddess.
Thank you to Yes Magazine for these pictures featured in their October 2011 issue.
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