Perhaps it was timely that James Yulo Chi moved into his new three-story home in the midst of the pandemic in 2021. After all, James’ home is outfitted with a gym, office, and a studio, among a slew of other refreshing green nooks and corners—the importance of all of which were underscored in the last few years, as most people found themselves confined to their homes. Beyond the sense that this home has been designed and "completed" for the needs of this post-pandemic world, Yulo Chi's home is a contemporary livable homage to nature and those that came before.
Throughout the home, ancestral pieces are proudly displayed. In the middle of the foyer, beckoning guests from the stairs' landing, parts of preserved banisters from their family home have been DIY-ed into modern-day candle holders. "Personalizing your home as you go along is important to me," he shares. By the large doorway, another well-loved item finds its place. A gift from the health entrepreneur's mother, a woven art piece from Ugu Bigyan from a decade earlier, echoes the homeowner's sentimentality.
Moving across into the home, the bright open spaces are populated by verdant house plants. A self-confessed plantito, James considers plants a necessity in his homestyle. "The style of my house is modern tropical Filipino, with contemporary art," he explains. " On the ground floor, you'll notice a lot of plants and natural materials, as I prefer a well-ventilated and naturally lit space.
This theme of inviting the outside in is evident even in the veranda—a space many consider purely for function or as a less-used casual corner. Among more lush plants in this area, a painting of Yulo Chi's ancestral home from Bacolod hangs over the breakfast nook. "It really holds great importance to me", he continues.
01 - Bela Hanging Ceiling Lamp,
02 - Weaved Food Serving Tray,
03 - Weaved Tray Basket,
04 - Salcedo Wooden Tray,
05 - Astrid-W Elmwood Arm Chair,
06 - Rumor Acrylic Painting on Canvas,
07 - Gazini Modern Accent Chair,
08 - Serenity Sofa Set,
09 - Tasa Stool,
10 - Algodon Stool,
11 - Uriah Coffee Table,
12 - Tripod Wood Base Floor Lamp Shade
13 - Ponza Chair,
14 - Beverly Wood Chair with Rope,
15 - Tabako Buffet Table,
16 - Crystal Bedside Table Lamp Shade,
17 - Imperial Vase,
18 - Escolta Dinner Plate,
19 - Melocoton Serving Bowl II,
20 - Amika 10-Seater Dining Table
Unsurprisingly, the kitchen and dining area are similarly modern with a green thumb. Washed in warm neutral tones, the kitchen is where James Yulo Chi (owner of concepts like Ketos of Manila and The Sugar-free Bakery) spends a lot of time. "This is where the magic happens", he smiles. When not using the kitchen for recipe development, he's busy whipping up dishes for guests and family at the nearby dining table. To complement the table and seating's streamlined natural wood, he often decorates his table settings with plants and greens from his edible garden.
Onto the second floor, which the homeowner refers to as a "warm-up for the third floor", several colorful paintings from local artists are featured. Works from the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia are just a few featured in his extensive collection. On this same floor, we find the guest bedroom. Mindfully designed to be cozy and gender-neutral, this room is meant to feel like a home away from home, where its occupants can reflect on their version of relaxation.
Nearby, the master bedroom awaits. Free from any screens and gadgets, this airy bedroom encourages blissful rest and sleep, away from modern distractions. Still awash in neutral tones with pops of greens here and there, the bedroom has an interesting outdoor feature. Inspired by his Balinese travels, a partly outdoor bathtub lets one soak their troubles away.
21 - Ingrid Bedside Table Lamp Shade,
22 - Infisso Deep Copper Metal Side Table,
23 - Grace Dark Walnut Wooden Bed Frame,
24 - Salma Wood Decor Object,
25 - Trinidad Glazed Ceramic Plant Pot,
26 - Obliterator Oil painting on Canvas,
27 - White Lovebirds Ceramic Candle Holder,
28 - Copper & Crystal Running Man Figurine,
29 - Full Bloom Modern Accent Chair,
30 - Salbabida Chair
True to his word that every floor is different, the third floor is a more playful escape. From the art lining the staircase to the paintings showcased on its walls, the third floor is the most visually explosive in the home. The den on this floor oversees some of Yulo Chi's most favorite contemplating pieces, like a painting by Mark Barretto, a chair by Ito Kish, and some sculptures from Carl Modelo.
31 - Untitled Acrylic painting on Canvas,
32 - Orbit 2 Acrylic painting,
33 - Orbit 3 Acrylic painting,
34 - Orbit 1 Acrylic painting,
35 - Common Connection Acrylic painting on canvas,
36 - Cornerstone version 5 Textured Abstract Painting,
37 - Untitled Oil painting on Paper,
38 - Untitled Oil painting on Paper,
39 - Children of the sun 2 Acrylic on Resin,
40 - Utopia Oil and Acrylic on Canvas,
41 - Through The Looking Glass-Psycho Acrylic on Resin,
42 - Abstract Elephant Figurine,
43 - Living Water Textured Abstract Painting,
44 - Top of the World Acrylic Painting on Canvas,
45 - Void Oil Painting on Canvas
Definitely, a space that mirrors its owner's appreciation for self-expression, works by Leeroy New and Christian Tamondong also have a home here. Fittingly, nothing feels too much or contradictory, as the home's tropical neutral palette serves as the perfect backdrop. Of course, being in the food industry, snacks are never far off—an endearing detail that proves this house is a home.
In comparison to the louder art in the den, the third floor's office is a little more subtle. Apart from a well-populated bookshelf, the office displays Yulo Chi's black-and-white art collection. A stone's throw away is the home gym. The first place to be completed is the home, this is also where the health buff starts his daily routines.
46 - Rocking Horse Small,
47 - Martedi Desk Lamp Shade,
48 - Railway Switchman Mixed media Painting,
49 - Over The Horizon Mixed media Painting,
50 - Dungaw 7 Soft pastel on Bristol Board,
51 - Yo Quiero vivir Siempre Oil on Canvas,
52 - Bote 3 Soft pastel on Canvas,
53 - Broken Painting on canvas,
54 - The Valley 2 Acrylic Painting,
55 - Serpentine Desk in Solid Mahogany Wood,
56 - Gavin High Back Executive Chair White-Wood,
57 - Seth Coffee Rectangular Carpet Rug
58 - Book Case II,
59 - Marble Horn,
60 - The Bull B Lacquer Paint on Resin,
61 - Fairman Blanche Bookends,
62 - Jude Wood 4-Layer Bookshelves,
63 - Sander Noir Vase,
64 - Marble Grecian Flower Vase,
65 - Serpentine Stone Food Bowl,
66 - Seletti Porcelain Mouth Dinner Plate
The last stop on the tour, Yulo Chi's personal studio is all warmth and groundedness. A place he calls his private sanctuary, the studio has more art from makers like Chatu and Gabby Prado. "This is where I indulge in painting, reading, meditation, and sometimes even work from home." Another clue that his space is lived in and not just a showpiece is a nearby unassuming cabinet that holds little bits and bobs.
Just like the natural Filipino materials he loves, James’ home is a well-woven tapestry of relaxing tropical style. Imbued with his own colorful contemporary taste, this home is a laid-back yet ever-dynamic abode.
