Within Manila’s mixed bag of neoclassical architecture and modernist structures, the ITOOH Homestyle team recently got to visit a home space that screams of Berlin and its underground art scene. While it seems antithetical to describe it as sleek and cozy, this curated flat perfectly captures that exact feeling. The home we’re referring to, of course, is born from the vision of writer and former beauty editor Regina Belmonte and the astute expertise of interior designer Mara Manalo.
Upon entering Regina’s Industrial Eleganza space, one immediately sees whispers of her history trailing every nook and cranny. Finely organized interiors house unique eclectic pieces fit for the stylish abode of the former beauty editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines, the brain behind such columns as Read My Lipstick, and one of the stalwart figures you’d find within the whirling crowds under the city’s neon-lit raves.
Regina’s Take on Industrial House Design
The first thing that greets visitors is the living room, with walls finished to emulate the gray concrete so connected with Berlin’s design style. Ridged accent walls contrast more bold elements like a hanging disco ball in the corner, the empire chandelier in the center, a gothic full-length mirror, a sleek black marble coffee table, and a truly stunning floor-to-ceiling bookshelf.
The bookshelf pulls focus within the room as the entire section is coated in matte black paint. This not only creates a clean aesthetic that adds warmth to the wood-paneled flooring but also allows one to take in a large array of books, a vinyl player, a vintage Olympia typewriter used by Regina’s grandma, the iconic Betty Go-Belmonte, and the “R” from Today x Future’s sign. Regina proudly displays these items as the ones that matter most to her, and it does a splendid job of harkening to the best of her past while boldly looking forward.
Practical elements in the room don’t go unseen, with a sleek writing desk, various pendant floor lamps, a plush cream mid-century modern couch, and a smooth bowl chair. Open the sliding doors and be welcomed to a balcony section with an assortment of plants cradling a neat serving cart and padded benches. Regina notes how intentional this design choice is for conversation so that anyone outside can sit with a couple of friends and still peer into the indoor section and take part in an indoor gathering.
On the path to the kitchen and bedrooms, Regina shares her love for her cadmium green liquor cabinets stocked with a dazzling variety of booze and, more importantly, the gorgeous art pieces that have personal ties to her own life. Each step tells more of the story – An Igan D’Bayan piece for her debut, a childhood gift from her grandfather depicting a ballerina in oil paint, a setlist from a beloved Robyn concert, a Joya piece from her father, countless prints from artist friends, and a muted black frame in tribute to close friend and late visual artist, Bree Johnson.
The dining room, again sublimely coated in black from wall to ceiling, features metal rail ceiling lights hanging over a long rounded marble dining table, purposely mismatched chairs, and a constructivist-style console table found by Manalo, all flushed in natural light thanks to wide windows draped with sheer curtains.
1 - Kantennah Leather Accent Chair, 2 - Value Industrial Dining Chair, 3 - Curious Marble Dining Table,
4 - Palo Mac Chair, 5 - Celini Black Wooden Dining Chair
The kitchen is another testament to Regina Belmonte and Mara Manalo’s melded vision for an industrial house design, doing away with excesses to have select show pieces and practical elements. The glass sliding doors are adorned with writing - little notes to remind its owners what needs to be done for the day - and welcomes one immediately to the black matte kitchen with open shelving and a stunning Smeg refrigerator.
Curated with that Signature Berlin Aesthetic
Regina Belmonte shares Mara Manalo’s mantra for her interior design as “If you put something nice there, you don’t have to hide it.” Nice doesn’t even begin to cover the space, with shelves filled with well-organized spices, oils, and other kitchen needs all rebottled to create a clean glass aesthetic that does away with mismatched brands and color schemes. Every spice is layered in tiers, a true testament to the neatness of this home. Naturally, the oven and microwave are built-in to maximize the space. Just across, a classic Revenge of The Jedi poster sits in its frame on the wall for some real visual interest.
In the hall, the eye directly goes to a section of stacked mirrors that are actually doors to a curated storage closet for shoes. This ingenious idea actually came from breaking down the walls that were previously there. “If you can create more space,” says Regina, “always do that.”
The bathrooms continue to blend the industrial with the disco, truly embracing Berlin’s underground. The guest bath has penny-round patterns on the walls, film posters and old menus as decor, and a round mounted wall light. The master bath is fully tiled in black mosaic, with floating shelves and a deep recessed corner tub. Amber glass bottles also make their presence in the bathrooms to house toiletries.
Finally, the bedroom creates a balance of light and dark with charcoal gray walls and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. A hidden closet blends nicely into the corner wall of the room, which is mostly dominated by an urban modern four-poster bed with chrome posts and pendant lighting. Of course, a custom wood vanity table designed by Manalo sits neatly on the right hand wall with spherical wall sconces on each side. In each self, every item is carefully labeled and placed.
As she escorts us out to watch Drag Race Philippines, you can still feel how this is the home built by someone with a keen eye for industrial house design and a desire to create a space that embraces stories, fosters connections, and is definitely worth coming back to.
“My style… It’s very much inspired by my time in Berlin,” shares Regina. “Every space is so interesting… It’s always a mix that seems to go perfectly well together. That’s what I loved about it - the lived-in, DIY sort of feel, where everything felt like it had character. I really wanted that for myself so I hope I achieved that with this home.”
6 - Book Case II, 7 - Madison 6-Light Chandelier, 8 - Sorella FLoor Lamp Shade, 9 - Untitled Oil Painting on Paper, 10 - Unhappy Acrylic Painting, 11 - Nord 3-Seater Sofa, 12 - Khaki Velvet Pillow Case
