For most newlyweds, homestyle is ever-evolving—constantly changing and adapting as the couple themselves grow. Traditionally, they are expected to move from modest spaces to generously sized ones where their children eventually grow up. In residential architect Miko de los Reyes’ case, he and his wife Nicole Tantoco entered married life with a crystallized vision of a “forever home”.
Built on land de los Reyes invested in before their marriage, the Laguna-based home is inspired by influential Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. “We wanted our house to be a reflection of who we were, and how we imagine our family life to be,” de los Reyes adds. In true Bawa fashion, the home is breezy and open. Neither overt patterns nor bold superfluous colors, elements, or segregations exist. Each section flows into the next, woven together by high ceilings, and ample windows, under one central skylight. Continuing past the foyer, visitors are led into the bright living space. Styled in neutral white and concrete gray, the living room allows different decor textures and colors to shine.
This serves as the perfect canvas for the family’s most treasured possessions—where family heirlooms, travel memorabilia, and framed photos are proudly shared, offering a glimpse into the colorful lives of the home’s occupants. “We wanted the house decor to have a deeper meaning–a story of who we are basically,” he continues.
Given that sustainability is a prime tenet of Bawa’s approach, de los Reyes notes that some key pieces in the home are recycled and salvaged. Starting from the main entryway, the geometric-patterned central panels in the double doors are taken from antique homes. One of the most striking furnishings is a custom-built solihiya bench—the actual bench the couple used in their wedding ceremony. An oversized wire spool made of wood in the middle of the room is topped with a glass tabletop and transformed into a chic coffee table. The couple’s coffee table reading includes titles like Singapore Colonial Style and A Sketchbook of Philippine Garden Orchids—both hinting at the homeowners’ interests, made evident in subtle touches throughout the colonial-style home.
01 - Reef Wall Mirror,
02 - Arden L-shape Sofa,
03 - Gridsen Blued Gun Metal Fabric Chair,
04 - English Chippendale Half Moon Console Table,
05 - Malabulak Sculpted Blossom Lamp,
06 - Raggio Divan All Metal 2-Seater Accent Chair,
07 - Sapling Bark Small Pillowcase,
08 - Kagubatan Bookshelf ,
09 - Santacruzan Accent Chair,
10 - Kenner Rectangular Carpet Rug,
11 - Lerato Wooden Table Furniture,
12 - Tamara 2 Seater Modern Sofa,
13 - Columbia Glazed Ceramic Pot,
14 - Bunot Coffee Table Set,
15 - Ingot Metal Lamp with Fabric Shade and Bulb,
16 - Console Cabinet,
17 - Brownies Fur Pillow,
18 - Hand Woven Slim Multi-Purpose Side Table
“If you notice, I also don’t have a sofa here,” de los Reyes points out. “I only have this built-in concrete area where I put a cushion over it. Underneath it, we have storage.” The floors in the house use polished concrete that allows for the raw materials to take center stage—another thing inspired by Bawa. Concrete is easier to maintain and leaves room for repainting down the line.
Miko finds the dining table the most interesting piece. Designed from a slab of wood acquired before building the home, de los Reyes says he made sure to incorporate it into the finished design. Much like the upcycled coffee table, this dining table makes use of repurposed rebar (left over from the home’s construction) as a base.
19 - Himalayan Black Bronze Metal Etagere,
20 - Salbabida Chair,
21 - Danao Rectangular Placemat,
22 - Round Rattan Blue Washed Tray With Handle,
23 - Bali Bench,
24 - Pugad Chandelier,
25 - Navy Blue Leather Glass Coasters,
26 - Louis Wooden Dining Table,
27 - Blue Burma Leather Ice Bucket,
28 - Canoe Bowl in Blue Gray Finish,
29 - Seletti Hybrid Armilla Porcelain Spoon,
30 - Bodum Pavina Double Wall Glass L (Set of 2),
31 - Dark Wood Buffet Table
The dining room is also a makeshift art gallery where the couple displays some of their favorite works. One painting, made by a grand uncle of the architect, features a vanishing scene of an old Filipino church. This is hung over a salvaged wooden find, whose copped wood patina complements the textures and hues from the painting. On another wall, over a buffet, hangs a larger painting by Nile Pobadora. “I love the blue shades, and as you can see the theme of the dining room is predominantly blue and white,” he explains. “I thought that was a good piece to anchor the space.” A colorful botanical painting by Isabel Diaz hangs on an adjacent wall. “I specifically requested that we have some tropical flowers, because, you know, being in the Philippines I feel more connected to the local flora.”
32 to 37 - India Ink on abaca Paper Artworks,
38 - A'nola, 'Day!, acrylic painting on canvas,
39 - Rhythm in Lapiz Azuli, mixed media painting,
40 - Concealed, mixed media painting,
41 - Not a Magical Bird, oil painting in canvas,
42 - Reysan Lorzano II, Mixed Media,
43 - Salma Wood Decor Object,
44 - Rizal and His Final Letters, India Ink on Abaca Paper,
45 - Bote 3, Soft pastel on Canvas,
46 - Sustaining Balance II, oil painting on canvas,
47 - Tiye Wood Decor Object,
48 - Copper & Crystal Running Man Figurine,
49 - Void, oil painting on canvas,
50 - Kiss & Tell, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas,
51 - Rosden Neri I, Oil on Canvas,
52 - Phantom Wall Décor,
53 - Elephant with Ancient Man
Getting to the second floor, one can’t help but marvel at the concrete staircase. “The most interesting piece that encompasses, I think, the staircase is the skylight,” he notes. Positioned in such a way that it illuminates most parts of the home, the strategic skylight eliminates the need for artificial lights during the daytime.
The space is decked out past the second-floor landing with more art and meaningful finds. Among these is a humble altar, with the comoda locally sourced from Laguna. Moving past, two bedrooms face each other, with shared access to a veranda in between. On the opposite side of the floor is the master bedroom. This makes up the entire rear of the house. The first room is the ante-room which also functions as a walk-in closet and central space leading to the couple’s private balcony. From here, the couple has their symmetrically laid-out bathroom.
54 - Trinidad Glazed Ceramic Plant Pot,
55 - Amasia Glazed Ceramic Plant Pot,
56 - Lemuria Glazed Ceramic Plant Pot,
57 - Isabel Chaise Sofa,
58 - Durano Modern Candle Holder,
59 - Soliya Wood Armoire Cabinet,
60 - Sheraton White Double Bed Frame,
61 - Isola Drawer,
62 - Solihiya and Rattan 2 Tier Planter,
63 - Sadya High Rattan Planter,
64 - Husky Small Metal Lantern,
65 - White Ridged Soap Dish,
66 - Parilla Bar Cart,
67 - Trunk Side Table,
68 - Diva Outdoor Chair,
69 - Madison Black Glass Coffee Table,
70 - Armielle Black Metal and Leather Chair
Designed with efficiency and comfort in mind, the space has his and her sinks and toilets. These lead to the open showers that further open up into what de los Reyes calls the Orchidarium. “It’s just an experiment of mine to create this inside and outside feel,” he says, referring to the orchid-surrounded bathtub. “I started planting these orchids when we moved into the house.” While some of the orchids bloom year-round, some only flower once a year. “We have a mix of local orchids here and some other varieties.” This aspect gives the whole space a sense of being alive.
71 - Boori Adjustable Oslo Study Desk,
72 - Arfgard Rechargeable Wooden LED Lamp,
73 - Storage Baskets (Set of 3),
74 - Sunset Pebble Play Vinyl Wall Stickers,
75 - Lukka Kids House Wooden Bed Frame (Crib Size),
76 - Baby Play Gym,
77 - Teddy Basket Beige,
78 - Kids' Cushioned Single Bench in White,
79 - Dots Cotton Rug Playmat in White,
80 - Jeanne Kids Toy Shelf
The third floor is what they refer to as a bonus space. “This is where we work and play,” he says. Apart from their work desks, the third floor is also home to their toddler’s homeschooling activities and play area. Despite being the highest story in the home, the homeowners made it a point to keep the floor grounded. From the balcony to the banister, blooming plants are hung to give a touch of greenery.
81 - Diamant Lamp Gray,
82 - Umbra Tesora Jewelry Stand,
83 - Seletti Hybrid Adelma Vase,
84 - Copper Coaster,
85 - Marble Grecian Flower Vase,
86 - Haru Large Mahogany Wood Vase,
87 - Gold Green Rice Beads Palm Tree 36cm,
88 - Serpentine Stone Flower Holder,
89 - Bronze Mirrorized Tempered Glass Bonzai Tree (12in, 16in),
90 - Candle Holder - Putty Gray,
91 - Rooty Horizontal Metal Candleholder,
92 - Wirebird 3 Metal Figurine with Glass Votive,
93 - White Classique Candle Holder,
94 - Seletti Hybrid Laudomia Candle Holder
“The home becomes an extension of who you are and how you can express yourself,” de los Reyes shares. “It’s almost like sharing a part of yourself when you invite people and it’s a different sort of intimacy. They learn who you are visually and experientially.” Ultimately, this home proves that simplicity can still evoke sincerity when done with a mindful and discerning eye.
