Location: Quezon City

Design Service: Full Interior Design

In the heart of bustling Quezon City, amidst the relentless tempo of urban life and the cold glass of modern condominiums, one quiet townhouse offers an escape. Step through its doors, and the cacophony of Metro Manila fades, instantly replaced by the tranquil, sun-drenched atmosphere of a provincial French cottage. This is where the rustic elegance of French Country meets the playful, soft charm of Shabby Chic, perfectly reimagined for a modern Filipino home.

What was once a plain, neutral urban dwelling has been transformed into a warm, deeply personal sanctuary. The homeowner, an avid interior enthusiast with a passion for the romantic and the rustic, envisioned a space that evokes the cozy familiarity of a European retreat—but with a bright, welcoming Filipino spirit.

Both the French Country and Shabby Chic styles celebrate the beauty of age, texture, and imperfection. This design is built on a foundation of classic French motifs: the elegant quatrefoil appears subtly as a divider and as the pattern on the kitchen backsplash’s machuca tiles, lending the space a sense of tradition. Layered over this is the airy softness of Shabby Chic, characterized by lovingly distressed paint finishes and delicate pendant lights.

What truly sets this home apart is its daring yet balanced approach to color. The use of reclaimed wood, sourcing old planks to serve as the home’s primary textural backdrop. These planks were then painted in layered washes of soft pastels—butter yellow, powder blue, and beige—and unexpectedly interspersed with vibrant strokes of turquoise.

This bold color palette acts as a cheerful counterpoint to the rustic wood. The multi-layered, distressed finish highlights the natural grain, enhancing the vintage charm while creating a bright, optimistic atmosphere that defies the typical muted tones of classic European country design.

The design philosophy seamlessly extends to the functional spaces, turning utilitarian areas into picturesque scenes:

• The Kitchen: This space anchors the home’s color scheme. Cream-painted cabinets are finished with stylish knobs, while the expansive counter is capped with pristine Volakas marble. The invigorating turquoise is strategically applied to the kitchen bar, providing a lively pop of color that keeps the rustic elements feeling fresh and current.

• Textile and Trim: Windows throughout the home are framed by decorative pelmets—with floral details—from which soft, patterned fabric. The intricate blue tile work in the bathroom further reinforces the deliberate, handcrafted look.

This Quezon City home is a testament to the belief that elegance and comfort can beautifully coexist. Every corner tells a story of care, reclamation, and color. The overall vibe is unmistakably cozy and provincial, yet it avoids feeling stiff or overly curated. It feels happy, lived-in, and profoundly personal.

“This space is really about joy,” the homeowner shares. “It’s about creating a place where you feel light, peaceful, and inspired—whether you're cooking, resting, or hosting friends. I wanted it to feel like a dream, but also genuinely like home.”