When Ivy and Cynthia Almario were tasked to design the interiors of the Lovina Bali Mansion, they were given specific instructions: to create a Modern-Asian look that combines culture, nature, comfort and inspiration. The renowned designers took to heart the challenge and in no time remarkably transformed the spacious interior spaces using traditional aesthetic principles and modern enhancements to produce a world-class residence.
One of the most interesting accessories they capitalized on is the calla lily. Whether in a sprawling arrangement in the living room table or on a simple vase in the den, a bouquet on the dining table or sticking out of glass cylinders in the kitchen — the beauty of fresh foliage creates a sunny, bright and fresh ambience.
The designers also drew on a lot of silk pillow covers, solid woods and even accented all the cabinets in the bedrooms with raffia or abaca weaved from natural fibers framed in wood.
"Sometimes, a few pieces of a traditional artwork is just what a modern setting needs," explains Cynthia. "We traveled to some Asian countries and personally hand-picked the artwork, furnishings, and other quaint accessories for this mansion," relates Ivy.
The den is the first room a guest will see upon entering Lovina. It is a small space that can serve as a TV entertainment area or as a guest room. The sofa actually converts into a pull-out bed just in case house guests decide to stay. There are also framed artworks on the wall and a modern floor lamp on the side is ready to provide that tender glow when needed.
"Neutrals and earth tones blend beautifully with a wide range of bright colors like whites, beiges, and browns which come in a variety of tints. The couch and the tasseled throw pillows complement the custom-made lamps on both sides," Ivy expresses.
The center table is made of wood and ornamented with attractive circular vases graced by lilies, ever famous for their continental charm. The display of candles also helps create a vignette on a table providing the room a relaxed feel.
"We placed a circular dining table to create some flowing space around it," explains Ivy. "That way, movement will not be limited. We also placed some lilies at the center of the table and surrounded it with geometric dining wares in white to match the motif." Because form follows function, the duo decided on beige leatherette seats, designed to encourage comfortable seating without cushioning.
The second level of the Lovina mansion features three bedrooms — each designed to become a private sanctuary or a place of personal retreat.
Girl’s Room. The four-poster (canopy) bed crafted by hand from solid wood using traditional carving and decorative techniques is the first to catch the eye’s attention upon entering the girl’s room. The flowing drapes will definitely provide any girl or teen with the fantasy of sleeping like royalty.
The hand-painted bamboo mural complements the overall shades of greens and browns in the room. The side tables are accented by lilies which quickly provide a fresh feel within the room.
A romantic terrace sets the girl’s room apart from the others. One can just sit and marvel at the lush greens during the day, witness the glorious sunset in late afternoons, or wish upon a star in a cold evening.
Boys’ Room. A long headboard incorporates two beds in the boys’ room and the beddings are made of silk — light brown and beige combinations — to maintain the room’s serenity. The Almarios did not use too many different hues to preserve the monotone palette of the room.
The twin lotus paintings as well as the lily stems gracefully installed on the walls serve as delightful accents and add elegant touches to the whole arrangement.
Master’s Suite. The master’s bedroom is spacious and can hold a king-sized platform bed which Ivy and Cynthia accented with beige and rust linens for a dramatic color combination. Lamps on top of the two floating side tables cast a warm glow, adding mood and illumination to the whole ensemble. The Almarios also opted to place an armoire – an enclosed wooden cabinet that can house the couple’s entertainment showcase.
"The master’s suite has his and her walk-in closets that lead to the master’s bath," prides Ivy, "and there are separate his and her lavatories. Each side has a tray table for towels, vases, and other stuff."
Attic. Another staircase leads to what could be Lovina’s superb feature – an attic that can function as a library, recreation room, home theater, studio, guest suite or even a home office.
Along the hall is a long ledge with cabinets made of tanguile wood, the same wood used all over the house, stained by dark, dark brown wenge. The ledge is perfect as a worktable or as a display area.
The Lovina is a delightful place anyone would love to call home. And that, the Almarios hope, is a sentiment many families will feel when they visit Lovina.
For a private preview of the Lovina at Bali Mansions, South Forbes Golf City in Metro Sta. Rosa, call 635-7777 or 631-8855 or visit www.southforbes.com