Make room for design chameleons

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the hustle and bustle of the city and hectic work schedules, the home serves as a place of relaxation and escape. That is why design tandem and sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario believe that the home is one place you ought to decorate with function and inspiration.

Cynthia and Ivy’s love for interior design was inspired by their designer aunt’s beautiful home. As young as 12 years old, Ivy decided she wanted to become an interior designer and decorate beautiful spaces. Her sister Cynthia fell in love with the art as well and decided to join her sister later on.

As partners, the Almario sisters are design chameleons. In varying themes — whether minimalism, Mediterranean, Asian, or Oriental — these sisters can pull it off and create spaces without borders.

“We love interior design so much that we are open to exploring new design directions. But however different our designs are they must always have that warm and nonchalant elegance.” Ivy relates.

Cynthia and Ivy choose black and ivory genuine hair on hide cushion covers from Make Room to create a posh and urbane living area.

When it comes to home organization, Ivy lauds her sister Cynthia. She believes her sister is a neat freak and the more organized one between the two of them. Of course, being an Almario, Cynthia’s tidiness comes in the most artistic of ways. She finds ingenious ways to create storage spaces and keep her things organized. A painting panel in her dining room reveals storage space that is artfully hidden, her closet could very well pass off as a fancy boutique shop with her jewelry and accessories ingeniously arranged by color and type. Her footwear is meticulously placed in clear boxes, shoes are photographed and filed in an album for easy reference. She says it’s the best way to organize as well as make things easier for her house help.

For these two experts in designing spaces, the home is definitely one place you have to exert effort in arranging, organizing, and decorating. For Ivy and Cynthia, there are three keys to enjoying a home that is well organized and decorated.

First is planning. “One must be sure that the pieces all fit. Doing furniture mock-up in paper is a surefire way not to lose money on furniture you cannot use! You have to really make sure that everything goes together,” Ivy shares.

Oriental dining setup in black and white with round platters used as charger plates, graphic dinner plates, noodle bowls, graphic side plates, sandwich tray, and sugar and bowl creamers, all from Make Room.

Be creative and invest in good pieces. “I don’t cover my furniture in plastic. I live the lifestyle,” muses Cynthia. She believes that a home must be decorated with pieces that are functional and attractive that the family can enjoy. “You only have one life so entertain people in your home and enjoy it while you can. Even if you dine alone, dine well,” she says.

The Almario sisters believe that the home is the ultimate place to entertain family and friends, a place for rest and, most importantly, an outlet of one’s creativity. With the latest pieces from Make Room, Cynthia and Ivy were able to create spaces that were efficient, appealing and inspiring.

Holiday dinners are made more stylish with Make Room’s Asian-inspired black and white dinnerware. Cynthia’s living room is given a more sophisticated look when adorned with Make Room’s black and ivory genuine hair on hide cushion covers. With pieces sourced from different parts of the world, Make Room provides the most sophisticated, functional and unique pieces to decorate your home. Living well has never looked so easy.