Homes in your range

It’s raining hammers and nails outside (well, figuratively speaking), and we’re inside one of the coolest digs you’ll ever see in an upscale Makati village. We’re watching a DVD teaser of a classic: Heath Ledger as the Joker is dragging his ultra-violent, Sid Vicious-like presence across the screen. And Gotham City is in grave peril.

The screen and speakers sport the logo of Danish brand Bang & Olufsen, simply the best on the planet. I was fortunate enough to visit their headquarters in Struer, Denmark and I saw the antechamber where they test speakers. An antechamber, for crying out loud. The mark of truly great speakers — according to one of the rocket, er, sonic scientists — is that even at low volumes you could hear the clarity and crispness of the music wending out from the speakers. No matter if it’s Mozart or The Misfits.

The trend when it comes to your living room is making sure that your furniture pieces are in neutral colors.

And here I am in the home theater space of a plush showroom, unnerved by the guy in purple even in a low volume. The lights dim by remote control. Someone is asking for popcorn. Fittingly.

Living Innovations general manager Ferdie Ong and interior decorator Dustin Reyes are taking us on a tour of the premises. 

The house is punctuated by items by brands such as the aforementioned B&O, as well as Minotti, Gaggenau and Dedon. 

Ong and Reyes share their insights on home interiors — from using ottomans or putting heirlooms (silver trays from grandma) on coffee tables. Interchanging is key, explains Reyes.

Mixing and matching outdoor furniture with a leather chair works.

Here, a dining table is used as a hallway console. He says, “If you have the space for it. You could showcase what you really enjoy. And it should be a showcase of your personality. Of someone living in this space — and not the (interior) designer. If you have no library in your home, this is an area where you could create a quick pickup library of different books or magazines. It’s a space that you pass every single day.”

You could showcase favorite things, accessories, plant life, and art (interchangeable for collectors). Mirrors work for the area as well. “Sometimes hallways are looked over, as an opportunity.”

“Your home is one of your most valuable assets, as well as an expression of who you are,” points out Patrick Cheng, president and CEO of HSBC Savings Bank. “Our objective is to help you maximize your investment and achieve your dreams for your home and your family, whatever that dream may be. And with HSBC’s new home loan proposition, you might be surprised at how easy that can be.”

Johanna Garcia, HSBC Group, communications and sustainability head together with Patrick Cheng, president and CEO of HSBC Savings Bank, share the special home loan rate of 5.45 percent for HSBC Premier customers.

Here is HSBC’s propostion, according to Cheng:

“Premier status is easily achieved with a loan of P6 million or above, entitling customers to a wealth of options. HSBC Premier customers can enjoy the home loan rate of 5.45 percent for one-year re-pricing while comfortably designing their loans to fit their unique needs and financial requirements. They have the liberty to choose what currency they want to transact in, which interest calculations to use, and whether they want to pay monthly, every 14 days, or even quarterly.

“HSBC is known for its global expertise in wealth-building and wealth-management. We provide our customers with personalized and knowledgeable service so they have the information they need to make the choices that are right for them. With the HSBC home loan, you’re not just creating your ideal home; you’re also creating your ideal future.”

Ah, the plush life. It is possible. No need to tread the path of crime like the Joker.

Cheng concludes, “For you to be able to get your dream home. We want to let you know what we at HSBC could do to help you.”

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Visit www.hsbc.com.ph or call (02) 85-800 or 976-8000 for more information.

Living Innovations general manager Ferdie Ong and interior decorator Dustin Reyes