In 2021, Revamp Your Space With These 7 Projects Using Wood
Minimalism just got a warm makeover with this timeless and versatile material
An era can be defined by the renovations we do in the spaces that we live in. What better way to close the year 2020 and start the year 2021 than by embarking on a home project - it can be as big as installing wall-to-wall shelves and as small as adding a piece of furniture into your work from home area. According to multiple studies done, using timber in your home can create similar health benefits as being in the great outdoors. A Japanese study even showed that smelling timber products alone lowers one’s blood pressure. If there was one thing that we learned from 2020, it’s the importance of creating a space that’s calming and efficient in our home.
Here are 7 home project ideas using timber for you to make the best of the coming new year:
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Wall Hooks: Mike and Axelle Cheng, Architects
Newlywed architects Mike and Axelle Cheng found themselves building their new home in the middle of a pandemic. A key feature for them was their entryway which would incorporate a special wood cladding of tanguile wood with operable hooks. What looks like a simple wood cladding when not in use, can actually function as a wall hanger for coats, bags, and even shoes.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall Hooks: Mike and Axelle Cheng, Architects
“Given that the entryway functions as a genkan, we wanted flexible storage that can be “put away” when unused. The folding hooks allow us to have storage out on display (thus discouraging clutter) without the visual mass of a cabinet. When folded, the hooks hide into an array of wood slats creating a blank canvas,” Cheng explains.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall Hooks: Mike and Axelle Cheng, Architects
It’s not an easy project to accomplish as Cheng can attest, “This project is complex in the sense that a high level of precision is required in putting together the moving wood components to achieve the desired angles, effects and proportions. We advise to work with trusted and experienced craftsmen like Lamana.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall Hooks: Mike and Axelle Cheng, Architects
Visit Lamana Ph (www.lamanaph.com) and https://www.instagram.com/mxl_co/ for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Vertical Plant Garden: Jeizele delos Reyes-Go, Interior Designer
Interior Designer Jeizele delos Reyes-Go believes that good design is the combination of functionality and aesthetics with elements of surprise. In this unit with limited floorspace, she made use of wall surfaces. “I made use of that oftentimes unused narrow corner space by the wall and the door jamb. Since that space is just 6” - 7”, it can only house shallow shelves or hooks. By using horizontal wooden slats from floor to ceiling, it is not just a decorative panel, they can slide in unlimited number of shelves and hooks for whatever purpose that will serve them.” Here we see it used for the client’s plant collection.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Vertical Plant Garden: Jeizele delos Reyes-Go, Interior Designer
“I love minimalism because it lets you focus on what’s really important to you - what your priorities are. It creates a calm sanctuary for the space user,” says delos Reyes-Go.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Vertical Plant Garden: Jeizele delos Reyes-Go, Interior Designer
For those who want to create something similar, here’s a word of advice: “They just need good lumber to be sure everything is straight and the spacings are even, so that the shelves will slide in and slide sideways easily. Use neutral or calm colors for the walls, to provide a good backdrop for your furniture and other pieces.” Visit https://www.instagram.com/reyesgo/ for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wraparound Desk: Roanna Padilla, Interior Designer, RP Design Studio
For many who work at home, an upgrade to their workspace can mean more desk area. A solution to this is this wraparound desk that Interior Designer Roanna Padilla created. The desk takes up one whole corner and extends into a bench with storage. “Basically this area is all about function. Every space and every corner has a purpose. My goal was to have no wasted space.”
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wraparound Desk: Roanna Padilla, Interior Designer, RP Design Studio
This type of project takes about 30-45 days for fabrication and about less than a week to install. “I think the only difficulty to achieve this look is patience. Rush work will only affect the quality.” For those that want this look, Padilla suggests you mix neutral tones and warm wood to give it a homey or cozy feel. Instead of exposed handles, opt for a touch-latch mechanism for a seamless look. Not only has this pandemic seen many of us working from home, but it has us all focusing on what really matters. “I believe our basic needs and necessities have been magnified. It made me think more of what we should really value,” Padilla says. “Reducing [our possessions] to what we only really need will mean less cleaning time, less stress, and a clear mind too.” Visit https://www.instagram.com/rp.designstudio/ for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Rolling Bed: Frances Cabatuando, owner of Nobi Home / Associate Creative Director in an advertising agency
As prices for condominiums in Metro Manila increase, more and more people find themselves living in smaller areas. “We have to be smart about the little space we have. Minimalist-style homes seem to be the most effective in making spaces feel bigger,” says Frances Cabatuando, the resident and owner of the minimalist cute Nobi Home.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Rolling Bed: Frances Cabatuando, owner of Nobi Home / Associate Creative Director in an advertising agency
Cabatuando, who lives by herself, designed the NOBI Rolling Bed which can easily be moved around or put away when not in use.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Rolling Bed: Frances Cabatuando, owner of Nobi Home / Associate Creative Director in an advertising agency
“I can’t have heavy furniture here.” The NOBI Rolling Bed is made with slats of wood that lay close to the ground similar to the futon beds of the Japanese.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Rolling Bed: Frances Cabatuando, owner of Nobi Home / Associate Creative Director in an advertising agency
“Aesthetically, since it’s a low bed, it’s an instant Japandi look for the home. I think local furniture makers are really magaling and they can do whatever you ask them to do. You just have to be clear with what you want.” Visit https://www.instagram.com/nobi.home/ for inquiries
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall-to-Wall Shelves: Carlo Tibajia of 11.Eight
Storage is the key to keeping your things orderly. So this wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling shelving unit is a dream project for many. Architect Carlo Tibajia of 11.Eight shares his process for those who want to do something similar, “Figure out how much storage you need. Planning is important when it comes to working such a huge piece into the home.”
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall-to-Wall Shelves: Carlo Tibajia of 11.Eight
For this particular unit, Tibajia had to remove a glass partition dividing the living and dining room to make way for the wall feature. “The end to end wall unit in solid larch wood is designed into segments according to its function and use, while seamlessly blending them with modular pockets that display the couple’s collection of books, trinkets, toys with ample storage to hide unsightly clutter.”
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Wall-to-Wall Shelves: Carlo Tibajia of 11.Eight
It’s okay to get help from professionals when doing a project this big, “Getting an architect, interior designer, or stylist can help clients plan/design their spaces effectively. Also when working with solid wood, it would be best to work with craftsmen who know their wood.” Visit https://www.instagram.com/11.eight/ for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
File Organizer - Issa Reyes, Neat Obsessions
Organizing maven Issa Reyes of Neat Obsessions has been professionally helping people keep neat and clutter-free for almost three years now. She designed and built this piece of wooden furniture with Rawtura to keep and hide paperwork and files. Reyes describes how this piece is an answer to her own strategy for organizing files, “For me, organizing papers is a very personal process. This is because papers can be as technical as a job requirement or as sentimental as a first plane ticket. So I thought of coming up with a design that will fit all the needs for an efficient filing system.” The piece of furniture is multifunctional and can serve as a side table, chair or an ottoman while keeping all your files inside.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
File Organizer - Issa Reyes, Neat Obsessions
As people go more and more minimalist, knowing how to organize your paperwork is key. “Assign a specific area in your home for important documents. Avoid keeping important documents in random folders, current reads or other places where it could be mistaken as something unimportant,” Reyes shares. Another way to reduce paperwork? “Back up your documents with a digital copy. Just make sure that when you keep digital files, you name them properly so you will be able to locate them easily.” Visit https://www.instagram.com/neatobsessions/?hl=en for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Raw Wood Paneling: Morfosis
“Who wouldn’t want the hybrid of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics? Despite the distance between Japan and Scandinavia, their ideas on design are alike. The Japanese design approach is well known for its respect for tradition, its sense of harmony, balance and order. Scandinavian design, on the other hand, is characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Both place a high value on the beauty of the natural world. We think Japandi is the perfect combo! It has become a big trend because people now have become more aware of what is essential,” Pai Edles of Morfosis explains. To make their client’s 25 square meter unit feel bigger, they used light wood panels that also concealed cabinets. “Our client wanted a light and airy feeling for the space. It has the tendency to feel claustrophobic if the design isn’t done right. So we wanted to use a mostly white palette - but to add warmth, we decided to use Formica’s Raw Birch Ply laminates. It’s very practical and easy to install.”
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Raw Wood Paneling: Morfosis
With the challenges a smaller space gives for the designer, Edles states that it is achievable for anyone’s home, “The challenge for this project was to maximize the small space. Often, the most challenging projects are the smallest ones. But we love these challenges and we approach it like a puzzle or game.” For a more minimalist looking space, the best tip is to keep things simple. “Choose furniture that will keep your space flowy, open and light. Pick pieces that are multifunctional to save on space. Have a space for everything.” In this case, a place to hide things in a concealed cabinet in the wall. Visit https://www.instagram.com/morfosis_ph/?hl=en for inquiries.
Photo Credit: Jar Concengco
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023
