These 6 Designing Women Learned A Decorating Secret Or Two From Their Mom
As they say, mama knows best—and these design leaders have heeded her advice
We always hear the statement, “Mothers know best,” and as children, we used to debate whether this line is real or false. But fast forward to our grown up years and we realize that, all along, our moms do know what’s best—giving us wisdom and support that we need to grow up into the person that we are today.
In honor of all the amazing mothers out there, we celebrate her special day looking back on her words we’ll never forget—advice that was carried to this day, and helped build a successful life. We asked these women in design (and proud moms as well!) for decorating secrets they received from their respective mothers that they’ll eventually pass on to their kids. Read on and see what our design leaders have gained and treasured from the precious woman of their lives.
Decorating Secrets 6 Designing Mamas Learned From Their Own Moms
Decorating Secrets 6 Designing Mamas Learned From Their Own Moms
Ivy & Cynthia Almario, founders of Atelier Almario
Interior designers, business partners, and sisters Ivy and Cynthia is a sought-after name in the design industry for years. Their design studio, Atelier Almario grew out of their family’s love and passion for beautiful-looking interiors. Best known for the warm elegance their interiors have, these partners ground on their goal of making a space stunning yet homey and always inviting. “Being helmed by women, mothers, and homemakers, our studio prides itself in its deeper understanding of how a beautiful but functional house should run,” they share. The sisters describe themselves as design chameleons—industry leaders who are not afraid to tackle scale, color, and the inherent challenges interior design brings their way. Photo: Interior of a condo designed by Ivy and Cynthia Almario of Atelier Almario.
Photo Credit: Wig Tysmans for Metro Home and Entertaining Magazine
Ivy & Cynthia Almario, founders of Atelier Almario
What is a decorating secret you've learned from your mom that you'd like to pass on? “She taught us that one has to be consistently beautiful. She always told us to present our best face to the world, ‘Being well-groomed and delightful to look at, is a courtesy to the people whom you shall meet all day!,’ she always drummed this into our heads until it has become second nature to us. For mommy, being beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside is her greatest gift to her daughters and daughters-in-law as we all strive to be like her. It is no surprise that we pursued Interior Design so passionately; after all, it only follows that making beautiful environments to cocoon people, allowing them to blossom into their best selves must just be a natural extension of our mother’s mantra!” Photo: Interior of a condo designed by Ivy and Cynthia Almario of Atelier Almario
Photo Credit: Wig Tysmans for Metro Home and Entertaining Magazine
Marissa Lopa, Interior Design Consultant
An interior design consultant, an entrepreneur, a newspaper columnist, and a contributing editor for Metro Home & Entertaining magazine—all these are on Marissa’s plate of responsibilities. But being a well-rounded lady boss didn’t hinder her from being a hands-on mom. Her secret? “Whatever career I had, it was always related to what stage my family was in,” she relates. Case(s) in point: When her kids were little and she couldn’t find good quality clothes locally, she went into children’s clothing; When building her first home as a young bride, it brought her into contact with sources for home design, hence her home store, Amazing Space. “I’ve been designing, writing, and consulting to this day because it’s something I feel I love and am good at. And because others appreciate my worth, I am able to earn a living from doing something I am passionate about,” Marissa shares. Photo: Exterior of a private home designed by Marissa Lopa
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Marissa Lopa
Marissa Lopa, Interior Design Consultant
What is a decorating secret you've learned from your mom that you'd like to pass on? “My mom has always taught us that one can live comfortably around beautiful things. That comfort need not be sacrificed for elegant living. I see that every time I walk into my parents’ home. The care and time put into keeping things tidy yet stylish to the very last detail seems so effortless.” Photo: Moroccan-inspired interiors by Marissa Lopa.
Photo Credit: Metro.Style
Barbie Pardo, Event Stylist
“When I had kids in 2010, I found a need for a non-styro and balloon event stylist. I noticed that what was available was basically cut and paste design. So I did my own parties, did some for friends, and suddenly, strangers were asking me to help them. So I decided to pursue it as a business,” Barbie describes her journey to the events industry to Metro.Style. She also lends her expertise as an editor for Metro Home & Entertaining magazine, and had started her design career in interior design. Personally, she’s into modern and minimalist aesthetics—but she can easily adapt accordingly when presented with a project, factoring in her client’s taste, venue restrictions, and time constraints. But most of all, she’s particular in creating an experience. “The decor is just the background, but the flow of the party should also tell a story. From beginning to end, a good event planner should be able to create a crescendo that leads to a highlighted moment before everyone leaves with great memories,” she explains. Photo: Dollhouse-themed party by Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
Barbie Pardo, Event Stylist
What is a decorating secret you've learned from your mom that you'd like to pass on? “Kiddie parties weren't as decorated back in the ‘70s when I was a child. But even then, my mom threw me a carnival-themed 7th birthday in our home garage with different food booths and even food stubs! It's an event I never forgot as it was a thrill for my friends and I to "pay" with stubs back then. It wasn't that decorated but it was very memorable. This is something I always go back to with all my events. I make sure there is a unique experience with each party.” Photo: Tropical-themed table setting by Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barbie Pardo-Tiangco
Cal Tavera, Space Stylist & Owner of Beyond Baskets
This mom of two used to be in the media industry, but it wasn’t until Cal gave birth to her first daughter that convinced her to try out other interests. “I saw an ad in the newspaper on Interior Design classes and took it as a sign,” she narrates. What’s supposed to be a three-month school stint turned into her finishing the whole course. What started as a hobby turned into a career, and fast forward to present, she’s now handled styling projects for homes, cafes, restaurants, offices, and even for schools and malls throughout her 12 years in the industry. In 2018, she tried her luck in designing and curating a home accessories line—the birth of her own business, Beyond Baskets. Some bestsellers and favorites include the bamboo split piece chevron handle, which matches Cal’s love for neutral and subtle palette and local materials. Photo: Dining area set-up by Cal Tavera
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera
Cal Tavera, Space Stylist & Owner of Beyond Baskets
What is a decorating secret you've learned from your mom that you'd like to pass on? “One thing I learned from her was how resourceful she was. She was always comparing prices. It’s all about the bottom line. That's when I realized you could make a space beautiful without breaking the bank. How did we apply it today? When we inherited pieces from our parents, they didn’t fit the interiors because they were teak which had a darker wood color than the rest of our pieces. Instead of dismissing the furniture, we invested in refurbishing them so they would blend with the surroundings. They would probably cost as much as a brand new plastic item but we had solid wood which would last much longer. I’m also a big believer in buying second hand quality pieces. I usually purchase them online from expats who are moving out. A lot of money was saved doing that. I'd like to pass that on to my children especially with the circumstances we are dealing with this year, that they learn how to maximize their budget when looking for that perfect piece. If they do have to splurge (as we do sometimes), then it should be for an item that would last and be appreciated for a very long time.” Photo: Living space set-up by Cal Tavera
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cal Tavera
Vianca Favila, Co-founder & Principal Designer of Empire Designs
It’s not easy to juggle a woman’s role as a mom and a career woman, but this design leader makes it work. In her 11 years in the industry, Vianca was able to establish her company, Empire Designs, along with her partners, build a custom furniture brand called Harver Hill, and maintain a happy and healthy family life at home. “I have been a designer and entrepreneur combining the two things I am most passionate about, which is business and interiors,” she tells Metro.Style. It’s diligence and fire shows in her work—most notably in her favorite project, the Gentry Residences showroom. “I worked on it at a difficult time in my life, yet once completed, it was recognized and won the 5-star award at the Asia Pacific Property Awards,” she proudly shares. Photo: The Gentry Residences model unit by Empire Designs, by Vianca Favila and Mark Steven Perez.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vianca Favila
Vianca Favila, Co-founder & Principal Designer of Empire Designs
What is a decorating secret you've learned from your mom that you'd like to pass on? “I learned from my mom to always have a tying element in mind when decorating, such as a color or a theme. She would always change our Christmas decor or party decor depending on the theme she wanted.” Photo: Gentry Condo model unit by Empire Designs, by Vianca Favila and Mark Steven Perez.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vianca Favila
Gallery Cover Photo by @atelieralmario
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