Cover The Philippine Institute for Interior Design’s newest president, Cecil Ravelas
The Philippine Institute for Interior Design’s newest president, Cecil Ravelas
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The newly-elected president of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design, Cecil Ravelas, shares tips for homeowners on balancing serenity and sensibility in home design
After the bustling festivities of Christmas and New Year, it can feel daunting to greet the uncertainties of the new year. Yet, for the newly elected president of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design, Cecil Ravelas, design is a key element in setting the stage for more meaningful and vibrant years to come.
Since the late 1990s, Ravelas has been infusing her signature blend of texture and colour into every space she enters, inspiring people to be more attuned to their physical environment. designed. Utilising stone, wood and woven materials sourced locally, she transforms these disparate elements into the ‘emotional materials’ for transformation. In her eyes, “colour and texture define the psychological temperature of a space, and offer subtle cues of comfort and grounding. For instance, matte, woven, or tactile finishes tend to regulate emotions more gently than glossy or hard surfaces.”
To usher in a new era of sensible serenity for homeowners, Tatler sat down with Cecil Ravelas for tips on incorporating art, layered lighting, and sustainable design into their space.
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Above The Philippine Institute for Interior Design’s newest president, Cecil Ravelas
The Philippine Institute for Interior Design’s newest president, Cecil Ravelas
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For homeowners starting the year with intentions of wellbeing, what is the first design shift you would recommend that creates the most immediate sense of calm?
De-clutter. Anything that no longer resonates with you needs to be gently released. This isn’t just about tidying, it’s about creating space for new energy to flow in. When you let go of old clothes, unused furniture or accessories that no longer serve you, you consciously make room for what’s next.
Calm is often not about adding, but about removing visual and sensory noise. Clearing horizontal surfaces, softening harsh lighting and allowing a space to breathe lowers stress almost instantly. When a room has fewer competing elements, the nervous system naturally relaxes, and the home begins to feel supportive rather than overwhelming.
What are common mistakes homeowners make when trying to design “serene” spaces, and how can they correct these without a full renovation?
A common mistake is confusing serenity with emptiness or sterility. In trying to create calm, spaces often become beige, cold and impersonal. True serenity comes from balance, the presence of softness, warmth and meaning rather than the absence of things.
Without undertaking a full renovation, homeowners can easily shift the feeling of a space by introducing layered textiles, warmer lighting and fewer but more intentional objects that carry personal resonance. It’s really about finding the right balance: enough to feel lived-in and comforting, but edited enough to remain calm and grounded.
Above The entryway of Hotel Lagun, designed by Cecil Ravelas
Above The entryway of Hotel Lagun, designed by Cecil Ravelas
The entryway of Hotel Lagun, designed by Cecil Ravelas
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What simple rituals can homeowners build into their spaces to reinforce rest, grounding, and presence in daily life?
Design supports ritual when spaces invite pause. This can be as simple as a morning chair by the window, a bedside surface free of devices or lighting a candle at dusk. When a space gently cues slowing down, rest becomes a habit rather than an afterthought.
For small urban homes or condominiums, how can layered lighting be achieved without architectural changes?
Layered lighting is less about fixtures and more about intention. A combination of floor lamps, table lamps, wall washers and dimmable bulbs can transform a space. Avoid relying solely on ceiling lights. Even in small homes, light placed at different heights creates depth, warmth and flexibility throughout the day.
You speak about art as memory and presence. How can homeowners who feel intimidated by art begin curating pieces that genuinely reflect them?
Art doesn’t need to be expensive or authoritative—it needs to be honest. The best place to start is with pieces that evoke memory and meaning: photographs, sketches, textiles or objects gathered through travel or significant life moments.
Art should stir emotion or invite reflection. It’s something you should be able to relate to, not just view. When a piece resonates with lived experience, it naturally anchors presence and emotional connection in a home, transforming walls and surfaces into quiet storytellers rather than decorative backdrops.
In case you missed it: 5 Filipino homes infusing traditional design with modern elegance this year
Above The hallway of Hotel Lagun, designed by Cecil Ravelas
The hallway of Hotel Lagun, designed by Cecil Ravelas
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Many homeowners want sustainable homes, but feel overwhelmed or constrained by budget. What are the most impactful small-scale sustainable choices they can start with this year?
Longevity is sustainability. Choosing fewer but better-made pieces, repairing instead of replacing and opting for natural, low-toxicity finishes already make a meaningful difference. Even small shifts, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures or re-upholstering existing furniture, create cumulative impact over time.
There is also great value in what already exists. Old furniture or vintage pieces can be reused as accents or conversation pieces, often carrying history and character that new items cannot replicate. These may be found in vintage shops or inherited from grandparents. When we honour and extend the life of these pieces, sustainability becomes both practical and deeply personal.
Simple practices matter too. Something as basic as rainwater collection using barrels or containers to catch rain can have a big impact. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation or cleaning, and it costs nothing. Water doesn’t expire, and learning to value it is one of the simplest, most meaningful sustainable habits we can adopt at home.
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Credits
Photography: Joseph Pascual
Topics
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
