Interior Design Intricacies by Nix Alañon

Francis T. Alañon is better known to his family and friends as "Nix". He is the principal designer for his eponymous business, FTA Design. The company provides design and decorating services, ensuring that their clients bespoke dreams can come true. He is also the former Editor in Chief of My Home Magazine. In addition to that, he recently opened PhoeNix Home, an elegant furniture, and home accessories store where you can check out endless gorgeous and meticulously crafted creations.

Not only is Alañon a gifted designer, but he is also known for his larger than life fashion sense. Alañon knows how to put together an extravagant costume and will absolutely steal the show! Creativity has been running through his veins since he can remember. From loving and completely embracing fashion, to taking intensive studies in interior design from Parsons, New York, Alañon has found his true calling in interior design and decoration. Lucky us! 

Hear what advice Alañon has to give about decorating your homes and learn all about his passion for design:

Philippine Tatler: Why did you pursue interior/industrial design and decoration?

Nix Alañon: Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by how any space can transform into something completely different depending on the occasion, theme, design. Initially though, I thought I was going to pursue a career in fashion design because fashion is another passion of mine. I realized later on, that there are other avenues to express my creativity, so I ended up doing what I am now and I absolutely love my job. 

PT: What challenges do you encounter with designing/decorating?

NA: I would say that some challenges are space constraints, short time-lines and bad contractors. These can be difficult, but a good designer knows his or her way around these problems and will find a way make it work!

PT: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

NA: I would say that I have a global design aesthetic. I love contrasts. I think that there is a good mix of contemporary, and organic pieces in the interiors that I create and design. My aesthetic has something raw thrown in with something refined. I like to combine styles and objects from different design eras. I aim to create interiors that are timeless. 

PT: Do you have a favorite colour palette?

NA: Right now I'm into a lot of grays and taupes, with some splash of bold colours and patterns thrown around here and there.  

PT: What are some decorating no-no’s?

The rule in decorating is that there are no rules in decorating! 

PT: What should someone keep in mind when re decorating their home/space?

NA: Keep a working budget beforehand so you do not overspend while you are designing your home. Invest in the important stuff, which are: the things that matter most to you. For example: a good couch, bed, and hardware. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of decorating your space.

PT: When designing or decorating a space, what are most important factors to you? What do you look at?

NA: A very important thing to keep in mind is that you must get an understanding of how people will use the space. Get to know your clients lifestyle, for example, if it's a home, understand the family habits and their personalities. Get to know the dynamics of the workflow if it's an institutional space so you know what your client will be looking for.

PT: How do you approach each of your designs? Do you have a method or routine that you follow?

NA: It's different per client and no project is exactly the same as the other. It keeps our work exciting. I am always learning new things!  

PT: What do you love about industrial design, interior design, decorating?

NA: I love that we are given the privilege to create living spaces for our clients that make them feel happy, comfortable, and complete. I don't think everyone gets this valuable opportunity and I consider myself lucky to be able to do what I do.