Cover (Photo: Empire Designs/Instagram)
(Photo: Empire Designs/Instagram)
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Luxury doesn’t have to be loud. It can be subtle and very effective
What goes into designing a home? One thing’s for sure, it’s not as easy as it seems. There is a wide range of moving parts to consider when building the home of your dreams, which is why finding a seasoned interior designer and architect (that you get along with) is a must for homeowners. Before getting started, think about who you are. Who will be calling this house a home? What kind of ambience do you want to capture? How do you want to feel when you are home?
Vianca Añonuevo-Favila, co-founder of Empire Designs and Gussy Design and revered interior designer, has some tips for you. With a style that focuses on the idea of “understated luxury,” Añonuevo-Favila believes in the power of well-designed interior spaces to uplift one’s senses. Her elegant design aesthetic allows her to finely strike the balance between functionality and beauty, creating environments that centre on the human aspect.
Learn from her by reading our interview, below:
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What does understated luxury mean?
Vianca Añonuevo-Favila (VAF): Two words. Subtle and effective. When you say luxury, people think of gold and other expensive items. But when you add the word ‘understated’, it means subtle and not over the top. We use softer patterns, colours, and natural materials like stone and wood to create a timeless and organic look… Effective, on the other hand, means function. Our mantra is ‘form follows function’. Just because something is beautiful does not necessarily mean it’s functional. Understated luxury focuses on that to bring functionality that is also aesthetically pleasing.
How can one decide on a colour scheme for their home?
VAF: I always ask our clients, what is your favourite colour? And if you don’t know, look at your closet and see what clothes you own. . .But it doesn’t mean that if you say your favourite colour is black, your entire house is black. I personally always start with neutral colours, and whatever colour our client wants, we add it as a pop or an accent.
Is there a rule of thumb when it comes to decorating a space?
VAF: Less is more. Gone are the days when more is more. For example, when you add accent pieces to your home, make sure these pieces speak to you. For example, art, one of the tips for creating an understated luxury interior is the use of art, but when you buy art, you need to know its meaning. It needs to mean something to you and not just be aesthetically pleasing. . .I like using books that I find from my travels to design my home.
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How do you create the ‘understated luxury’ aesthetic?
VAF: For one, the use of a neutral palette. Neutral doesn’t mean boring or minimalist. The key here is to focus on quality materials with different textures. Neutral doesn’t also mean the absence of colour. We can add some muted colours, colours from nature like greens and blues. The colours of nature bring about a sense of serenity and warmth, and that’s what you want to create. . .Another is to use lighting. Having a combination of natural light and lighting fixtures of different kinds, not just the typical ceiling light. It adds layers and textures because of the play of the shadow. It gives an ambient glow around the space and lets it breathe, making it feel calmer.
What are the key factors that come into play when designing a room?
VAF: We always start by interviewing the client because when you design a space, it’s always supposed to be what you want. So figuring out the function of the space is important. . .The second would be space planning. Now that we know who the user is, we can now determine the space within. We share with the client where the desk would be, the sofa, and others. Then we lay it out and collaborate with the client closely. The last step is where the design finally happens.
Should I put plants in my house?
VAF: Definitely! That’s a big yes for me. I love plants. If you see my house, it has a ton of different kinds of plants. Plants are pleasing to the eyes, and they clean the air. So I specifically buy and research the plants that clean the air. Plants make any space feel more alive and help alleviate your stress.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
