“When I was working with my interior architect in designing our space and choosing the elements, I definitely micromanaged the project and sometimes obsessed over details, down to vacillating nonstop among different shades of white!” she laughs. “However, because of my exposure in fashion and editing collections based on a good balance between margin targets and style, I am quick at identifying pieces I want and usually always go for well-priced finds that are beautiful but also practical.”

Even if style is important, Monzon-Cueva explains that “we really tried to create a space that works well for our needs as a growing family of four, which really boils down to storage, storage and more storage! Paris modern interiors are typically banal, minimalist—épuré, as they say—but that would not work chez nous [at our home] because among the four of us, we had so many things that required floor to ceiling storage. Even our vintage statement pieces were chosen based not just on design, but on ease and functionality. We simply could not compromise on this”.

The best expression of this marriage between form and function is in the living room. “It is really in the salon that we tend to gather round the most as a family. We spend a lot of time here doing all sorts of fun things together—from playing games, watching movies, doing homework, enjoying our goûter [afternoon snacks] and just lazing around. This is also where we receive our friends for apéros [aperitifs] and hangouts throughout the day. It was as important to make it visually appealing for our adult functions while creating a comfortable and down to earth space that our kids can enjoy.”

When choosing pieces for her home, she and her husband are drawn to the clean lines of mid-century design. “I am a lover of mid-century items and antiques that still have a modern, unusual yet timeless feel to them and are statement pieces on their own. I also ended up gathering several Italian pieces, so I suppose I am an accidental lover of vintage Italian design.” Some favourites are her collection of vintage lamps: “The gold eyeball lamp by Goffredo Reggiani, our kind of gothic entryway chandelier by Gaetano Sciolari and our newest find, the icicle-themed chandelier from Murano in our dining room.”

Other pieces that she loves are her coffee table and an iconic tulip chair. “My Metafora coffee table is one of the first items I bought even before moving and it always makes me happy to see it at the end of the day because it is just so simple, practical yet so timeless and special. Second is my blue Little Tulip chaise by Pierre Paulin because it is striking, cool, comfortable and stands fine on its own corner.”

Her Filipino roots also figure into the décor. “We have a few pieces done by some Filipino friends and designers, aside from our many tabletop elements from the motherland,” she shares. “Our bedroom has a beautiful Vito Selma origami wooden ceiling lamp, our throw pillows in the den are made of wonderfully colourful abaca material from the French-based Philippine brand Buntal. Incidentally, Buntal has also supplied for the collections of Armani Casa and a couple of France’s choice milliners. My books in the dining room are being held by electric blue Jose Rizal bookends from Liwayway PH and a lot of my hanging art and photos are by my artist friends. I would love to add more Filipino artists on my walls eventually.”

In the end, she feels that layering pieces you love is the best way to create an authentic and balanced space. “The process is to incorporate anything that feels right and that creates a harmonious mix in the space, regardless of where the pieces are from in terms of era and origin.” Drawing on her fashion background, editing is also key. “It is incredibly important because your living space should feel like a sanctuary that you can come home to after a noisy, busy day in the outside world,” she explains. “It should serve all your needs effortlessly as a family, but it should also be appealing to the eye and soothing to the soul.”

This story was originally published in Tatler Homes Philippines Vol. 28. Download it for free on Magzter