The living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Cover The living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

Explore how M + S Studio designed a family sanctuary in Ozamiz, a city in Misamis Occidental, Philippines

In the heart of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, this family home is more than a place to unwind at the end of the day. This sanctuary flows seamlessly into its natural surroundings, filtering in natural light from dawn to dusk. Designed by M + S Studio to be the family’s first home together, this property will be the foundation for cherished memories in the years to come. 

“When we first saw the property, we noticed how its location offered both privacy and a generous lot to work with,” shares the M + S Studio team. “We carefully studied the orientation, identifying where the sun rises and how the wind flows through the site. This helped us strategically position the home and its openings.” The result is a home encased in glass, which allows both Ozamiz’s sunshine and cool air to permeate the space. 

The home is influenced by both the surrounding landscape and an intentional design story. “We wanted to foster a sense of warmth and belonging,” the team says. “Every design decision, from the layout to the materials, was rooted in that goal: to give the couple a home that nurtures their everyday life, a place that doesn’t need to look out to feel expansive, because it’s already whole and inspiring from within.”

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Photo 1 of 3 The exterior of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Photo 2 of 3 The entertainment area of a living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio and featuring Lifestyle Anthology pieces
Photo 3 of 3 The living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio and featuring Lifestyle Anthology pieces
The exterior of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The entertainment area of a living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The living room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

Upon entering the space, one’s eyes are drawn toward the double-height living area. The layout balances grandeur with an inviting atmosphere. One can look through the floor-to-ceiling windows that dissolve the boundaries with the outdoors. The family then invites their guests to lounge on a plush, modular leather sofa with soft cushions and a textured rug underfoot. The nearby stone-finished marble coffee table adds texture to the room, while polyresin vases and indoor greenery add further lushness and dimension to the space.   

The room is perfect for entertaining guests, with a television area made with pieces of reclaimed pine wood. The nearby shelves reflect the couple’s personality, strewn with family portraits and global mementos from their travels together. The overhead rattan pendant lamp suffuses the room with warmth, allowing the room’s layers to come together. 

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The dining room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Above The dining room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The dining room in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

The living room is connected to the dining area through sliding, wood-framed glass doors. Positioned at the centre of the home’s open-plan layout, the dining room sets the scene for small gatherings. When the glass doors are open, the space can also expand for family celebrations, encouraging guests to move from one space to another easily. 

The dining area echoes the living room’s colour palette with rich wood tones and neutral finishes. The owner transformed a piece of magkuno (iron wood) into a dining room table, having saved the piece for their new home. Further anchoring the space are dining chairs and ambient lighting, which create a serene yet elevated atmosphere. 

The dining area then leads into the kitchen, which features sleek cabinetry in warm wood tones. The homeowners often find themselves here for breakfast or preparing delicious meals for their guests. Integrated lighting enhances the clean lines and open shelves of the space. 

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The outdoor area of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Above The outdoor area of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The outdoor area of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

Stepping outdoors, the lanai is the homeowners’ favourite space for morning coffee or sunset gatherings with friends. A solid wood sideboard grounds the space, paired with textural vases that add an organic feel. Framed by tall plants and greenery, the lanai invites each guest to slow down and soak in the home’s atmosphere. 

Tatler Asia
The lanai in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Above The lanai in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The lanai in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

Traveling up to the second floor, one is taken by a cosy nook outside the bedrooms. The space invites you to linger with a book and coffee, settling into rustic lounge chairs from reclaimed wood. A nearby coffee table adds a sculptural twist to the space. 

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Photo 1 of 3 The bedroom in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio and featuring Lifestyle Anthology pieces
Photo 2 of 3 The bedroom in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio and featuring Lifestyle Anthology pieces
Photo 3 of 3 Reclaimed wood artworks in the bedroom of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The bedroom in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
The bedroom in an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio
Reclaimed wood artworks in the bedroom of an Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental home designed by M + S Studio

The hallway leads into the primary bedroom, which is designed to be both restful and expressive of the homeowners’ unique personality. The curtains and flooring are made of muted woods, separating the sleeping area from a space to lounge in. The room is a master class in blending different textures. 

Near the upholstered bed in shades of soothing grey are minimalist ceramic lamps. The room also features a solid wood sideboard with bold, geometric textures, as well as reclaimed wood wall art. Altogether, the primary bedroom reflects the homeowners’ desires to be cocooned in a reflective, soothing space. 

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Credits

Photography: Tabanog

Topics

Celine Dabao
Associate Editor for Tatler Homes, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Celine Dabao

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.