This approach to living gives their home a very warm and real energy. It isn’t a house for show, but one where all the pieces and spaces are truly functional. However, thanks to her own creative touch, everything looks intentional and styled. “I love layers and textures,” she says. “I follow my design instincts when I fix a place. In the beginning, my friend Miguel Rosales accompanied me and helped me source some pieces. In my opinion, he is such a great talent when it comes to interior design. In terms of international designers, I follow Martin Lawrence Bullard, Kelly Wearstler and Daniel Romualdez. I enjoy checking out interiors and design in general, but it doesn’t necessarily mean I would copy what I see exactly. That wouldn’t feel genuine to who we are as a family.”

Her husband is passionate about vintage chairs; thus, many iconic pieces are seen around the house. In their signature labels-don’t-matter attitude she explains that “his favourite mid-century piece is a Danish one, and we don’t even know who it’s by. He says seeing these pieces makes him happy because it reminds him of a joyful childhood that includes watching The Jetsons. Fortunately, I appreciate them too”. And when it comes to decorating together, she says: “Paolo is more of a technical guy. He loves speakers, appliances, fitness machines, which I really have no interest in. So, it works out.”

Apart from the furniture, the home is filled with an incredible collection of Philippine contemporary art. “Quite a few pieces came from my mum,” Ria says. In fact, one of her favourites is a 1970s painting on wood by Anita Magsaysay-Ho. “It was previously owned by my grandmother, which was passed down to my mum. She gave it to me because she thinks the subject of the painting and I bear a resemblance.” For the other pieces she’s purchased, she isn’t driven by investment or status. “When it comes to anything and everything I bring to the house, I only ask myself one important question: Do I love it?”

To the question of what makes a house a home, she replies: “I don’t necessarily think it’s something tangible. It’s mostly about how safe and welcome you feel.” The consummate hostess, Ria loves to invite people over for dinners or drinks. “I love the bar,” she declares. “Paolo wanted to put a refrigerator in the living room so for Father’s Day, I designed a bar that can hide a refrigerator. It’s also where we store glasses, drinks, and whatever we need when entertaining. It’s been so useful because I don’t need to ask for the helper to set up. Everything I need is within reach so I can do it myself.”

Her beautiful and creative tablescapes are also very popular on her social media platforms. “I enjoy putting things together. It makes me happy!” She then continues laughingly, “Maybe, I’m also compensating, because I don’t cook much.” The dining room is a central aspect of the home. “Our dining table is where we gather for meals and have the most interesting conversations with our boys. I also love its restrained, straightforward design, so it’s easy for me to dress it up or down. It’s from Poliform and I believe it to be a ‘forever piece’, if there’s such a thing. When I see something that I like, I buy it without any hesitation. Anyway, I know that we use these pieces fully and that we really enjoy them.”

At the end of the day, Ria recommends that one must trust his/her instincts and impulses. “As long as you buy things you truly love, it will make sense once you put them together because it’s all about your personal taste and style. Our home is exactly that, a mix of the pieces we love.”

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