C Residence
Floor Area: 180m²
Project Type: 3-Storey Residential Townhouse - Renovation
Service Type: Interior Design Package
Project Status: Completed September 2021
Location: Dona Juana, Pasig City
Interior & Exterior Construction: AMDC Builders
Interior Photography: OLA Interior Photography
The Scandinavian Retreat Home
Who would’ve thought that an abandoned three-storey townhouse could turn into a bright, cozy Scandinavian escape right in the middle of the city?
In this project, we saw potential where most would’ve seen a lost cause. This once run-down 180sqm home, now completely reborn, blends natural warmth with clean, modern simplicity—a signature Scandi style that’s all about calm, comfort, and effortless charm.
Through thoughtful planning and execution, we were able to turn every neglected corner into a light-filled, functional space that a family of four now happily calls home.
As you step through the main door, you’re instantly greeted by a sense of openness. A floor-to-ceiling mirror and wood-clad accent wall create the perfect first impression—both stylish and welcoming. The wooden textures continue up the staircase, subtly tying together the visual flow of the entire house.
One of our favorite place is the powder room. It’s moody, clean, and inviting.
Even though this area is small, we still want to highlight it since it’s going to be one of the spaces that’s going to be used by the guests often. In this project, we prioritize on utilizing every square inch of the space. For example, the existing niche in the powder area was converted into a floor to ceiling storage cabinet. Where our clients can store occasional shoes or items.
The dining area sits right beside the entryway, a tricky layout that we cleverly turned into a design highlight. To connect it better with the kitchen, we added a pass-through window or commonly known as a “Kitchen Hatch” that serves both as breakfast nook and a practical link between the two spaces.
The dining table is another highlight of this space.
Our client and I envisioned a specific dining set in a specific shade and silhouette. After working around different samples, we were happy that we chose Ashwood in natural finish as the dining table material. It’s a 6-seater table with breadboard end joint paired with 4 custom wishbone chairs and a dining bench on one side.
It’s one of our favorite piece up to date!
In this new setup, the sunlight now spills into the kitchen, creating a bright, breezy atmosphere. Instead of closing off the kitchen with a solid door, an arched entrance framed by patterned transition tiles adds just the right amount of flair and personality while keeping the layout open and airy.
Hidden door leading to the storage room and service area
Moving through the home, the living and entertainment area becomes an instant favorite spot. A custom-built wall-to-wall cabinet with wood panel cladding anchors the space, balancing function and style while echoing the home’s wood-and-white palette. It’s cozy but refined—the kind of room that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
Of course, a house wouldn’t be complete without a dedicated wine bar and coffee station for our clients. What we like to do is to position it a few steps away from the main kitchen. This way, we can ease foot traffic inside the kitchen during meal hours. This is one of the reasons why we decided to put the water dispenser outside the kitchen area—but still close enough when it’s needed in the kitchen. Another purpose of this station is that it also acts as a buffet table.
Even though this is a major renovation, we still considered the client’s budget and the structural integrity of the house. Our contractors recommended to retain the existing stairs and handrails since they confirmed that it was still in good shape, and we’re glad that we actually did!
On the second floor, the children’s bedroom brings a playful twist to the minimalist vibe with built-in double decks, pull-out beds, and clever storage tucked into every step. To make it even more fun, we added a mini climbing wall—proof that practicality and creativity can go hand in hand!
A dedicated home office is also designed on this floor, designed for productivity with four workstations and a custom filing system paired with a glassboard wall for planning. As we cater to the new normal, we really think that home offices are going to be more common than usual, even for small spaces like condo units or townhouses. Alternatively, this home office can also be a study room for our client’s children.
We also renovated the common bathroom for this floor with a simple combination of marble tiles and wood cabinet.
The master bedroom follows the same serene palette, combining different wood textures and soft neutrals to create a cozy retreat. We designed the custom headboard and bedframe for our client. For this project, we avoided built-in upholstery to avoid high maintenance house work.
One of our favorite features in this bedroom is the walk-in closet corner. Since a standard closet is too small for our client, we decided to add this walk-in closet to extend the drawers. This also allowed us to create a reading nook near the sliding door. With the fluted dividers, natural light can still pass through the closet corner.
And just when you think the transformation ends there, the attic unveils itself as a true hidden gem—a multi-purpose family room that doubles as a guestroom or weekend movie spot.
We incorporated another hidden door here to keep storage areas cleverly out of sight, maintaining that clean and minimalist aesthetic.
This uppermost space feels like a private hideaway, where the family can unwind, read, or enjoy time together while still feeling connected to the home’s overall warmth.
Third Floor - Toilet & Bath
What makes this project memorable is that we retained the original structure intact while completely reinventing the look and feel of the interiors.
Instead of tearing down walls or making drastic architectural changes, she worked around the limitations of the townhouse—maximizing flow, light, and space through smart layout planning and custom-built pieces. Every design decision was intentional, from the choice of materials to the seamless integration of storage solutions, proving that good design isn’t always about starting over—it’s about seeing potential where others can’t.
The project also highlights the importance of balance in home design. While Scandinavian interiors are known for their minimalist approach, we injected warmth and personality through texture, pattern, and subtle color accents. Natural wood finishes, textured fabrics, and soft lighting blend effortlessly to create a home that’s both refreshing and deeply personal. It’s a space that feels curated yet lived-in, simple yet soulful—a modern reflection of the family who now enjoys it every day.
In the end, this once-forgotten townhouse is more than just a renovation success—it’s a story of transformation and vision. What was once dark, cramped, and lifeless now stands as a Scandinavian Retreat Home that captures the essence of modern city living without losing its sense of comfort and home. Sharlene’s design proves that even the most abandoned spaces can find new life with creativity, purpose, and heart.
