Breaking Ground on Casa Belzar: A Home Away From Home

Breaking Ground on Casa Belzar: A Home Away From Home

ByYasmine Lim

Dreams don’t begin when walls go up—they begin when the ground is broken with purpose. For the Balermino family and Extra Home Design, February 28 marked more than just the start of construction—it was the birth of Casa Belzar, a rest house rooted in vision, trust, and heartfelt collaboration.

Set in the serene town of Amadeo, Cavite, just minutes from Tagaytay, this soon-to-rise getaway is designed for togetherness, comfort, and lasting memories. From a poolside laugh to late-night fireside chats, Casa Belzar is more than a destination—it’s a story in the making.

The 3 R-vantages of Rearranging Your Furniture: Re-identification, Repurposing, and Redirection

The 3 R-vantages of Rearranging Your Furniture: Re-identification, Repurposing, and Redirection

BySophia Item

What if healing your past could begin with simply moving a chair? We often overlook how deeply our environment affects our emotions—but the spaces we live in carry memories, both joyful and painful. Rearranging your furniture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a subtle yet powerful act of emotional self-care.

From re-identifying your sense of safety to repurposing stuck energy and redirecting your focus, the practice of rearranging can transform your home into a space that supports your healing. As author Sophia Item reflects, small changes in your surroundings can help you regain control, find clarity, and move forward.

60/30/10 Rule: The One Design Principle You Need to Know

60/30/10 Rule: The One Design Principle You Need to Know

ByFrances Javier

Ever wonder why some spaces instantly feel “just right”? The secret might be in the color balance. The 60/30/10 rule is a classic design principle that takes the guesswork out of decorating—offering an easy, foolproof way to choose and distribute colors for a beautifully balanced interior. In this blog, we explore how this timeless rule can transform your space into one that looks stunning and feels just right, with tips on using neutrals, mixing multiple colors, and creating harmony in any room.

Meaningful Maximalism: A Defense for Filipino Design and Balance

Meaningful Maximalism: A Defense for Filipino Design and Balance

ByDesiree Bañares

A tin of Danish butter cookies hiding a sewing kit. Sando bags folded like origami triangles. A Santo Niño draped in sampaguita garlands beside a wooden barrel man from Baguio. These vignettes don’t just speak of clutter—they tell stories of resilience, sentiment, and culture. In a Filipino home, every item has a past, a purpose, or a potential use. This is Filipino maximalism: expressive, resourceful, and deeply personal.

Rather than follow minimalist ideals of form and function, Filipino maximalism thrives in joyful abundance—where history, memory, and practicality converge. But how do we honor this cultural instinct while still keeping our spaces livable? This blog reflects on the roots of our maximalist tendencies, and offers tips on how to embrace them meaningfully, without being overwhelmed.