A home fit for an Olympic champ
- We asked some of our favorite interior designers to show us what they would do if they were designing Carlos Yulo’s new Megaworld condo
Property giant Megaworld welcomed Olympian Carlos Yulo back to the country with the three-bedroom condo in McKinley Hill that they promised as a reward after he won two gold medals in Paris.
The P32-million, 100-square meter unit came fully furnished, with thoughtful touches like the framed front pages of newspapers featuring the gymnast’s historic feat and a coffee table that looks just like Yulo’s gold medals.
We thought it would be interesting to see how different creative minds would take on the challenge of turning Yulo’s new condo into a home, so we asked some of our favorite interior designers to show us what they would do. Here’s what they said:
A space for reset
Anna Leah Hernandez
Studio Annanda (studioannanda.com)
“I really try to incorporate mindfulness in my designs; it is the core value of Studio Annanda. In designing this project, I focused on two things: ergonomics, and for the condo to be a space for reset,” said Anna Leah Hernandez.
She created a scenario where Yulo is either living alone, or with his girlfriend most of the time, with occasional visitors. “I wanted a space that would cater to his comfort, make his day-to-day living seamless. This is achieved by making the scale of the furniture fit his height. Most standard furniture pieces aren’t comfortable for people who are shorter, and this makes daily activities such as getting clothes or things from cupboards bothersome.”
Hernandez said that she got interested in low furniture a few years back after always feeling tired sitting on her work chair. “I realized that my blood wasn’t flowing properly because my legs were hanging, because the chair was too high for me. I found Muji pieces to be more appropriate for my height. I’m 5’2”.”
She said she wants Yulo to be able to sit, move and rest comfortably in his space. “I chose the Japanese theme as a nod to his days of training in Japan, and because Japanese furniture is naturally low. The Japanese design tends to feel relaxing because of its soothing colors, clean lines and simplicity. He will be busy from all the engagements following his double gold in the Olympics, and this condo would be like entering a sound booth where everything is quiet and peaceful.”For the bedroom, the accent Olympic ring is a custom piece by a local artist using weaves from the northern part of the Philippines. This art piece serves as a vision board, or as a reminder for him to keep going.
“I raised the flooring to create a platform with concealed light that can function as a night light. Side panels are also on each side of the bed to give a cocoon effect when sleeping. I read somewhere that barriers offer a sense of security in spaces.“I used matcha green as an accent. He can replace this with his preferred color.”
She showcased the closet, where the hangers are mounted lower than standard. For the bathroom, she used a low counter height.
“I custom-designed the dining room lighting fixture. It is inspired by gymnastics rings.” The paneled wall in mirror finish on one side makes the room seem bigger. “I used vertical lines to add height to the space.”
Furniture pieces in the living room are easy to move for when he needs to stretch or workout, said Hernandez. “It’s also important to have the kitchen counter and cupboards at a lower height. Everything in this condo unit is custom-made to his comfort.”
Modern and youthful:
Nina M. Santamaria
Principal designer of Grupo Santamaria Interior Design (www.gruposantamaria.ph)
“I envision Olympian Carlos Yulo’s home design to be modern and youthful. A haven that is straightforward, low-maintenance, and reflective of his highly aspirational and disciplined lifestyle,” said Nina M. Santamaria.
She describes his home as “a welcoming refuge from his busy athletic and social life” which features “simple shapes, solid colors, and modern art.” The color palette is inspired by the energy of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The design is “inspired by the Suprematist style, which is focused on the fundamentals of geometry (circles, squares, rectangles) and refers to an art movement based upon ‘the supremacy of pure artistic feeling’ rather than on visual depiction of objets.”
Santamaria’s vision is of “sanctuary complete with a home massage room and sauna fit for a double gold medalist.”
By the entrance is “a space to dump training and sports gear.” She wants to give Yulo a living room with plenty of space to move around and maintain, comfy and chic furnishings, a bright and high-gloss kitchen, and mood lighting in the bedroom for relaxed and deep sleep.
Glamorized masculine motif:
Chat Fores
Principal designer of Chat Fores Design Studio (chatforesdesignstudio.com)
“Our intent is a deconstructed glamorized masculine motif, using burnt carbonized wood finish, Oikos decorative textured paint finish mixed with brass finish, and matte wood veneer panels in different grains,” said award-winning interior designer Chat Fores.
“We took off from Carlos Yulo’s long stay in Japan. He probably has a lot of influences from his stays in different countries, after many competitions, so we provided different Asian and European influences.”
She added, “We wanted to provide a different set of workout equipment with a local twist for more character and to fit into the theme of the unit.”
She lists the following elements for the mood board: Hardware in Buster and Punch; Kreos decorative paint from Oikos Paints; lighting from Flos, Karman and Brand van Egmond; furniture from Roche Bobois; and gym equipment from local leather furniture company Prizmic and Brill, from their Dojo line.
For recovery and wellness:
Migs Alcid
Founder and design director of Studio Tatin, and faculty member at SoFA Design Institute
“The condominium design features a focus on introspection, recovery, and wellness,” said interior designer Migs Alcid. “The prevalent use of warm wood tones and eclectic furniture pieces and decor provides a sanctuary for Carlos Yulo, his own place of refuge.”
He describes the design as charismatic, curated, and sophisticated, using warm wood tones and plush textures with metallic accents, as well as layered lighting for the space.
