PAOLO BALLESTEROS PINASILIP SA MGA NETIZEN ANG KANYANG BAGONG GAWANG DREAM HOUSE!

In the last decade or so, Real Living has seen it all—tiny homes that inspire, sprawling multi-storey properties, and lovely homes built and decorated on a budget. These spaces feature a variety of styles—from rustic and industrial to contemporary and country-inspired. This year, we’ve seen the rise in popularity of modern minimalist houses, and it’s not surprising why. Aside from highlighting a property’s structure, these homes also allow the owners to curate the pieces they’re bringing in to keep the look clean and streamlined. One good example is actor and TV host Paolo Ballesteros’s newly built house in Antipolo.



After a year of construction and with the expertise of architect Gerald Torrente and contractor Electus Builders, Co. under Lyra Tobias, the actor is set to move in soon. From the outside, the house looks intriguing with its captivating façade.



Painted in black and white, the three-storey house has a modern contemporary appeal. A few months into the construction phase, Paolo shared a photo of the home—giving us a peek into its impressive structure.



Apart from the lovely and concrete exterior, the house also features tons of windows that will surely let in plenty of natural light. While we can’t wait to see the interiors of Paolo’s #homesweethome, you may want to get started on your own minimalist haven. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:



1. Highlight the space's barest essentials.
Keep the look simple and forego unnecessary surface textures, accents, and other elements that may take away the spotlight from the space. The main feature should be the structure and shell of the space.

2. Invest in basic furnishings.
Save on cash and choose your furnishings wisely. If you’re working on the living area, consider having a sofa, a coffee table, and two chairs. You don’t even need tabletop accessories to spruce up the space. Think of your chosen furniture pieces as part of your décor—opt for ones with clean lines and striking form.

3. Use form and lighting as accents.
Without decorations, you can use other elements as extra features in your space. Dramatic lighting on the wall or ceiling can help set the mood in a space, a sweeping staircase can be a conversation starter, and a water feature can add a calming vibe.

4. Work with a muted palette.
Don’t limit yourself to black and white. Neutrals can help you ace this style, too. Experiment with shades of gray and highlight bare concrete walls. A monochromatic palette of black, white, and gray can serve as the perfect background for your chosen furniture pieces as well.