In the current era of minimalist interior design's popularity, a homeowner in Pangasinan stands out by presenting his maximalist home in a striking and playful manner. Breaking away from the clean lines and simplicity synonymous with minimalism, freelance teacher Michael Sta. Ana, 37, shared that his departure from the norm is more than just a design choice; it's a lifestyle statement.

Back in 2014, Michael acquired a 268 sq.m. property in Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. Initially hesitant, he was persuaded by his parents to make the purchase, despite the house resembling a "discontinued subdivision home" with its lack of paint, tiles, and wall cracks.

Fast forward to 2017, Michael decided to live independently, but the new living space proved to be less than ideal, impacting his lifestyle. Michael came to the realization that the space played a significant role in his life.

Reflecting on his situation, Michael said, "It didn't look good back then. I have two kinds of friends. One tells me, ‘It's just fine. A lot of people have no homes. You just need to feel fortunate about having your home.' That’s where I got the mindset of, ‘Why would I fix my space? Having a home is already something.'"

In 2020, Michael met his wife Jobessa, and little did he know that this period marked the beginning of their home renovation journey. Together, they started by cleaning the place, a small change that made a significant difference. Painting the walls followed, setting off a chain of improvements that brought them joy and ultimately led to the transformed space they enjoy today.

Design shift
Initially drawn to the minimalist trend, Michael found it didn't resonate with him in the long run. Reflecting on past purchases, he mentioned, "We've had things that we eventually gave away to friends because they no longer suited us. We bought them just because they were trendy. But people change, and so should your home. It should evolve with you."

Today, Michael's design philosophy is maximalist-eclectic, where anything that complements each other is fair game. Drawing inspiration from art deco, art nouveau, regency interior design, and even the aesthetics of Las Vegas casinos, he embraces a diverse range of styles. While fond of antiques, he maintains a balance to prevent the space from appearing gloomy.

Entering the home of Michael and Jobessa is a vibrant experience, as it immediately welcomes you with a burst of colors that set the tone for the entire space. Statement design choices greet you, including unconventional details like colorful walls and an array of differently sized rugs sprawled across the floor. The walls showcase an assortment of artwork and memorabilia, from paintings to decorative plates, creating a captivating sensory experience for visitors.

Embracing a hands-on approach, the couple incorporated DIY projects into their home. Aside from painting the walls, one such project involved upholstering a broken stool from a Japan surplus shop, breathing new life into a previously discarded item. Another notable piece is a chair with a violet cover adorned with blue flowers, repurposed from a dress belonging to Sta. Ana's late grandmother – a heartfelt tribute to her memory.

Currently, Michael is in the process of constructing a gazebo, designed to serve as a comfortable space for guests. The inspiration for this new area draws from the vibrant aesthetics of Kerala, India. He envisions a combination of colors in its design, creating a rustic yet welcoming atmosphere where visitors can truly feel at home during their stay.

The artistic eye of a photographer
As a professional photographer for several years, Michael draws on this experience to guide his decisions on how to decorate his home. Despite having stepped away from photography as a career in 2023, his intrinsic creativity continues to shape how he approaches home design projects.

Michael emphasizes the significance of light in relation to the colors selected for a room. "I always assess the quality of light entering my home. As a photographer, understanding the strength of sunlight is crucial. It can either enhance or compromise your shot,” he said. “Similarly, in your home, the compatibility of the elements you introduce – be it paint colors on the walls – must harmonize with the sunlight's intensity. It can either make or break the overall scene."

As many individuals embark on personalizing their living spaces, Michael shared some advice. "Slow it down. We live in a fast-paced world, and that rush often drives the desire for instant results. People want it done in three months, and yes, it can be done, but where's the joy in that? Designing your living space is a form of therapy, an expression, an extension of yourself and your creativity. To truly savor the process, take it slow. Embrace the gradual journey; make it slow," he concluded.

Photos courtesy of Michael Sta. Ana