My Happy Home, says its owner, is all about pieces that inspire joy and warmth.
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Our living spaces speak volumes about us, and the way we design and curate them reflect how we want to feel at home. And for chef and restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, what she wants embracing every room of her house is positivity.
Describing it “modern tropical,” her own home design induces brightness, warmth, and playfulness. Ongpauco-Tiu extends such mood to her newest venture, My Happy Home, a store for her curated home finds. It opened last year and has been enjoying a fruitful and positive reception since then.
She say there is a mish mash of themes and motifs to cater to every home and lifestyle in her new store, which she built with the help of interior designer Chat Fores. Ongpauco-Tiu says that Fores wanted to showcase the variety by way of juxtaposition. Area rugs are mixed on top of each other while porcelain jars of different colors and prints are grouped.
The best part of the design experience, Ongpauco-Tiu says, is seeing everything come to life. On one wall, the store’s name is surrounded by a collage of old plates, pans, and pots from her restaurants all painted in white. Her choice to reuse and display her own preferences manifest her curating process for the store. “I buy those that I know I’ll use for myself as well,” she explains.
Goblets
These goblets bear detailed designs that give off opulence, elevating your dining experience. When paired with fine marble plates and black and gold cutlery, the outcome is simply exquisite.
Chinoiserie Bowls
Growing up, Ongpauco-Tiu’s grandmother collected these beautiful blue and white pieces. These eventually became a staple in the store, dominating the space for its classic beauty. The interesting paintings or illustrations on its glazed texture could make for a lively conversation.
Rhinoceros and Elk Heads
Younger generations have been giving this traditional design element an updated execution. Blending the rustic with the urban, these animal figures recall a sharp, graphic, and powerful tone, uplifting the energy in your home.
Assorted Sunburst Mirrors
Hanging these eye-catching mirrors will give smaller rooms the illusion of more space, and draw attention to the pieces’ elaborate design. The interplay of bronze and brass textures with touches of white or gold give it a contemporary touch.
The Full spread on My Happy Home can be found in Volume 1 of Lifestyle Asia 2021.
My Happy Home is located inside the Ongpauco Bldg. at the corner of Wilson St. and P.Guevarra St., San Juan. For more information on My Happy Home, visit their Instagram page.
Photos by Ed Simon of Studio 100
