Making the Most of It

With the ever-growing population of the Philippines (unless things change if the RH bill will be passed), I will not be surprised if a really small studio-type middle-class condominium unit will cost like a big house and lot would in an exclusive subdivision 10 years ago. Actually, I recently asked a broker how much a one-bedroom unit would cost per square-meter in pre-selling and he said it’s 2,000 USD!


I can’t believe it.

But anyway, since things are already like that, what we can do is to make the most of what we have. To say it harshly, these shoebox homes are really tight and expensive spaces but nonetheless they are your own. And so, whatever other people may say, having a space of your own still weighs heavier than having none.

So what can one do to maximize space?

Plan your space well! What I noticed about most condominium dwellers is they keep the layout that was given to them. Meaning, they are usually just happy to accept whatever partitioning and layout was done in the space just because they don’t want to spend more on renovation. But really, most of the times, it is better to really study the floor plan and see what can still be done to make the space seem bigger than what it really is. Tearing down a wall or two makes a big difference in opening up the view and helping the air in the space circulate better. Placing better storage systems is much better than filling up the entire flat with cabinets. Re-layouting the kitchen based on how you need the kitchen to be can make cooking easier and more fun. In short, interior improvements – doing necessary renovation on a ‘fit-for-all’ layout can make your living experience in a space-challenged area more pleasant and comfortable.


Consider allotting budget for interior design and improvements when acquiring a property. Although most people would think interior design is a luxury, it actually becomes more practical when maximizing limited space and optimizing one’s living experience within the home.