Filipino designer brings country serenity to the city

From Correspondent Elsa Klensch

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- Antonio "Budji" Layug has created an oasis of calm in the city of Manila, where the streets are a chaos of jitneys, cars, trucks, horses and carriages.

The interior designer wanted to escape the chaos when he bought a house two years ago in the San Lorenzo village area. Although it's in the midst of the city, he decorated as if he were in the country.

In the garden, there are plants normally seen in the countryside and a weathered wooden statue from Malaysia. A large round stone and a twisted old tree root are there to give the space a Japanese feel.

"I love nature. I get my inspiration from natural materials," Layug says.

The porch directly off the garden, with its floor of white tiles and a small table, allows the designer to spend time outside.

"This is where I have breakfast and small chats with friends. I like to be most of the time in the outdoors, so for me the porch is the most comfortable and serene place for me to stay in," Layug says.

In the entrance to the house, Layug brings nature inside, with a nara wood door and an antique bench made of light yellow molave wood.

A metal sculpture and modern paintings provide contrast to the rustic pieces.

In the living room, the colors are light and neutral. A large painting by a Filipino artist -- of women at the turn of the century -- provides the only vibrant color in the room.

The dining room holds an iron and glass table with woven leather chairs -- all designed by Layug himself. He sets the table with local earthenware, silver and woven placemats.

Outside the bedroom window, an ancient wooden statue, a human form, stands guard.

Inside is a bamboo bed and an antique cabinet made of nara wood.

Layug's home is earthy and simple. It has both open space and interesting objects, with pieces of art in every room.

"It was easy to work with," the designer says. "It had no character so I could create my own character."

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