Designing divas of Bungalow 300

Four years ago, gal pals Marga Espiritu and Vernice Songco set out to establish a pop-up shop that would be known to specialize in vintage-inspired modern interiors. The partnership was rife with artistic potential. Marga, a Communication Arts graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, has long been known for her creativity in the realm of food, home décor and entertaining. Vernice, an alumnus of the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, studied illustration and continued to pursue her love for the visual (sketching and oil painting) and performance (flamenco dancing) arts.

The partnership saw the creation of five pop-up shows that allowed Marga and Vernice to create furniture and objects that evoked their design ideas and sense of style. It came as no surprise that the pair had to set up roots in order to establish a more permanent showcase for their products.

Marga and Vernice’s shop, Bungalow 300, is a two-story affair on Buencamino street in Alabang. The ground floor is a refreshing menagerie of home furnishing, artworks, fragrances and bath items. Marga shares, “Bungalow 300 was founded on a shared passion to bring inspired and laid-back living with a distinct Manila style to like-minded people.”

The turnover of items has been brisk, promising customers with new and different offerings with every visit. Marga and Vernice design their own line of throw pillow covers and table linen as well as manufacture custom furniture using eclectic materials such as hard wood, marble, metal and veneers. 

“Bungalow 300’s core ethos has always been to provide furniture and objects for unique and inspired living by creating lived-in spaces that allow modern dwellers to create a real home that’s functional while still remaining chic and classic,” says Vernice. “Luckily, it simply isn’t in our nature to create something contrived as Bungalow 300’s aesthetic has always been about playfulness and honesty!”

 Marga and Vernice have these tips for young couples who wish to decorate their starter home or condo unit:

1. Start with neutral walls and pieces of furniture as a base then use accessories to personalize your space. Pillows are easy and instant way to add character and personality to a room.

2. When collating large pieces, focus on basic, classic and modern shapes then try to find pieces with a story. You can search for inexpensive pieces in thrift stores, second-hand stores or even in your parents’ or grandparents’ homes.

3. Lamps are a wonderful way to bring in soft light and coziness to a room. There’s a wide variety to choose from and combine: floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, pendant lamps and chandeliers. All will be wonderful additions.

4. Dress up your walls. Display meaningful mementos and photos. Collect art that is meaningful to you. It need not be expensive. Even framed fabric, printed paper, posters and photographs from travels are a great way to add art to walls.

5. Add plants to your space. Look for indoor potted plants and cut greens and bring the outside in.

(Bungalow 300 is located at No. 7 Buencamino St., Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For more information, call 519-3143, visit  www.bungalow300.com or e-mail bungalow300@gmail.com.)

Portrait by Johann Espiritu

• Product photos by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada