MANILA, Philippines - Interior designer Manuel Castro pulled together a vacation home of businesswoman Sylvia Bascon in Tagaytay Midlands that is contemporary Filipino yet universal in appeal. He brings in elements of nature inside the home such as tropical wood and rattan furniture.

The palette echoes the Tagaytay scenery with walls in neutral background, sofas and chairs slip-covered in sand-colored material. Natural textures keep the muted color palette lively.

The interior décor is characterized by the display of whole grain of wood, shells as objets d?art, white accents and textured rugs that warm up the narra flooring. The symmetrically arranged accessories give order to a room which combines textures and wood tones.

Castro says all it takes is a sense of adventure to discover accessories, pottery and furniture that are made in the Philippines.