MANILA, Philippines - It seems Carmi Martin?s versatility as an actress extends to her work as design consultant. Since earning a certificate course in interior design a few years ago, she has had the chance to work on various projects built on a range of themes.

But Martin?s most recent work required her to explore uncharted territory. Her clients wanted her to turn their new three-story, four-bedroom Canyon Ranch home in Carmona, Cavite, into a modern-day tropical abode.

?It was my first time to do a tropical house,? said Martin, owner and president of Martin Interiors (www.martininteriorsph.com). ?I?m more at home with modern themes, but my clients insisted I do it.?

Part of the deal, another first for Martin, was for her to design a private spa on the ground floor.

House on a hill

Since the house, one of several identical structures overlooking the new San Lazaro Hippodrome, is built on a hill, its second floor is actually the first floor.

?Due to limited space, I had to design a pair of massage beds with built-in compartments,? said Martin. ?Apart from maximizing space, well-designed compartments lessen clutter.?

Martin collaborated with suppliers such as Sindo for furniture pieces, Simply Asian for linen and draperies, and Studio 11 for woven Roman shades made of abaca, jute and raffia.

She also scoured home stores for striking but affordable finds, mostly from Rustan?s. The tropical theme extends to woven area rugs with chocolate brown border in the living room and dining area, as well as the floor-to-ceiling window frames made of wood and stained rattan.

One of Martin?s main challenges was to come up with a homey tropical setting without allowing it to degenerate into a trite and boring rustic heap.

After all, she wasn?t working on a weekend getaway, as the couple and their two daughters intend to turn the house into their home soon. Touches of modernity in the streamlined furniture and jolts of color became necessary.

Neutral colors

Using various shades of brown, beige, camel and wenge was a given. Instead of leaving it at that, Martin put tangerine in public areas using throw pillows and table runners.

?Red would have looked too modern,? she said. ?My clients, especially the husband, were a bit reluctant to use bright colors, but when they saw how orange added life to the entire setup, they instantly warmed up to the idea.?

Martin also chose woven fabrics with an unmistakable ethnic feel on accent pillows, comforters and throws found in private areas. She chose chartreuse for a daughter?s bedroom.

The designer?s touch is also evident in the master bedroom through built-in shelves and a padded headboard framed by sheets of laminated bamboo. The white bed also comes alive, thanks to a pair of bright accent pillows and a throw.

Martin used focal points in the living room in the form of furniture and accent pieces made from a combination of materials and processes.

The living room armoire made of wood, laminated bamboo, coconut shell and banig is actually a mini bar and not an entertainment center.

A series of cylindrical chandeliers directly above the living room is too striking to miss. The lighting fixtures, statements in themselves, were fashioned from fiberglass and wicker.

?As much as I want my designs to be subtle and classic,? said Martin, ?I always manage to find ways of adding an element or two to make them a bit grand. That?s probably the actress in me at work.?