MANILA, Philippines - Finally an environment that nurtures the soul, calms the mind and relaxes the body. The time-honored holistic elements of Thai lifestyle and craftsmanship, once reserved for royalty, have now been recreated to suit the complex demands of modern Filipino living. Royal Palm Residences is a Thai-inspired mid-rise condominium community in Taguig City.

Designed to strike a balance between work and play, Royal Palm Residences by DMCI Homes aims to bring quality life back in those living on the fast lane. The one-hectare sprawl is devoted to amenities and luxurious details— from the grand entrance to the grand clubhouse, from the sauna to the theme gardens—that encourage residents to stop and smell the flowers.

The warm Thai elements of balance, harmony and wellness are now melded in one tropical resort village community, where cherished traditions complement the modern life.

Home design was also conceived to bring the serene exterior inside as interior designer Wilmer E. Lopez gracefully combines contemporary Bali with Thai sensibilities. The home becomes a cozy nest for relaxation and entertainment.

In the two-bedroom, 50 sqm unit, for instance, Lopez came up with a plush, resort-style living quarters that bring in the sun, sea and air of a simulated beachfront lifestyle. The four-poster bed in distressed wood gives the master’s bedroom a romantic appeal.

"This is designed with a young couple in mind so it has that 'newlywed-always' theme," said Lopez.

The sense of adventure of the outdoors is recreated in the son's bedroom, with a suspended bed amid a soothing blue-color lighting theme. Reinforcing the resort look is the young occupant’s surfboard against one wall, while a study desk is located at the foot of the bed. Space in an instant is maximized.

The living area is tropical and organic, casual and laidback, with low-seat Japanese-style setup. Zen and contemporary, the lines are clean and made warm by infusing the room with organic elements such as sea grass and neutral-colored wood. A blank canvas by the dining area invites the reflection of natural and simulated light, coating the area with a gentle, luminous sheen.

Eastern glamour defines the charmed life of the residents of the 100 sqm, three-bedroom abode. Accents and accessories, sourced from the family's trips abroad, become conversation pieces that dot around the home.

A contemporary kitchen is perfect for whipping up gourmet Asian cuisine. Multifunctional, the kitchen can also be an extension for dining with the kitchen bar located just across the dining area. Glass finish instead of tiles allows light to be radiated throughout the area.

"Cleaning the kitchen is also easier because, unlike tiles, there are no cracks you have to scrub dirt off from. All you'll ever need is water and soap," Lopez said.

Two eggplant-colored yoke back chairs in the dining area indicate stature in the household. Inspired by Vietnamese-style dining, the rest of the chairs are fully upholstered in rich, silk fabric for that grand sophisticated feel.

Touches of wood, purple and a lot of black create a more contemporary atmosphere, complementing the sophisticated taste of the owners of the house. The use of soft lighting, concealed in the recessed areas of the ceiling, highlights important collection pieces while lending the space a more dramatic look.

"This is cosmopolitan Bangkok apartment in the heart of bustling Taguig City. The home must be low maintenance to go easily with today's fast-paced lifestyle," Lopez said.

Lopez also allocated an activity for each area to maximize the space. The lighted hallway, which uses only lights and the blank canvas of the wall for sophisticated elegance, also functions as a study, work and showcase area.

A spacious master’s bedroom is designed to be both meditative and sensual. Inspired to give off a boutique-hotel expression, Lopez uses a Chinese king-sized bed for utmost comfort wrapped in the finest cotton, linen and silk. Working on a palette of pale olive, gold, ecru and earth tones, a large full-length mirror leans against a wall near the closet especially designed for him and her.

With function still a primary design consideration, Lopez uses modular systems and low-maintenance furnishings. An extra large framed mirror in the entertainment area gives an illusion of space and bounces off natural light from the windows.

Palatial grandeur, typical of Thai style décor, is also evident in gold-leafed stenciling, silks and lacquer ware, although stripped down to basic essential with occasional hint of luxury. After all, Thai décor is one of Asia's most glitzy and extravagant.

Overall presentation is important, Lopez said, but not at the expense of functionality. Hence all trappings of opulence must be tapered down using simplicity of lines so décor is easy on the eyes. The lesser the fuss, the better the house looks.

Call DMCI Homes at 888-3333 or visit www.dmcihomes.com