One thing about our Kapitbahays is that we’re all about the classics. We love our polished, Nordic-inspired wood furniture and bright, sunny, white interiors — and sometimes, we love both simultaneously. Even though they’re common design choices (for excellent reason, naman), wood and white elevate any space — even a bodega. 

So, if you need inspiration for a renovation (or just more pegs for your home), look no further. Here are some of our (many) favorite finds from our #TeamPuti and #TeamKahoy reps in the community. 

Wood and Warm White 

Homely. Modern. Minimalist. These were some of Kapitbahay Aries Glenn Jarabe’s starting points for their dream home (watch his house tour here). “First-time kaming owner ng unit. ‘Di namin alam kung paano ‘yung gagawin sa bahay [at] sa design,” he explained. 

Thankfully, their contractor went above and beyond, resulting in a #TeamKahoy haven: dark and light wood balanced by warm white pin lights and neutral tones. Kapitbahay Aries sought furniture from IKEA and other carefully curated finds, such as curtains and a chandelier from Shopee, to complete the vibe. 

His number one tip? “Kailangan niyo makipag-usap sa contractor niyo kung anong gusto niyong design. Lahat ng design, tinulungan talaga kami,” he said. “Nag-send lang kami sa kanila, tapos sila nang bahala.” 

So, Kapitbahay, even if hanggang pegs ka lang and have no background in design, you can make your dream home happen — just make sure you’re talking to the right contractor. 

A Maximalist Dream

Maiba naman! Who says white and wood themes are too minimalistic? Kapitbahay Joanne Custodio Mina proves you can try new things with classic tricks to make your space fresher and more exciting. We love the minimalist aesthetic, but sometimes, we crave that “more-is-more” feel. Right?

Fundamentally, Kapitbahay Joanne’s abode is still #TeamWhite and #TeamKahoy, but the twists and details add some more oomph. Geometric hanging lights, a tall statement mirror, and clothes on an industrial-style rack take everything to the next level. Not conforming to minimalism doesn’t mean preferring kalat — it just means expressing your individuality with patterns, pieces, and all the stuff that spark joy.

Luxe Lovers 

Opulence ba kamo? This beautiful unit refurbished by Kapitbahay  Princess Masong-Mayol is the total definition of sossy. White is a double-edged sword because it can look plain and boring if not styled well. On the other hand, naman, if it’s done right, it can make anything feel more elegant. 

As per Kapitbahay Princess, this #TeamPuti suite was inspired by hotel interiors. And it’s proof that a white-and-light color scheme can be filled with variety — the trick is to mix and match. We’re discussing filling the space with textures, textiles, and fixtures. Add fuzzy rugs, a panel for an accent wall, and some gold touches, and voila! Instant bongga.

Boho Business 

Do you have an attic? Think twice before you turn it into a storage room — you can transform it into the ultimate cozy corner, just as Kapitbahay Desiree Ong did. As small as an attic is, she turned it into a Scandinavian-style bedroom. The windows are a nice touch because when the sun sets, it’s the stuff of our Tumblr dreams.

“This project was such a blessing because I got to explore my creative side. It has always been my dream to have an attic room,” Kapitbahay Desiree said in her room tour. And here we see the dream materialize — featuring decor and fixtures from Lazada, Shopee, and Instagram. 

And the furniture, like her TV stand? “Made from the excess granite used for our kitchen countertop,” she proudly mentioned. “We didn’t want it to go to waste, so we had a local craftsman turn it into a table.” Proof that we don’t always need to splurge on expensive items. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

A Home for the Harvest

When Kapitbahay Sheryl Germino Mariñas and her husband moved back to their province, they made one decision: They wanted to “live among the trees.” “Kulang na lang, sa labas kami matulog,” she joked. In the city, they had tried to incorporate their advocacy of saving trees into their lives. Now, though, their location allowed for that lifestyle better than ever.

Their bukid bungalow is a total paradise: Not only is it filled with the most beautiful, organic wood fixtures — it’s built among trees. Instead of cutting them down to create their abode, they made their home to adjust around them. And as if that’s enough, the total cost only amounted to PHP 11,000. 

“It’s no surprise we’re happier and less stressed and pressured where we are now, with a much simpler lifestyle,” said Kapitbahay Sheryl of her new home. So, if you’re looking for a sign to live out your cottagecore fantasy without leaving the Philippines, this is your sign.

#TeamKahoy and #TeamPuti, Unite

Oh, di ba, who needs Pinterest when we have our uber-talented Home Buddies Kapitbahays for inspiration? We still feel guilty for not including more because there are tons of homes we’d love to show off. 

You can see them for yourself when you join our Facebook group, where we encourage each other to build the homes of our dreams. (And if you want to go beyond #TeamKaTi, we’re 100% sure we’ve got something you’ll be inspired by.)