ARTICLE SERVICES            Reprint this article     Print this article       Send as an e-mail     Send Feedback       Comment on this article on our Vox Populi blog     RELATED STORIES   Keeping the summer cool with blue A museum for new design ‘The light motivates you for the day’ GALLERY 1 2 3 4 Next   Zoom    Read Full Story DRAMA FROM MANAGING SCALE – An open layout is maximized with the strategic placement of furniture in expat restaurateur Colin Mackay’s Makati condo. Height is subtly achieved with the use of tall floral arrangements, giant water tanks in the artwork, and the spray of branches on the reception table, all leading the eye upward in direct contrast to the horizontal elements of the kamagong dining table, sofa, low cabinets and reception table Zoom    Read Full Story The dining area takes on a minimalist look from this angle. The soft tones of a painting of Paris rooftops reflect the minimalism. A bouquet of red roses provides a zing of color in a neutral color theme. A long mirror brightens up a narrow hallway and reflects the artwork on the opposite wall, creating a secondary focal point. Zoom    Read Full Story A kitchen overlooking the balcony came with the condo’s design. Indoor plants add a homey feeling. A vintage food ad, a classic Philippe Starck chair and an exotic bouquet of dragon orchids add warm the distinction. Top of the cabinet is visual interest in a tall vase standing out from ceramic bowls. Zoom    Read Full Story Unfussy lines, solid surfaces and low furniture suit Colin Mackay’s busy lifestyle. The new minimalism features softer edges, more color, texture and natural fiber. A sectional-seating sofa is appropriate for a big space with vintage bucket seats, and a contrasting wedge-framed, smoked-glass table on a shag-pile carpet. The off-white room is given shots of color by the painting, Murano glass ashtrays, Thai-silk pillows, flowers and a printed mesh lampshade. Photos by Bobot Meru The new organic movement An architect stretches imagination Spaces to find ourselves How Green is My Building More Stories » Global Nation Pacman off to Chicago In Memory of My Last Yosi Three agencies to track down 427 ‘missing’ vehicles On what to give to labor US sees progress in curbing trafficking of Filipinos 2 docs, nurse suspended Heaven’s three surprises EU prepares for migrant workers’ Bleu Card Stranded medical workers on verge of starvation in Saudi Confucius said Global Nation Japan drops Filipina rape case vs US soldier -- prosecutors Pacman off to Chicago EU prepares for migrant workers’ Bleu Card Illac Diaz Rallies World Architects to Build Better Schools BI deports 2 Chinese in rice hoarding Tañon oil search ends Pa, son on the run for ‘stealing’ rice Lakers, Celtics near Conference Finals EU experts to help RP solve extra-judicial killings Slain cop’s family gets P1.4 million in benefits A singing star born in Geneva ‘Wowowee’ cast not aware of Honolulu party, says network   Global Nation Most Read RSS Hottest Tags Design Furnishings & Furniture WHAT'S THIS?                 More >>

SCOTTISH-BORN RESTAURATEUR Colin Mackay has been known for his uncompromising standards in food and dining.

Sala, a restaurant he opened when he was 30, is over 10 years old, a record in a saturated industry. The Thai-inspired People’s Palace and his new concept Bistro are equally successful. His refined taste and orderliness in running the restaurants are also reflected in the décor of his condo unit.

Mackay’s love for big spaces and greenery was cultivated as he was growing up in a comfortable home in Edinburgh. He pursued a degree in hotel management and business at the University of Strathclyde and did internships in leading restaurants and hotels in Switzerland and Australia.

Mackay then worked in a glitzy restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong owned by Patsy Ho, scion of one of the richest families in the then Crown Colony. Instead of staying in cramped quarters as was typical in HK, he lived in the colonial district where the houses were bigger.

In 1995, he visited the Philippines, fell in love with it and decided to put up a restaurant with some partners. The world-class Sala set the standard in restaurant dining in Malate. While expanding his restaurant business, he lived in a prewar apartment that had a lot of character.

When Malate lost its luster, Mackay had to bring the business to Greenbelt. His apartment was also becoming a shambles. Moving closer to work, he rented a new three-bedroom Makati condominium. He was attracted to the kitchen with a balcony, and the privacy of the premises. The tenants didn’t even know their next-door neighbors, let alone see them. It felt like living in a house.

Mackay decided to decorate the condo himself.

Contemporary decor

The décor is contemporary, with quirky elements. A Virgo, Mackay prefers function and order.

He favors a neutral shade for the walls because it’s quite soothing after a long day. His choice is off-white and dark-brown with gray undertones. When natural light bounces off the neutral walls, the place visually expands and brightens up. “I like the way light motivates you for the day,” he says.

In keeping with the modern style, furniture color is neutral and the silhouettes mostly boxy and slim. The sofas are L-shaped and low, juxtaposed with a glass-topped coffee table in dark wood.

The shiny textures of the curtains and pillow cases are a foil to the matte surfaces of the upholstery and furnishing. Textured rugs are omnipresent. “There’s just too much yellow wood,” he said.

The furniture is a mix of old pieces, new ones like the dining table, a sectional seating sofa for entertaining, and modern classic chairs by Saarinen and Starcke. A classic wing chair burned by artist Maarten Baas has become a cutting-edge piece.

Mackay’s choice of artworks ranges from photographs to large-scale paintings. He’s one owner who truly appreciates art beyond its decorative function. Some of his favorite works are acrylic paintings by Ralph Kiggel, who applies traditional woodblock printing methods on the themes of the industrial landscape. “I like the movements, the vitality and the perspective,” says Mackay.

Denise Weldon’s graphic, black-and-white photograph of a chair reminded him of his old apartment. This work lifts up the dark accent wall in the living room.

Flea-market finds

He also proudly shows off flea-market finds, mementos from trips and pieces given by friends, many with a sculptural minimalism.

The couture cushions, ostrich eggs and lamp, leather trays and Indian prints perk up neutral-colored furniture by Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo of Firma.

Exporter Markus Schmidt gifted Mackay with metallic shells that now adorn the kamagong dining table. Exotic floral arrangements, which Mackay does himself, add spunk. He plays with scale and volume in terms of length and breadth.

On the dining room, hydrangeas, paper roses, stargazers, oxbloods, calla lilies burst out of what he calls “a cheap black vase.”

“The arrangement looks a bit like a wedding, isn’t it?” he jested.

The owner’s hospitality always heightens the experience of the home. Mackay prefers to do the cooking. “The maid prepares tinola, but my version has lots of kafir lime, lemon grass, green chili and chili paste,” he says.

Between shoots, we enjoyed a proper English high tea. He baked crispy scones (the authentic way without eggs), ethereal whipped cream and luscious strawberries. Oops, I forgot to pour the milk before the tea.

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• Keeping the summer cool with blue
• A museum for new design
• ‘The light motivates you for the day’

• The new organic movement
• An architect stretches imagination
• Spaces to find ourselves
• How Green is My Building