For Max C, shabby chic works fine

YOUNG actress Max Collins says she likes living in Taguig because of the area’s proximity to all her daily destinations.

“Out with the old, in with the new,” was Max Collins’ mantra when she and her mom Belle Abiera decided on a New Year clearout at the actress’ condominium unit in Taguig City.

Max told Living Stars: “It’s 2013—I thought every thing should be new and fresh. We changed the fixtures. The style was modern, so most of the stuff was made from iron and metal. It didn’t feel warm. I wanted it to be more French.”

Aside from this single-bedroom unit at Forbeswood Heights Condominium in Bonifacio Global City, she has a three-story townhouse in Pasig City, purchased recently.

“Our couch used to be so big and made from brown suede. Our dining table, made from glass and iron, was square. I thought it would be nice to put more color into the place,” said the lead star of “Pahiram ng Sandali” on GMA 7. “During the holidays, all of our wrappings were in gold. That’s when I decided I wanted a gold motif. We just worked around that.”

MAX’S mom is a believer in feng shui. The mirror and coins reflect wealth, Belle says.

Unique centerpiece
Max said her mom likes crystals, hence the huge chandelier used as the centerpiece for the dining table. “It’s nice especially in the morning, between 6 and 7 a.m., when the sunlight hits the crystals and bounces on the walls. Everything sparkles.”

MAX’S mom Belle fell in love at first sight with this mirror that they sighted in a store in Parañaque.

Belle, who took up interior and fashion design in San Francisco, California, described the new look as “shabby chic.” She bought most of the fixtures from thrift shops in Bangkal, Makati City. These include a four-seat narra dining set and an antique bronze chest that  serves as an accent table.

“I always feel like I’ve struck gold whenever I visit that place. I always get rare finds,” said Belle. “Know exactly what you want before going to Bangkal. You should be able to decide on the spot whether or not to buy something. If you opt to sleep on it, chances are someone else will get it.”

THE BALCONY is Max’s favorite nook in this 48-square meter unit.

Max’s mom was especially proud of the carved wooden table, which she got at a bargain price. “It’s preowned but still looks grand. I love its swan design. It would cost a lot if you buy it in the United States. They don’t have solid wood furniture pieces there.”

Belle also fell in love at first sight with the antique mirror that she found in a store in Sucat, Paranaque, where the set of Max’s defunct show “The Good Daughter” was located. Mom and daughter would buy pieces here and there and, Belle said, “everything blended nicely.”

She continued: “Sprucing up a place is a matter of taste and lifestyle. You should feel good about the stuff that you bought. And use them.”

Max appreciates condo living because of the services and amenities that come with it. “We have a gym and a pool here; I don’t have to go far if I want to work out.”

A CHANDELIER that reflects morning sunlight is the dining table centerpiece.

THE FOUR-seat narra dining table has an intricate swan-design base.

A vegetarian, Max is also pleased to be living near the commercial area Burgos Circle. “You find all kinds of restos here where you can meet up with friends. And if I have taping down South or up North… the place is in the middle.”

One problem

Max added: “Security here is tight. I can just lock up my place and go, and know that it’s safe. Parking is not a problem, either. The only problem is space but it’s really okay because I’m rarely home.”

FOR THIS young actress, working out at the gym for free is one of the many perks of condo living.

She said she also liked the fact that the area is family-centric: “They have a preschool here, and they allow pets. There are trees and small plants, unlike in other condos that are too modern. At least here, it looks warm and homey.”

Before she bought the house in Pasig City, Max said her mom and younger brother Morgan stayed with her aunts in Magallanes, also in Makati.

MAX LIKES her space homey and cheerful

“[Now] they hang out with me here when they get bored, which happens more than I like,” she jested. “But mom does everything here for me so I’m okay with that.”

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