At Home with Kitty Bunag

by Japs Medina November 10, 2019

Space stylist Kitty Bunag - the force behind our gorgeous pop-up stores (along with her talented team) - welcomed us into her beautiful home

If you’ve been to one of our recent pop-up stores, allow us to toot our own horn and say that they were nothing short of breathtaking. Our secret weapon: Kitty Bunag and the rest of the amazing team from Craftsmith. Kitty not only creates the most beautiful spaces, but she also takes equally beautiful photos of them.

Having inherited her grandparents’ old house, it was only natural for us to become curious about the space she calls home. Kitty welcomed us with open arms as we peeked into her abode – and we were not disappointed. The darkened walls made full with earthy accents showed off Kitty’s – and Craftsmith’s - signature look, this time with the lived-in footprints of her warm and lovely family.

Get to know our space designer extraordinaire Kitty Bunag.

Woven baskets contrasted with black and gray accents show off Kitty's unique aesthetic

Kitty's workspace is like a page torn out of Kinfolk

Tell us a bit about the history and vision you have for your home.
Our house belonged to my late grandparents from my dad’s side of the family. The walls of this ancestral home have gone through many changes - structurally & within.❤️

How do you integrate your love for photography into your home’s design?
I actually started with space design. I majored in interior design back in college. I started with mostly events and residential projects while keeping a corporate job. I also ventured into unique handmade fashion and home accessories before I finally worked as a full-time interior design consultant and photographer over the recent years when I co-founded Craftsmith with my cousin-in-law, Mia.

The way I style pocket spaces is highly influenced by the disciplines I learned in photography & interior design. Same principles apply actually. Like the use of good natural light in spaces. Not a whole lot, just the right amount of light to create moody cozy spaces. Like the skylights in our small dining room, and living room.

According to the space stylist, plants are her greatest home hack

Add a pop of bright colors, prints, and wooden elements to create a calm contrast

We noticed that your walls are mostly a dark shade of gray – a color that most homemakers would be scared to try. Can you tell us a bit about how you decided on the color?
Our walls used to be bright - like whites and oranges. Coming from that, I decided to go dark for a change. Paint is key when doing a dramatic makeover without necessarily breaking the bank. Also with dark-colored walls, in my opinion, you immediately feel a sense of calm wash over your entire being. It’s also such an easy palette to work with should you decide to throw in colors and textures and patterns.

Which room do you spend the most time in? Which room do you spend the least time in?
Most: In the lanai and work area just because there’s so much work lately and these areas are where I’m most productive even with my kids alongside me.

Least: In front of the TV.

Kitty shares that the principles behind photography are applied the same way to space styling

If you could change something in your home, what would it be and why?
The little indoor pond! We’ve had this since before I was born I think. And I love it. I love any water feature. But I’ve always wanted a little indoor pool! Lol. :)

We love the vintage closet by the doorway, as well as the quaint stuff in it. Is there a story to that?
My family is very sentimental. Upcycling is our thing. Things are passed on from one generation to the next. My family loves art & music. Both my parents collected records, tapes, & CDs. To turn the closet into an entertainment cabinet only made sense. :)

What is the best bargain you’ve ever gotten when hunting for home pieces?
The recycled gates/frilly metal frames in the kitchen where we hang pots & pans, also used as details on the skylights in the little dining nook & garage.

Name your favorite home hack.
“Put a plant!”

Just the right amount of lighting can make a big impact on a room

Who are the people who influence your style?
My mom, Ilse Crawford, The Black Widow, Satoshi Kawamoto, Beth Kirby, The Olsen Twins

If you could visit any home in the world, whose would it be?
Ett Hem and Giselle Bündchen’s homes.

Your kitchen is probably one of the most spacious kitchens we’ve featured thus far. Is there a special reason for that?
Our family hosts small gatherings quite often but apart from that, a lot of DIY stuff happens there - both kitchen & non-kitchen crafts.

Coming from a sentimental family, Kitty shares that she loves to upcycle furniture and find places for them in her home

It has been said that lighting can make or break interiors. Do you have any advice on how one can choose home lighting?
Good lighting does wonders. Using LED halogen track lights is another home hack for me. It’s easy & fast to install/uninstall, doesn’t require destroying or reconfiguring ceilings, it’s flexible, and very aesthetically pleasing.

What makes a house a home?
A whole lotta love. :)