Decorating for Good Times & Togetherness the Filipino Way

In the Philippines, the door is always open and the welcome is forever heartfelt – here’s how to bring these beautiful sentiments into your own home.

Friends, family and making cherished memories together lie at the heart of Filipino culture. In the Philippines, every corner of the home is designed to invite loved ones to gather, connect, and share in the warmth of time spent together. 

At Carlisle, we have over 200 stunning floorplans, which come in over 1,000 different variations, making it easy to find the perfect home to suit your culture and lifestyle. Our designs put a focus on open-plan living and effortless indoor-outdoor connection, so you can entertain large numbers, enjoy cosy family time, have friends to stay, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Read on to discover how to bring Filipino flair to your abode.  

The Filipino way of life

“Filipinos share a strong sense of community, and their core values are family and good food,” says Rhiza Miguel, Carlisle’s Digital Manager. “In the Philippines, multi-generational households are common, which is also reflected in the Australian-Filipino culture. Groups not related by marriage or blood are also counted as part of the family, and will often be referred to as uncles, aunties, and cousins – relationships that continue for life.” 

“Big gatherings of up to 50 people are common – any excuse for a party! And as a predominantly Catholic nation, there are also religious gatherings related to Christmas, Easter, baptisms, and communions.”

“It is important to have plenty of food at these gatherings, and there is an unspoken rule that guests can then take away any excess dishes. If this does not happen, gossip – or tsismis – can spread. With larger celebrations, dishes such as lechon – whole spit-roast pig – are common.”

“When it comes to entertainment, Filipinos love karaoke and catching up with everyone,” she says.

Filipino culture and your Carlisle home

“Having a large, beautiful home is a way to showcase a Filipino’s accomplishments, so homes with big open spaces are preferred,” says Miguel. “Gatherings may host up to 50 people, so there’s always a lot of food. A big kitchen and meals area is essential – and this can sometimes spill into the outdoor area.” 

Our beautiful, contemporary homes, which boast show-stopping features like double-height atriums and sprawling, hotel-like master suites, are perfect for showcasing your life’s achievements, and create an inviting oasis to welcome in those you love.

Entertaining and hosting are a breeze with features such as designer kitchens complete with an oversized central island where you can lay out dishes or serve up, butler’s pantries, multiple living spaces, the option of a second master suite, and private ensuites to every bedroom.

Generous & versatile living spaces

In Filipino homes, the living area is the heart of social interaction. Choose plush, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and arrange them in a way that encourages conversation and togetherness.

Make it cosy by adding soft lighting, comfortable throws and scented candles. The goal is to make your home feel like a sanctuary where friends and family will always feel at ease.

Space for family meals

Filipino culture revolves around meals with loved ones, so choose a floorplan that includes space for a large dining table. A sturdy, wooden style that can accommodate large numbers or double as an all-you-can-eat buffet station is an idea.

For a true Filipino dining experience, adorn the table with banana leaf placemats and traditional tableware, with a traditional capiz shell chandelier overhead.

A comfortable guest room

“Extra bedrooms are great to have as it means guests can stay over after a gathering, or you can accommodate relatives visiting from overseas,” says Miguel.

Carlisle designs give you a choice of three, four or five bedrooms, allowing you to comfortably host overnight guests.

Or, if you have long-term visitors staying or older relatives living with you year-round who would like some independence, choose a design with a fully appointed second master suite located in a private position at the front of the house, such as the Chelsea Grand Master or the Thornleigh Grand Master.

Make your guest room inviting by dressing the bed with quality bedlinen and pillows, and adding fresh flowers, a few good books, and a spare mobile phone charger on the bedside table.

A fantastic outdoor living area

“When the weather is nice, Filipinos enjoy barbecuing in an outdoor area. If the gathering is large, chairs will be placed against the walls to provide a spot for guests to sit,” says Miguel.

All our designs allow for effortless indoor-outdoor connection, with large, glazed doors that open onto a beautiful outdoor entertaining terrace. Here, you can set up a barbecue or spit roast, and add a comfortable outdoor sofa setting and dining table.

Make it work for year-round entertaining by adding an outdoor heater or fireplace, a cosy rug underfoot, and piling the sofa high with plump cushions and cosy throws.

Nature-drawn colours

Emphasise your home’s connection with nature by using warm, earth-inspired colours and natural materials in your décor. Think rustic wooden tables, rattan-backed dining chairs, and bamboo blinds. Consider warm white or greige for the walls, with rich, earthy tones of terracotta, brown, mustard and forest green in your scatter cushions, rugs, bedlinen, and artwork.

Complete the look with a medley of indoor plants, and displays of craft items such as handcrafted pottery, handwoven baskets, and rustic textiles.

Family portraits and religious icons

In Filipino homes, religious icons are a symbol of faith and protection. Consider displaying religious symbols alongside family portraits in prominent places in your home, such as the living room or entry, to create a harmonious blend of faith and family.