Life has never been the same for Nikki after she made her star-making Coke commercial, but she knows how to handle the highs and lows of the industry. Music from her album fills the air while Nikki sits comfortably for this shoot. This household knows a thing or two when it comes to relaxation.
Lush greens and wood details on the façade of the Gil home barely hint at the heightened tranquility contained inside. One might overlook the details of the main gate, but you would be surprised to know that the wood came from railway tracks!
All the artworks in the house are by artist Carlo Magno. The artist's abstract works add to the tranquil mood of the house. What caught Julie's [mom of Nikki] attention is the artist's ability to evoke thought and contemplation: "Kung titingnan mo, parang may lalim." An antique wooden wheel is made into a table, while a Moroccan lamp adds an Eastern feel to this space.
A secretary table and an antique chair can be viewed from this point. The stairway goes straight down to the master's bedroom. Different types of décor that the family accumulated from their travels are neatly placed on glass panels held by antique wood planks. A Moroccan lamp adds flair to the area.
Light and cozy are the best words to describe the master bedroom. Cool white walls and neutral palettes are used to liven up what was once a dark basement. The bed was made in Tagaytay and designed by Jean Gil, a cousin of Nikki's mom. Jean graduated from the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID).
The Gils may have outgrown this four-feet-deep pool, but there's no denying that this spot adds glamour to their home. This vast space used to be part of their garden. They had this area converted to be part of their indoors. The two doors open to Nikki's room.
The wood details and carpeted flooring soften the look of the concrete platform of Nikki's bed. The two wood pieces on the wall bring the outdoors in, as well as frame the grainy abstract art that is the centerpiece of the wall above Nikki's bed. Nikki wanted a personal space that evokes the look of a spa, and here she has it—her bedroom feels like a spa in her own home.
Before entering the bathroom one is greeted with all sorts of shoes neatly placed on glass panels attached to the walls. "Heels!" Nikki exclaims. "Always four inches, I got used to it. Maiilang pa ako kung mababa siya." So what's her favorite brand? "Steve Madden!" Nikki replies without a moment's hesitation.
Her bathroom is consistent with the theme of her bedroom: clean, fuss-free, and spacious enough to move in. Located near her walk-in closet and shoe rack, this bathroom is perfectly suited for Nikki, who is always on the go.
This mighty araro is given a modern twist...as the base of a lamp. Nikki's mom has an eye for finding things that bring more pizzazz to the house. The big windows and built-in sofas soften the darkness of the wood. The abstract painting of award-winning artist Carlo Magno—with its rough, almost interactive surface—adds texture to the smooth, pale walls.
Aside from the garden, Nikki's favorite part of the house is the living room, where she plays the piano. "I come from a musical family...my dad loves playing the piano, I play the piano," Nikki reveals. "So minsan yung bonding namin, nagja-jamming lang kami. We sit by the piano and we sing."
This area, compared to the other rooms, looks dim, yet still manages to maintain its relaxed feel. Kitchen droplights provide additional lighting. The kitchen evokes the homey cooking areas of provincial homes, an atmosphere that suits Nikki, who loves to bake. But there is a catch, according to her mother: The young star will never cook. "Hindi magku-cook 'yan. Ayaw niya 'yong tinatalsikan siya."
The dining area is strategically located in an area that has a good view of the two most interesting parts of the house: the pool and the piano area. The molave dining table is surrounded by chairs bought from Ayala Town Center. An antique wood piece adds detail to the area.
Six slabs of piedra china mounted on the wall is another way of adding accent to a room. On top of an antique kamagong console table are well chosen pieces from Greenhills. All in all, the look is rustic yet modern.
