Singer-host Markki Stroem is giving his home's living room a fresh new look.
The multi-hyphenate performer revealed this personal home update in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Monday, December 15, 2025, during the grand opening of Opulence Design Concept’s newest store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
According to Markki, the redesign wasn’t originally planned, but a thoughtful family gesture prompted the transformation.
He shared that his parents gifted him a new sofa set for Christmas, which became the inspiration—and the perfect excuse—for him to reimagine the entire living area.
"I'm actually redesigning my sala at home," Markki said.
"I actually got a Christmas present from my parents. They got me a beautiful sofa.
"So I'm trying to mix and match [furniture] to create that perfect look with this sofa that they're getting me."
Markki shares that his sala remains true to its minimalist roots, now brought to life with splashes of color from his painting collection, curated art pieces, and small trinkets thoughtfully displayed around the space.
He said: "The color of the house is, like, a tame white or gray. And it's all grays and whites and blacks. So I like that in terms of... that's my minimalism feel.
"Just the base of it is that. But I have paintings that add that touch of color and little trinkets that add that extra oomph to my, my living area/space."
The singer is currently looking for a piece of furniture that will complement his paintings.
"To be honest, I'm a jock at heart, so I like the feel of, the youthful feel, but with a splash of elegance.
"So, there's just something about, like, just sitting around and just enjoying the minimalism of the space.
"But also having that one piece that stands out that you can look at and go, 'Hey, that's [nice]...' Like, that compliments my paintings 'cause I'm a collector.
"I have a few paintings, and I love the vibrant colors. So I'm looking for that perfect piece to add that extra oomph to my sala."
MARKKI STROEM: BUYING FURNITURE
With Markki now in the middle of redesigning his living room, PEP asked him what factors he considers when choosing furniture for his home.
He shared that he always makes sure each piece fits the aesthetic of every room.
Markki said: "I like my house to have different rooms and different concepts and themes, so that when I walk into one, I feel like a child again.
"And I walk into another one and I feel opulence. And that's what I'm trying to recreate when shopping for my next design piece."
When asked if price is also a major consideration, Markki said yes—but only up to a certain point.
"The price is very important but... If I like something, if I fall in love with a piece, no matter how much it costs, I'm taking it home.
"Like, it's, it's one of those things where... I reached the point where I'm investing for the feel... of where I live. Sometimes it's not about how much something costs. It's about if it resonates with you."
With that in mind, Markki is already eyeing at least three items from Opulence Design Concept.
He said, "I want a Fornasetti plate set. I also like, a beautiful Fornasetti lamp [for my sala]."
According to Opulence Design Concept’s website, Fornasetti plates start at PHP12,000 and up, while the lamps are priced from PHP20,000.
Markki is also eyeing the Todd chair from Polspotten, which is currently priced at PHP70,000.
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