A common stereotype of the artist’s abode: step in an artist’s place, and you pretty much know what they’ve worked on and what they’re currently working on. Their own art decorates their walls, and if you want to further the stereotype, you’d probably see a work-in-progress (or even more) leaning casually in a corner, surrounded by various art materials.
But for fashion photographer Frank Hoefsmit, work and play shouldn’t mix. He doesn’t even display his own photographs in his one-bedroom place at the Fort, reasoning that he is never satisfied with them long enough. But there’s no questioning his craft influenced this Boracay-based Belgian in decorating his second home.
Smartly placed décor direct our eyes to where Hoefsmit, like the skilled photographer that he is, wants them to go. A sectional sofa positioned diagonally, for example, draws our eyes towards the overlooking verdure. Lamps and vases shaped like succulents illuminate every corner of Hoefsmit’s place. A bench seat customized to match the sofa conceals the other half of the split air-conditioner—something that almost made Hoefsmit give up the place.
Now, Hoefsmit finds peace and tranquility whenever he sits on that bench seat by the window, overlooking the Makati skyline. His home is the perfect respite from the chaos of the city, without being too far away from it.
Photos by Joseph Pascual
Source: Marbbie Tagabucba for Southern Living, “Still Life,” September 2014
