MANILA, Philippines – Anne Curtis has always been admired, not only as an actress and host, but also as a loving mother and wife who manages a busy, career-driven life.
With her continuous day-to-night work schedule — from endorsing big brands to hosting It’s Showtime and starring in the Filipino adaptation of It’s Okay To Not Be Okay — she shared with fans that she treats every minute of downtime at home as a precious luxury. For her, home is a sanctuary where she can rest, recharge, and leave outside responsibilities at the door.
At Anko Philippines’ Interior Design Masterclass in TriNoma Mall in September, Anne said that comfort is a priority when styling her home, especially for both her husband, Erwan Heussaff, and daughter Dahlia. She also said that “smart buying” means selecting furniture pieces that offer both convenience and character, while living up to one’s aesthetic standards.
Here’s how the Filipino celebrity styles her home in ways that are both practical and personal.
Start with neutrals, then layer with color
For Anne, styling begins with a simple base.
“I love mixing and matching! I’ll throw a neutral blanket over the couch, add a few patterned cushions for some fun, and bring in timber accents for warmth,” she told the media.
Even in her mostly neutral home, Anne makes room for pops of color. In her bathroom, for instance, she shares that a set of colorful towels can instantly brighten the space.
“I feel like in the morning, when you start your day, it gives you the feeling [that] today is gonna be a good day,” Anne shared. With the right mix, colors become mood-boosting accents instead of sources of clutter.
During the event, Anne sat with KMart Australia and Anko’s design expert Sarah Dummett, who agreed, noting that neutrals provide flexibility. By starting with calming shades like cream or tan and layering in color through accents, prints, or textures, homeowners can create a look that reflects their own unique style.
Play with shapes
Anne shares that at home, the right shapes can bring character to a room. Too many similar pieces, such as rectangular shelves and tables, can make a space feel flat, almost like a Tetris puzzle.
To break that monotony, she points to the Mali Lounge Chair, a space-saving design that expands when needed while still offering comfort. Its sharp and slim rails pair with the Curved Bouclé Floor Mirror, which creates a natural flow. For small rooms, mirrors also add the bonus of making a space feel more open.
Similarly, according to Sarah, incorporating curves is one of the simplest ways to soften a room.
“We have also included more eclectic prints and patterns than previous collections, embracing playful shapes, bold stripes, wavy forms, and contrasting pops of color to help customers celebrate individuality,” she said.
Make cookware a statement
For Anne, the kitchen holds a special place at home.
“Our kitchen is always fired up — not because of me,” she joked, playfully referring to her husband Erwan, the Filipino-French creator known for his food content online.
For her, cookware should not only serve its purpose, but also look beautiful. Rather than hiding them away, pieces can double as decor when placed on open shelves or neatly stored in view. “When everything’s up in your cabinet, it becomes a beautiful piece,” Anne said.
She mentioned Anko’s new Sage Ceramic Non-stick Casserole — with a soft green finish and flat lid, it can complement neutral-toned shelves or sit atop a cream tablecloth for a mix-and-match design.
Find balance in the bathroom
For Anne, the bathroom is just as important as the bedroom when it comes to personal space. As a busy actress, she looks forward to having a tidy corner of the home where she can do her makeup and also unwind after a long, tiring day.
“It’s one of the places I like to relax in, where you’re alone sometimes, where you are yourself,” she shared. To create that soothing atmosphere, she adds colorful towels, leafy plants, and scented candles that make the space feel fresh and calming.
Being a mom also shapes the way Anne styles her bathroom. She believes functional storage is a must, especially pieces that serve a purpose without sacrificing aesthetics.
“Another favorite of mine is the Trelis Laundry Basket — because let’s be real, laundry is a big part of mom life! I love that it keeps even the most mundane chores looking stylish, and it comes in colors.”
Elevate with furniture essentials
Anne explained that her home follows a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese styles, a combination that makes for a clean, relaxing space with a calm, zen-like atmosphere.
The longtime fashionista said the secret to keeping her spaces clean and tidy is to hide clutter in storage and let the cute decor do the rest. “It’s all about creating a space that feels lived in and welcoming, and of course, everyday tools can double as decor in your house,” Anne said.
She mentioned an ottoman as a versatile piece that works both as a chair and as storage for Dahlia’s toys. An ottoman should blend well with neutral pieces, but also have textured fabric to add contrast to the smooth surface of wooden tables and chairs.
Additionally, simple accents like leafy plants, marble trays, or ceramic pots can also be grouped to bring in greenery and texture, creating a more cohesive feel in the room. – Trixia Policarpio/Rappler.com
Trixia Policarpio is a Rappler intern studying BA Creative Writing at University of the Philippines Diliman.