Living in a relatively small space has not diminished Rene Napenas’ creativity and penchant for decorating. His condominium unit in Paranaque is a showcase of colors, collectibles and, most importantly, efficient lifestyle.

Rene, who heads the Public Affairs and Information Office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, collects knick-knacks in his travels all over the country and abroad, and does wonders with putting them together.

By choosing contrasting bright colors, he has created a tableaux reminiscent of a fantastic childhood, as though plucked out of the pages of a fairy tale story. Rene’s eclectic approach to design makes his living space a masterpiece in the art of mixing and matching.

Being an artist, Rene moves about his home fluidly, as though a nymph or a goddess or a sirena. Of course, he entertains friends, officemates and relatives in this home, too. It is the kind of place where one could pull a pillow and lie down in a sofa or even the floor.

As early as September, Rene begins decorating for Christmas, and depending on the season of the year, he changes his draperies accordingly. What remains is the friendliness, generosity and affability of the owner of this home.

That he is a cultured person in the sense of one knowledgeable of arts and culture makes Rene a good conversationalist, thus fitting to hold a salon right in this delightful space he calls home.