Designing with memory, meaning and sustainability: Transforming discarded materials into treasured spaces

Contributed by Greggy Realeza Saliba

As an interior designer and educator, I have always believed that good design extends beyond aesthetics. The most meaningful spaces are those that tell stories, preserve memories and encourage responsible stewardship of resources. When I inherited a small farm from my grandmother, I saw an opportunity to create a private retreat that reflected both my design philosophy and our family’s heritage.

Rather than filling the rest house with newly purchased furnishings and finishes, I challenged myself to explore the creative potential of recycled, salvaged and upcycled materials. What others might consider discarded became valuable design elements imbued with history and character. Through thoughtful reuse, these materials found new purpose while helping reduce waste and environmental impact.

The result is Casita Realeza — a warm, rustic retreat where sustainability and storytelling coexist. Every repurposed object contributes to a richer narrative, proving that meaningful design is not always about acquiring something new, but about discovering the hidden potential in what already exists.

From discarded staircase to functional furniture

One of the most cherished features of Casita Realeza is the dining area, created from an old narra staircase that had served our family for decades. The staircase stringers were transformed into a sturdy dining table, while the treads became benches and farm swings. More than functional furniture, these pieces preserve family memories while extending the life of valuable hardwood.

Giving leftover interior materials a second life

Like many designers, I often accumulate excess materials from completed projects. At Casita Realeza, leftover faux stone wall panels were repurposed as accent walls, adding texture and warmth to the interiors while preventing usable materials from ending up in landfills.

Designing lighting features

from salvaged wood and bamboo

Lighting can be both practical and artistic. Using salvaged wood offcuts and locally sourced bamboo, I designed custom pendant lights that became focal points throughout the property. These fixtures celebrate indigenous materials and contribute to the relaxed farmhouse atmosphere of the retreat.

Celebrating indigenous materials

Reclaimed narra wood from our old family staircase was transformed into farm swings suspended with locally sourced abaca rope. More than functional features, they reflect the beauty of Filipino craftsmanship and the enduring value of indigenous materials.

By combining reclaimed hardwood with natural fiber, these simple elements demonstrate how sustainable design can honor heritage while creating meaningful spaces.

Creating DIY furniture from recovered materials

Instead of purchasing costly lounge furniture, I created bean bags using shredded foam recovered from excess upholstery materials. These casual seating pieces became favorites among family and guests, demonstrating how creative reuse can enhance both comfort and functionality.

Designing with purpose

Casita Realeza stands as a reminder that sustainability begins with seeing potential where others see waste. Every repurposed staircase, salvaged timber, leftover panel and recycled material contributes to a richer story and a lighter environmental footprint. By embracing upcycling, we conserve resources while creating spaces filled with character, history and meaning. Sometimes, the most beautiful designs are those that give old materials a meaningful second life.

About the author

Greggy Realeza Saliba is a licensed interior designer, educator and heritage advocate whose work bridges design, culture and sustainability. A part-time faculty member at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and a master’s candidate in cultural heritage studies at the University of Santo Tomas, he previously served as a tourism, culture and arts consultant for the municipality of Siniloan, Laguna. Through his projects, teaching and writings, he inspires readers to create spaces that honor memory, celebrate local identity and contribute to a more sustainable future.