Having a growing family can present quite a bit of a challenge for couples who live in condo units. That's why this newlywed homeowner wrote to Real Living asking for a home makeover. She needed help in making the condo unit she shares with her dad, and husband, conducive to their baby. Since all three of them work, the tot had to stay with the homeowner's mom in Laguna.

Her mom would sleep a couple of nights in the condo, but nothing longer than that. "We have tried to convince my mom to stay longer with us in the condo, but it was really difficult for her and the baby to move around the space that was originally designed and decorated for a newlywed, childless couple," says the homeowner.

There was also the question of how to carve a more private sleeping area for the yaya, if and when the baby stays with them in the condo for good. "During the times that we tried bringing a yaya over, it was uncomfortable because we had limited seats, and the only other sleeping area available was a small sofa bed in front of the TV. This robbed everyone of privacy and TV time when the yaya wants to sleep early," the homeowner shares.

With the help of interior design consultant Issa Villar, the family now lives in a spruced up living area that isn't only baby-- and grownup-friendly, but also a lot fresher, brighter, and more inviting. Check out how the home makeover turned out here:

(First published as "Cool Change" in the "Real Makeover" section of Real Living Philippines' November 2011 issue. Photos by Vincent Coscolluela. Words by Kathleen Valle. Adapted for use in Female Network.)