Mirror Mirror?

Ever have too many accessories and not enough space on your vanity table? 


That's the thing about being a girl, there's always not enough room for all of our things! From oversized bags to shelves of whatnots, we can never have enough storage space. So during one of my late nights, I found a perfect way to store and display accessories. Check out Below SRP and their Full Length Mirror-Accessory Case. I like how the seller calls it, I quote: "a medicine cabinet for fashionistas." 

This full length mirror converts into an accessory case without taking up more of your vanity table area. Aside from having a mirror, you save your room from all the clutter and yourself, from buying all those accessory racks that are never enough for everything. The size is 143cm x 41cm x 9cm and is fully-lined with velvet. How convenient is it for your accessories to be right in there whilst you decide on your outfit for the day? And I especially like how organized your accessories are stored in there. There's a slot for almost everything you ever need! 

SEE!!!

It comes in three available colors:

White Rectangular Mirror at P11,990

Cherry Wood Rectangular Mirror at P12,990

White Butterfly Magnet Mirror at P13,990

It's usually sold at a range of P15,000-23,000 but buying it from Below SRP definitely is a nice deal!

Thanks Below SRP for letting me blog about this!

Designing for Small Spaces

When I was in New York, I stumbled upon this book in Barnes and Noble titled: "Designing for Small Spaces" and though I never found it here in the Philippines, at least I have the internet in case I need ideas. So in case you don't have enough space in your room, here are a couple of design ideas you can try out. 

Option #1: Multi-purpose furniture

Some wooden bed frames have empty space underneath and it just collects dust and dirt. So instead of wasting space, why not convert it to extra storage space? You can actually contact a carpenter to build you additional drawers and shelves. You can all add some storage behind the headboard, especially if its just plain.

Option #2: Loft style living

The idea of a loft is creating a "second floor" in a high ceiling room. If you're lucky enough to have one that's past 8ft. high, you can definitely use this alternative! But don't fret, 8ft. rooms can do this as well, it all depends on high your levels will be. This is definitely a good alternative to create space for a small room. You can double the use of one area without making the room look smaller.

Remember the bunk bed? Well, this is the one-person alternative. Convert the underneath into a small study area and when you're done doing work, the bed's right up there for your easy access!

You need to have a ladder or stairs for access to the "Second Floor." With your stuff concentrated in one area,  the clear space makes the room look bigger and can accommodate more stuff; like a small floor seating area perhaps? 

Pull-out beds don't need to be pulled out from another bed.  The option of a pull out is very space saving. During the day, you can simply push it back in and have more space. You can pull it out half way and use it like a couch/day bed. Or pull it out completely from underneath and position it somewhere else in your room. Maybe perhaps in front of the TV in case you want to have a movie marathon. 

Option #3: Built-ins

If you have a bare wall, the best way to completely utilize it is installing built-ins. I recommend using built-ins because  they are customized to your room, as well as, your needs. It can easily be installed and rearranged, and it is very inexpensive. You can install hanging shelves, a table, cabinets, and the like. The thing about built-ins, they're not furniture. They can really utilize every part of that bare wall.

Expectations and trying to meet them

One of my professors once made me repeat a plate and you'd think it was because it was unacceptable but it wasn't. The fact was, he had graded 2 out of the 3 a 96 and the third, he made repeat because he didn't want the third one to bring down the grades I had gotten from the other two. He said, I'm making you repeat this because I know you can make it a 96 just like the other two. 

Another one of my professors convinced me that if I resubmitted, I could turn a 98 into a 100 and I did. The next time I was trying to turn a 96 to a 100, he told not to and to stop being a perfectionist. Ya, it was confusing but I knew that all he wanted was for me to stop being so frantic about grades. It wasn't about getting high scores. It was finding out your potential.

Never have I encountered professors that didn't judge you based on your scores but rather, based on what they see your capabilities can be. In PSID, I've learned that you're not scored because you perfected the plate but rather, because they see that you used up all your skills to perfect it. A plate done out of requirement is not what they're looking for but rather a plate done out of skill. Its not about submitting something perfect, it was about submitting something you know the student really exerted effort and research on.

I've been struggling a lot lately and still trying to figure out what my professor really wants. Its difficult and discouraging to get low grades but you know they're only doing this to push you to try hard and improve. I've been planning to make this week my redemption and it starts today. I hope that despite the fallbacks, I'll be able to finally get myself on track. One step at a time. Keep trying. FOCUS. 

"Keeping in mind that all they're expecting is what they know I am capable of and hoping I deliver." 

Welcome to the art world!

I'm happy to say that I am now a working student. It's been a year since I started in PSID and in comparison to life in DLSU, things have been pretty lax for me. Yes, plates are time-consuming but no matter how much plates pile up, I still find myself drowned in boredom so finally, I made this command decision to go out there and look for a part time job. I applied to The Picture Company, The Manila Contemporary Gallery and Global Art. Not the typical kind of work but it was "my kind" of work. The best news came last Saturday when my new boss texted and offered me the position at The Manila Contemporary Gallery. I have often gone past the area but never noticed this hole in the wall amidst all the offices along Pasong Tamo Extension. I'm so sure a lot of us have never heard of it. Well if you're in the area, come check out my "office" at Whitespace 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City. Gallery hours: 11AM-7PM Tuesdays-Saturdays and 11AM-4PM on Sundays.

For my first ever firsthand experience and incorporation into another aspect of the artistic world, I will be attending our 2 Exhibit Openings this Saturday, October 15, 2011. These two exhibits will run until November 6, 2011 so if you have time to spare, come and drop by! I assure you, it wont disappoint at all. 

Again, the opening will be on October 15. 2011, Saturday. 6PM onwards! Cocktails will be served. 

RSVP:

Jean

+63 2 844 7328

j.reyes@manilacontemporary.com

Designer's Crib Interior Graphics

Along with most Facebook online stores, Designer's Crib Interior Graphics began about a year ago when the hype of online-shopping began. Owner, Interior Designer Kat Palmares-Garfin, an online-shopper as well realized that it would be a “perfect starting ground for people who want to engage in traditional or non-traditional business.” Kat wanted to engage in a business that was related to her field and she “wanted to make interior design available to everyone.” She started as a re-seller of wall decals. These are perfect design solutions to an empty wall without spending on paint or buying wall accessories. Designs are unlimited and are easy to install. Kat says “I consider it as an art.” I like how wall decals can make a wall interesting without take up any space at all. One is enough to make a statement. Her online store now produces their own wall decals that come in different colors. You can contact them for inquiries for customizations.

L-R: DC Zebra (P1850), This Week (P2000), DC Blossoms (P2000), Book Shelf (P1800)

How to apply wall decal

The store also sells accent pillows designed by the owners. These are original felt fabric designs that can instantly personalize interior spaces. Customizations in terms of color in order to match customer preferences is also available. In addition to their soft furnishing production, they also sell ECO tote bags that are made of canvass fashioned with graphic prints.

L-R: Hydrangea Pillow (cream), Grid Pillow (aqua), Fossil (black), Girl Cameo (dark brown)
PRICE: P450 (pillowcase only)
P500 (pillow and pillowcase)

Price: P350
Dimensions:10" (width) X 12" (height) x 3" (depth)
Material: Premium Quality Canvass and felt fabric

Additional items like fruit pads and decorative printed paper napkins, coasters and placemats are also available in the store. Kat decided to re-sell and incorporate them because of their concepts. Fruit pads were really a clever concept. “The attention to detail is amazing, the stems are made from actual tree branches, and the printing even extends to the seeds inside.” These pads are unique little gifts! Decorative paper napkins, coasters and placemats are a great additions to any dining set-up. Little touches of color and pattern can make a neutral or plain set-up more interesting and complimentary to unique dining experience.

Retail: P100 each
Wholesale: P500 for a set (6 pieces, assorted)

L-R: SNÖA FLINGA place mat (P350), PUNKTLIG paper napkin (P400), SKUTTA coaster (P350)

Designer's Crib Interior Graphics offers quick interior quirks whether its for the bedroom or dining room. From original designs to eclectic and contemporary patterns, its a go-to-store when you're looking for a design fix.

For inquiries:
contact Idr. Kat Palmares-Garfin
Mobile: 0922-2965186/ 0916-6599565
Email: palmares_id@yahoo.com.ph

Designer's Crib Interior Graphics (Facebook page)

Its a designer's life

from L-R: PENCIL case, wallet, school bag, bangle, notebooks, 
triangles, Wall-e, Holga, laptop, glasses, Blackberry, and book

Welcome to my office (not really)!

This is the end of my day when I'm stuck at home doing whatever I can come up with or school work. Everything's laid out on my bed; barely unpacked. Here's how this works: my school bag's white and huge so I don't place it on the ground and its always close by cause' it has everything I need.  As an interior design student, we have a little more supplies than the average student; triangles, a huge pencil case full of clutch pencils, tech pens, pencils that range from F, H, 2H, HB, etc., hopia/tracing paper and many more. I always take with me one Lomo cam. I love my Holga because its turquoise and has a huge flash that comes with colored filters. Plus, its plastic so I consider it snatch/hold-up proof. Wall-e's my bedside stuffed toy that my boyfriend gave to me before I left for my summer vaca in the States. I love my laptop and I made sure that if someone attempted to snatch it, I would notice. Its the only white-holed Macbook Pro with a turquoise keyboard I know of and it matches my Holga! And lastly, my Blackberry which is supposed to have a white-holed case too but I changed it for the meantime. This is my bed and this is my life. I always thought that you can know a lot about a person based on his/her things. Its not really about the labels or the gadgets, its more of finding out what that person thinks he/she needs/wants.

Faux Chandelier

During my trip to Philadelphia last summer, my cousin and her best friend, Angela, took me to Target. I love that place just because its like a one-stop-shop where you can find anything you will ever need! The thing about my trip to the States is; I didn't just go shopping for clothes and shoes, I went shopping for room accessories. This was the designer in me coming out all because I was in dire need of a room makeover. One of my favorite finds was this chandelier wall decal I bought from Target. The brand is called "Wall Designer Accents" and its was $11 (around Php484.oo). The sheet size was 23.62 in. x 12.58 in. (60 cm x 32 cm). Its easy to apply, just like a sticker and you can reposition it, just make sure you peal it off with care.

Wall paper
http://www.duffylondon.com/product_d/Wallpapers-C63/Chandelier-Wallpaper-P89.html

http://myfriendmatilda.bigcartel.com/product/removable-vinyl-wall-decal-chandelier-with-birds-041

http://poorgirlsguidechicago.wordpress.com/2011/07/28/shabby-chic-dorm-ideas/51sah65h2rl-_sl380_/

Here are my recommendations: If you can't find a wall decal, you can opt for wall paper or DIY. If you can draw or know someone who can draw, you can search for chandelier templates online and just sketch it on your wall. You can also use a overhead projector (OHP). Print out the chandelier template on acetate paper and use the OHP to project the image on your wall. Use this as a guide/stencil. Another option is making a cut out or outline of the chandelier. You can stick this on your wall and directly paint on it. I would suggest sticker paper for this. Use water-based paint for both wood and cement. Take note, if you're using spray paint, spray 8-12 in. away from the surface.