Buying a Mattress for your Bed

I am a fan of sleeping. If there was one thing I wouldn't skimp on, it's a good mattress and good bedding. After all, what they say is true, you spend about 25 years sleeping. My husband and I took a long time finding our first mattress together. I was clueless about mattresses then, so the mattress we chose eventually was the exact mattress we tried in a hotel while we were on vacation. That was about 8 years ago and the bed was one size smaller than the king we have now. That mattress served us well. We had to buy a new one when we moved. Armed with a little bit of mattress knowledge, we picked our king-sized mattress and so far, we have no qualms about it. See how thick it is? It has a pillow-top!

Sure, mattresses in the Philippines can be very inexpensive and sizes can be customized too. But, please go for the experts like Dunlopillo. Your body will thank you in the long run.

If you're currently shopping for a mattess, there's actually a Dunlopillo mattress sale that's starting tomorrow at BGC. Why not stop by and check it out? You're welcome.

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Ital Design Offers Dunlopillo Mattresses at Special Prices in Celebration of Its New Showroom 

In line with the launch of the newly renovated showroom at MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City, Ital Design will be providing special prices for its premium Dunlopillo mattresses from July 16-19, 2015.

This generous gesture celebrates their one of a kind luxurious showroom, innovated to enable customers to imagine the possibilities that the mattresses and furniture hold. Ten uniquely decorated vignettes in styles appealing to every type of customer feature the Dunlopillo mattresses, which are highlighted in every display. Whether you’re a bachelor, a student, or a mother of five, Ital Design and Dunlopillo have furniture pieces and sleeping solutions for your personal haven in store.

What can customers expect from visiting the new showroom? An introductory discount for Dunlopillo’s new model mattress Elena, which will be sold at the special price of 50% off. All-time favorite mattresses Romero Premium and Firmest Luxe will also be included at reduced prices. With premium goods at reasonable prices, those who are looking to decorate and furnish their homes certainly have every reason to visit the new Ital Design showroom.

Dunlopillo is also available at the Libis Showroom, the Edsa-Cubao Showroom, MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City, MC Home Depot in Pasig, Ayala Center Cebu, and Abreeza Mall Davao. Follow Ital Design on Facebook and on Instagram through @italdesignph.

Current Outlets:

Libis Showroom 
T: 912.4494/ 911.1672 /F: 912.3339 
Add: Acropolis Commercial Area, 
#16 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.,
Libis, Quezon City Philippines 1110

Edsa - Cubao Showroom 
Telefax: 913.1975/913.1072 
Add: No. 156 EDSA, 
Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City 

MC Home Depot – Fort BGC 
Telefax: 815 .6217/ 815.6218 
Add: 32nd St. cor. Bonifacio Blvd., 
Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 

 MC Home Depot—Pasig 
Telefax: 633.4023/634.6556 
Add: 168 Ortigas corner Meralco Avenue, 
Ortigas Center, Pasig City 

Ayala Center Cebu 
T: <032>345.1378 
Add: L315 Level 3, Ayala Center 
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 

Abreeza Mall Davao 
T:<082> 295.9876 
Add: Unit 3115 - 3116 Level 3 Abreeza Mall, 
JP Laurel Ave. Davao City

Kitchen Renovations

If you've been following me on Instagram, you might have had an inkling that we just moved to our new home late last year. I've been posting some tiny kitchen renovations and a few laundry details here and there. I think this is becoming a never-ending renovation procrastination for me because I know that this is a temp home before the big move to the forever house, which sadly, we haven't found the ideal location yet. Someone got some high standard issues kasi! Tsk tsk tsk. Heehee.

The kitchen before.

Yes, I have a dishwasher. It's pretty uncommon to have one here in the Philippines because most households have help. I don't, so I blackmailed my husband into buying me one. I told him that he has to wash the dishes every single time if he doesn't buy a dishwasher for me.

I looked everywhere for a dishwasher that has two things -- a slim design and a local service option. My kitchen is itty bitty tiny so I really needed a slim dishwasher. My cabinets were already done so if I had to buy a standard sized dishwasher, I had to change my cabinets and I didn't want to take the additional hassle.

Most dishwashers sold here are imported from the states, and you can just imagine how much they are. A typical $400-$500 model will cost you about $2000 here. It's not even top of the line. Crazy, right? They don't even have warranty and the voltage is different! But my extensive research paid off because I got hold of a local supplier that sold dishwashers with a slim line model (around 500mm width). It was pretty affordable. It didn't have the drying element I was used to, but that's okay as long as it has hot water. It just dries slower.

Here's the kitchen after.

Quite a few have been asking me where I got my kitchen accessories here. Well, lo and behold, here is the list.

(1) My rugs are from H&M Home. Got them during the 30% off everything event. I just put a non-slip mat underneath because it moves all the time. Safety first.
(2) That vintage-looking fan there is by Hunter. It's available at Wilcon Depot.
(3) Curtains are from SM Home. I hand sewn them to size. I don't know how to sew using the machine I don't have. Learning how to sew is on my life list though. Teach me, Brother!
(4) Almost all my kitchen towels are from Williams-Sonoma (please open here in the Philippines already). I find them very absorbent and great-looking. What else do you want?
(5) The small potted plant is from Ikea, including the pot.
(6) Cookbook stand? Williams-Sonoma again. See? I'm a fan.
(7) For the non-dishwasher safe items in my kitchen, I use the Method dishwashing soap when available. Otherwise, Joy with Olay keeps your hands soft.
(8) The paper towel holder is by Polder. But I think the Kamenstein brand holds the paper towel better. Both are available in S&R.
(9) My handsoap dispenser is a gift from my mother-in-law. It's by simplehuman. I love it because whenever my hands are dirty, I don't have to touch the dispenser at all, and clean the bottle. Fangirl of simplehuman here. Our garbage bin (not pictured) is also by simplehuman. There are cheaper wannabes out there, but they're not as durable. Our bin is about ten years old and still perfect. Ten! Imagine that. Longer than my marriage. Hahaha!

The Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug

Recently, I partnered with Chairish, an exclusive, curator approved, online marketplace for vintage and used furniture, to come up with a mood board centering on this very colorful rug. I decided to create an office space mood board and started with the rug. I chose this Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug from Chairish because of its unusual shape and its vibrant display of color. I am currently decorating my office studio at our new home, and this style study makes me want to splash the room with tons of vibrant colors because of this amazing piece.

[1] Missoni Home Nabarniz Rug's fun, octagonal shape creates an interesting conversation starter in any space. It is made from New Zealand wool that is dyed in pink, purple and green. The 3.6" thickness doesn't hurt a bit either. $843, Chairish.

[2] Studio Mirrored Desk $499, Z Gallerie.

[3] Saarinen Executive Armchair with Casters, Chartreuse. $2,067, Design Within Reach.

[4] Dupioni Silk Drape, Indigo. $189, Pottery Barn.

[5] Rubber Coated Orange Wastecan $24.99, CB2.

[6] Arod Work Lamp, Gray. $39.99, Ikea.

[7] Tanner Bookcase. $479, Pottery Barn.

[8] Iron Circle 30" Wall Clock. $79.96, CB2.

[9] Gerrebo Picture, Gingersmere. $29.99, Ikea.

QiWellness Living -- An Epitome of Relaxation

Pronounced as chi, qi in Mandarin means energy -- the life force in everything. Aptly named after this term, QiWellness Living in Tagaytay promotes a very sensorial experience and a place to relax and unwind from the urban jungle that is Manila.

QiWellness Living is discreetly tucked along the main road in Tagaytay, and even if we frequent Tagaytay, we weren't able to notice it when we went there a couple of Saturdays back to sample their 8-course Yin-Yang dinner menu. I was told that the place has an unobstructed view of Taal but we didn't get to see it because we arrived well after the sun has already set.

A couple of red doors with brass lion door knockers greeted us from the entrance. The same brass lion door knockers adorn a couple of other rooms inside but with a black door. The good people of QiWellness gave us a tour of the place. As with most places in Tagaytay on the side of the volcano, the entrance is located on the topmost floor. We also found the kitchen and a big dining table in the Ming-era style on the same level. As we went down, there is a really old-looking tree that was very nicely lit. I thought that it contributed to the ambiance of the place.

I was a bit surprised that as we entered, there was a loud sound of a gong. They sound it every time a guest arrives. It was alright during the first couple of times, but I felt that it became too much after a while. Haha. Nakakagulat lang everytime they sound it.

On the floor below, we saw the tea house complete with a tiled roof that reminded us of the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Countless tea kettles adorn the back wall of the bar. Clear glass railings sits on the Taal viewing side. More seating for al fresco dining can be found here. On the other side of the floor, we were ushered to the Opium den, where you can get the Qiharmony or Qireflexology services. It was dark and red, but air conditioned. The area was divided by curtains. I guess the only thing missing was actual opium. Hahaha.

Further down are a couple of jacuzzis, which comprise most of the bath house. The yin yang pools reflect the opposing nature of yin and yang -- black and white, hot and cold. Oh, did I mention that while you're soaking in the pools, you see the view of Taal? Wow, right? I am so coming back here during the day. There's also a steam room nearby and a couple of private massage rooms on the side. These rooms may be converted into bedrooms for those who want to stay overnight.

After the tour, we got ready for dinner. Because it was evening and I only brought my phone with me, these photos don't do the food justice.

My favorite was the scallop dish.

I think it was reasonably priced and we loved the food they served. My husband and I are both fans of tasting menus and the summer dinner menu of QiWellness Living definitely didn't disappoint.

QiWellness Living
Aguinaldo Highway, Brgy. Maharlika East,
Tagaytay City, Philippines
+63 917 522 6969
www.qiwellness.ph

Pouf-a-Palooza

I love poufs. Poufs make me happy. I literally was looking at all the poufs on One King's Lane all afternoon admiring each one. Here are just a few of them. They all look lovely right? Don't you just feel like you want to relax on the pouf and read your favorite summer book?

Well, I do.

One King's Lane asked me to style a room based on one special pouf of my choice. I picked the Abigail Round Pouf.

The room I came up with is a small reading room. I imagined it to have a white modern desk with vibrant home accessories. Here's the mood board I made.

I started with the pouf and played around with the accessories. I chose the big items first and went on from there.

I wanted a modern white desk, and this Alba X-Leg Desk fit the bill. It has modern "X" legs that I love. The drawers reminded me of the Parsons desk. A yellow rug with a subtle pattern was what I had in mind to ground all the items together. The Zeus Flat-Weave Rug is perfect. The color is a bit mustard and the pattern mirrors the desk's legs.

On the wall, I opted for a bluish rectangular mirror. I think this went perfectly with the turquoise bookshelf that was a steal at less than $60.

As for the small accessories, I wanted a bit of metal and color, so I chose the following: a chrome lamp and a green ceramic artichoke for the table. I picked an  oversized jack to display on the bookshelf because I just love them, and white will just pop out from the blue bookshelf. Of course, a couple of bookends is a must, and these pinecones ones work, especially if they're just $15. I also got a trio of boxes for storage in pink, and a hydrangea arrangement to bring some outdoors in.

Well, this is just my mood right now. It's kinda gloomy here in my side of the world, so I wanted some vibrant colors for my reading room. What would you choose? Drop by One King's Lane and I'm sure that you'll find what you're looking for.

Images courtesy of One King's Lane.

Design: Kitchen's Best Home Patisserie

There are just so many hidden gems in Global City. I found one during the Scribble Workshop (Freehand Calligraphy) by Ink Scribbler. It was held at the function room of Kitchen's Best Home Patisserie.

The restaurant design reminded me of baroque interiors without totally overdoing it. The theme was red, white and gold all over. The walls were covered with huge black and white photographs of people having desserts. There was a huge merengue tower as a decoration surrounded by gold decor. Come, take a look inside.

Their food was yummy too!

Kitchen's Best Home Patisserie
McKinley Park Residences 
3rd Avenue corner 31st Street,
Fort Bonifacio Global City
Contact No.: +632 478 4870
Operating Hours: Mon - Sat 8:00 am to 9:00 pm / Sun 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Facebook: /kitchensbest

Interior: H&M Home 2014 Simple Living Picks

I'm sure you must have heard about it now. H&M has their own line of home decor, and they are just gorge! You can also now shop online US folks, yipee!

Look at the Simple Living collection. It's a casual combination of raw and soft textures with a mix of washed materials and neutrals with graphic prints. Here are my picks.

1 Shower curtain $19.95: This white, water-repellent polyester shower curtain is printed with the partial New York City map. I love how it is 79" long, longer than the standard 6 feet.

2 Soap dispenser $7.95: This one is matchy-matchy with the shower curtain. I love the way it looks.

3 Bath mat $9.95: The print reminded me of my DIY bus roll. The bath mat is made from thick cotton terry with jacquard-weave motif. What's not to love?

4 Candle $5.95: What had me is the no-nonsense label. The white glass diffuses the candle light and it's unscented so it's perfect for an intimate table setting.

5 Linen cushion cover $17.95: I have a weakness for washed linen cushion covers with simple prints like this. It reminds me of Victoria Grayson's wingback chair from the TV show Revenge. Well, just kinda.

6 Storage basket $12.95-$14.95: Made from woven jute, these baskets have a simple stencil print at the front. It also has a plastic lining, and the top and two handles have metal trims for stability. These will look great in a little boy's room.


Okay, more good news. Until August 22, you can get a hold of their opening offers like cushion covers for only $4 a pop and bath towels for $5. Double yay!


Note to my readers in the Philippines: A little birdie told me H&M is coming to Manila this October 2013. Well, hopefully, they bring in the Home stuff too. I'll be first in line for sure. 

Design: 2014 Ikea Catalog Picks

I wish Ikea (and the cheap prices) would already arrive in Manila. I know that's a tall order, but anything's possible.

Anyway, the 2014 Ikea catalog is up for download or online browsing. I couldn't help but window shop. Here are my top picks.

01 PALLRA boxes with lids $14.99/set of 4. Laminated cardboard, polyester and paper.

02 KVITTRA boxes with lid $5.99 to $8.99. Painted, laminated cardboard and paper.

These boxes are perfect for little trinkets, maybe photographs, oh and pens! Remove clutter from your bedroom or office with these boxes. I am a sucker for cute boxes, and I'd love to get my hands on these.

03 BJÖRNLOKA FIGUR cushion cover $5.00, 20" x 20". Designed by HC Ericson.

The design is very geometric, and it reminds me of architectural sketches.

04 PROMENAD series dinnerware $3.99 - $4.99 per piece. Classic dinnerware with a unique and playful pattern inspired by hand-painted tiles.

"I was inspired by old hand-painted tiles and architecture with mosaics. The blue color relates back to traditional porcelain, but the motifs are more unexpected. Like the hot air balloon that represents freedom and playfulness. The motifs on PROMENAD are positioned a bit unconventionally. Depending on which direction you look at them from, you see different things in the motifs. The idea is that the plates should work just as well for every day as for parties. Together with both fine wine glasses and breakfast cereal. And spread happiness for many years." - Designer Malin Åkerblom about PROMENAD

05 GRÄDDIG wall decor $19.99 / set of 3. The three wall decorations become a playful and surprising eye-catcher in your home. A different and fun alternative to putting plates or pictures on the walls. You can choose to put the buttons in ordered patterns or a little here and there and rearrange them whenever you like.

06 STUVA storage bench $79.99. Place this at the entranceway and hide your clutter.


What about you, have you seen the catalog yet?

Event: The Design Deets of the Halo Event at Pink Me Up

Pink Me Up Beauty Nail and Dry Bar is a cute little nail spa in Shaw Boulevard at Mandaluyong City. The color theme is pink, grey and white. It's very girly and very dainty (it kind of reminded me of Dainty Mom, whom I met during the Halo event too).

Halo Philippines, the distributor of Halo Sleep Sacks in the country, hosted a sparty event for mommies to spread the Safe Sleep advocacy. Pink Me up is a great place to have intimate private gatherings, like birthday and bridal shower sparties.

I know you want to see the design deets now, so here you go...

The furniture are from Heima. There is also this diyable chandelier that I really want to try. 

That's Ives of Halo Philippines telling us about Safe Sleep. I posted information I learned from Ives on my blog here. Way to go Ives! I loved the way you presented. 

You can spruce up the Pink Me Up space with your own stuff to make the space custom.

You can put up a buffet area too for your guests so they won't go hungry.

I really love the place. I will surely be back!

Pink Me Up Beauty Nail and Dry Bar

2D Lee Gardens Condominium,

Shaw Boulevard corner Lee Street

Mandaluyong City, MM

0915-139-2234 * 0947-965-0507 * 02-3582412

Travel: Oriental Residence Bangkok

Oriental Residence Bangkok knows design. I love the look of their toiletry packaging.

Okay, fine... their interiors too!

Visit here for more info.

*Hotel's interior images from Oriental Residence Bangkok.

Design: A Quick Kitchen Before and After

One of my clients asked me to design his studio unit with a limited budget. It was a tiny light blue and some ridiculous pearly cream colored space. Let me show you the kitchen... err... ette. See? I told you it was tiny.

My client wanted space and storage, and to make it more masculine and warm. The pearly cream cabinets with the light blue walls give off an icy, impersonal feeling.

A simple color paint completely changes the mood of the kitchen. Below is a digital look of the kitchen.  I was just playing around with my photo editor real quick so this will have to do.

The cabinets were refinished into this espresso color, and still used the sleek, stainless steel handles. We left the existing black granite countertop; but added  a couple of shelves right below the overhead cabinets to free up some counter space. We removed the breakfast nook to make space for a dining table for four. Finally, the walls were painted this warm mocha color, and the side wall about two shades lighter.

Here is the finished kitchen area.

 

Event: Digital Interior Design & Decoration Summit 2013

Travel: Tokyo-Themed Restrooms at Terminal 21

Okay, I promise this is the last one. The public restrooms on the Tokyo floor has lots of cute details. There is a suspended indoor trellis ceiling with installed alternating faux bamboo drop lights. Japanese gender icons are carved on the first trellis piece, as well as the stone wall. The long walkway towards the restrooms are simply adorned with white walls decorated with wood planks, some stone wall cladding, and bamboo fences. Artificial bonsai trees and floor lamps are set on the corner. Blue fabric drop flags with the same Japanese gender icons are placed on the different rooms. And of course, as expected, Japanese shoji screens are used as cubicle doors.

Terminal 21
San Francisco Bakery Restroom
Istanbul Market Restroom
London Loo

Travel: The Loo at Terminal 21

This is the third installment of Terminal 21's themed public restroom. So far, I've posted about their San Francisco Bakery Restroom and the Istanbul Market Restroom. Well, my friends and I were so intrigued about each and every themed floor, we decided to visit these areas as well. It got a bit tiring as we neared our fourth visit though, but let me show you anyway.

This is the public restroom on the London floor. The concept is London's underground transportation, or the tube. The restrooms are very utilitarian. The entrance doors simulated the sliding doors of the subway train. Underground railway system wallpapers covered the stall doors, and if you look at the bottom picture closely, there is even that yellow delineation on the edge of the floor that is similar to the edge of the platform in a subway.

Travel: An Istanbul Market Restroom

Yesterday, you saw photos of the bakery restroom at Terminal 21. That was cute right? Well, now I'm sharing with you photos of the public restroom at the Istanbul floor. The walls leading up to the restrooms were painted vermillion, and are adorned with ornate glass and metal lamps. The lavatory area has mosaic walls, marble countertops and striking red and gold framed mirrors. More ornate lamps hang on the ceiling by the stalls. The hallway leading out the exit has a play on lights and shadows.

I think I have a couple more of themed public restrooms to show you, so stay tuned. :)

Travel: A San Francisco Bakery Restroom

What? Yes, you read correctly. It is a bakery restroom -- well, a bakery-themed restroom. If you've been following my blog posts, you may have read about my recent one on Terminal 21, a one concept one floor mall in Bangkok. I just find it amazing that the designers of this mall's interiors took the time to go into the small details. I found it weird (at first) to see the bakery restroom sign. I mean, come on, if  you didn't know any better, what would you think? Once you go inside though, it's pretty cute.