Bar Cart Obsessions

On top of work, motherhood, and this obviously neglected blog, I have projects lying around my mind. Things, someday I'd have time to do and more importantly have a place to execute. One of which is a bar cart. Been itching to put together one especially since the Mr. and I both appreciate a cocktail or two at  a rough day's end. 

I gathered inspiration across the web, more conveniently through Pinterest and here are some carts that have worsened my obsession.

I like how the gold bamboo-like iron plays contrast to the white wicker material.

The lampshade is unexpected but sure adds a personal touch to the gorgeous vignette the homeowner has going on here. 

Lining up lemons is charming.

A nicely refurbished wrought iron cart in white is always a good bet. 

Adding little elements of surprise is key to an interesting bar cart vignette like table tennis paddles and a bowl of colorful candies. 

Now if you're thinking of organizing one at home, Matchgirl has listed the essentials. You don't need all but at least one or two of each element is good. And in my case, I didn't even need a cart. 

My overly eager little assistant and I rounded up the essentials we can find at home and put together a makeshift bar cart for her dad. A far cry from our inspirations above but we are pleased of the outcome and this will have to make do for now. 

DIY {Vanity Bench}

Just recently, we moved in to my in-laws and took over a room of the Mr.'s late grandpa. We did some repainting and some minor renovations. We didn't wanna spend a lot but we wanted a place that speaks well of our personal style to come home to. Some of the furniture we gave up and some we retained. One of which is this vanity bench. It was old and dusty but I saw a flicker of hope in it. It was just begging for a little DIY attention.

I had it reupholstered using a damask printed fabric and painted the legs and base in the same shade as  my birdcage. That can of paint actually went a long way.

Voila! A refurbished vanity bench in a print I adore and a color that brightens up our predominantly flat white room. 

Here's how much I spent:

Damask Fabric, Php200 (2 yards),  Cotton Club Glorietta

Dunn Edwards Lemon Punch, Php400+ (1 pint), Wilcon 

Upholstery Labor, Php300

TOTAL COST: Php900

I've shared this nook of mine a couple of times here and you're probably tired of it already. Just sharing  how one fixture ties up my little slice of peace in the bedroom.    

Fantasy Interiors {Black, White, and Wood}

Black and white is my fool proof pairing when it comes to a lot of things. The light wood element adds just the right amount of organic feel and 'lived-in' look I so crave for in a home.

I can totally dwell in this place.

The kitchen makes me want to revel in my culinary prowess (or lack thereof); the bedroom (particularly the sheets!) makes me want to stay in bed the whole day; and the living room (with its floor to ceiling glass windows) makes me want to curl up on that chair, read a book, and drink a cup of good coffee.

Thank you Decorista for sharing this. You just made my day.

Knot-ty Monday

I find delight in all things nautical and a little knot detail is my favorite second to navy and white stripes. 

Here are some nice to have what knots.

Ismodern Cotton Rope Cord Necklace

 de la Cuona Ormulo Cushion

 

This knotted strap top from Paco Rabanne Spring 2006 will still look good today, won't it?

 Thomas Paul Scrimshaw Coaster Set

 Continental Home Pier Lamp

Happy Knot-ty Monday!

We're Moving!

Yes, we're moving! Rooms that is. Hah!

Thus the renovations and home improvements we have ongoing so as to have a more peaceful refuge after a long day's work most especially for dear hubby.

This little project of ours got me on a frenzied search for inspiration. Although I already have some visions in  mind, hubby is the exact opposite. He is a very visual person and has to see it in actual to appreciate. Furthermore, he's a minimalist and I'm a bit on the tamed side of eclecticism. So yes, finding a balance between the two extremes is challenging if not impossible. But we'll see. We have a funny way of always making things work, so this might just.

Enter the first few pages of our look book of inspiration and fantasy interiors.

I am loving the laid back-organic-beach vibe of this space from here.  

My dream home office slash personal space from here.

 Black, white, and neutrals, with a punch of red from here.

Another dream home office slash personal space. I am in love with the black and white canopy against the moss green wall. Again from here. 

More fantasy interiors to come!

The Vintage Country

I am in constant search for beautiful things even in the most unlikely places. And whenever I come across a pretty discovery, no matter how random it may be, happy as a clam it will make me.

Just recently Le Misch and I stumbled upon The Vintage Country. A shabby-chic, French country vintage-inspired retail shop with a plethora of pretty offerings.

 The yellow and blue bird cage we got for my Mum and she absolutely loved it! Oh and for PHP 550 (USD 12.50) it's a steal!!! They only have 5 pieces of the bird houses and the only one left that time was the equally charming red and blue one.

They will soon offer etiquette workshops for little ladies. Too bad Le Misch is under aged for it.  I heard about tea parties too. I am so loving the concept.

We are going back for that life sized (Mischka's size) Matryoshka doll. I am still in the process of fixing up a room for the little one and that Russian doll would be a nice finishing touch. Uhhmm, you see, I am obsessed with these dolls ever since a trip to Russia 3 years ago, when I brought home right about 10 nesting dolls (or was it 12?) Did I mention, the life sized doll is only PHP 450 (USD 10)? Again-- a steal!!!

A lot of chic painted wrought iron furni and lovely breakable knick-knacks. It's hard to leave this place without buying anything. That is if you happen to have a penchant for vintage-inspired, unique pieces. 

Here are some of the things you'll find at this charming shop.

Vintage Circa 1970's Hanging Chair, PHP 13000 (USD 295)

Teal High Back Chair, PHP 8000 (USD 180)

Vintage Fabric Bulletin Cork Boards, price unavailable

Lucy Vintage-inspired Luggage, price unavailable

Vintage-inspired Necklace, PHP 300 (USD 6)

Now isn't this place worth a trip down south? 

The Vintage Country

Casa Susana Building

Beside Alabang Town Center 

Madrigal Avenue, Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa

Philippines

dreaming of interiors

Since we are moving back to our homeland, I have been dreaming of having our own little abode and how the interiors will look like taking into account each member of the family's personality.

It is not gonna happen soon but hey, it's free to dream and there's no harm in putting together images that inspire which hopefully will transpire...

Let me share with you a home from here which I find very inspiring.

A former shipbuilder's warehouse built in 1836, turned into a Manhattan loft.  Isn't it simply divine how this designing couple turned this industrial place into a livable and lived-in home?

I especially like that they retained the wooden columns and beams original to the structure and painted the rest of the house white to widen and enlighten.

And I cannot even begin to describe how I feel about the winch turned into a play area and their son's print-infused room! I love it to bits!

Other things I like:

1. The graphic damask fabric used for floor-to-ceiling curtains.
2. The prints and pops of colors used against a flat white canvas.
3. All the pretty little details that are obviously well thought of. 

Not that we'll find an old shipbuilder's warehouse in Manila and turn it into a loft.. but as I said, it's free to dream.

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all woke up on a happy note to start your day and your week right! 

 (images from marthastewart.com)

one night while waiting

While waiting for hubby to come home from a long day at work one night, Le Misch and I were inspired to decorate one wall in her room to surprise him.

Here is the outcome. Frames and lamps all from Ikea (where else?) and wall stickers from Baby & Co. Nothing fancy but its little things like this that count.