From Mediterranean to Restored Modern Chic

When a great typhoon brought flood into our home last year, we managed to scrub away all the filth and bring everything back in order. Little did we know that some areas would eventually need repairs. We found paint damage... and an entire kingdom of termites trying to take over some spots too! 

This is a collaborative effort between me and my Tito Ernie. :) A one-week project! Our design inspiration and passion for art does not come out of just indulgence. It comes from the desire to improve lives. 

We both agreed that rather than decorating to impress or to follow a certain style, we'd work on  color, lighting, plus making do with what we already have. I've always believed that your furniture, your paintings, your accessories, the family treasures and pieces you've collected through the years - are a reflection of your personality and can be artfully redesigned to bring fresh life to old rooms. So here's what little color play and accessorizing can do. :)

BEFORE

AFTER

Truffle, grayish-blue and bursts of yellow green and blacks 

replaced the mediterranean colors.

Thank God for gun-tackers that helped us re-upholster these dining chairs, D-I-Y style.. 

transforming the room from the mexican feel to modern chic. :) 

The Details

Old wooden candelabras painted with silver PYLOX.

These black thread curtains and black&white photography wall art 

complete the uniquely  sleek and clean home-ensemble. 

     Nanay's antique dresser turned whimsical! :)

Outside...

We brought the oranges to daylight. :)

Detail on the garage ceiling.

Thank you to couturier and family friend Dennis Sunga for helping us 

match these happy pillow cases with the fountain!

Hope you enjoyed the quick tour! :) Ciao!

Cafe 1771

Oooooh I must tell you all about this pretty pretty place!! :) I recently covered an event for a family at Cafe 1771 in El Pueblo, Ortigas (formerly Chateau 1771). The owners of Chateau converted the entire 1st floor into a cafe and the 2nd floor is bound to become a wine bar. 

I love love love what they did to the place! The interiors were a mix of shabby chic and mod design creating the most comforting and relaxing ambiance with a heartwarming feel. :) Perfect for that all-girls date or a sweet quality time with your loved one.

Their menu features a fusion of international comfort food. :) Being part of the Chateau Group of Restaurants, the cuisine and dining experience is absolutely one of Manila's best and oh so divine! 

More photos in my Multiply site coming soon!

Color Play and Friendship! :-)

Getting creative is a job in itself. Drawing inspiration is another. Although having an idea is at least as important as implementing it properly, without inspiration you just can't get anything done.
There are no bulletproof approaches against creativity block. It just comes and goes. :-) But keeping productive is so important if we want to grow in our profession. One thing I learned when drawing inspiration, is not to try too hard. There's help all over! There's your usual magazines and books or design sites. And sometimes, the most effective is to get away for awhile. Taking a walk or taking a break. Or with the help of your fun fabulous friends! :-) Fresh eyes can lead to new directions.

Meet 3 of my girlfriends! :-)
(Exclusively by Kitty.)

This is Sheila. Smart, chic, stylish, mod, contempo.

This is Jam. Extremely nice and happy, fashionable, full of life, glamorous.

and this is Ken. Dainty, charming, tasteful, sweet, simply classy.

This was just a thought process. :-) Not exactly naming my pieces after friends. Honestly, I haven't figured out how to name or categorize them just yet!! So much to do, so little time! *sigh* But we're definitely getting there. :-)

Where do you draw inspiration from? :-) What's your style? Find it. Flaunt it! 

Got questions? 

Leave a comment or email kittybunag@yahoo.com.