Spending more time at home nowadays is the trend.  What about catching up on home decorating projects  with existing home accessories in your storage room?

Isn't it daunting which type of sofa you'll purchase and from where? Does it fit our budget? Which color? Suede or leather?

Functionality and style without breaking the bank was our goal. Having moved to a new place with no IKEA to run to (now I realized there's a happy place called Lazada), we were lost in the beginning. 

Balance.  

I like mixing different shapes balancing  sharp corners and rectangular accessories such as books with round objects. I also like combining different elements together such as "metal, wood, earth, fire, etc."

Select items scrupulously. 

I didn't break the bank to get these items. You can begin with accessories that already exist in your home. Something dear to you.  However, don't over do it or it'll result to clutter. 

If you do shop for accessories, select something that reflects what you love and your interests. This meditation bowl for example is a souvenir my husband bought during his trip to Nepal.  It's also a conversation starter.  Guests are often fascinated with this singing bowl which produces a vibrating sound with the friction of the mallet. 

Choose timeless pieces. 

Avoid buying something because it's a trend.  It may lose its luster after some time unless it's something you know you will always enjoy.  

Happy Tablescaping!

Bilao is a flat round shaped woven tray or winnowing basket used in removing husks of rice grains by tossing and turning them.  Bilao is pretty much found in every traditional Filipino kitchen. 

I was rather impressed to find a vaulted column and ceiling cleverly made of bilao in Kan-Anan Restaurant in Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Now that's a show stopping ceiling feature!

Moonjogger Arts Supplies Co. is definitely an artists' haven. It first opened in November 2015.  I must say I can spend hours here especially when there's a coffee shop below it.  

You see, it took me quite some time to find artist grade oil painting materials in Cebu City. The truth is, I just didn't know where to look. The best way is to catch hold of a fine arts student to ask where they get their materials from, but being new and all, I found google to be my first resource. I found the name Moonjogger Arts Supplies Co. from an old forum discussion.  Imagine my giddy relief when I found their Facebook Page.  

Contact:

Happy Painting!

I am presently decorating our new home in Cebu, Philippines. One of the most daunting things when moving to a new location is the lack of awareness on where to find the furniture that fits your style and budget. 

I was on the hunt for companies that offer good quality but inexpensive furniture with customization capabilities within a reasonable time frame. 

PROJEKT opened in 2008. It is a home furnishing & accessories store carrying knocked down, easy to assemble furniture, while offering home solutions. I first came across Projekt online, via their facebook page

Curiosity led me to drive to the city the next day. I immediately fell in love with their quaint but stylish shop at the second level of Banilad Town Centre. 

I discussed my requirements with Rhey, their in-house designer during my second visit. I definitely appreciated the prompt responses by phone and email, as well as proactive solutions he had provided for a customized TV cabinet I wanted. I love Teak wood and I am impressed and proud to share that these furniture are made in the Philippines!

The furniture I have ordered are now in production. Stay tuned and let's see the outcome! I'm excited!

Where is it?

Contact:

PROJEKT 

A friend from Dubai recently moved to Las Vegas. She is in the process of setting up their nest. The perks of working with her on this project is the vast resources of furniture and decor available in the United States. There are plenty of styles to choose from with varied price range, suitable to her budget.  I may not be physically present to purchase them myself for her, much as I would love to fly there right now to be completely hands on, but this mood board shopping guide will help her source the items at her own pace and schedule.

The artwork is 40'' x 60''  Gold Whispers Graphic Art on Canvas  from DWELL Studio. 

Whoa! That was a really looooong design blogging hiatus. As you well know, I have been more active in my travel blog, Travel Gourmande.  Lately, I've been starting to get busy with Interior Design, a passion that will be converted progressively to a business venture. From Dubai, I have moved to the Philippines with a long stopover in France last year. 2016 marks a good beginning for a lot of projects and opportunities here in the tropical islands. 

Hence, I'm resurrecting Design Gourmande and would like to start documenting my design journey here, since this was where it all began. 

Here's a custom lighting feature by Artemide taken at the boarding lounge of Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Often, it pays to look up at the ceiling from time to time.

Love & light,

Arni