// What’s New: Travel-Inspired Framed Photos //

I personally LOVE traveling.  It is one of my favorite things to do.  Whether it’s visiting a new town, a new city or a new country, I always look forward to getting to know the story behind a new place and discovering what makes each place special.  In so many ways, travel is a great inspiration for me and our store - 5Corners. 

And yes, that’s the inspiration behind our new line of framed photos - Quadra Travel Series and VISTA Wall Prints.  

A combination of our favorite cities (to remember by), dream destinations and scenic places, here’s something we’re sure you’d like to put up there on your walls.

Isn’t this nice to define and style up an empty wall? 

// Everyday is a learning day.//

Hello, everyone!  Thanks for following our company’s little blog on small space solutions.  The past weeks, we have received some new followers, not just in the Philippines but globally.  Thank you for joining our small community and looking forwarding to welcoming more.😊

Today, I would like to share some bits and pieces of the learnings I’ve embraced the past week and hope that you’ll get something from it.  I have officially joined Pinterest - an online pin board.  I’ve heard so much about it since last year but have not been able to jump in.  Now, I did and I’m loving the ideas I getting! Here’s what I’ve gathered so far.

I specifically love these small space ideas from various sources.  Thinking out of the box - a bathroom can be an extra room to work on!

Join me in my personal space at Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/klobregat/ and get small space solutions and ideas everyday 😊

I love talking to our clients and helping them find solutions for their small homes.  Today, I’ve put together some shelving ideas for two (2) of our clients. Both of them are living in a small condos, roughly around 40sqm.  One is in DMCI Cedar Crest and the other one is in Greenbelt Residences.  From their available spaces and primary storage/shelving needs, here are the 3D drawings of their shelving units using our FLEXI SHELF System.

This is what I’ve put together for a client who needs a simple work area that can serve as TV “console” at the same time.  She wants the TV in a high position but is not too keen on hanging it on the wall.   

This is the shelving unit I suggested to another client that will be placed in their dining area.  This will serve as the primary storage for their condo’s living/dining area. 

Indeed, each day is a learning day for us.  We meet new clients who have space concerns and we try to help them in whatever way we can.  We find sources of ideas and inspirations and we share them as well!

xo - Katz of 5Corners

// Home with a Heart//

Happy Easter!  I have always had a soft spot for real, lived-in homes with a heart, lots of personality and character; a space that showcases a mix of the owner’s personal decors and crafts, colors and prints as well as furniture pieces that can last a long time (if not a lifetime!).  

For inspirations, I thrive on design blogs and home magazines.   Recently, I am seeing a surge on new and independent online magazines initiated by creative people in the industry.  One online magazine that I’m loving is Heart Home  - a British Interior Design magazine featuring everything that is unique and good about home decor and lifestyle in the UK.  This long break gave me the chance to read through their latest issue (Spring 2012) and I have to say that it is a great read and source of inspiring stories and beautiful homes. 

These are my favorite features…

Mid century pad of British designers.  What I love about their space: A mix and match of pieces unified by color palettes.  See how a simple shelving storage can transform a space and showcase your decor finds.          Vintage Modern abode of an Interior Stylist, Marie Nichols. What I love about this space:  eclectic mix of old and new, a juxtaposition of neutral, warm palettes with whites and colorful patterns.  Just lovely!

Clean lines and retro modern pieces from Etsy stylist Chelsea Cefai. 

Family photos, personal mementos and collection make a home truly yours. 

Heart Home is a quarterly online magazine.  I hope that by sharing this, you’ll have a constant stream of inspirations especially for those in the journey of creating their own personal spaces and homes.  I urge you to experiment,  discover your own personal style and embrace it.

Next, I’m looking forward to seeing the completed design project (for a condo) that we at 5Corners is working on, headed by our Interior Design partner, Melissa Arriola.

Have a great week ahead! Xo, Katz

(images: Heart Home)

// It’s Time to Make a Change.//

It’s Holy Week and everyone is on the road - traveling out of Manila and off to the provinces and the beach (by far the best way to welcome summer!).  I am, however, staying put and am catching up on my blogging.  Wohoo! 😄

Today, I would like to share to our tumblr followers the happy news that 5Corners’ SOMNI Bed was on the cover of Real Living’s March 2012 issue.  Sharing the news was a bit overdue but, hey, it’s never too late!  So, here it is!!

Isn’t it pretty?  I say, simply gorgeous!  Please allow me to share a bit of history about this bed.  Way back when I had my first “apartment,” I used to love the color “wengue” and I think, just like many of you, I love “wengue” because it creates a sense of “zen,” minimalism and serenity to a space.  But after so many years of doing “wengue” all the way, I fell out of love and got tired of it.  I thought it’s time to make a change.  I chose this new color - light oak - because the color is light to the eyes and has a feel of freshness and naturalness.  As it turned out, this color is not just easy to the eyes, it is also versatile and complements well with different color palettes and looks.  Check out how the creative people of Real Living transformed our SOMNI bed….

THE NATURAL COLOR OF THE BED ALLOWS YOU TO BRING OUT VIBRANT COLORS LIKE THIS ASIAN-INSPIRED BEDROOM.

         The natural pallete also works with the playful colors of Scandinavian design.

          …or the classic elegance of an English home.

One Bed, three ideas, three destinations.  I hope that by sharing this, I was able to inspire you to create something unique for your space.  Again, thanks to the creative people of Real Living for the feature and for showing us what we can do with one bed.

Till next time.  Have a great Holy Week!

Xoxo, Katz of 5Corners

// 6 Simple Ways to Make a Happy Home//

I came across this clip “10 Ways to Make Your Home Happier” from House Beautiful and it inspired me to put together my own list with beautiful photos that will speak for each of them.  I’m borrowing some of their ideas because I think they are great ones and they work for me too.

So, what makes a happy home?  What makes it exceptionally cheerful? Here’s my list.

1. Bring in Colors that you Love.  Aside from choosing the colors that flatter you, I think it is as important to bring colors that you love.  Whether, it’s in the wall paint, your furniture, beddings, pillows, etc., choose the colors that make you happy.  I love yellow, so, I’m eyeing a mustard-colored sofa. 😊    
2. I agree, don’t be afraid to Mix it Up.  A home is a marriage of personalities, of life’s journey, of travels, of culture, of memories - these make a home much more interesting.  Surround yourself with what makes your heart flow with joy - whether its a personal collection, travel finds, plaque of achievement or appreciation.
3. Then, of course, decorate with what your love.  Again, whether it’s your personal collection, your well-loved paintings, your travel finds and photos, your family photos, seeing them around the house or as conversation pieces bring in memories that can put a smile on our face.
4. A comfortable bed and beddings make me want to crawl and cuddle up.
5. It’s so true, white reflects light and sends off a wonderful feeling of freshness and cleanliness.  All white wall and ceiling is so versatile and can work as a big canvas that you can play with to bring out those vibrant colors and textures of your furniture and decor.
6. Happy people, Happy family, Happy Home.  Need I say, more?  

Hope this helps and inspired you to create a happy home for yourself.  Great Weekend to all!  

Xoxo, Katz - 5Corners

(images: House Beautiful, Decor8, Elle Decor, Little Lovables)

// News Alert! 5Corners 2012 Catalog is Out! //

Oh, how time flies!  The new year has come and gone so fast.  Now, it’s the month of  ❤. The past month has been a blur with so many things happening….Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well so far this Year of the Dragon.  

Today, I would to share the happy news that 5Corners 2012 Catalog vol.1 is out!  We call it the space saving issue because the inspiration behind it, is the space challenge that most of us encounter living in condos and our first homes.  Here, you’ll find many big and clever ideas to help you save and maximize space at home.  

Browse through the pages here or simply click on the photo below.

Check out, for example, these extendable and foldable tables on page 5.  By going multi-function and compact with your furniture, you can do so much with your small space.  

This sofa bed can do so much! We continue to love this and so does many of our customers who got one for themselves😊  

Like it?  Tell us what you think of this new catalog.  Or simply share it to family and friends who need it.

Follow 5Corners on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/5CornersHome.  We’d like to keep you posted on news, promos and updates. ❤❤❤

// Collected: Inspiring Christmas Decorating Ideas//

I love Christmas!  It’s so magical.  I love the spirit of warmth and love in the air; the sense of being grateful and giving back; the Christmas carols and songs that remind us of Jesus’ love; get together with family and friends; people smiling and naturally joyous.  These make December my favorite month of the year.  I’m sure many  of you feel the same way.

Here, I’d like to share with you some decorating ideas that I’ve put together to set that festive mood (without using much or cramping up space).  Whether you’ve put your Christmas decors or wish to add more, I hope that these can still inspire you to create that Magic of Christmas in your home or your personal space.  

Create your own Christmas inspired wall decors! You can use cut-outs, arts and crafts to inspire that mood.

Got those old wreaths and garlands that you don’t know what to do and where to put? 

For that Christmas nook, twig trees, centerpieces using clear bowls and other table top ornaments are great ideas.

I hope that I was able to impart some ideas and inspirations today.  We all want a beautiful home, especially this Season of Love, right?  We deserve it!  =)

Enjoy the advent and the coming Holidays!

Images: decor8blog, HGTV

// The Magic of Christmas: 10 Gift Ideas from 5Corners//

// Spotlight On: Shelves. //

Shelve it!  We can never have enough of shelves and storage at home.  I came across this house in theselby.com and I just loved what they did.  I’d love to have my own floor-to-ceiling shelving for all my books!    

      Amazing!  Just beautiful.

For more on this house, check here.

HGTV has got more ideas on how to maximize every inch of your space with creative shelves.  So many smart ideas to ponder on.  Check it out here.

For your shelving needs, check what 5Corners’ own FLEXI SHELF System can do for you at www.5cornershome.com.

// Bookmarked! Small space: Lofty Interior//

Let me just share this brilliant feature on a loft apartment from Style At Home. Design firm Feasby & Bleeks put together some daring moves on the interior of this small space; creating a space with lots of personality.

What I LOVE about this space.

• POP of COLORS.  Sometimes, we have to be brave and play with colors, like how this blue sofa came out beautifully as focal point to this seating area.

• So CHIC.  Using console table instead of the usual desk for the office is so smart.  Same use, less space.  The choice of wood adds warmth to the industrial feel of the loft.

• Walls are extra space to work on.  Whether hanging or vertical shelving, I always go for using up walls to maximum advantage.  We can never have enough storage, plus, that wall shelving is accent wall in itself.

To read more on this feature, http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/small-space-interior-lofty-ideas/a/34663#.TqFS5U5fOdM.tumblr.

Check out 5Corners’ own selection of space saving solutions like sofabeds and extendable console tables at www.5cornershome.com.

Happy weekend!!

// 5Corners at Avida San Larazo //

Last Sunday, Avidaland celebrated the turnover of Avida San Lazaro (Manila) Tower 4 and welcomed its new residents and their families to an afternoon of good food, games and treats (like the free massage available for everyone).  

We, at 5Corners - are deeply honored to be part of this event.  5Corners put together a small nook where guests can have their massage, lounge around and relax.

Thanks again to Avida and to our hardworking events manager, Aileen.  It was a great opportunity and fun meeting so many people.

// Spotlight On: Delightfully Pretty Things//

How about a few pretty things to decorate your space?  Or simply unique pieces for this coming gift giving season?

Here’s what we’ve personally handpicked for you from our travels.  Each piece is simply pretty & full of character.  See anything you like?

I personally LOVE the Pair of Chairs bookends.    

Feel free to visit our website www.5cornershome.com and be sure to check back often as we update the site with new products coming in for the holiday season.  Also, be sure to connect with us on facebook at www.facebook.com/5CornersHome.

Thanks and great week ahead!

xoxo

Katz

// Bookmarked! A Multitasking Room//

Check out this space-saving idea from Get Organized magazine.  Simple solution: Make a common space like a living area a multitasking room.  

When you define what you want out of your space - like this living room - it can serve so many purposes, in this case, a work-crafts-receiving-nesting-reading area in one. Feel free to adapt to your own space and needs.  Clever idea for a small space!

Next, you’ll see a cozy nesting-living area, well organized through shelving (mix closed and open shelving for more flexibility) and multipurpose bins or boxes.  

For your shelving needs, check out Corners FLEXI SHELF System.  This is a modular shelving solution highly versatile and customizable to fit your space, purpose and budget.  See what this inspiring shelving solution can do for you at http://www.5cornershome.com/

Stay tuned for more tips & tricks to save space at home.  Got ideas? Share them!  We’d love to hear from you.

// PLAN YOUR SPACE: Next 5Corners Space Planning Consultation on Sept 3 (Sat)//

With positive feedback from previous sessions, we are working hard to make 5Corners Space Planning Consultation a regular (and hopefully a monthly) event. This is a free service to our clients and a valuable opportunity to consult and discuss ways to maximize your space.  This is best for those living in condos.

NEXT SCHEDULE? We will hold another session next Saturday (Sept 3) from 1 to 5 pm at our flagship store, 5Corners Pioneer (2/F Madison Square, Pioneer St, Mandaluyong).

Sharing here some projects we’ve worked on from last session.

Condo 1: Studio unit, approx 29 sqm (Makati) 

The Challenge: Create a more organized, open space considering existing furniture  

Condo 2: 2 Bedroom unit, 53 sqm (The Manors, Celebrity Place, QC)      

The Challenge: Create a more organized living area, maximize dining area, create a maid’s sleeping room and a play/kid’s room

Limited Slots only! To join us for this next schedule, please email us at 5corners.home@gmail.com.

Please note important details.  The program is designed to be an hour long session per client.  Our design consultants will be available to personally discuss ideas with you on how to maximize floor space.  Please provide floor plan in advance to facilitate discussion.

// Spotlight On: Small Space Solutions//

Finding that next furniture piece, that next big idea and solution to save space to help us live well and comfortably is the heart and inspiration behind 5Corners.

Today, we’d like to share our Top Picks on Small Space Solutions.

From console table that unfolds to dining or work table, slim fit shelving that is highly versatile & customizable to your space, to ingenious organization solutions for your wardrobe…..

For more on Big Ideas for Small Spaces, visit 5Corners stores. 5Corners has branches in WhitePlains, Quezon City and Pioneer, Mandaluyong.  For online and provincial orders, email 5corners.home@gmail.com.  Discover more at www.5cornershome.com.

Happy Long Weekend!!!