// 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

// 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. ❤❤❤

// 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!!

// 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.