Posts Tagged ‘interior design’
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
For the last six months Nix has been working on The Mansion all the way in Pampanga. He would tirelessly head over there 4 to 5 times a week to do the interiors of the most exciting club that would literally jolt the North. This weekend was the grand opening and we all packed our bags and headed over to the enclave to witness and experience what the Mansion is all about.
I do not know where Nix found the Ceramic Jaguars but they were really cool!
The facade!
The Mansion is the brainchild of Divine Lee and Tim Yap, who wanted to bring the fun and elegance of what they love in a night out to the beautiful people of the North. I had the chance to take some photos hours before the opening. I did not take my camera during the event itself because I just wanted to enjoy the evening.
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Tags: bar, club, Divine Lee, Fashion Insider, interior design, Nix Alanon, pampanga, rajo laurel, the Mansion, tim yap
Posted in Fashion Insider | 29 Comments »
Friday, November 20th, 2009
I have always loved the store KISH. I come there quite often just to get inspired and loose my thoughts. When Ito Kish texted to invite me to his newly expanded store, I automatically said yes. I asked him if I could go early though, as I had made commitments already for the evening. Happily, he said yes.
After work, I went to LRI where Kish is located and as I ran up the stairs, I saw Ito. I gave him a huge hug and asked him to give me a tour. I was so surprised at how big his store had become. The store is arranged like a mini maze and with every turn, you’re taken to a different place with distinct themes, Scandinavian in one corner and modern minimal in the next. However, there is a very European/Parisienne feel to the store now, with the bleached and sanded floor.
I loved these concave mirrors from Canada, plus this chair is just sooooo CHIC! That's Ito posing for me. LOL!
This is Ito Kish. He was kind enough to give me a personal tour of his newly expanded store.
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Tags: Fashion Insider, friends, furniture, interior design, Ito Kish, Kish, rajo laurel, store
Posted in Fashion Insider | 9 Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
One of my favorite interior designers is Ms. Kelly Wearstler. I discovered her in one of my book shopping haunts a couple of years ago and I was hooked. I really love her style and her fearlessness. I actually have all her books. I knew that she designed a small boutique hotel in Palm Springs so I wanted to take a look at it. The hotel is called the VICEROY, a really quaint resort hotel that has a lot of style power.
The hotel is actually 4 or 5 years old, but you can really feel the regency style that Ms. Kelly Wearstler pioneered and champions . I loved the strong colors and bold gestures. We asked if we could take a look a the rooms and the suites and thankfully, they had some rooms for viewing. I was surprised when I inquired about the prices, as the rooms start at $150 US. That’s like a room in Boracay! I just want to share with you my visit to VICEROY; it’s really an inspiring place to get ideas for future projects.
The VICEROY is located at 415 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs Ca. www.viceroypalmsprings.com
The entrance - bold yellow as you enter! I think it's the hotels signature color.
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Tags: architecture, Fashion Insider, hotels, Inspiration, interior design, Kelly Wearstler, Palm Springs, rajo laurel, Viceroy
Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments »
Thursday, November 12th, 2009
While I was in Palm Springs, I just had to visit THE PARKER. This gem of a resort hotel is the brain child of super chic decorator Jonathan Adler. Nix and I are huge fans of Adler’s quirky style. I personally adore the way he just puts things together; you can really feel the joy.
The entrance of the hotel.
I love the entrance of the hotel! I want to do this for my dream beach house!
When I entered the hotel, I immediately felt like I was in my Lolo Doy‘s place in Matabungkay Beach in the late ’70s or early ’80s, for the furniture and the objects that were there reminded me of that house. We then took a tour of the grounds and just had a blast looking around. I wish I had the chance to stay there and just enjoy the hotel. I can imagine myself already with a cocktail in hand and some bright colored clothes just sloshing about! LOL!
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Tags: architecture, beach house, Fashion Insider, hotels, interior design, Jonathan Adler, Palm Springs, rajo laurel, resort hotel, The Parker
Posted in Fashion Insider | 6 Comments »
Friday, November 6th, 2009
Owning and living in a brownstone building is the ultimate height of CHIC in NYC! I recently visited my friend Artus Concepcion who owns and lives in one and when I went in, my mouth fell open! It was AMAZING! I mean, it was like I was transported to the time of Jane Austen! I felt like I was in some time machine. It takes a whole lot of commitment to live and take care of historical places like his brownstone. I joked with Artus that the next time I visit him, I will be in a corset and a hoop skirt! Check these photos out and be transfixed!
This is the receiving area! It took years to get all the pieces together. Visiting estate sales and auction houses.
Detail shots of the receiving area.
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Tags: Artus Concepcion, brownstone, Fashion Insider, friends, interior design, new york city, rajo laurel
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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Apart from fashion, one of my biggest obsessions is interior design. I have equal the amount of interior design books as that of fashion books and I know that I subscribe to more interior/architectural magazines than fashion. So when my friends decided to put up a new furniture and interior design store, I was so excited! The store is called NEST! It’s the newest brainchild of my good friend Anton Barretto. Anton has always had impeccable taste and I am so happy that together with Kitty Jacinto, Grace Poe, Marissa Lopa and Malu Gamboa, he opened the newest interior design source!
They just opened a few hours ago and from the sound of the cash register, I know that it was a huge success! Good thing I was able to take photos before everything got sold out! LOL! Do come and visit NEST, it’s a really lovely store and the minute you walk in, you really feel at home.
Nest is located at 40 Jupiter Street Bel Air 3. Their phone numbers are 03-8188811 and 02-4033062.
Anton Barretto is the main force behind Nest. I have known him since forever and he has always had the best aesthetic.
This greeted me as I walked in!
The store had several tableaux, all showcasing Nest's fine line of furniture and accessories. I love the idea that everything there was heartfelt, like every piece was chosen by the owners because they loved it and they would put it in their own homes.
My beautiful friends..Leica, Marissa, Malu and Grace.
I loved this painting! It was done by Tessa Alindogan! I actually wanted to buy it! LOL!
Beautiful accessories that would add the right amount of interest to any room.
This dining set also caught my eye! I love the scale of the chair, as well as the shape of the back rest.
Anton shows us how this amazing table works! It's a table that can transform into a console, buffet or singular table setting. It even came with matching tablecloths. The fabulous thing is for under Php 7,000, you can have 4 of it! Is that a great deal or what?
I love the colors of this setup! SO RICH!
This is NEST!
Nix with my fave gal pals, Malu and Leica.
The ever gorgeous Ms. Susan Roces cut the ribbon for the blessing and the opening! I wish that I took my Mom, she is such a huge fan of Ms. Susan Roces.
HUGS!
RAJO!
Tags: Anton Barretto, Fashion Insider, furniture, home design, interior design, Nest, rajo laurel
Posted in Fashion Insider | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 20th, 2009
When you’re in the Manila area, you have to try out Cafe Adriatico. It’s located in the Malate area. This restaurant has been around for what seems to be like forever. I have so many memories here, as we would always make this a last stop before we headed home from a long night of partying in places like Subway or even Isis (era late ’80s). LOL!
When in Manila, just ask around for the Adriatico circle and look for this sign.
Cafe Adriatico's facade.
Each time I go and visit Cafe Adriatico, I am transported back to a time where everything seemed to be ideal. The decor of the place has remained the same, but the patina of age has made it even more special. I love the dark woods with the most intricate carvings and the ghostlike paintings. If these walls could just talk…oh the stories it could tell.
The interiors, unchanged since the business started more than 2 decades ago. (I guess?)
Check out the paintings that dot the restaurant. This one is the facade of the restaurant.
Love the dark wood and the intricate carvings.
When in Manila, you have to come here and order the adobo spare ribs, as this is truly their signature dish! My mouth still waters each time I think of the meat falling off the rib bone while the succulent juices flow into the hot steamed rice while I mix it with the nutty golden brown fried whole garlic! HEAVEN!
This is the ultimate comfort food! Cafe Adriatico's Spare Ribs ADOBO!
HUGS!
RAJO!
Tags: Cafe Adriatico, decor, Fashion Insider, food, interior design, rajo laurel, restaurants
Posted in Fashion Insider | 2 Comments »
Friday, July 10th, 2009
I recently was invited to a dinner in the most beautiful house that I have ever seen in Manila! From the moment I entered, I was like in AWE! I loved the entire house! I loved the use of wood, the open layout and the small details that make this house a winner on all levels! I have been planning my own beach house for more than 2 years now and I will begin building next year. This house is my inspiration! I am in LOVE with this house! If this house were a person, I would marry it in a heartbeat! Take a look!
This is the foyer, which is both warm and inviting, I love the fact that it faces the raised pool which creates a waterfall ambiance.
This is the living room, the mood is just so dark and mysterious!
I love the pieces of the home; the mixture of old and new plus the placements are so intelligent.
Another view of the living room.
A sitting nook overlooking the street.
A beautiful table in front of a dramatic modern mirror.
The raised pool covered in travertine.
The side view of the home.
The owners are collectors of old wood. This dining table is just TDF! (to die for)
The open kitchen.
Another view of the pool.
The lanai, filled with mid-century Filipino furniture!
Hugs!
RAJO!
Tags: beach house, Fashion Insider, homes, houses, Inspiration, interior design, rajo laurel
Posted in Fashion Insider | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
I am a HUGE fan of Celestina. If I were a woman, I would have every piece in her collection. LOL! Celestina’s designer is my dear friend Tina Maristela-Ocampo. She is my style ICON! I am very, very proud of her. When I heard that she was doing a home collection, my heart started to beat faster, as Celestina’s aesthetic flows seamlessly to home design. I received my invitation to preview the home collection and to take a peek at the Fall/Winter collection.
- This is Tina Maristela-Ocampo. One of the most stylish women I know.
They decided to do the previews in the stunning home of Mr. Ferdie Ong. OMG! His house is so beautiful! When I walked in, I did not want to leave! It was SUBLIME! The home collection was STUNNING! Each piece was more covetable than the next! I was salivating over a small table that looked like it was standing on branches. I wanted to place an order right then and there, but they did not have the prices up yet, so I decided to wait.
My photos do not do justice to the beauty of Celestina’s designs. You just have to touch it and feel it in your hands to realize how beautiful this Philippine design star really is. Congratulations to my friends Rico and TIna! I know that this new home line will rock the world!
When I walked in, I was so happy to see my dear pals Junie Rodriquez and PJ Pascual!
- They previewed the home pieces together with the new collection of fashion accessories in the beautiful home of Mr. Ferdie Ong.
- Psychedelic lacquer tray! Loving the Marni-esque colors!
- This greeted me when I arrived! I fell in love with everything.
- The rooms of the house were used to display the fall collection. Tina also did the flowers.
- This Crocodile disc vest is called BALAT! It is so FIERCE!
- This Mongolian lamb vest is called Kumot! I adore the neck piece as well!
- This evening minaudiere is called Maricel Soriano. It’s an evolution from the one that came out in Vogue last year.
- This is called the ESPASOL. The craftmanship is just fantastic.
- I came in with my workout buddy Mandy Santos. She is wearing the most comfortable and chic thing! It’s by Rogan. Can you believe that she got ready in like 10 minutes after our boxing class to join me for viewing? GALENG NO?
- The garden of the house.
- This is the table that I want! I WANT THIS SO MUCH!
- COOL!
- This is another table that I had my eye on.
OK! I did not buy myself a birthday gift this year but when I saw this.....I was like. NOW I CAN HAVE A CELESTINA!
Mia Boromeo and my dear dear friend PJ Pascual who is in town for a breather.
Another view of this GORGEOUS house!
The house was specially styled by my friend Junie Rodriquez.
The bedroom!
A close up photo of my BIRTHDAY GIFT to myself! LOL! A giant tote in Caiman Crocodile skin. I am choosing between dark brown or black.
The gang in a deep discussion on the merits of owning a crocodile tote. Mia, Junie, T. Fe and Rico helped me decide.
A closeup of the fabulous accessories!
Style sisters! Mia Borromeo and Mrs. O!
Last photo of the garden with the illuminated tables and chairs! INSPIRING!
HUGS!
RAJO!
Tags: accessories, bags, celestina, Fashion Insider, friends, home, home decor, interior design, rajo laurel, tina maristela ocampo
Posted in Fashion Insider | No Comments »
Friday, April 10th, 2009
I have been to Shanghai numerous times and it’s a place I have become quite familiar with. There are several places that I almost always pay a pilgrimage to, and one such place is Xin tian di! In Chinese, it means “New Heaven of Earth.”
I love going there as it’s really pretty and quite charming. It also has two of the my most favorite restaurants in the city: Crystal Jade, which is primarily a Cantonese Chinese restaurant, and Din Tai Fung, which originated in Taiwan. If you’re here, you MUST try these places. I swear that these restaurants are really excellent!
My Friend Bob just moved to Shanghai 5 months ago and his place needed some “Jujing” up! Nix and I decided to help him out and headed to IKEA (I love Ikea! I wish someone would bring the entire place here!) and then the light market. After that, we went back to Bob’s flat and had a fabulous time just decorating! LOL! I love it when I have incredibly productive days!
A facade in Xin tian di. I adore the architecture!
It was such a lovely day! There are usually a whole lot of people but it being a weekday, it was not that crazy!
Xin tian di is surrounded by malls and I found this new store that I quite liked!
I failed to get the name, but I love how they recycled the wood and made it look earthy but modern at the same time.
I love IKEA! It's a really great way to spend an afternoon walking aimlessly and daydreaming.
Nix and Bob outside IKEA!
I fell in love with the fabrics that they had in the store these were all designed by Swedish designers.
Nix helping out Bob choose a carpet for their living room.
I also fell in love with these embroidered throw pillows!
As a design student, I bought one of these to help me sketch! I now imagine these as part of an in-store installation in my store soon!
One of my fave people decided to join us in Ikea! His name is Eddie C.S. Fung (on the right). He is a menswear designer! I loved how my friends – without talking to each other – come coordinated. The theme today was stripes!
After Ikea, we headed to the Light Market. Imagine several buildings clustered together just selling lights! I had a grand time just taking photos of everything I found interesting. This is a close up of a crystal chandelier.
Fine blown glass light fixture in red!
I found this lamp quite interesting. They are shaped out like crystal vessels on a tray. Quite ingenious!
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After our shopping trips in IKEA and the light market, this is how Bob’s living room turned out! Not bad for 3 hours of work. There’s still a lot to do but things are really looking up. (Take note of the Imelda painting by Jason Moss)
HUGS!
RAJO!
Tags: Fashion Insider, friends, home decor, interior design, rajo laurel, shanghai, shopping, travel
Posted in Fashion Insider | No Comments »
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