Spaces / Places 01

I have, for a time now, flirted with the idea of pursuing a career in Interior Design. While I can definitely will myself to do so if I really want to, however with the number of things I want to do and the limited amount of energy I have at the present moment. This dream will remain on hold. I will tag it as a #hobby for now. And thus the start of another blog series.~

Spaces / Places is where I will share moods and looks that I like. You might want to check my previous design dumps here: Inspiration.

This is Jen Chu's 1/2 bedroom apartment. It fits her bed, closet, office and boudoir while still having enough space for decorations, art and knickknacks. I am seeing a lot of design principles that I can hack for my own bedroom – it is quite similar to this one but mine is filled with clutter and I primarily use it as my bookshelf.

One awesome tip she mentions is her use of pages from art magazines as art within her house. She cuts it out and frames them. The images change depending on what she has. This is a cheap and practical way to beautify a house if you don't have access to real art.

Suzi West and I have a lot of things in common. I would love to have a chest of drawers someday. It's the biggest piece in her house but it's also the one with the most charm. You instantly notice it!

This house #1

Daydreaming on a Sunday afternoon.

© photo credit decor8

Tiny house movement

While working on these I occupied the living room so my only form of entertainment is the tv. I finally learned to use the built-in YouTube function! I'm currently looping several videos about tiny houses or tumbleweed houses.

Its got a bedroom (loft), kitchen, bathroom, shower, living room and storage areas.



I have always been fascinated with the idea of a tree house or a tiny shed in the province. A comfortable sized space for my books and craft stuff. Also since I got into woodworking, I decided to really dive deeper into it. I can't do that working in my living room. Only solution is to stay a week or two in the province. I'm thinking maybe it's time I start planning for this house for real. :)

Architect Anonymous: Tiny house movement
Box of Stars
More images on tiny houses

Craft space

I'm using this small corner beside the bed as my new craft/ing space. I figured I needed a proper place to work. My bed = sleep = laziness. This chest has wheels so if I need to work on something I just pull it to my little hallway. It's the only space left in my Thumbelina sized bedroom (oh! hello laundry area~ haha). Also the only part with enough natural light. *sigh* Times like this makes me wish we had a balcony. :(

Until we get a bigger house, I'll have to make do with what I have. Until then, I'm saving up photos of other people's craft spaces. I'll post them here soon! :)

If I had a balcony

Sometimes, I wonder what would life have been like if we decided on a unit with balcony. Never mind that we live on a 40+ story building and we're on the 3rd highest floor! *haha* It would have been perfect for cloud watching or stargazing. Or a (not so) secret place for reading and drinking coffee. How about a mini garden? I could grow tomatoes and herbs!

But the real selling point is having a proper place to dry my laundry. Oh and hopefully more natural light inside my house.

Pretty things: Evangelione

These are the works of Mei Ying from Malaysia. She makes miniatures and tiny fabric dolls. Look how tiny these are. And I shamelessly complain when I start sewing hands & feet of my own doll?! I need practice. Yes!

Heima: Outdoor stories

Oh hi! I'm back with new additions to my wishlist. Heima just released its Made with Love 5th collection...naturally I want everything on it! ♥♥♥ And this time I can actually afford the stuff they've got. *lol* I'm planning to (finally) visit Cubao-X next month because I'm still hopelessly bankrupt (ಥ﹏ಥ). Anyway I have already put this on my schedule. Only way to get things done! (＾ー＾)v

What's new?—wall art, bone china lamps, summer inspired furniture, chest, and writing desk.

Pretty things: Mia Casal ceramics

You know how I said I find it sad that I live so far away from amazing ceramic artists? Well, I finally found a local one whose style I find charming. (✿ ♥‿♥)

(However, before I continue—a little clarification—I am not saying our local ceramic artists are not great. Obviously I have not seen that many and the few designs that I see are basically not my cup of tea. So that is where I'm basing my comments!)

I can't remember how I found Mia Casal's works. I followed a bunch of links and voila I am all of a sudden seeing awesomeness!

I like the colors and the look of the clay/glaze/paint (?) it reminds me of Japanese ceramics. I like how she incorporates these flora patterns. They make the ceramic elegant and feminine.

She makes tiny confectionery plates!!! (or at least that's what I think they are—she put wooden spoons & fork there see?~ hmmm) How I longed to find one of these...but again, as with most stuff I like...they are only found in Japan!

I can't wait to see these up close!

Mia Casal
27 Riverview Drive, Blue Ridge B, Quezon City

website: ClayAve / blog: Transforming Clay / email: clay.ave@gmail.com
contact: +632 (348-2342) / +63 (922-834-7859)

photos © Mia Casal

Things I Love: ceramic teapot

My new teapot! That I absolutely love. I got it on sale at Landmark while I was searching for dinnerware. It looks ordinary to some people but I like it~ the shape and beautiful white cover~ is perfect. *happy*





Also bought a pack of green tea to brew~

I don't usually drink tea or anything bitter. My coffee almost always has more sugar. So I'm finding ways to drink my tea more comfortably.

edit: Thea suggested using honey instead of sugar as it tastes better :)

Fascination with Modern Japanese houses

You might have already seen these type of houses. Despite having a small floor space, they are able to design a stylish and spacious looking house. From what I often see on magazines or on dramas/movies, Japanese people love nature. They love wood, plants and the view of the sky.

Montblanc House

Room Room House

Inside Out House

Small House

Toda House

I especially love the Montblanc house, I dreamed of having this kind of house too. Though I don't think it would work in our climate （￣へ￣） the sun is too hot and it rains quite heavily. Hmn then again Japan is a rainy country too plus they have winter. I wonder how the owners close down their roof?!

Pretty things: Ann Wood

These are works by Ann Wood. Aren't they absolutely magical?! Gah I want those owls and that ship!!! (I'm imagining owl-hobbits & Peter Pan) (｡◕‿‿◕｡)ﾉシ

I've been following her blog for a while now. I love seeing her work, its amazing what she can do with vintage fabric. Follow her blog too and be inspired~

Pretty things: Rebecca Green

If I could own one of these paintings, I'd be a very happy person. I came across Rebecca Green's feature at fromyourdesks and fell in love with her paintings. I like paintings that are a bit grotesque and whimsical.

© myblankpaper.com; Rebecca Green

© myblankpaper.com; Rebecca Green

© fromyourdesks.com

Simply Japanese

This room concept is one I have come to associate with Mori girls; use of natural wood color, plants scattered here and there, white walls, white bed linens, and lace curtains.

Although it's muted in color with only shades of brown, grays and peach. Still, it's very relaxing to look at. It's like you're living with nature.

Real convenient too! Most rental apartments and condo's already use the white wall - wooden floor combo. And wood furniture in natural finish are inexpensive. It's easy to design your room like this.

Oh and I want this floor chair. I have been camping in my living room floor lately and my back is killing me :(

Muji furniture © photo nigiyaka

Pretty Things: Kim Westad ceramics

I have a preference for white ceramics because I can put them anywhere and they blend in. Kim Westad's ceramics have been on my wishlist since I saw her pieces. She's my current favorite potter~