Bookmarked: My 10 Inspiring Design Sites

For someone working in home designing, I constantly need a dose of inspirations.  I am always excited to check out what's new online, turning to my ever dependable and inspiring online design sites.  From  design blogs to magazines, I share here with you my 10 Most Inspiring Design sites (in random order):

Decor8.  Holly Becker's blog is eye candy for any girl who's into interior design, travel and looking for that daily dose of something nice and pretty.  I love this blog for its interior design sources (mostly from Europe), creativity and wonderful styling and ideas.

Image source: Decor8

Design Sponge.  Another great blog on home design and styling, innovative products and tips on modern living.  But more than this, what I love most about DesignSponge is its many home and DIY projects that look so easy to do (or do they make it look easy?)!

Image Source: DesignSponge

Apartment Therapy.  "Saving the world, one room at a time" seems like a big dream but it sure looks easy for AT as it shows that a beautiful home can be had, whatever the size of your home space is.  This site is a great source of everything about real, modern day living.

Image Source: Apartment Therapy

Sfgirlbybay.  Victoria Smith's award-winning blog is all about eclectic, bohemian modern style. This blog makes me have a better appreciation of flea market finds, the charm and character of anything vintage, old and used.  Mix, match and integrate these finds in your home to give your space added punch and personality.  

Image Source: Sfgirlbybay

Pinterest.  This online pinning community is a vast resource of everyday inspirations from its ever growing members.  As I'm into home and interior design, I often check the "home decor" category.  I've made my own pinning and inspiration boards - with Small, Cool Home being the most popular - at http://pinterest.com/klobregat/.  Come on and start pinning!

Image Source: Pinterest

Style at Home.  This online version of Canada's Style at Home is a great read for any home decorating enthusiast.  What I check most often is their "Small Spaces" section, where they feature real home projects by Canadian designers.  

Image Source: Style At Home

Elle Decor. It's the ultimate guide to decorating and design.  Need I say more?  My favorite section - Celebrity Style!

Image Source: Elle Decor, Reese Witherspoon's Ojai Home

HGTV.  I love watching Design Star and David Bromstad create that one-of-a-kind piece for home owners and make amazing home makeovers in Color Splash.  Thus, I follow HGTV online as well.  You'll find lots and lots of information here. 

Image Source: HGTV, David Bromstad House Tour

Heart Home - Heart Home is a new kid in town.  Launched September 2011, this quarterly online magazine showcases the best of British Interior Design and talents.

Image Source: Heart Home Magazine UK

I hope that by sharing, you'll get your own design inspirations everyday.  Happy reading!  

Got more?  Please do share and add on to the list.

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.   

Xoxo, Katz - 5Corners

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

Project Condo: Amaranth at Cedar Crest Taguig

Hello!  The past month had been pretty hectic and exciting.  We just completed a condo project in Cedar Crest, Taguig. Together with space saving furnishing specialist - 5Corners - and talented designer, Melissa Arriola, we're honored to make another client happy and make her dream space a reality.   

It all started when a client chanced upon this unique piece of sofa bed. 

Then, she got in touched with 5Corners who helped her put together a plan for her 2-bedroom condo unit.  

Interior Designer Melissa transformed the plans into a well planned and cozy space. With multi-function furniture pieces from 5Corners like the Swivel Sofa Bed, this space can easily accommodate more for intimate get togethers.

Double duty living space works a little harder with multi-function furniture pieces.  Walls waiting for homeowner's painting collection.

Dining Area features extendable dining table to seat more guests.

It's all about peaceful sleeping in the Master's Bedroom; the Guest Room features a sofa bed for extra bed and double duty as work room.

THE FACTS: 

    What:  A new 45-sqm 2-bedroom condo unit

    Where: Amaranth, Cedar Crest, Taguig City, Philippines

    Design Challenge: A well planned space to accommodate more entertaining.

    Interior Designer: Melissa Arriola

    Furniture Supplier: 5Corners - space saving solutions specialist.

Got  a space challenge for your new condo?  Touch base with 5Corners at marketing@5cornershome.com and get expert advice on how you can maximize your space. Learn a little more about them here.