Achieve That Luxe Look for Your Home: 8 Budget-Friendly Decorating Tips That Work

Achieve That Luxe Look for Your Home: 8 Budget-Friendly Decorating Tips That Work

Sunday, August 10

Creating luxurious interiors doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With clever updates and simple hacks, you can style your home with elegance and charm. These eight decorating tips are both affordable and impactful—perfect for DIY enthusiasts aiming for that high-end look.

1. Upgrade Hardware—Your Home’s Jewelry

Switch out cabinet handles, knobs, and faucets for ones in gold, silver, or matte black. It’s like adding jewelry to your home—small changes that have big visual impact.

2. Layer Ambient Lighting

Use table lamps and floor lamps at varying heights to create warm, inviting moods. This layered lighting strategy adds ambiance and elegance without major investments.

3. Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Drapes

Long drapes give the illusion of higher ceilings and instantly elevate your space. Choose elegant fabrics in neutral or rich tones to make a statement.

4. Add Mirrors to Amplify Light and Space

Mirrors do more than reflect—they visually expand rooms and create depth. Try placing them near windows or in tight spots to make rooms feel larger and brighter.

5. Refresh Walls with Paint or Wallpaper

Update boring walls with trending hues like olive green, pale pink, or turquoise—or go bold with wallpaper in compelling patterns. This one change transforms your entire aesthetic.

6. Repaint Outdated Cabinets

No need to splurge on new cabinets—just paint them. Opt for light shades like white to open up visually tight spaces such as kitchens or bedrooms.

7. Bring in Plants for a Touched-Up Look

Indoor plants purify the air and add visual freshness. Display small potted greens on desktops or shelves, or go big with taller floor plants for airier spaces.

8. Live Clutter-Free for Luxe Minimalism

A tidy home always feels more luxurious. Removing unneeded items and using stylish storage solutions keeps spaces serene and upscale.

Casual Luxe Is Achievable

With these 8 cost-effective décor strategies, you can create a luxurious, cozy space without spending a fortune. Incorporate these practical tips to elevate your home’s style and make it feel like your dream living space.

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A fusion of water and architecture: GROHE SPA unveils “Aquatecture” spaces at Milan Design Week

A fusion of water and architecture: GROHE SPA unveils “Aquatecture” spaces at Milan Design Week

Friday, May 10

Throughout history, the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture has significantly influenced art, fashion, and architecture. Aiming to unravel the various dimensions in which nature can serve as a wellspring of inspiration, Milan Design Week is centered around “Materia Natura”. Embracing this theme, the world’s largest annual design event serves as an ideal stage for GROHE SPA, the premium sub-brand of GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. The word SPA originally comes from the first letters of “Salus per aquam”, which is the founding concept behind GROHE SPA. Celebrating the transformative power of water at the impressive Palazzo Reale near the Duomo, GROHE showcases carefully curated bathroom solutions that epitomize new luxury and bespoke quality in a holistic installation. 

A tribute to nature and history

Based on the concept of “Aquatecture” – the fusion of water and architecture – the GROHE SPA installation in the courtyard of Palazzo Reale unveils a series of spaces that elevate the significance and importance of water in architecture, and the health and well-being benefits this infusion brings. Conceived by the in-house LIXIL Global Design and Brand Identity team, the “Aquatecture” installation pays tribute to the history of the building, interwoven with the contemporary GROHE SPA “Salus per aquam” concept. Inspired by the former courtyard garden and in synergy with Milan Design Week’s theme “Materia Natura”, it thoughtfully blends nature and architecture to create immersive spaces that reflect the essence of GROHE SPA. These carefully curated spaces echo the former garden, creating sensual areas to reflect, revitalize, and energize. 

“Through our installation at Palazzo Reale, we reflect the intricate bond between nature and human creativity, intertwining the rich history of the royal palace with the modern ethos of GROHE SPA. Inviting visitors on a sensory journey to deeply experience ‘Salus per aquam’, our ‘Aquatecture’ spaces exhibit the powerful connection of water in architecture. They stand not only as showcases but as inspiration for architects and designers, encouraging collaboration and experimentation,” explains Patrick Speck, Leader, LIXIL Global Design EMENA.

Redefining spa luxury across four tiers

Each “Aquatecture” space represents one of the four tiers that bring GROHE SPA to life. Visitors embark on their immersive journey at the fourth tier that shows industry-leading products to create the ultimate home spa hideaway. Shower solutions like GROHE Rainshower Aqua and the F-Digital Deluxe modules combine timeless elegance with modern technology, using light, steam, sound and smell to delight the senses. In addition, the GROHE Atrio Outdoor Shower provides a refreshing and rejuvenating experience, enabling a stronger connection to nature and the tranquility this brings. Transitioning to the third tier, the spotlight is on the GROHE Colors Collection with the new Satin finish. Offering a luxurious touch and expanded design choices for a personalized look, the new finish is available for GROHE Allure and GROHE Atrio, as well as matching showers and accessories in the colors Satin Steel and Satin Graphite.

The highlight of the second tier is the new GROHE Allure Gravity Private Collection. Blending a slim square silhouette with boundless avenues for customization, the faucet line comes with exchangeable cover plates expertly crafted from glass, mirror or marble. GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft cover plates from the brand’s durable surfaces in timeless designs. Culminating the exhibition, the first tier is comprised of the GROHE Icon 3D collection: The 3D metal-printed products redefine what is possible, while taking sustainable product design with ultimate customization options to a new level.

To know more about GROHE, visit https://www.grohe.ph/en_ph/ and follow their Facebook (@GROHEPacific) and Instagram (@grohe_ph) pages.

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CSB Interior Design student wins American Standard Design Award 2023

CSB Interior Design student wins American Standard Design Award 2023

Thursday, June 22

Aevan Georgeline De Jesus, a fifth year Interior Design student from the De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, bagged the top award in the recent American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2023, a competition for students that seeks to uncover the power of design to create not only a bathroom where one can recharge and rejuvenate but a space that is truly loved by everyone in the family. 

Themed ‘A Home to Love, A Space for Everyone,’ the ASDA competition, organized by American Standard, part of LIXIL, aims to reflect the relevance of multi-generational living with a design approach that balances hygiene, ergonomic, safety and convenience for user of different age groups – from children to parents and grandparents. 

De Jesus’ design, entitled “The Grid: Close Family Ties, an Ode to the Warmth of Home,” – in keeping with the Residential Bathroom Space Design challenge – bested more than 300 other entries, all of which focused on the importance of bathroom aesthetics for urban living in high-mass housing. The designs were judged by an esteemed panel of judges that included LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) Philippines leader Hermie Limbo, Atelier Almario Corporation creative director & co-founder Cynthia Almario, PDP Architects CEO Architect Cathy Saldaña, and WTA Architecture and Design Studio’ Arvin Pangilinan who represented principal architect William Ti.

According to De Jesus, The Grid, is inspired by the warmth of close family ties found in Asian homes. By separating every area in the bathroom, users get to perform their tasks without having to wait for the othersto finish. The floor plan was designed to be functional at 360 degrees with the shower on the left, toilet on the right and opposite is the basin area with the built-in laundry. On the left side of the cube is a vanity set with hanging rods and tall mirror and a house plant to brighten the morning. Meanwhile, on the right side is a reminder board so every family can jot down notes, letters, and paper posts to organize the house activities.

De Jesus used colors, materials and finishes that mimic a warm home such as opaque glass and wood panels to create a Capiz look typical in a Filipino home. To complete the functional space, De Jesus used American Standard products that are helpful to every household member – from children and parents to the elderlies. Some of the key pieces include the Signature Vessel EasySET Exposed Shower Auto Temperature Mixer with Integrated Rainshower Kit (3- Way), Acacia Evolution High-Spout Basin Mixer (Side Lever), and Acacia SupaSleek One-Piece Toilet (S-Trap 305mm)

As the national level winner, De Jesus qualified for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) round where her design was judged by a regional panel of judges, among them LWT APAC leader Satoshi Konagai, LIXIL Global Design Asia leader Antoinne Besseyre Des Horts, and LWT APAC leader, Category Management Jihae Kim. 

Renowned interior designers and architects from international firms across participating countries in Asia Pacific were also among the regional judges. Joining Almario, Saldaña, and Ti were Mai Chongchaiyo, Steve Leung Design Group’s director of design; Hayley Mitchell and Samantha Eades, directors of Mitchell and Eades; Hun Chansan, re : edge Architecture’s founder and principal Architect; Martin Aerne, founding director of Aerne Architects & Associates Co. Ltd.; Ashok Prabhu, CEO of DWP Interics; Gaurav Premchandani, MD India at JOI Design; Thiyagarajan Rajagopalan, director of DPA Consultants Pvt. Ltd; Warren Foster Brown, founder and managing director of FBEYE International; Tulsi Grover, managing principal at Hassell; Theeranuj Karnasuta Wonwaisayawan, managing director at Interior Architects 49 Limited; Giang Le, founder & deputy director at GK Archi Co., LTD; and Arch. Le Truong founder and CEO of TT-Associates. In the end, Sin Ponleu from Cambodia took home the APAC grand winner. 

Aside from De Jesus, fifth year Architecture student Apryl Precious Gem Estavillo won second prize (national) for her project “BeYou.nd”, and fifth year Interior Design student Margaret Therese Hagad who finished third place (national) for her entry “Weathering Walls.” 

Five special awards were also given to Deinell Khryzian Belen, second year Architecture student who won National People’s Choice; Janelle Erica Gan, fifth year Architecture student whose project was named Best in Aesthetics; Jana Beatrice Juguilon, second year Architecture student who took home Best Shared Space; Neobert Jose Borromeo, fifth year Architecture student whose project was recognized as Best in Functionality; and Caire Endaya, fourth year Architecture student who was awarded Best in Water Technology. 

“This year’s national winners and recipients of special awards are proof of the brilliance and ingenuity of the new generation. With their amazing talent and skills in design, I am hopeful that they can help shape a better and more promising future for everyone.” said Hermie Limbo. 

De Jesus will be travelling to Singapore with the LIXIL Philippines team for the ASDA 2023 APAC awarding where she will also be taking part in a series of activities including media interviews, exhibits, showroom and architectural tours, and many more.

The annual competition is open to Year 2 and above tertiary design school students from ten countries across the Asia-Pacific including Australia, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

For more information about the design competition and a way to be part of an impactful movement that can make a difference to consumers’ lives, please visit the ASDA website at (https://americanstandard-apac.com/asda).

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Maximizing Efficiency in Setting Up New Business Premises

Maximizing Efficiency in Setting Up New Business Premises

Monday, June 19

When a home-based business outgrows its birthplace or an online store seeks to expand its physical footprint, a move to new business premises becomes necessary. While the recent move towards home working has made commercial renting and real estate more of a buyers’ market, it’s still one that requires you to be flexible and smart in your choices, particularly when it comes to scheduling. Time being the lifeblood of business, a speedy transition is paramount to avoid costly delays and start reaping profits swiftly.

In order to make the overall process faster and less stressful - and, just as importantly, more affordable for you as a business - it is essential to keep some principles in mind.

Finding Ready-to-go Premises

The key to a rapid move lies in choosing nearly ready-to-use premises. The less work required before occupancy, the lesser the potential for unforeseen jobs that can disrupt schedules. Opt for spaces where lighting infrastructure simply needs a refresh with LED retrofit kits instead of a total replacement. Prioritize recent vacancies over fixer-uppers, reducing downtime and keeping your focus on your primary business operations. The need for minor repairs can even serve as a bargaining chip to negotiate a better lease or purchase price. Especially if the lease holder has recently had clients move out, they’ll be keen to see movement and will likely be flexible for a quick sale.

Scheduling the Renovation

Effective planning can expedite the renovation process. Minimize delays by taking on DIY tasks or ensuring that contracted teams hit the ground running on day one. Pre-arrange any necessary inspections and certifications, lining them up to occur immediately post-repair. This strategy not only shortens waiting times for available inspectors but also establishes a firm deadline for the completion of the renovations. Few things focus the mind quite like a deadline, and readiness to move fast is going to be essential throughout this process.

Visualizing the Finished Premises

Having a clear vision of your finished premises prior to initiating repairs is crucial. This foresight allows you to prioritize high-traffic zones and streamline the overall setup. As each area is refurbished, furniture, equipment, and other necessary items can be moved in simultaneously. This strategy negates the need for a secondary move-in process, reducing further delays. Additionally, it allows you to make any repairs that may result from the move-in - because damage to flooring and walls from incautious handling of desks is something that always seems to happen.

Conclusion

Timely setup and operationalization of new business premises hinge on three core strategies: selecting nearly ready spaces, scheduling renovations smartly, and visualizing the finished setup in advance. The more proactive and efficient you are, the faster your transition will be, turning your new premises from a potential overhead expense into a profitable asset. After all, every moment your business isn't running is a moment of lost potential profit. So, choose your space wisely, plan ahead, and soon you'll be flipping the switch on your new lights and welcoming clients into your new location.

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Canva Visual Suite: Unlock Your Creativity, Collaborate Better

Canva Visual Suite: Unlock Your Creativity, Collaborate Better

Sunday, April 30

In today's age of remote and hybrid work, organizations want teams to collaborate, share ideas, and scale their creative process better. According to Canva's Visual Economy Report that surveyed 1,600 global business leaders, communicating visually is fast ​becoming the most impactful way to ​communicate in the workplace. Eighty-nine percent of them believe that it enhances collaboration and agree that visual communication methods have helped team members connect with each other.

"Businesses now must learn how to communicate visually and leave lasting impact to their stakeholders and customers. It's made possible when your teams have the tool to create and collaborate together, without having to learn complex processes that take time to learn," said Maisie Littaua, head of growth of Canva Philippines.

Canva's Visual Suite revolutionizes the way teams work by providing a comprehensive platform that addresses all their visual communication needs, empowering them to streamline their workflow and boost creativity. It is designed for the modern workplace–whether it be a multinational with teams scattered across the world or a start-up seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one tool for their communication and creative requirements. 

The report also highlights that 89% of the respondents believe that communicating visually helps them articulate ideas better. With Canva's intuitive tools and features, teams can easily create visually compelling content that enhances communication and drives better results. Its powerful collaboration features also make it easier for teams to brainstorm and convert ideas into ready-to-share designs.

Get better at brainstorming sessions with Canva Whiteboards

Canva Whiteboards help solve many problems that teams might encounter during meetings, brainstorming and planning sessions, and team buildings.Make collaborations more engaging. Grab participants’ attention with an experiential online collaboration thanks to hundreds of fun elements like sticky notes and stickers. You can even add reference photos and videos from Canva’s vast content library.

Provide structure. Get the ideas going with ready-to-use templates, or create customized idea maps, flow charts and diagrams.

Take a vote. Ready to choose ideas? Use stickers to react to an idea, or mark it for further discussion

Jumpstart the conversation. Use the Magic Write tool within Whiteboards to generate prompts or lists to stimulate discussion, or instantly summarize key points into a paragraph for a report or email.

Leave your mark. Use the new Canva Draw Tool–which has pens and highlighters in different colors and thickness, and automatic shape features–to sketch, doodle, mark up text, or quickly create diagrams and flowcharts. 

Turn documents into multimedia masterpieces with Canva Docs 

In the visual age, it’s important to add images, infographics and other interactive elements into any kind of work. With Canva Docs, anyone can create stunning multimedia reports even without a design background. 

• Access one of the world’s biggest design libraries. Get 20,000 premium templates and 3.5 million graphic elements like images, icons, and videos for project plans, strategy documents, lesson plans, and other document types.

• Use data storytelling. Quickly create graphs and infographics from thousands of templates, graphic elements. You can even animate images and text for dynamic data visualization. 

• Collaborate and share. For collaborative documents like editorials or business planning, teams can comment on a document, and tag and assign tasks to specific members. Once the document is complete, teams can even turn it into a pitch-ready presentation deck by clicking the “Convert to Presentation” button.

• Overcome writer’s block with Magic Write. Canva’s AI-powered content generation is now available on Visual Suite products like Docs, Whiteboards, and Presentations. Use it to generate drafts, create outlines, or kicko ideas for your next post. 

Make pro-quality videos with Canva Video 

Video editing used to require a lot of skill and equipment. But with Canva’s drag-and-drop editor, anyone can make videos for any platform or need whether it’s a reel, an advertisement, or even a tutorial. 

• Get intuitive and functional features. Upload your clips, drag them to a timeline, and then use the tools to adjust speed, size, and appearance on the screen. Not sure how to start? Pick from thousands of customizable templates for different formats and industries.

• Enjoy a personal sound studio. Access the pre-licensed music and sound effects in the library, or record voice overs, your screen or yourself without leaving Canva. For those subscribed to Canva Pro, you can use the Beat Sync feature to automatically sync video to any tune.

• Add special effects. Upgrade to Canva Pro to get powerful features like video background removers, filters and effects, animations, and Magic Resize which instantly converts videos for different social media platforms. 

Kaya sa Canva! 

Littaua believes that the best creative process should feel like play, "We want to show everyone how easy and fun it can be to use these tools to make everyday work look and feel amazing. Visual Suite can be used throughout the creative process to stimulate ideas and increase collaboration and productivity." 

In its effort to empower more Filipinos to design, Canva Philippines also launched a YouTube Channel, where the community can get ideas, tutorials and tips to help them maximize the potential of the Visual Suite potential to help them achieve their goals. 

Check out youtube.com/@canva_ph to subscribe and learn more.

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Samsung Electronics Launches Bespoke Infinite Line: A New Column Refrigerator Combining Timeless Design with Ultimate Performance

Samsung Electronics Launches Bespoke Infinite Line: A New Column Refrigerator Combining Timeless Design with Ultimate Performance

Friday, January 6

New Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator combines a premium aesthetic, convenient features, and flexible storage options to seamlessly sync with your lifestyle.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global launch of the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator in select markets around the world. Having originally launched in Europe, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator will expand to countries including Mexico, Thailand and Australia by the end of the year.

Samsung’s new premium built-in refrigerator is available with a choice of fridge, freezer or wine cellar models and features a timelessly contemporary, modular design that seamlessly blends into any interior. With simple lines, high-quality natural materials, and features that maximize convenience and streamline food storage, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator adds lasting value to consumers’ kitchens.

“Each expansion of the Bespoke lineup introduces the joys of customizing experience to more users,” said Junhwa Lee, EVP and Head of the Customer Experience Team of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Combining high-quality materials with modular designs, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator reimagines Bespoke customization in a premium fridge, creating the ultimate blend of style and performance.” 

A Timeless Design That Elevates Any Kitchen

With a timeless aesthetic that reflects the latest trends, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator is built to last. Known as Infinite Design, the new aesthetic is distinguished by its seamless look, durable materials, premium finishing, and elegant design cues.

As a Bespoke refrigerator, the Bespoke Infinite Line fridge naturally features a modular design made from high-quality materials that can be customized and combined to suit consumers’ changing needs. Infinite Design enhances that versatility by ensuring that the refrigerator will remain stylish no matter how consumers’ lifestyles change. With its simple lines, smooth surface, Timeless Greige finish and elegant gold copper edge frame, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator looks outstanding in any interior and will not become outdated. 

The refrigerator’s exterior is made from premium aluminum that is more dent- and scratch-resistant and allows marks and stains to be easily wiped away. The interior is bright and refined with its Black Metal Cooling and Tunnel Lighting – two features that epitomize the refrigerator’s elegant balance of form and function.

Applied to the duct and door, Black Metal Cooling not only creates a sense of depth for a distinctly premium look, but it also helps keep food fresher for longer by quickly compensating for heat loss. The Tunnel Lighting on the frame and shelves enhances the aesthetic while giving users clear views of every corner of their fridge. Not only is the interior striking, but it is also spacious. The fridge and freezer feature a combined capacity of 805 liters, while the wine cellar offers room to store up to 101 bottles.

Raising the Bar for Kitchen Convenience

To offer users an experience that is more in tune with how they use their fridge today, the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator comes packed with features that maximize convenience. Together, these technologies provide instant access to food and refreshments for a truly outstanding user experience.

The new Auto Open Door features a sensor on its side that instantly opens the door with a simple touch. This makes it easy for users to access their fridge even when their hands are full of groceries or sticky from food prep. The door’s built-in sensor means there is no handle to get in the way, while its stylishly simple look reflects modern consumers’ demand for clutter-free designs. 

The dishwasher-safe, BPA-free AutoFill Pitcher provides easy access to refreshingly cold filtered water, anytime. It also features a built-in infuser that allows users to create deliciously flavored beverages by adding any fruits and herbs they like. The Dual Auto Ice Maker, meanwhile, ensures that users always have plenty of ice, offering a choice of either whiskey ball ice or cubed ice.

Flexible Cooling for Optimal Freshness

The Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator’s flexible storage options allow users to simultaneously store different foods under optimal conditions, keeping everything inside deliciously fresh.

The Flex Pantry is an independently controlled drawer that can be quickly converted to different preset temperatures to suit users’ daily needs. The two built-in temperature modes are ideal for storing a wide range of high-quality ingredients, from meat and fish to fruits and vegetables, preserving their natural flavors and textures for longer.

The wine cellar’s Triple Temperature Zone brings that same level of optimized freshness to wine storage. With three separate climate zones and precise temperature controls, it allows users to simultaneously store different bottles of wine under optimal conditions, delivering the ultimate in wine preservation. The UV Protect Glass Door has triple-glazed glass with UV ray protection. It safeguards it from changes in the outside temperature, so the internal temperature remains stable, and shields it from harmful UV rays.

Seamless SmartThings Integration 

The refrigerator’s seamless connectivity makes using it a breeze by simplifying everything from wine storage to managing energy use.

Support for SmartThings Sommelier at Home offers users a richer and more delicious dining experience. Part of the SmartThings app, SmartThings Sommelier at Home takes the guesswork out of storing wine by analyzing wine labels and offering details on optimal storage conditions. When combined with SmartThings Cooking, the service recommends the perfect food to pair with wine, just like a real sommelier.

SmartThings Energy support allows users to easily monitor and manage their refrigerator’s electricity use and offers tips to reduce their carbon footprint and save money. AI Energy Mode takes that efficiency to the next level by analyzing usage patterns and other factors and optimizing settings to save energy.

For more information about the Bespoke Infinite Line Refrigerator, please visit Samsung.com.

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