furniture – Jellybeans in the City

Designing a living room for socializing: Creating the perfect conversation space for the holidays

The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing stories, and creating memories. However, the challenge for many hosts is how to make their living room a space that promotes conversation and connection.

Creating a conversation hub is an art that can take some thoughtful planning and preparation. Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can turn your living room into the perfect gathering spot that fosters meaningful conversations and creates lasting memories.

Arrange your furniture in a way that encourages conversation. Consider grouping seating together in a circular or semi-circular arrangement to promote face-to-face interaction. Place chairs and sofas close enough together so that people can comfortably talk to each other without shouting or straining to hear.
Add cozy elements to create a welcoming atmosphere. Adding warm, soft textiles like throw blankets and pillows can make your living room feel cozy and inviting. You can also incorporate warm lighting by using candles or dimming your overhead lights.
Create a focal point. Adding a focal point like a statement piece of art, a fireplace or a large Christmas tree can draw people’s attention to the center of the room, creating a natural gathering point.
Provide snacks and drinks. Having snacks and drinks on hand can help break the ice and give people something to do with their hands while they chat. Arrange a variety of easy-to-grab finger foods, like a cheese platter, veggie tray or festive holiday cookies, along with a selection of drinks that can include hot cocoa, mulled wine or a festive punch.

Incorporate interactive activities. Games or activities can help break the ice and get people talking. You can set up a board game, a puzzle or even a DIY craft station for guests to work on together.
Encourage conversation starters. If you’re worried that your guests might be shy or hesitant to start conversations, consider having conversation starters placed around the room, like a jar filled with prompts or question cards. This can help get people talking and can also make for a fun icebreaker activity.
Set the mood with music. Playing music in the background can help create a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Consider creating a holiday playlist or choosing a radio station that plays holiday tunes to keep the mood upbeat and festive.
Make your guests feel comfortable. Lastly, making your guests feel comfortable and at ease is key to creating a great conversation hub. Consider providing extra seating options like floor cushions or ottomans and make sure there are plenty of blankets and pillows for guests to use. Also, don’t forget to greet your guests with a warm smile and introduce them to others in the room to help break the ice.

Transforming your living room into a conversation hub for the holidays can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple tips, you can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages meaningful conversations and fosters lasting memories. Remember to be thoughtful in your planning and to pay attention to the small details that can make all the difference in creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a space where guests feel comfortable and at ease, where they can connect with each other and share stories and laughter. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can turn your living room into the perfect gathering spot that brings people together and creates a sense of community. So, start planning and get ready to create a conversation hub that will leave your guests feeling welcomed, happy, and fulfilled this holiday season.

If you’re fixing up your living room for the holidays, check out and get inspired by the awesome selections at Crate & Barrel.

This US-based retail chain specializing in upmarket and artisanal housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture and home accessories has presence in forty-two countries across the globe.

In the Philippines, its stores are located at:

Level 3, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Landline: +63 2 88934255| Mobile: +63 917 8895667
Ground Level, Annex Building, SM Makati, Courtyard Drive, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City. Landline: +63 2 88342780 | Mobile: +63 917 5833573
4th Level, SM Megamall Fashion Hall Building D, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City. Landline: +63 2 89420761 | Mobile: +63 917 8704796

Shop online for Crate & Barrel products through its website and stay updated on its products and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos taken during a 2022 store visit at Crate & Barrel’s SM Megamall branch.

3 things to do when setting up your dining room

Among the spaces in our house, the dining room is the one that’s most often used for gatherings. Whether for intimate family meals or a social occasion with more attendees, the dining room provides the venue and backdrop for shared experiences of eating and conversing with other people.

We all want this room to be comfortable and conducive to memorable times spent eating and talking with family and friends.

Whether you’re designing your dining room from scratch, or re-designing it to fulfill your evolving needs, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Define your purpose for the dining room.

Are you using it mainly for private family meals and occasions? Or will you be hosting large parties? How often will it be used? Will it perform additional functions such as doubling as a workspace for household working from home or students doing online lessons?

These considerations will influence the type of furnishings that will go into a room such as getting more ornate and high maintenance pieces for more formal setups and more functional, easy to clean and hardy pieces for rooms that will se everyday use, especially by children.

Light up the space.

As an area for socializing, you want this room to appear bright and ambient. It is often advisable to layer various light sources such as using a chandelier or pendant lights above the dining table supplemented by lamps, sconces and the occasional candles to illumine the space at eye level.

If you are also using the dining room as work/study space, make sure that adequate task lighting is also available.

Get your flooring right.

The dining room gets a lot of foot traffic and is also the site of many spills and splashes. The floor should not only look good, but it should also be easy to clean and able to stand up to wear-and-tear.

Hard flooring may be best for dining rooms that see a lot of use, particularly for entertaining. Softening touches may be applied to amp up the comfort and coziness through area rugs that add texture and color.

If you’re shopping for your dining room furniture, fixtures and accessories, check out and get inspired by the awesome selections at Crate & Barrel.

This US-based retail chain specializing in upmarket and artisanal housewares, indoor and outdoor furniture and home accessories has presence in forty-two countries across the globe.

In the Philippines, its stores are located at:

Level 3, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Landline: +63 2 88934255| Mobile: +63 917 8895667
Ground Level, Annex Building, SM Makati, Courtyard Drive, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City. Landline: +63 2 88342780 | Mobile: +63 917 5833573
4th Level, SM Megamall Fashion Hall Building D, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City. Landline: +63 2 89420761 | Mobile: +63 917 8704796

Shop online for Crate & Barrel products through its website and stay updated on its products and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos taken during a store visit at Crate & Barrel’s SM Megamall branch.

5 things to fix in your bedroom for a blissful slumber

With our very busy lives, we deserve our restful sleep as well.

After all, getting enough sleep has a myriad of health benefits that we simply can’t ignore. These include heightened immunity, prevention of weight gain, as well as improved mood, memory, productivity and heart health.

As a place to rest and restore ourselves, our bedroom needs to be set up and decorated accordingly.

So scan through your bedroom and take note of what you can improve to give yourself a well-deserved blissful slumber.

Bed.

The primary furniture in the room determines much of your comfort as you slumber. The quality of your mattress, pillows and beddings will greatly factor into your sleeping conditions.

Gadgets.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the use of electronic devices at night tend to delay the time that we fall asleep, reducing the total sleep duration. These devices also affect our brains, stimulating our minds and making it harder for us to doze off. The blue light they emit also disrupts our body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

Now, it would be highly unlikely for us to ban all our technology from the bedroom but we can pare down our use of them once we enter our sanctuary. We can avoid using them an hour before we go to sleep, place them in drawers to keep them out of sight and resist the urge to reach for them when we wake up at night.

Lighting.

Light is the key player when it comes to regulating our circadian rhythm, with the darkest possible room cited as the most conducive to sleep. Darkness also reduces potential visual distractions and disruptions to sleep.

To help make your bedroom as dark as possible, consider equipping the room with blackout curtains and a small, low-power lamp. If you still have considerable light in the space which disrupts your sleep, you may want to purchase a comfy yet close-fitting eye mask.

Ventilation and Temperature.

As we enter the hot summer months, proper ventilation and room temperature become even more crucial to catching our Zzzs. Aside from air-conditioning, you can also help cool your room down by using electric fans to circulate air, and creating cross-ventilation within the home by opening or closing doors and windows.

Scents.

Don’t underestimate the power of your nose. Some fragrances can help promote relaxation which, in turn, makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up the following morning feeling well-rested.

Clean-smelling sheets have been observed to help in promoting comfortable sleep, as well as the use of aromatherapy in the form of essential oils applied to pillows or placed in diffusers. Lavender, rose, roman chamomile, jasmine and ylang-ylang are among those that have been seen to contribute to restful slumber.

Clutter.

In the same way that messy surroundings impede your ability to work at optimum levels, clutter in your bedroom could also prevent you from getting the sleep you need.

Clear out items that do not help you relax by regularly tidying up your bedroom and storing your electronic gadgets and small items in your drawers. Vacuum your bedroom rugs and mattress regularly to get rid of dustmites that trigger allergies.

Ready to set up your room to give you the best kind of sleep?

Shop for bedroom essentials that will help you get to Sleep Town at AllHome.

AllHome is the Pinoy’s one-stop shop for all home needs. It offers an extensive range of top-quality home-improvement products such as construction supplies, hardware, appliances, indoor and outdoor furniture, homeware, décor, and even electronic gadgets all under one roof.

Its Metro Manila branches include:

Vista Place (Wil Tower), Eugenio Lopez Drive, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City
E. Rodriguez Jr. Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Starmall EDSA-Shaw, Ground, Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Mandaluyong
Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong
Vista Mall Taguig, Levi Mariano Ave., Taguig City
Vista Mall C5 Extension Road, Quirino Ave. Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Piñas City
Vista Mall Las Pinas, CV Starr Ave., Philam Village, Pamplona, Las Pinas

You may also shop conveniently online at allhome.com.ph to take advantage of AllHome’s wide array of original and top-quality items, easy payment methods and fast delivery timelines.

In-store photos taken at AllHome WCC and Libis. Used with permission.

Spruce up your outdoor areas to supplement your wellness goals at AllHome

Summer’s almost here and you know what that means: more time spent outdoors!

During pre-pandemic times, outdoor living spaces such as patios, decks and porches – were used mainly for entertainment and recreation. However, in the past two years, people are increasingly doing activities outside such as gardening, barbecuing, playing with their kids and pets, exercising, or simply relaxing.

International Casual Furnishings Association executive director Jackie Hirschhaut reported that in contrast to consumer behavior in early 2020 where outdoor spaces were being designed to complement homes and lifestyles, current trends indicate outdoor spaces are now being created to supplement that “supplement our sense of well-being and transform an outdoor area into an outdoor room.”

Clearly, outdoor areas are being used for purposes that promote physical, social and mental health.

These include:

Having a convenient place to get exposed to enough sunlight to boost vitamin D levels.
Providing opportunities for activities that promote eye health such as “screen breaks” – time away from gadgets – and viewing objects at a range of distances – for example, a nearby potted plant and a bird flying at a distance – to manage eyestrain.
Having adequate spaces for increased physical activity and movement.
Providing opportunities to meditate, be closer to nature to reduce stress.
Providing opportunities to spend time with friends and loved ones for fun shared experiences.

When designing or reorganizing your outdoor areas to support your wellness goals, keep the purpose of the spaces top of mind:

Exercise. If increasing physical activity is your objective, then consider the size, mobility and storage of fitness equipment that you will include in the space.
Socializing. Families and friends come together over good food so aside from your outdoor grill, consider the spaces needed for convenient food preparation, serving and dining. Including gathering points or conversation pieces such as bonfire pits or water features will also help in getting people to gather up and converse.
Relaxation and De-stressing. Nature has a way of bringing down stress levels so incorporate nature into your outdoor spaces through greenery, water features, wide open spaces and the materials of your furniture.

Ready to translate these ideas into outdoor spaces that promote health and wellness? Then drop by your nearest AllHome branch today!

Its Metro Manila branches include:

Vista Place (Wil Tower), Eugenio Lopez Drive, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City
E. Rodriguez Jr. Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
Starmall EDSA-Shaw, Ground, Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Mandaluyong
Worldwide Corporate Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong
Vista Mall Taguig, Levi Mariano Ave., Taguig City
Vista Mall C5 Extension Road, Quirino Ave. Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Piñas City
Vista Mall Las Pinas, CV Starr Ave., Philam Village, Pamplona, Las Pinas

You may also shop conveniently online at allhome.com.ph to take advantage of AllHome’s wide array of original and top-quality items, easy payment methods and fast delivery timelines.

Outdoor photos credits: Klara Kulikova, Cagin Kargi, Sonnie Hiles and Farhan Abas on Unsplash.

In-store photos taken at AllHome WCC and AllHome Libis. Used with permission.

Making your place look like a million bucks

While anyone can easily admire a chic pad that looks like it came straight out of a magazine, not everyone has the budget for a major renovation or hire a world class designer to spruce up their homes.

Taking design cues from some of the metro’s most sought-after condominiums, these are simple design inspirations anyone can pull off even on a budget.

1. Add depth to your ceiling!

Ceilings have a great influence on how we feel in certain spaces. Low ceilings prompt quick action as small rooms make us unconsciously want to leave faster, while the inviting aura of a room with high ceilings make us want to take our time and relax.

You can highlight the size of your living space using recessed lights for a more modern, understated way of lighting. Likewise, full-length mirrors further expand the space in the room.

In the one-bedroom model unit from Mi Casa, for instance, the interior design done on the ceiling adds visual depth. This works well for an area where you regularly welcome guests. The living room and dining area are good areas to apply this concept because they will greatly benefit from the impression of a bigger space.

2. Let nature illuminate your home for you.

Natural lighting is the best way to brighten up any space.

Actual photo of Marco Polo Residences model unit

Condominium units with floor to ceiling windows not only provide sweeping views but give off the impression of a bigger and more calming living space. You will only be able to take advantage of spectacular views, of course, if your unit is on the higher floors of a condominium unit and where the building itself is located strategically.

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu plays this up perfectly with not only floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that provide unobstructed views of its mountainous surroundings, the city and the sea in the distance. On the other hand, if you have smaller windows, you can achieve this same feeling by keeping the window area clear of clutter.

3. Opt for earth tones.

Earth tones are timeless and versatile, making it suitable for any kind of home.

Actual photo of Four Season Riviera model unit

The neutral colors, just like in the showroom model unit of Four Season Riviera in Binondo, Manila drive just the right amount of attention to your home and allows you to add your own accent colors here and there. You’ll save on expensive paint jobs by strategizing which segments of your living space to highlight and which you can leave bare.

4. Experiment with open spaces.

Although your studio unit has no pre-set divisions, this does not mean you that you need to fill the void with clunky furniture. You can utilize every fixture and piece of furniture you own to achieve a clean and organized look.

A good example would be using a slim table in a bar-like set up which can help divide your kitchen from your living area through a more open concept.

You don’t need walls to define spaces. You can use partial wood and frosted glass partitions that double as shelves or different colored tiles and rugs to segment floor areas for different spaces. In this model unit at The Capital Towers in Quezon City, the bedroom area is defined by using tinted glass, while the dining and living area are fused into one to maximize floor space.

Actual photo of The Capital Towers model unit

5. Tastefully maximize storage space.

Keep knickknacks out of sight with built-in storage like the shoe cabinet, bedroom closets, and kitchen floor storage in The Seasons Residences in North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Actual photo of The Season Residences model unit

Using beds with hidden compartments underneath for clothes and shoes, as well as hollow ottoman seats that double as storage boxes will help eliminate clutter around the house and keep your intimate belongings away from prying eyes as well.

By lessening the use of heavy furniture, you will be freeing-up breathing space in your stylish abode making it easier on the eyes and a delight to move around in.

Lastly, while your design options may be influenced by your current budget, never sacrifice personal tastes. Any luxurious house will feel like home when it reflects the personal style of its owner. To get your own feel of luxury, visit the nearest Federal Land property show room today or get a virtual tour at www.federalland.ph.

4 reasons to update your home furniture over the holidays

The holiday season and the transition to a new year presents us with many reasons to makeover our homes.

Updating our home furniture is a great way to usher in some good vibes over the holidays and gear us up to face the new year.

If you find yourself vacillating on whether to replace your old furniture with new ones, here are reasons that should get you started:

1) You get to update your home’s style.

Your style preferences – may it be modern, minimalist, shabby chic or retro – may have changed over the past year and replacing your old furniture will allow your home to be more in line with your personal style.

Also, you wouldn’t want to present your holiday visitors with stained or run-down furniture, would you? Getting new pieces will help you come up with a more presentable home for hosting get-togethers.

2) You get ensure your family’s continued comfort.

Your little ones may have outgrown their old beds or the couch may be sagging in places. Updating your furniture will allow you and your family to enjoy that feeling of solace and relaxation again which is what being home for the holidays is all about.

3) You get to maximize your home’s available space.

Replacing your old pieces with dual-purpose or space-saving furniture may improve your home’s flow and use of space.

4) You get to take advantage of awesome sales.

If you’re worried that doing a home makeover will put a strain on your budget, well, fret not.

From December 13 to 15, Sogo Home and Office Center will hold an Installment Madness in its 15 branches where furniture shoppers can avail of 0% interest on installment for a minimum purchase of Php12,000 using any major credit card.

With this promo, buyers can update the pieces in their living room…

… dining room…

… bedroom…

and more!

PLUS Buy Now Pay 2020 offer on all major credit cards will also be available.

SOGO Home and Office Center has been providing furniture at Everyday Low Prices since the early 1990’s. Today, it boasts of over 15 locations in Metro Manila and nearby provinces that offer everything you need for your home at incredibly low prices. From room packages, Buy 1 Take 1 Deals and great offers across furniture categories such as sofas, dining sets, beds & mattresses, decors and office furniture, SOGO Home and Office Center has everything you need for your home.

True to its tagline “Everyday Low Prices” SOGO Home and Office Center makes sure that it’s always affordable to furnish your home. Payment options through cash, card installment or even financing aim to help young professionals that are starting to build their dream houses, newly married couples that starting new family and even those families that are renovating their homes.

For more details, visit its website to check more of Sogo’s products or you visit any of its branches near you.

METRO MANILA BRANCHES:

4F 168 SHOPPING MALL, MANILA CITY
Tel# 8-708-4932 Cp# 09369912289

LGF ALIMALL CUBAO, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-912-6603 Cp# 09369912288

2F DOÑA CONCEPCION BLDG. ARNAIZ AVE., SAN LORENZO MAKATI CITY
Tel# 7-728-5760 Cp# 09369912295

2F AYALA MALLS MARIKINA CITY
Tel# 8-638-1004 Cp# 09266565721

LGF AYALA MALLS SOUTH PARK, ALABANG MUNTINLUPA CITY
Tel# 8-541-1270 Cp# 09055196370

2F CW HOME DEPOT COMMONWEALTH, QUEZON CITY
Tel# 8-277-6935 Cp# 09173465637

Level 3, AYALA MALLS CIRCUIT, MAKATI CITY
Tel# 8-425-2430 Cp# 09770971985

LGS RIVERGREEN RESIDENCES, STA. ANA, MANILA CITY [EXHIBIT]
Tel# 8-523-1449 Cp# 09770971987

4F ROBINSONS METRO EAST, PASIG CITY
Tel# 8-647-5901 Cp# 09369912290

2F ROBINSONS FORUM, MANDALUYONG CITY
Tel# 8-687-9816 Cp# 09369912291

2F ZABARTE TOWN CENTER, CALOOCAN CITY
Tel# 8-962-4186 Cp# 09369912292

PROVINCIAL BRANCHES:

3F ROBINSONS GALLERIA SOUTH, SAN PEDRO LAGUNA (NEW)
Tel# 8-353-6598 Cp# 09959609219

GF ROBINSONS PLACE DASMARIÑAS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0791 Cp# 09154080962

4F ROBINSONS PLACE IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-425-0783 Cp# 09266680727

2F CW HOME DEPOT IMUS CAVITE
Tel# 8-245-9497 Cp# 09055196332

Promo details provided by SOGO Home and Office Center in a recent press release.

Take advantage of Blims’ Holiday Sale to upgrade your home furniture in time for the holidays

After the holidays come the new year which brings opportunities for a fresh start.

Why not start fresh at home by updating and upgrading your furniture at home?

Are the kids outgrowing their beds? Do you need new cabinets to house your accumulating stuff? How about a new set of table and chairs for the dining room?

Take your pick from BLIMS’ latest and most elegant furniture collections. Take advantage of its Holiday Sale and enjoy up to 50% off on selected items from November 8 to December 31 as well as its 6 months installment at 0% interest and Buy Now, Pay in 2020 on selected major credit cards.

At BLIMS, you can find a complete variety of furniture, which are categorized as:

Living Space – take your pick from an wide collection of sofas and dining sets.
Sleepshop – BLIMS is equipped with a wide array of bed frames and mattresses that will give you quiet serenity and peaceful slumber,
Recliners & Loungers – indulge yourself and bring home a seat you can just sink into.
Office World – find the items that allow you to take charge.

Check out BLIMS’ website, Facebook Page or visit any of its 19 showrooms nationwide to see which pieces are perfect for your home.