Afternoon Breaks

Everybody hates the flash

Nope. I am not talking about the superhero. I am actually referring to that light you have on your camera.

In cases where you'd wanna share your newly rearranged room to almost all social networking sites over the internet, a digital camera might come in handy. Not unless you have your iPhone. The most common debate you encounter with yourself when it comes to taking pictures might be "Flash or No Flash."

If you hate it, so do I.

Now, let's talk basic photography, kids!

That flash's only purpose for me is to give the most unflattering and unnatural lighting. But as what the manual states, it's built-in. Now we can't just take it off, right? Deal with it -if you just read between the lines. So basically, flashes like those pop-up ones on dSLRs should not be used. You ask why? Well, first things first, it could give you the red-eye. It might be acceptable especially if your a shining vampire. But if not, drop it. Second. In terms of taking photos of your designs, it is always better to use the rooms natural light form the windows and your light fixtures which leads me to the third. Depth. Photos come out flat with the use of flash for the reason that it directly hits the subject. In some cases, the background come out dark which makes the photo a lot more dull. Fourth, you own the camera and the flash that comes with it, but using it seems like your being controled. So when using the flash, put this in mind: It is the last thing you want to do.

Now in instances where you really, I mean REALLY need to use the flash there is one thing you could do to at least minimize the headache. That's where a diffuser comes in.

What is a diffuser then?
It softens the flash and removes the harshness it gives to your subject.

Where can you find diffusers?
Surprisingly, you can find it at home. It may be a tissue paper, table napkin, or a cut-out of a plastic white (somehow translucent) container.

Place your diffuser over the flash and try to work around it and adjust to you liking. This might not have the same effect from those expensive flashes for dSLRs but hey, at least you did something about it, right?

But that doesn't end the hate I feel towards the flash. Not the superhero!


Keep exploring!

based on Scott Kelby's The Digital Photograpy Book Vol2. (No copyright infringement intended)

Think Green and Focus

This probably is an addition to my last post. 

Yeah :)

GREEN.

A lot of people doubt the color which represents life, nature, and fertility. Maybe because they're so afraid that their space would look like their front yard garden. But fear not! Green, another accent color on a neutral scheme, is actually good.

My grandma's bedroom. [Credits to my awesome aunt, Yogie (:]Headboard: Cushioned. Brown. Wood-stained*.

Never be afraid of experimenting on paints. Neutrals can be fun too -add vibrant colors like green and let the neutral ones flow smoothly into the room. 

Colors used here: beige, white, brown, and green. No pop of reds or oranges needed. It doesn't always have to be accented in terms on paint. And I am talking about the lines. The lines give the room life. So basically, you could substitute accent colors with patterns that has the same colors you'd use.

As you enter a room, a certain color, furniture or any piece should catch your attention. That would be your focal point.

In this case, the bed. Or should I say, the headboard.

FOCAL POINT [The center of interest or activity.]

For living rooms, a focal point could be the fireplace, a huge framed-mirror, or a painting (good conversational piece).

But not always, one achieves the focal point idea. Take my room (previous arrangement) for example.

The photo was taken in a way that it's the person's POV as s/he enters. There are a lot of things going on -you've got the frames, lamp, television, and a quote glued on the wall. 

Now, what particular thing was considered the focal point?

Like what I've said earlier, a focal point can be anything that catches the eye.

What's wrong with the design on the photo above?

There are a lot of stuff going on around as you enter the room. The eyes get confused on where to focus. It could not identify the focal point. In short, there was really no focal point.

Try avoiding this in the setup of a room. You don't wanna strain your eyes with too much color, decor, or pattern. Not unless your trying to achieve the cluttered, distressing theme (:

Remember! The simpler the design, the easy it is to the eyes.

* more on this on future posts (woodstains).

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Have friends over!

A small space is sometimes a burden for a home owner to come up with ideas. The key? Maximize!

Tip: A daybed! :)

Daybeds -a cross between a bed, chaise lounge, and couch. Commonly used for lounging, reclining, seating.

Seen mostly in common rooms, a day bed could help you maximize your space. If you're the most hospitable one in the neighborhood and you've got no extra room to turn it into a guest area well putting a day bed in your office, library, game room or any room you could possibly let your friend stay for the night might help.

Again. Let's maximize!

Drawers under the daybed isn't actually for storage. Move the coffee table aside and pull out the drawer and you've got another bed! Basically, the drawers you see [photo] aren't really drawers. Tricky? Yes! And practical!

But if you wish to have more storage than more sleeping space, well you could substitute the pull-out bed with real drawers.

                        

                         

Some think that when you say daybeds it must be by a window. Yes, that's the idea. But it doesn't ALWAYS have to be there.

You could substitute your bed with a day bed especially if you're in an small apartment. It gives you the feeling of a couch and a bed at the same time. That way, you maximize the space.

COLOR.

Earth tones are in nowadays. With all the "be eco-friendly" thing going on. But that has nothing to do with that -not unless you use eco-friendly paints. But I must say, you should give them a try.

Back to the colors. The greens, browns, and whites come together if you want to achieve the tone. Accent the room with a bit of red, orange or yellow -but not all together. That would hurt your eyes. You wouldn't wanna strain your eyes with too much vibrancy. Put the accent colors maybe on pillows, coffee table runner, scented candles, or the plants.

Remember, a pop of cray wouldn't hurt one bit! Have a great day!

  

Credits to my awesome aunt, Yogie for coming up with awesome interior designs of the Tandag house [photos above].

Please comment below for questions or suggestions :)

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Coffee, Mignon, And More Coffee

Look around your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. Put service, food and/or drink's quality aside, what do you like about the place? Is it the couches? Or maybe the lights? It might be the shelves where they stack their tumblers. The thing is, since it is one of your favorite places to go to, why not grab a part of it (and I don't mean steal their couches, lights, and those shelves) then put it to a place you'd want to go home to.


Coffee shops, restaurants are good places for a room inspiration. But worried your room might look a lot like one than an actual bedroom? Let me tell you one thing, patterns!

Orange. A good popping color for a neutral room.
[New Orleans Cafe, Davao]

Who said black and white can't be fun?
[TGIF, Mall Of Asia]

It doesn't have to be the exact replica of your favorite shop or restaurant. As I have said, only a part of it. It's all about the elements of the shop or restaurant that you have loved every single day you grab a bite off that stake or take a sip on that frappuccino.

You don't have to worry about your room turning into Starbucks or New York's Per Se. Nowadays, coffee shops and restaurants are more than tables and chairs, food and coffee. They all compete not only with quality but of the ambiance. The design sets the mood of customers. It is not only the food that makes them come back for more. So why not apply a part of it to set your mood as you enter your room.

Patterns have this effect on the eyes that draws it more to you. The repeated regular or irregular shapes sets you in a mood without you even knowing. One minute your down then next thing you know you're up. And that is the kind of mood you'd want to have as you enter your room.

Since coffee shops and restaurants are of food and service, this trick also is a huge help in getting inspiration for kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms.

So go to your local coffee shop or grab a bite at your favorite restaurant now and be inspired!

Comment below for questions and/or suggestions. I'd love to hear from the readers.

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