Better than Pinterest: Interior decorator Thomas Lavin and the Blake House showroom at the Laguna Design Center have merged to become Thomas Lavin at Blake House. The new combined space, open to the public, was launched with a party hosted by Elle Dcor on Sept. 16. Covetable new lines on offer include Bright and Altura furniture, Marian Jamieson lighting and Liberty of London and Anichini fabrics, along with the introduction of Christian Liaigre, Jiun Ho, Fuse, Magni Home, McEwen, Link Outdoor and Tuell & Reynolds, among others. Information: thomaslavin.com.

Social capitalism for a cause: If you like the retail activism method used by brands like TOMS, stop by a group warehouse sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to save up to 80% on clothing and accessories from local brands like Krochet Kids, Vestal, 31 Bits, Almond Surfboards, 31 Bits, Insight and Deus. The cause-conscious labels will converge at Krochet Kids HQ, 1630 Superior Ave., Unit C, Costa Mesa. Information: krochetkids.org.

Develop fashion confidence: Celebrity stylist Rebecca Pennington has opened a new designer resale boutique and styling studio, Violette Studios, at Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., Suite 51A, Huntington Beach. In addition to offering deals on top labels, the venture plans to offer weekly and monthly events to help people of all ages learn to dress for their lifestyle. Stop by the grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday to learn more and enjoy music, food, door prizes and shopping. Information: violettestudios.com.

Study buddies: The Newport Beach Public Library will host a free SAT Practice Test from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at its Central Library Friends Room. Students of any age may participate; results will be emailed within two weeks. Register soon at newportbeachlibrary.org since space is limited. Registration is required. The test will take about four hours; bring a calculator.

Wine and dine: The new Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa signature restaurant Watertable, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., will begin a series of monthly wine dinners at 6 p.m. Sept. 30, when it welcomes Napa Valley's famed Heitz Wine Cellars to pair its bottles with dishes including Yellowtail Hamachi Crudo, Organic Beet Tartar, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Espresso Rubbed Short Rib and Fall Harvest Black Mission Fig Tart. Future dinners will be Oct. 30 and Nov. 12. The dinners will be $95 to $135 per person, plus tax and gratuity. RSVP at (714) 845-4893.

Autumn bounty: Join chef Pascal Olhats and special guests Anne and Dan Manassero from Manassero Farms at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, to learn about growing vegetables and enjoy a cooking demonstration and French countryside feast by the chef. The monthly interactive dinners are limited to 50 guests, and the cost is $50 to $60 per person. Information and reservations: (949) 673-0033.

Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at candicebaker@gmail.com.

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Retail Therapy: A merger by Design

THE Philippine Institute of Interior Design will be joining for the first time a real estate firm in Cebu.

The Cebuano market is a good niche for design and every Filipino deserves a really good space. That is why we create trendy and functional space for all from low end to high end, said Hermie Ray Oplado, president of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID)-Cebu Chapter.

For the first time, PIID is joining a real estate fair in Cebu that will happen on Sept. 19 to 23 on the third floor of Pacific Mall in Mandaue City. Organizers said the Realty Fair 2014 is the biggest real estate festival since it will gather 25 prominent property developers with project sites located south and north of Cebu Province. The participation of 60 members of PIID-Cebu is aimed to make choosing homes much easier since professional designers will educate buyers especially on style, innovation, and functional models.

The Philippines is the first country to formulate laws governing the Interior Design profession and we are truly glad that the Phil. Interior Design Act of 2012 has been amended and enforces stricter rules. The law was born out of the need to safeguard the local profession and protect the rights and talents of Filipino interior designers, Oplado explained.

He said the need to educate Filipinos on the difference between a mere decorator and professional interior designer. The latter must pass the government board examination and must undergo training to address safety measures.

If you have a natural talent for arranging things, you are just a decorator, said PIID Vice President for External Affairs Janet Lee. An interior designer goes beyond decorating. Professional interior designers address safety, materials and space planning, and make use of scientific methods for measurements and color theory for comfortable living.

Under the new law, the interior designer will provide the client a one-year guarantee from the time of the formal turnover to the client. Interior designers follow the standard building code and they get clearances. Decorators, architects, furniture makers, suppliers, etc. cannot call themselves interior designers. And foreign interior designers must get temporary permits and collaborate with a local counterpart.

The Realty Fair 2014 is a combined expo to celebrate lifestyle choices with design ideas to fit any property buyers budget and way of life. EAP

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on September 18, 2014.

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Interior designers group joins Realty Fair 2014

Agrarian Skies - Episode 59: Interior Decorator Quest
Time to knock out that "Interior Decorator" Bragging Rights quest, just #39;cause it #39;s there! Also, we just gotta keep on waiting for the resources to make all ...

By: Bil Kulp

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Agrarian Skies - Episode 59: Interior Decorator Quest - Video

Let #39;s Play - Yogscast Complete #6 - Interior Decorator
In Episode 6 of our Yogscast Complete Lets Play Trent installs window dressings, I make a spell book and Nathan gets us a new generator. We also discuss our roles in the group. Next episode...

By: SentinalhMC

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Let's Play - Yogscast Complete #6 - Interior Decorator - Video

4 year old interior decorator
My 4 year old giving his opinion on each page of the New IKEA catalog. Hilarious!

By: Teresa Cloutier

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4 year old interior decorator - Video

CHARITIES and community groups in Yeovil are being invited to apply for a paint donation from Dulux Decorator Centre, as part of its campaign to help worthy causes in the local area.

Following the launch of its new look store on Bartlett Court, Dulux Decorator Centre is looking to provide a brighter future for lucky local community groups by offering them the chance to receive a colourful transformation.

The initiative is open to any charity or community group that wants to make a difference in their local area, with successful applicants receiving a donation of high-quality paint and accessories from Dulux Decorator Centre.

Available for interior projects across the country, Dulux Decorator Centre Yeovil is encouraging charities, community groups and professional decorators to get involved in the scheme by applying or nominating organisations they feel passionate about.

Andy Vanstone, Store Manager at Dulux Decorator Centre Yeovil, said: There are so many organisations in Yeovil that carry out invaluable work in the local community, and we wanted to support them by brightening up their building with an interior makeover.

Were calling all decorators, charities and community groups to nominate the schemes that make a positive contribution to the people they work with and are therefore deserving of a splash of colour.

For more details on the community initiative and how to apply, visit: https://www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk/community-donation-application.jsp.

A successful community project will be chosen from each of the 12 Dulux Decorator Centre regions across the UK.

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Paint donations available for charities and community groups in Yeovil

Becoming an Interior Decorator - New
Becoming an Interior Decorator - New becoming an interior decorator becoming an interior designer becoming an interior decorator without a degree becoming an...

By: ilcebasa

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Becoming an Interior Decorator - New - Video

Q: I work in the high-tech industry and am considering quitting to start my own interior decorating business. I've always loved playing around with color and fabrics, and my friends think my apartment looks fantastic. My boyfriend, though, doesn't think there is a future in interiors, and it would be too hard to start over. What do you think?

- N.M.A: As a lifetime decorator, designer, and entrepreneur, I certainly encourage you to jump out on your own and express yourself. A lot of people ask me about working in interiors, and of course I think it is a rewarding and exciting field. Thousands of designers and decorators would happily argue with your boyfriend.

But please realize that any business, even one in design or art, isn't just glamour, shopping, picking colors, and playing with fabrics all day, every day. There is a lot of paperwork and logistics to go along with it.

I highly recommend that you start with some classes - before leaving your job. They're often taught by local professionals, and you'll learn about the field and available local resources, which will help you plan ahead for your career change.

If you take only one class, look for one covering the business of interior design. You'll learn about important laws, how to estimate and invoice for your services, how to work with contractors, and how to help protect both yourself and your future clients.

Other helpful classes include marketing and accounting, in addition to basic design, history of interior design and art, color theory, space planning, materials, presentation skills, programming, and drawing.

There may be professional interior design association chapters, such as ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) or IIDA (International Interior Design Association) in your area with student or affiliate memberships. This is a great way to meet others in the field and seek mentors.

Good luck, and keep me posted with your progress.

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Getting started as a decorator

FETED: Laing became the style maven of Manilas perfumed set in the 60s. (PHOTO Courtesy of Lopez Museum and Library Collection)

I first met him when I was about 6 years old, this stern British gentleman who smelled so good, but looked so forbidding when he found my disarray of Barbie dolls, Chinese checkers, Old Maid cards and stack of clothes fashioned into a tent blocking his way.

Many many years later, it would be Ronnie Laings mess that would be in total disarray in my farm house in Batangas, though there were no disapproving looks this time. The narra panels and kamagong planks that used to be part of Laings Sta. Mesa house now form part of my home, a serendipitous twining of fate that bookended my association with this famous decorator.

To Imelda R. Marcos watchers, Laing was a familiar name. The former First Lady loved fresh flowers and Laing happily provided them from his flower shop. Soon enough, he became the most revered society florist of the Marcos era who decorated Imelda Marcos houses, every event at Malacaang, and the presidential yacht.

When Mrs. Marcos bought the Teus Mansion in San Miguel, Manila, she hired Ronnie and antique dealer Viring de Asis to restore and decorate it. The mansion is now one of Malacanangs guesthouses where the Marcos silver collection is on display.

The last time I saw this interior decorator and florist was in 1979 when my aunt Bambi Harper took me to his shop in Mabini. They were both prominent antique dealers and collectors in Manila and Id wait quietly till they were done discussing business. Laing was always polite and quite pleasant but this was the expected decorum for the younger ones who were around him.

Years before, he would order my cousins and me to stop playing jack stones on the wooden floor of my grandparents dining room, and exiled us upstairs. He had arrived earlier than expected to arrange the tables for a dinner party, a parade of uniformed help bearing flowers marching behind him. I must have been 6 years old then, but I still remember how awed I was with this British gentleman in a colorful bow tie and white trousers. With our playthings scattered willy-nilly on the floor, we were clearly a nuisance and were promptly herded out of his way.

I also recall visiting Ronnies Flower Shop, amazed at how nice it smelled. Only lately did I learn that Laing used to burn fragrant oils long before it became fashionable. Another highlight of my childhood was dropping by his shop with the family to check out his Christmas display. The velvet and satin Christmas balls my Mom bought from him were my favorite for years. They looked so regalhand-decorated with gold or silver trim, silk bows, egg-shaped pearl heads, beads and sequin pins. To a young child, they looked like the bejeweled orbs that Ive seen Queen Elizabeth holding in pictures.

REPURPOSED: Hardwood from Laings majestic home now serves as balusters and posts in this Batangas farmhouse. JC VALENCIA

Ronald Ian Laing (pronounced Lane) was born in Manila on June 19, 1915. He was detained with his mother, Mercedes, a Spanish citizen, and brother Eric at the Sto. Tomas Interment Camp during World War II. Listed as a British POW, Laing went to San Francisco after Liberation and was mentored by Eddie Cavagnero, florist to Hollywood stars, who eventually became his long-time partner.

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Channeling Imeldas Favorite Home Stylist

MANILA - A United Nationalist Alliance official said Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV could find a new line of work after 2016, as an interior decorator.

UNA secretary general Toby Tiangco made the comment after Trillanes said the Makati City Hall Building 2, which was constructed for P2.2 billion, is just ordinary and not world-class.

"What the inspection proved is that Sen. Trillanes has a misjudging eye for the quality of the materials used in the buildings construction," he said in a statement.

He added: "Di ko akalain na interior decorator na rin si Sen. Trillanes--at least may trabaho na siya after 2016."

The UNA official said Trillanes' statement after the ocular inspection of the Makati City Hall building 2 "remains a subjective and unsubstantiated pronouncement even after conducting so many hearings on the subject."

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is currently investigating the Makati City Hall building 2 project amid allegations that the structure is overpriced.

Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and several others are facing a plunder complaint for the alleged overpricing of the building.

Meanwhile, the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay shrugged off the statement of Senator Trillanes that there is nothing extraordinary in the Makati office and parking building.

What is important is that the materials used are the same ones reflected in the bill of materials, bidding was conducted, and that the Commission on Audit audited the entire process and rendered a finding that there was no overpricing, said Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla.

Outside these issues, they are subjective, biased statements, said Remulla, who is also Binays spokesperson for political affairs.

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UNA on Trillanes: Interior decorator na rin?