pearly shells.

now that the styledecision has been made and my landlady's furniture has been removed, the fun part begins --- SHOPPING for home decor!

since i've always known myself to be an impulsive buyer, i had to maintain a clear mindset about implementing the beach cottage style. i kept the following things in mind:

1. stick to the theme -- if it doesn't fit the beach cottage look, do NOT buy it.
2. keep your budget in mind -- you will also have to pay for the bills by month-end!
3. less is more -- this is, by far, the hardest thing to remember.

a quick win for achieving my chosen look is to display shells all around the place. it's surprising how easily it gave my living area a laid-back feeling...

"ten more minutes (until J gets home)"

"the afterhours"

in photos above : big seashells from kultura (php100 each), sand (php30) and glass cylindrical vase (php350) from mall of asia department store

coupled with slow blues music, dim lights, and the evening sky, i'd say my first attempt at inviting the sea into my urban apartment was a damned good quick win.