Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La Blog
Spotlight on Design interviews the energetic, vibrant, fascinating and multi-talented furniture designer, Creative Director of Snug Furniture and author of the popular lifestyle blog “Frou La La”, Maybelline Te.
Tell us a little about yourself, the “Snug Furniture” business venture and your lifestyle blog, “Frou La La”.
Interior Design was my primary career choice. But coming from an entrepreneurial family, it was de rigueur to have a business degree (Bachelors in Business Management, University of the Philippines). After a full time six year stint with the family furniture manufacturing company in Cebu, I went to The Art Institute of Charlotte for my Bachelors in Interior Design and graduated last June.
I love what I do and I’m thankful for everything that I’ve been blessed with. My work is my passion so I’m lucky that my interests and work intertwine harmoniously. I take pleasure in travel, art, museums, books, good food, jewelry, and fashion.
As Creative Director of Snug Furniture, a modern furniture company launching in May 2010 at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, the focus is on starting up and getting prepared for our launch. Living the adage “to whom much is given, much is required”, Snug aims to launch a charity program espousing proper education of less privileged children in the Philippines. After all, a good education is a basic human right. 
Snug Furniture is a collaboration between my business partner and me. We both grew up in the furniture business and met at a furniture showroom. If people had each other at “hello”, we had each other at mortise and tenon joints. We appreciate traditional furniture and remain attached to family heirlooms and antiques, but wanted to introduce some modern styles to refresh the look and reflect today’s eclectic lifestyle. We are working with other designers and also coming up with our own. Starting up in this economy makes us more cautious so we are approaching it grassroots style. With our combined manufacturing and retail experience, we plan to offer medium to high categories to the interior design trade and would be thankful if a few retailers would pick us up.
The Frou La La blog was born about four years ago on a tropical night in the hills of Maria Luisa Estate Park, I was mindlessly turning the pages of a coffee table book to the sound of the cicadas. A ruffled hot pink tulle skirt emerged from the page and all I could utter was, “froulala!” (frou frou + ooh la la = froulala)
It was one of those moments that left an indelible imprint upon my imagination. “Froulala” embodies all the experiences, things and aspirations that have inspired and captivated my heart, soul and creativity. I would like to thank social media maven Leslie Carothers and bespoke stationery designer and domestic goddess extraordinaire Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo for encouraging me to take the plunge into blogging.
Frou La La products
I had been creating, buying things from travels and putting gift packages together to give to friends and business associates every holiday season. A yearly ritual that would start in the fall and sometimes later, much to the chagrin of our workshop. 
By creating personal and themed gift packages that weren’t produced anywhere, I made up for the en masse factor. An effort to lessen my carbon footprint was also taken since I tried to create something out of the scraps from our furniture production. By some twist of fab fate, friends started ordering some of these glitter critters for gifts, wedding and party souvenirs.(Images from left to right: Starlight sand bright -Starfish and sand dollar in gold and silver leaf; Wedding Singer napkin ring/souvenir, Maybelline calls it the “ wedding singer since it has appeared in three wedding receptions (two in Portugal and one in Montreal)”; and La Fleur de Milan, Maybelline describes the design process “the leather flower was salvaged from an old belt that best friend, Debbie Palao, brought me from one of her trips to Milan. I updated it with some horn and smooth/textured gold tinged druzy chalcedony”.)
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| Maybelline Te’s Design Project Open House |
What inspired you to pursue furniture design, as well as your blog?
I attribute family influence, curiosity and a Third World perspective to my drive to create. Growing up, we had a textile store and my grandmother was always making us something with her Singer machine. My parents are both creative. My father experiments with materials and designs furniture aside from being an astute entrepreneur. My mother is adept at needlework and has an innate talent in putting things together. I was always at our furniture factory before I worked there professionally so there was never a dull moment being an all around girl. I used to wish I had more play time like my friends but in hindsight, all those times spent in the factory have been invaluable.
When one possesses a Third World perspective, nothing goes to waste so in the Philippines, people try to find many uses for one material. The coconut is a good example. It has about 20 uses as food and/or product.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Everywhere. People, places, things, memories, experiences and [from] within.
Tell us about a favorite home decorating or remodeling project.
I recently helped my cousin redo her small New York city apartment on the Upper East Side. I just guided her through some paint decisions and bought five pieces of furniture at the Boyles sale here in North Carolina. Since it was her 40th birthday, I sent along a pair of Century chairs from my own stash as a gift. The place was transformed. It was a great change of energy for her and the cat, they’re loving it! Not bad for a quick $1500 makeover.
What’s your personal design style? Has it evolved over time?
I was featured as one of the 10 most stylish women in Mega Magazine (Philippine fashion bible) in September 2003. The writer described my style as “Precision Eclecticism” after seeing my room and wardrobe. I thought that was the best way to simplify my style. I have evolved in that I’ve become more confident in my choices but the imprint is there. There is juxtaposition and deconstruction at play hoping to achieve a look that’s uncontrived and casual luxe.
Many of us have a product we bought for our home-that now makes us think-”what was I thinking” – do you have one?
I’ve already given away what I don’t want. I have become pretty good at editing my things especially not having a home. I used to buy more with the future in mind, but now I try to stay in the present. Whether I am shopping at Target or the St. Ouen Flea Market, I pretty much can hone in on the essential or “it’s-to-die-for-i-must-have-it” purchases.
Describe your dream room.
A dream Library with:
- A bookcase wall for all my beloved books, vintage tomes and a rolling ladder since I’m petite.
- A couple of taxidermied beauties and/or natural curiosities from Deyrolle.
- His and Hers Snug reading chairs that I would like to custom design according to our sizes.
- Henna accent table from Snug Furniture.
- Aluminum Sawhorse Desk from Irwin Feld Design.
- Snug custom tufted sofa in buttery leather
- Lucite trunk from Serge de Troyer.
- Turquoise shagreen bar cabinet from my friend Garrison Rousseau.
- Arc Classical Garden Toile wallpaper.
- A pared down version of Solange Azagury-Partridge’s jeweled chandelier
From left to right, Maybelline’s favorite things: “Rare golden cowrie shells my Uncle Manuel gave me. He asked someone to dive for them while we were boating near Suluan Island; Beautiful diamonds my father surprised me with on my 21st birthday, he picked me up from school out of the blue and took me to our jeweler’s to pick out stones for a necklace, ring and earrings; Calla Lillies, Keel’s simple diary in red, discovered at the Dia:Beacon shop but you can get them at Amazon. Great for keepsakes and gifts;Kudu horns and the like; Tea from Mariage Freres; Yolo Colorhouse Air.06; Monogrammed stationery; and statement footwear like Miu Miu Baroque carved platforms.”
What’s your favorite color or paint swatch?
Favorite color is turquoise, but I’ve been gravitating towards Yolo Colorhouse Air.06 for a year now.
What are your favorite pieces of home décor from your home or elsewhere?
- Opium bed (don’t have a photo of mine but it looks similar to [the one pictured above])
- Scolecite from Poona, India by way of Astro Gallery of Gems in NYC
One day I would like to add these:
- Kyle Bunting hide rug.
- Blue Coral centerpiece from 1st dibs.
- Antique Philippine carved wood doors.
What’s your favorite room at home? Why is it your favorite?
I’m a nomad for the time being. When I am back from Florida for the holidays,I hope to move into a rental home in Hickory, North Carolina. Before I moved here three years ago, I stripped my room off in my father’s house (in Philippine tradition, one doesn’t leave the family coop until marriage but that’s slowly changing now). Gave most away.
The only photo of my favorite room is from a Cebu magazine published in 2003. I designed the platform bed with an upholstered leather headboard and nightstand. Fuss free. Later on, I had the bed refinished in Wenge, installed brushed aluminum cubes as night stands and a bookcase, modern chandelier, an opium bed to replace a rattan chair and ottoman. White walls,wood parquet ceilings and hardwood floors. I was over-stimulated at the factory all day and had a crazy social life. My simple bedroom was a welcome reprieve. It was the perfect place to do yoga and meditation with Tulsi, my guru on Saturdays and Pilates with Michel, thrice a week. A place of restoration and growth.
Who are your favorite designers?
- Bill Sofield, he once said: “Whether it’s lacquer or Lucite,” he says, “my work is grounded in craft and materiality.” I appreciate and can relate to this particular statement as well as his view on taxidermy.
- Clodagh for her versatility,life enhancing designs, and materials.
- Steven Gambrel for his polished restraint.
- Kelly Wearstler for her fearless approach.
What are your favorite blogs or home design/improvement websites?
- All The Best Blog for wonderful profiles on style makers.
- Habitually Chic for fabulous features on interiors, art & films, fashion.
- ABCD Designs for amazing passion for life and you feel her vibrance through the food, decor, and nesting posts in creative graphics.
- Apartment Therapy for great product information, house tours and sales.
- Freshome for eye candy when it comes to international homes and products.
What are your favorite television shows, magazines, and/or books?
I hardly watch TV, does Jeopardy count? enjoy foreign films.
- Magazines: Elle Decor, Vogue, Elle, Wallpaper, I.D., Interior Design, New York Magazine, The Economist
- Books by: Paulo Coehlo, Henry Miller, Shel Silverstein, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Design and business books, biographies of interesting people in art, business & politics, and poetry by Rumi,Hafiz & Rilke
Do you have a decorating, design or remodeling tip you’d like to share with The Decorating Diva.com readers?
I love this quote from Chuck Palahniuk:
“You buy furniture.You tell yourself,this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life.Buy the sofa,then for a couple years you’re satisfied that no matter what goes wrong,at least you’ve got your sofa issue handled.Then the right set of dishes.Then the perfect bed.The drapes.The rug.Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest,and the things you used to own,now they own you.”
My decorating tip has nothing to do with the physical aspect. I’ve been to many beautiful and expensive homes that have no soul. There is a disconnect between the owner and its inhabitants. Whereas, love filled homes emanate great energy even in a mild state of dishevelment. The role of a designer is to enhance the personality and lifestyle of its client but not take over.
Continuously Evolve. Know when to Detach. Be yourself. Have fun.
Resources for Maybelline Te’s Favorite Things & Dream Room Decor:
- Deyrolle
- Snug Furniture
- Irwin Feld Designs
- Serge De Troyer
- Garrison Rousseau
- Outlaw and Outlaw Wallpaper
- Solange Azagury-Partridge
- Kyle Bunting
- Yolo Colorhouse
- 1st Dibs
- Astro Gallery of Gems
Contact Information
Website: Snug Furniture
Twitter: @MaybellineTe and @snugfurniture
Facebook: Become a fan of Snug Furniture
All images copyright of respective owners.
We’d like to thank Maybelline Te for sharing her fascinating and vibrant design inspired life, advice and gorgeous decor finds with The Decorating Diva.com readers.
Read More »Wall Art for Trendy Decorating Divas
While researching wall surface alternatives to wallpaper I found an unbelievably hip and trendy e-store that sells wall graphics called Blick Surface Graphics.
My favorite is the Iron Vines in mint – it has a timeless classical quality yet it’s still very trendy. Love it – now I’ve got to figure out how to work it into my design scheme!
If you’re like me and would like to see the product before purchasing then you can head on down to your local Home Depot – they are an authorized retailer of this product.
Read More »Artaissance – Online Art Buying Made Easy
Shopping for artwork to decorate the walls of your home can be challenging. Clients often express their frustrations to me with regards to the difficulty they have encountered while shopping for artwork – some of the most common questions are:
- How do I know my art style?
- What colors work with my current decor?
- How do I know what size art I need for a specific area?
Once those questions are answered the next question is: ” Where can I buy affordable art – one that’s high quality (& rather unique) but without the pain inducing prices?” Followed by: “I bought the art pieces I love, now I need to get them framed – who do you recommend?”.
In the past, I would recommend visiting art galleries, local artists’ studios, and home decor shops which meant lots of leg work for both my clients and me. Not to mention the inevitable situation that would arise at the end of the artwork “discovery shopping” expedition – the dreaded “I know we’ve seen nearly two dozen pieces but for the life of me they’ve all sort of blended together in my head…”. Taking digital photos has helped in some situations but not all galleries or shops allow photography.
Personally, I enjoy the ease and convenience of shopping online and I recommend it to my clients. I help them buy everything from picture frames to chandeliers with a click of a mouse from the comfort of their homes. The only product I’ve steered my clients away from purchasing online has been artwork for the following two reasons:
- Poor Quality – what you see isn’t always what you get
- Lack of unique and/or inspiring art
Artaissance, an online art gallery, changed my view of buying art online. Last month, I had the pleasure of reviewing their website artaissance.com.
Artaissance.com is a well-designed and easy to navigate website. You can search for artwork by:
- Artist: Artaissance has over 100 talented up and coming and established artists’ works in their gallery.
- Preferred Color: Makes decorating with artwork a breeze.
- Room Setting: Recommended artwork for every room in your home.
- Your Interests: Contemporary, Americana, Global, and more.
- Art Orientation: Horizontal, Vertical or Square.
- Companion Pieces
Artaissance, in essence has created a website that helps guide you every step of the way – think of artaissance.com as your very own personal art shopper.
The Artaissance “My Art Gallery”, is another useful shopping tool. Using your email address, you can sign up for your own art gallery; a portfolio of sorts where you can add your favorite artwork, refer to it at a later date, and even share your art discoveries with friends and family.
Samples of your favorite art work are also available. You can order 5.5 inch X 8.5 inch paper samples (feels like a high quality water color paper) or canvas samples (high quality also) for $6.00. I love the idea of samples (which depicts the true color something you simply cannot get from a printout) since you can add them to your design portfolio and refer to them when your are shopping for other decor, accessories and furnishings.
For this review, I selected and ordered a 16 inch X 22 3/16 inch beautiful print (Shown on left) called “Swirl of Color” by artist Marta Wiley.
Artaissance.com., provides you with the option to have the print delivered to your home or to one of their many art dealer/partners. I chose to have the print shipped to an authorized Artaissance partner: House of Frames in Merritt Island, Florida. I wanted to explore the entire process of shopping, finding the perfect art piece, buying it online and then having it framed.
Within two weeks I received a call from Dionne Casey, the proprietor of House of Frames. My print was ready for pickup.
At the frame shop, Dionne rolled out the print and I was pleasantly surprised. The color pigment was intense, vibrant and rich. Touching the paper I immediately thought of water color paper – it felt expensive. This was no ordinary giclee – this piece looked like a true water color. Dionne, explained to me that Artaissance “captures the look and essence of the original artwork by using a printing process that provides better color accuracy and pigmentation.” For a visual comparison, Dionne showed me a “regular” giclee which when laid next to the Artaissance print looked like an inexpensive print with dull color and lack of depth.
The entire online art buying process via Artaissance was simple, convenient and one that I would definitely recommend. I would also suggest working with your local Artaissance dealer as I did – they provide additional insight and experience. Dionne for example, creates master art plans for her clients. Using a master art plan, her clients are better equipped to purchase the correct style, size, and color mix. She then works closely with her clients to determine where each piece will reside and how it will be lit.
WANT TO WIN THIS PRINT? I decided not to have the print framed to keep for myself. Trust me, I would love to hang this beauty in my library but I’ve decided to give it away to one very lucky reader. Just tell me how and where you would use this print (in the comments section or via email at artaissancePrint@thedecoratingdiva.com). The winner will be picked on November 16th, 2007. THE DETAILS: The print is valued at $150.00 and provided courtesy of Artaissance. Contest limited to USA residents in the contiguous 48 States. Shipping fees will be paid by The Decorating Diva LLC. All taxes on print are responsibility of winner. One entry per household.
Online Resources: Artaissance.com , House of Frames
Read More »Chez Artist – Easy Wall Art
If you’ve ever desired an absolutely fabulous modern style art piece that you could do yourself then your going to be delighted to hear this… Will Maack of Furniture Fashion has uncovered a divine company that will provide you with all the tools you will need to deck your walls with Museum of Modern art flair. Will writes:
From Textile Arts comes the marimekko do it yourself kit. Well it’s actually two kits, one a frame kit with everything except the fabric in case you have your own.The second a fabric kit which has all the framing supplies as well as your choice of fabric. There is several size options, 36 or 54 inch which you will need to specify in the order process. … ( read more about this Furniture Fashion post at “Great Looking Wall Art Made Easy“)
If you prefer to do it all yourself then head over to our Dress My Nest section and read the “Andy Warhol Inspired Betsy Johnson Pop Fashion” post for inspiration and how-to instructions.
History of Modern Art (5th Edition)
Modern Art: Impressionism to Post-Modernism
Technorati Tags: modern art, contemporary design, do-it-yourself
Read More »Hip and Modern Wall Coverings
As one who pretty much hates wallpaper (it’s all related to one horrific episode of suffering through the painstaking removal of wallpaper) I was inexplicably drawn to the wall coverings shown below. Utter the words wallpaper or wall covering adhesive and I bolt for the door because I know full well that what goes up will eventually come down but as I said I am drawn to these amazingly beautiful wall coverings by shop4wallpaper.com. I specially love the “Hip to be Square” wall covering on the left – just gorgeous.
For a 53.5 inch (H) by 144 inch (W) mural the price is less than $400. Custom sizes are
also available – which is great because nothings standard anymore it’s all about custom walls. At less than $400 these wallcoverings are also so much less expensive than hiring a muralist.
Wall Paint Palette – 2006
After reviewing Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin-Williams, Glidden and Ralph Lauren I have picked the top three wall color collections that exemplify my two favorite design inspirations for 2006 :
Sherwin-Williams
- Unmatched glamour and elegance comes home in the Fifth Avenue Collection.
- Cancel your Spa trip, the relaxing and soothing wall colors of the Relaxed Retreat collection are all you need to achieve tranquility and serenity at home
Ralph Lauren Home
- Rue Madame Collection – Unparalled luxury and beauty. This is the wall color palette that the great Coco Chanel would have inspired should she have lent her name and her unmitigated elegance and style to the world of wall paint.
