CABINET COVERED IN ABACA
There is something supremely elegant about Chinese chests and armoires. Especially when they come in ebony shades. For this project, I wanted to evoke the beauty of traditional Oriental pieces, but viewed from the lens of modern Western practicality.
Where East and West meet has long been a fascination for designers everywhere, and while authenticity is always the best way to go, the rigors of modern life mean that while we might love something’s style, we may not necessarily have the space.
The idea for this project came from when I was wandering around MC Home Depot and found some really lovely cabinet pulls from Costa del Sul, click here for a link to their Facebook page.
There’s also a great selection online from a company called Chinese Brass Hardware (click here for a link to the site) but I cannot recommend them as I have never ordered from them and am always reluctant to order online from companies I have never worked for in the past. Its a good place to seek inspiration, then order a Cash on Delivery basis of something similar on Shoppee or Lazada.
HOW WE DID THIS
It’s so easy, I am embarrassed to even type about it.
But here it is, my Monday morning spent typing this article.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Step 1
I bought the cabinet pulls. Seems silly even having to write this down, but here we are.
Step 2
We wrapped the wallpaper in Simor Abaca wallpaper and asked their installer to execute, although this works just as well with painted cabinets and drawers.
For good Filipina muralists I recommend Tara Soriano, click here for her Instagram account. I am not sure if Tara paints on furniture but its not too hard to imagine she could when she paints walls beautifully. Clients include Starbucks and Kassa by Karen Santos. I have not worked with Tara but my friends who have, have said she is the consummate professional.
Another muralist whose work I really love Mercedes Olondriz’s work. Click here for Mercedes’ Instagram account. While I have not worked with Mercedes either, clients include the very tastefully fun Poblacion bar Polilya and Engkanto Brewery.
I also covered the interior of the cabinets in abaca. These cabinets once housed my bags and accessories. I figure neither bags nor abaca like moisture so it was a happy marriage between the two fussy elements.
Step 3
Install the cabinet pulls, any carpenter can do this.
Disclaimer: Always speak to an engineer to ensure you are meeting health and safety standards.