ABOUT VINA
Professionally: I have recently been designated Bureau Chief in Paris, France for the broadcast station Net-25, and am also heading BlueMango TV which is the TV programme and cross-media production affiliate. I’ve covered over 25 major exhibitions in Paris and Europe twice a year since 1990 on press/media related work. I’ve been in media since 1984, in technology with Apple since 1989, and owned a number of companies in the creative industries since 1986.
I’m also a professional in international marketing and sales and have had experience in managing territories in Asia and Europe from as far back as 1980. (Yes, I do look younger than I actually am but that’s because the Fountain of Youth for me exists through stress.) These days, my time gets filled with working on media feeds, a few books I’m writing, sourcing Asian and EU film-makers for documentaries on culture and lifestyle, and organizing the “International Federation of Creative Artists”, Creatif HQ, and the CreativeCube system in Paris with French techies. And last, but not least, advising and giving talks on interior design and the decorative arts since I launched my first business as an interior decorator in 1986 and have always held the passion and love for this kind of work.
Now, on the personal side:
Nicolette (Nikki), my daughter, once chanced upon a diary I kept when I was 17 and told me how she found the experiences I wrote about as a young girl amazing as she could relate to what I went through as she grew older.
The insight into my childhood, my thoughts, feelings and how I felt about family, friends and experiences in general, were important to her as I could never have enough time to tell her everything or explain and share my life with her. We were often kept apart by distance. Inspired by what she told me, I felt the need to move from traditional journals which I’ve kept all my life, to virtual logging, and keep this open for public access. …
Time can only tell if this will last long enough to inspire the next generation after Nicolette as I’ve written with an educational motive and the truth as I know it for some articles, which may come across as a bit strong during a rant session over injustice, ignorance or misunderstanding 
but I’m always checked by kind and caring intentions – so it’s kept to a minimum. The writing is also a reflection of how I personally view certain styles, certain creative talents, design, product releases and just about anything that I encounter in my life these days. It’s, of course, categorized to reflect what I deal with on a daily basis and the varied occupations and work that keep me busy.
The collection of articles I’ve put together will serve a number of purpose as well. Primarily, it will actually help me remember what I want to share with everyone as I am constantly under information-overload.
… I believe we will never have enough time, nor will we be able to learn enough in our lifetime, and, as I’ve always propagated – we are all perpetual students of life.
“Knowledge increases and Learning never ends.”
I should add … the years have taught me the value of humility as well.
[IM BOOT, Creativity and Innovation, Germany - Interview]
Hello Vina!
wher have you been all those last years?
Alexis
alexis von croy
15 June 2008 at 10:56 am
My goodness, Alexis, hahhaa! What a lovely surprise to hear from you! I’ve been, as usual, between different places in Asia and Europe … will possibly head for Berlin soon.
I saw the picture of your beautiful baby! But maybe not a baby anymore, no?
Okay, my dear friend, what’s your latest recommendation for a good semi-professional compact digital camera. I need to replace my Nikon CoolPix, the one you recommended all those year! Hahahhaa!
Keep in touch, I miss our email exchanges
–vina
vinavc
17 June 2008 at 7:58 am
Dear Vina, I found your blog as I was searching the net for high quality furniture. I’m currently building a house with my husband which we expect to finish within the next 4 months. I have no experience what so ever when it comes to furniture. I’m totally lost, there are many options on the market but without experience I can’t make an informative dicision. I feel that the best thing to do is to decide on one brand and furnish almost the whole house by them. I would appreciate it if you can provide me with the best and easiest way to furnish my house. I mean can I go to the manufacture’s factury (when I decide on one) and get all my house furnished by them? Will this provide me with cheaper rates.
Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
P.S.: I usually like modern furniture like hulsta and Poliform and Im looking for high quality durable furniture that will last with me for a long time.
Anwar A
13 July 2008 at 1:17 pm
Bonjour and hello … if you’re into high quality durable furniture, not to mention beautiful furniture … I tend to be partial to Henry Becq and his Modénature (see: http://www.modenature.com). BUT … in doing up a home, you’re really need to work with a projection of what “character” or “theme” you’d like to convey. That’s really an extraction of your own personality and how you’d like to portray that with your “surrounding” to “visitors” or those invited to your “inner sanctuary”.
Cheaper rates from known names in the furnishing side can come from several source. Work with a good interior designer – where are you located? – and let them know if you’re working on a budget, they can help … otherwise, let me know and I’ll be your consultant.
But yes, of course, if you want Poliform in every room and place a large order, depending on which country you’re in, you could get a discount from the supplier. If you go to a manufacturer, they’d only discount if they don’t have a representative in the country you’re in.
vinavc
13 July 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hi Vina, thank you for your prompt reply.
I’m serious!!! He’s been telling me for a year and a half that he’ll show me the final results on a 3D software, I haven’t seen anything until now!!!!! There is no use in fighting with him now, it will just delay us more. Especially that I can’t even dare ask my husband to look for anther interior designer at this point!!! For my husband it’s either I work with him or nothing!!! Coz he really doesn’t care, he just want the house finished asap. So I am trying to finalize all remainig details with him (such as lighting system) and at he same time I am trying to search for a furniture on my own.
I am living in Kuwait and I am working with an architect/interior designer from the begining of the project. I wanted to build the house the right way. I mean I had a vision for my house and I searched for the architect that can help me make it come true and work with me on the last smallest detail. I wanted a modern, smart, warm, simple, and practical house. I wanted harmony between all rooms and areas in my house. I knew I couldn’t do it all by myself especially when I have zero experience in this area. The problem is that he is driving me crazy!!! A task that can be finished in a couple of days takes months with him
I was planning to go to the Milan exhibition last April to search for a manufacturer that will satisfy my needs but my son got sick and I had to cancel.
Therefore, I am getting really anxious/worried now that the house might be completed and we can’t move in because we have no furniture!!! I want to make things easier for myself so I’m searching for a furniture manufacturer that has the complete solution for my house (living rooms, bedrooms, youth bedrooms, dining tables, wall units, etc). Such as Hulsta which I like very very much, everything they are is really beautiful, but they do have a dealer in Kuwait. I’m afraid if I approach them, they would refer me back to the dealer. The problem is that high quality furniture is ridiculously over-priced here in Kuwait compared to other markets. This is due to the limited options available and there are many rich people in Kuwait who are willing to pay these prices. Some people actually travel overseas to buy furniture (especially to the USA but I don’t really like American furniture) to get better rates.
Is there other companies that have the complete solution like Hulsta? I have been seaching but with no luck. As an interior designer yourself, can you help me with this?
I apologize for writing such a long email.
Thank you very much and Best Wishes.
P.S.: I checked Henry Becq’s collection, it nice but not I’m looking for!
Anwar A
15 July 2008 at 1:07 pm
Hello again …
An architect and an interior designer are two professionals you should normally consider when you “build” and “decorate” a new house. Whereas an architect is generally employed for the “structuring” of space and this can include internal and external space, an interior designer is exactly that, a designer of interiors. You should normally work with two, not one who does the two jobs unless he or she is well equipped with a commendable team.
Gosh, I wish you had written me a year earlier because if you’re to have your home fitted within the next four months, that will really drive you nuts unless you’re working with reliable suppliers. Usually, if you place an order for furniture or kitchen/bathroom fixtures and fittings, you’ll need about 3 months from the order-taking, order processing, and shipping procedure to delivery if you’re not in the same region as the manufacturer of the brand. Three months is normal but usually you need to allot 4-6 months because once you receive everything, you’ll have to have installation sorted and then go chasing for maybe “missing parts”.
A home cannot be usually completed within a 3-4 months period. I have had some clients previously who would still be at their interiors a year after because of “details” and additional special pieces, like installation of wifi for them to access internet in every room in the house. Although, I must say, you should have at least your living room, dining, kitchen and bathroom ready. These are rooms normally open to public or visitors so if you have pressure from your hubby, try to at least ensure those areas are ready. You can take time with the bedrooms and private bathrooms.
On the furniture, I will not recommend you to have a single brand – like Hulsta, even if they’re fine to use – for every space in your home. Finding the right look and brand for your home and interior space is like choosing clothes for your wardrobe. You should not have a full wardrobe of just say, Chanel, even though it can be a favourite and may have a look for every mood and occasion. It’s like dressing your home from head to feet in one label and you’ll eventually regret doing this when you have guests who visit and can notice the interiors. It will smack of lack of imagination and creativity, and you don’t want that advertised. Some guests will go as far as complimenting you if an interior is great and they’ll say, “Love your Kitchen …” then try to look at the brand … then they’ll pay attention to the details of the other rooms, so the more brands that are impressive to showcase, the better actually – so long as they’re complimentary and aesthetically pleasing.
What I would suggest is this – break down your rooms into the following:
– Living Room or the receiving area (this is the impact you want to create so you have to consider a good impression and usually you can go with very strong impressive brands, either the Italian or French)
– Bathrooms (this is public access area too although you will also have personal bathrooms adjoining bedrooms, and on this, again, you need a strong brand)
– Kitchen (must be from a brand that specializes in the kitchen components)
– Dining area (usually connected to the kitchen line, but can also be shared with the Living Room brand as they tend to create a “total look”)
– Bedrooms (you can choose either Hülsta or Poliform here).
So possibly working with 4-5 brands, and what you do is bring your floor plan, the measurements of the areas where you’d like the furniture or fixtures placed, and you go shopping.
If you cannot speak French or Italian, best destination is London to do your shopping. Pinpoint the brands you want, then locate their country dealer and showroom and talk to the representatives about your needs. They’re all trained to prepare the pieces to specification so they can also advise you and can act as a supplementary consultant for you.
As to ordering and bypassing the local dealer or agent in your country, you can also go through a friend/contact in London and then the London dealer can say the order was from a UK client who is buying for a Middle Eastern project, and the selection isn’t available in the Middle East. That might work.
Let me know if you need more help!
PS: Henry Becq’s collection fits a particular taste and mood which again, should be reflective of something you want to project. If it’s not what you’re looking for then you definitely know the taste and mood you have and you should find a brand that “speaks” to you so you will “love it” enough to want it with you almost a good part if not all your life.
vinavc
16 July 2008 at 3:06 pm
Hi dear,
Thank you for your prompt reply, I wish my architect/interior designer had the same response time to my queries!
I chose him because he has a degree in architecture from a French university and another in an interior design academy in Italy. He’s really good in his fields but his problem is that he’s toooo busy, accepting and working on many projects at the same time. Anyways, I’m trying to be positive and getting the most out of him whenever possible.
When I said that the house will be completed in around 4 months time, I meant that it will be ready for actual furniture pieces (sofas, beds, tables, etc) to be moved in. We have ordered the kitchen (Poggen Pohl), Bathrooms (forgot the name, Italian), lighting system (Targetti), floors (crema marble from Spain and wood), doors and windows are made locally.
At this point, electricity, bathrooms and the marble have been installed. We have almost received everything else which will all be installed in as per the required order. Work is moving very fast now, Every day there is an addition to the house. We were blessed to have a honest hard working contractor, thank god!
I was thinking to go with hulsta for all furniture pieces except the sofas, which I would love to get them from Rolf Benz (which I think is also a hulsta company). I chose both of them for many reasons: high quality, my style, functional but at the same time very beautiful and they utilize every space in the house in a very smart way. I was searching for another company just in case they refer me back to the local dealer (the local dealer prices exceed my budget).
I guess I wasn’t clear enough when I wrote to you before. As you can see I already have a different brands in my house.
I agree with you when you said that choosing furniture is like choosing clothes. However, when it comes to shopping for clothes, I’ve been shopping all my life, I know my style and I know many brands that I like, I know where to go and I can find almost all international brands here for the same international prices. However, I never went furniture shopping!!!!And there are very limited options here in Kuwait. By the way, most dealers they only have one piece to show and evrything else you have to order it just by looking at the cataloge!!
I really appreciate the time you have taken in replying to my request. I will try you advice when contacting Huslta. I will let you know how it goes.
If you are ever in Kuwait, plase don’t hesitate to email me, I would love to have you over in my house
Thank you very much.
Love,
Anwar A
16 July 2008 at 7:28 pm
Well hello there again!
Oh well then … there’s always a first time for furniture shoping … like clothes shopping. You get to learn more when you review magazines or research, but I agree, it’s not enough to have just one piece of furniture representing an entire brand or to just go through a catalogue.
If you can travel out of Kuwait, try to locate the areas where the furniture stores are and just browse through them. It’s always best to see and feel the actual pieces.
Sounds exciting though! Do hope and wish your home turns out super and comfortable for you so it’s your “sanctuary” …
Love back!
vinavc
19 July 2008 at 7:41 am
How are you now?
I haven’t retired yet as i told you years ago, I will and return to Pinas.
E-mail me.
Copper Sturgeon
5 September 2008 at 12:29 am
Hello Copper! I’ll try to reach you by email – good to know you’ll return to the Philippines. It’s always wonderful to visit and yes, even stay when you’re retired.
Happy New Year too! I’ve been so overloaded with work between Paris, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
vinavc
5 January 2009 at 5:16 pm
hello miss Vina
i was searching the net for some of the extraordinary last names that my friends have, and i remembered back in grade school nicolette’s last name was veroncruz so i ended up in this website haha..how is she doing na? i think the last time i talked to her was when we were in grade 5? haha we lost touch after grade school because i transferred to ateneo na and i didn’t know where she studied..i would really like to hear from her again, she could reach me in my given eadd thats with a double C and double L haha..this is Roccello Fajardo, nicolette’s grade school friend from St.John’s
Roccello
3 January 2009 at 7:15 pm
Nicolette has both Friendster and Facebook accounts. You can try to reach her there. I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear from you, Roccello.
vinavc
5 January 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hello,
I’d appreciate if you can give me some feedback on our site: http://www.regencyshop.com and our item hanging Eames.
I realize that you are home decor-modern design connoisseur
I’d like to hear your opinion/feedback on our products. Also, it’d be swell if you can place our link on your
blog.
Thank you,
Sean
Sean
5 January 2009 at 2:18 pm
Thank you for writing in, I’ll check your site.
vinavc
6 January 2009 at 11:30 am
The fountain of youth through stress . . . now that is marvelous!
N.P. Thompson
5 September 2009 at 4:27 pm
It seems to work for me
vina
19 September 2009 at 11:53 pm
I like the blog, but could not find how to subscribe to receive the updates by email. Can you please let me know?
Valeria Keet
17 March 2010 at 7:06 pm