Enjoying fine furniture in a coffeeshop
Original article was published in Manila Bulletin by Johannes L. Chua last December 6, 2006.
Furniture shops have always reflected the personal taste of the owner. A certain dining set, for example, that is prominently highlighted in the showroom makes a statement to let visitors (and potential customers) know the kind of furniture available. Oftentimes, just a peek into the glass wall or the door already gives the visitor a preview of the exciting furniture options inside. Or just one peek can also tell a visitor not to enter and waste his time on furniture pieces that are clearly not in his taste.
On the other hand, there are furniture shops that have evolved in a certain way to attract not only homeowners but a variety of people who may not even have thoughts of selecting furniture on their minds. The Room Upstairs, which opened last week, is a place like that. It is a furniture store-cum-coffeeshop located at N. Garcia St. in Makati City. The place is a perfect example of how a furniture store can feel “homey” with the presence of a coffeeshop. Thus, passersby are invited not only to have a cup of coffee but to sit down, relax and appreciate the fine furniture around.
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife tandem Ari and Pinky Peralta, The Room Upstairs merges the interests of the couple. “The concept of the shop provides both of us a way of expressing our passion,” said Ari, a certified gourmet, who is involved in the coffeeshop aspect of the store. He is responsible for coming up with fresh ideas for the menu.
Pinky, on the other hand, is a noted interior and furniture designer. Among her extensive collection on display are divans and daybeds, tables and high backed chairs, head boards, lamps and vases, leather and reptilian upholstered seats, and framed standing mirrors.
She uses the term “vintage chic” to describe the furniture displayed, which can also characterize the interiors of the shop.
“Vintage chic is a very flexible theme since it covers the classics as well as the contemporary,” said Pinky, who has been an interior designer for more than a decade, building and designing homes, boutiques, public spaces, showrooms, and offices for the country’s leading developers.
With this kind of product line, The Room Upstairs features furniture items that are “timeless and have details that make a statement.”
Among the products featured prominently in the showroom includes the “Buttoned Bed.”
“This bed is graceful and understated at the same time, while the velveteen headboard is made classic by the Victorian curves and antiqued bronze buttons. But this piece is updated with the simple wengue-finished frame and is available in brown, black and deep pink,” described Pinky.
The “Turkish Armoire” meanwhile is ideal to hide bedding stuff, said Pinky. Made from 100 percent mahogany in matte ebony finish, its carved square patterns create a dramatic statement and pays homage to Turkish detailing.
Also highlighting the vintage chic statement is the “Round Center Table” which is made of dark oakwood. The clean lines of this center table is ideal for a modern setting. While a three-piece table in solid mahogany, finished in distressed metallic patina, is perfect for any corner of the house. Its tapered legs make this set a stand out.
Pinky is also proud to have one-of-a-kind mirrors that adorn the walls of The Room Upstairs.
“The scale and interplaying shapes give the mirror an appeal that is both rich and glitzy. Our pieces are hand-carved and brushed in gold lacquer to give the wall a certain style,” said Pinky, who also owns and manages Creative Post Inc., a company she founded in 1993.
Pinky now heads a growing team of designers, project managers, architects, and has completed more than a hundred projects.
“Aside from my designs, we invite co-designers to contribute their works to The Room Upstairs as long as they are rare like a colleague’s collection of hand-made wall clocks and commissioned art works like abstract paintings and installation art,” said Pinky. “What we offer here are exquisite finds and one-of-a-kind pieces. Some are things that I love and endorse, including items that I got during my travels abroad,” added Pinky.
As for the moment, The Room Upstairs has been getting a crowd of people who are seeking a balance of good food and good sense of style.
“Our vision for The Room Upstairs is to become a home boutique where you can literally feel each furniture piece while sipping your favorite coffee. It’s like being in the comfort of your own home,” said Ari.
The intimate setting of the showroom can only seat a maximum of only 25 people. Just recently, the store hosted a group of string musicians and the guests’ response were very favorable.
“We are still in the process of creating our staple menu but we will definitely have specials. We also offer red and white wine,” shared Ari. Among the available items include panini (hot sandwiches), appetizers, soup & salad, pasta, dessert, hot & cold coffee and tea.
The Room Upstairs is located at the 2nd floor of LRI Building, Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo), Makati City. More information is at www.theroomupstairs.com.ph.
