Oz Gallery is a unique home decor store in Makati that is long overdue.
Located in LRI Design Plaza on Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo St) in Bel Air, Makati--(where a lot of other furniture shops are located), Oz Gallery features one-of-a-kind pieces that are refinished or recreated by one of my favorite artistic couples, Sandro and Monica Olondriz.
This very low-key couple first started out doing wall finishes for some of the most beautiful homes in Manila. I say "low-key" because they never advertised themselves, and never even documented the work that they did!
It was only when flipping through my coffee table books, and Monica pointing out some jobs they did, that I realized that they've been at it for a very long time.
unique bar, designed by Sandro
"A chandelier? Someone can make a chandelier for me?" I was disbelieving.
"Hellooo, where do you think I got that--she made that for me!" she replied, pointing up at hers.
old-fashioned chandelier with crystal beading
I lost no time calling her and a couple of months later, I had my own lovely chandelier being installed in my living room.
Then I saw that they also did furniture refinishing, and walls, and all that other creative stuff.
I asked Monica to refinish an antique doctor's glass cabinet that we got from B's lolo's old house in Cabuyao.
They are so creative they can think of design solutions too, like this wall unit in Joanna's apartment.
When Monica told me they were finally setting up shop in LRI, I was so excited for them. Finally, more people can see how talented they are. (And it's right across Alliance Francaise--I could visit her right after French class!)
The nice thing about this couple is that they as easy to work with as they are talented. Sometimes I just look at my old furniture and imagine what magic Monica and Sandro can do with them. I don't really need anything... I just like the idea of doing something creative with them.
Their design sensibilities are similar to mine and we appreciate the appeal of reworked vintage pieces. I tell them my thoughts on how something can be reworked, they will get excited and generate even more ideas. The passion they have for the creative process is apparent in the detailing of each piece.
There is nothing commercial in this store--everything is of artisanal quality--with of course, Sandro and Monica as the artists!
The only downside of the shop is that the pieces are one-of-a-kind. You might drop by and see something you love--only to find out it has already been sold and just waiting to be picked up. So it's a downside if you're the latecomer but obviously an upside if you're the one who got first dibs!
One just has to keep dropping by to see what's new.
They have featured a few one-of-a kind pieces of other talented friends too, like the chandeliers of Sharmila Hiranand. Monica says they will continue to do this.
Maybe when I finally get through my own bodega, I'll be able to rework my pieces and show them off also in Oz Gallery.
The problem with that is when I rework a piece (many times with their help) I want to keep it for myself even if I don't know where to put it.
If only Sandro and Monica documented, from the start, all the projects they did and all the pieces they reworked, they could've published a beautiful coffee table book of their own.
Or why not a blog to document the process with some before and after photos?
Maybe in a couple of years I'll have a post that says, "Here is a coffee table book that is long overdue"--or maybe in a few months, 'Here is a blog that is long overdue."
Much as I enjoy the exclusivity of their pieces and services, talent and passion like this must be shared with a greater audience.
I can say this generously and confidently because I don't have space for anything more in my home.
Monica et moi
Oz Gallery
3rd Level, LRI Design Plaza
Nicanor Garcia Street
Makati
(02)890-1008
Facebook: Oz Gallery
1 comment:
Hi Marivic,
Thank you so much for adding my blog to your blog roll! I'm truly honored and grateful! best, Laurel [laurel home]
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