India inspired decor

India inspired

This New Year, use prints and motifs from the Indian heritage to embellish your home decor, says Shilpa Sachdev

Art and craft from India has enamoured people from all across the globe. India is home to a diverse range of prints and motifs too. Peculiar to the Indian heritage and history, these can be used to add a distinct touch to the home decor. As we enter the New Year, take this opportunity to choose from the rich palette of India inspired designs.

According to Shilpa Gupta of Mozaic, Indian motifs add a luxurious backdrop to any setting. She says, "Be it contemporary or classical, it is almost like a mental association with Royalty - the life and era of the maharajahs, palaces, castles and so on. The pop art versions of the Indian motifs or even Indian themes in items such as cushions and coasters - provide a younger, more trendy and fun touch to any room."

India Circus has launched a range of products that have drawn inspiration from the Indian designs. Designer Krsna Mehta says, "All our designs are inspired by India. Signature elements you will see in my designs are Peacocks and Lotus Flowers. I love using them as part of my designs." They have also launched four new collections namely Neo Nawab, Jalebi, Tamara and Kuheli, each highlighting a different and unique genre of Indian heritage.

Neo-Nawab resurrects India's golden dynasty- the Mughals, to bring to you an enigmatic collection replete with strong Indian motifs. The Jalebi Collection features various icons of the Indian cityscape, from bicycles and rickshaws, to grandiose monuments of bygone dynasties. Tamara references India's extremely rich and diverse visual treasure of flora and foliage. Inspired by nature, the collection offers a bright and contemporary take on the Indian landscape. Kuheli pays homage to various traditional Indian arts and crafts. The designs feature graceful peacocks from the forest, as well mesmerizingly abstract visuals.

Sharing some tips on using these prints and motifs as a part of the home decor, Mehta suggests, "One should take a classic base solid colour for the backdrop and place on them bright and contrasting coloured accessories. For example, take a white couch and place bright cushions on them. If the base is dark, select a contrasting design. The same applies for wall colour and wall art, and similarly for rugs etc."

Indian motifs can be used in art, inlays, sculpture and even on wardrobes. Interestingly, the ethnic textile furnishings of India are immensely popular. The raw earthy feel of traditional Indian designs which predominantly include paisley leaves, flowers and creepers design, geometrical shapes render a soothing artistic effect to the entire interior setting. Designer Mitali Bajaj of Dr Art and Design says, "A blend of fabrics can also be used and then beautified using different tools and motifs, like batik prints, hand block prints, tie and dye, embossing, leheria and so on. Cushion covers or pillow being one of the most common or rather an essential coverlet can play a vital role in developing a specific taste for a given space. Ethnic cushion covers add an earthy appeal to the whole setting. Team them up with hand embroidered sofa covers and bed covers and watch your soft furnishings bloom up your interiors in the most exotic manner. To enhance the overall look and appeal of the house one would need a schematic combination of hard furnishings and soft furnishings. Thus, both of these play an important part in decking up the house."

However, Bajaj also maintains that while selecting and matching up Indian elements one must ensure that the colour co-ordination is such that it looks symmetric and soothing to the eyes. Apart from being pretty, the fabric materials used in furnishings should be soft and easy to use. Furnishings not only include the furniture items but also the lighting accessories. Hence, the placement of lights and light effects should be planned aesthetically.

published in Times Property on Jan 5, 2013

VJ Andy's home

Tranquil space

Minimalist in design, VJ Andy’s home exudes an earthy vibe, says Shilpa Sachdev

An established choreographer, a budding actor and a well known VJ, Andy aka Anand Kumar is a versatile personality. However, Andy has chosen to keep his home, a bachelor’s pad, simple and minimalist. The home is contemporary, comfortable, tranquil and an organised space, which feels welcoming and has a calming effect. Andy has ensured that the home is well decorated with right accents without letting any element over-power the other.

A rich shade of cream is the central colour of the house. The decor of the living room is modern and contemporary but minimalist. A wall has been painted olive green to add a punch of colour. Andy says, “The mood of the home focuses on relaxation and re-energising. Green represents serenity thus inviting calm and peaceful vibes and brings a flow of energy. I always try to avoid clutter and keep my surroundings clean and spacious. Clutter adds a lot of negativity and a feeling of being crowded. I like clean open spaces which are a luxury in Mumbai so I do what I can in my own space to reflect the effect of flowing space and ambience.” 

The comfortable sofa that rests on the olive green wall is grey in colour to strike a contrast. The TV unit is not over-the-top at all; in fact it is just an L-shaped wooden plank, which sits perfectly right. Low-seated in style, the TV unit is accentuated with a serene Buddha idol at one far end. The extended portion of the TV unit also acts as a partition between the living and the dining area. 

The dining area on the other side of the TV unit contains a compact four-seater dining table set. While olive green dominates the living area of the house, the dining area retains the rich cream colour, which also makes it stand apart from the living area. A dainty crystal chandelier is hung over the dining space to give it both light and an aesthetic touch. A chest of drawers sits right opposite to the dining table perfectly exhibiting the knick knacks collected by Andy over time. “The dining space is a very important part of my house; it the place where conversations take place. As for the chandelier, it is both functional and decorative as for me the sense of sight plays a huge part when enjoying food,” Andy explains.

Andy was insistent on a writing table so a study table has been provided in one of the quaint corners of the house. Designed in a heritage style, the study table made of wood is ethnic and minimalist at the same time. Adorned with a vertically standing mirror and a yellow table lamp, the space is non-fussy and makes for a peaceful study corner, ideal for Andy to indulge in some thinking for the shows.

The master bedroom has been done up very tastefully. It may be small in size but it has been well-conceptualised. The colour scheme of the room hovers between cream and brown. As a result, the bed is made up of dark wood with an ethnic print used for the headboard that adds drama to the room. The most interesting part about the bed is that it is lit up from below flushing the room with light when put on. Lights have also been provided in the form of two lamps sitting on both the ends of the headboard, while two black and white paintings sit in the middle, making the décor look even more interesting and different from the usual.

The house has a huge balcony that has been painted deep blue. A bunch of floral beauties and foliage plants occupy the balcony adding a dose of freshness to the décor. Andy shares, “The balcony brings the outside in, and breaks the claustrophobia of the four walls. I've used blue colour on the wall for this particular shade reminds me of the ink blue sky at twilight, and I associate this to magic. The painting is a depiction of Mumbai City, a work of art by artist Ram Indraneel Kamanth.”

Apart from the balcony, Andy has also used plants inside the house by placing them in different corners for visual interest. So an ethnic style stool lies next to the dining area with a small bunch of bamboo standing tall. A bouquet of fresh flowers in the living room and a potted plant next to the dining table are a few more patches of verdant greenery in the house.

While the house is small and simple, it creates moments of visual arrest. Andy has also ensured that it is well-accessorised in the right balance. So there are some contemporary shelves lined up on the wall in the passage leading to the living room and a small fish tank that adds more life to the décor. Plants, figurines and black and white paintings are some ways used to highlight spaces and corners in the house. A picture wall in the passageway gives the home a nice personal touch.

The house is devoid of extensive furniture and not profusely stuffed, which leaves a lot of breathing space. The intelligent use of colour, the ethnic motifs in design, the contemporary style of décor and a tinge of greenery only results in a space that looks peaceful and ethereal. For someone like Andy who has a creative bent of mind, the house he has put together is a cozy den to come back to – a serene retreat indeed. As he rightly concludes, “After my hectic schedule when I enter my home, the wave of serenity perfectly rejuvenates me for the next day at work.”

Concept Furniture

Beyond the usual

Give your home a personality that makes it stand apart, says Shilpa Sachdev

A home offers a wide canvas that can be decorated in a myriad ways. Forget the interior designer and try your own hand at giving your home a new picture. Adding a touch of fusion décor is a good way to start because it enlarges the scope of things you can do. And it need not be something very drastic or big; one can start with small and simple changes or simply keep an eye on interesting innovations hitting the market and include them as a part of the grand design.

The charm of handicrafts is something that never goes out of style. Full of colour and craft, these products add warmth to any home. Vina Mody, the founder-director of Contemporary Art and Crafts says, “It is important that your home looks lived in. Try and buy Indian, buy local products and support local craft. Don't worry too much about what's in style or what's in fashion at the moment as these will keep changing. A home needs to grow organically and needs to be filled with things you love- not things that are in fashion. The difference comes about when you are not scared to mix and match - place an ethnic Indian dhurrie under a modern industrial table or maybe combine some contemporary screen printed cushion covers with a beautiful Ikat bed cover.”

Formally trained in product design, designer Manasi Manjrekar recently launched her store Confluence Elite that houses an eclectic range of furniture designs. In her opinion, concept furniture is a growing trend and an excellent medium to bring home something different and unique. Manjrekar shares, “Furniture is a basic need in the house. The importance of a well-designed space is assuming importance especially today when the buyer is well-travelled and has a particular need. Concept furniture is a borderline art piece, which has a strong story and reason to exist. The attempt is to combine utility with art and offer it at an approachable price but since it is not your usual piece of furniture, there is a price tag attached. For those who are looking out for something different and particular, concept furniture is something to look out for.”

Some of the pieces that stayed with us were the huge open showcase wherein the lower three racks came off to make a stairway to help shorter people reach the full height of the display. The Vajrasan chairs were an absolute ergonomic delight. The Red Indian themed chandelier was a nice change. Made from glass bottles and infused with bright colour feathers, the chandelier can be nicely hung loose to ornament a central place in the house or beautify an odd pillar. The simply enchanting popsicle can be carried wherever one goes. Plant it into the floor and you have made yourself a place to sit just about anywhere. A set of boxes placed one over the other in a corner also caught our attention as an interesting corner piece; you can choose the number of boxes you want to stack up.

The beauty of concept furniture is that it cannot be replicated or mass produced, which makes it very extra-ordinary and special. It is not your regular idea of a table or chair. Every piece has an inspiration that is the unique to the artist behind the piece of work.

Imagine a traditional trunk customised to your choice? If you have loved the timeless appeal of the traditional Indian trunks, there are some chic and functional varieties for the connoisseurs to choose from. Each trunk by the Trunks Company, Jaipur – makers of avant-garde luxury fashion trunks, is a unique blend of aesthetics, legendary charm and contemporary usage. What’s more - they can be customised according to dimensions and leather colours to suit the décor, but keeping in mind the functionality and grandeur of the trunk. Says designer Livio Delesgues, “Apart from their delightful appearance that renders great aesthetic value to an available space, these trunks are extremely functional as well. The Bar Trunk is an epitome of luxury personalized to match the requirements of its connoisseurs. The Safe Trunk cherishes valuables with strong vault and is an ornament in itself. The other bespoke trunks such as the Wardrobe Trunk, Vanity Trunk, Dressing Trunk are an amalgamation of whimsical architecture and design to adorn oneself with exclusive luxury. In fact, the Watch Trunk is a cherished possession for all watch collectors across the country.”

The furniture and accessories for the home are getting quirky, experimental and thought-provoking. A simple change of motif or colour or even a rare piece of accessory can elevate the depth of your home décor. The trick lies in how you do it differently!

Khar Residence

Laced with grandeur

A thoughtful approach to design transforms this house into a ravishing living space, says Shilpa Sachdev

When Amit Walavalkar of Adorn Space Concepts took up designing this single floor apartment in Khar, all he had was an empty canvas in the form of a raw flat. But drawing a fine balance between aesthetics and utility, Walavalkar has managed to create an enchanting residence. Working on the client brief to keep it functional and maintenance free, Walavalkar has adopted a minimal and contemporary approach to the house.

Since the house occupies an entire floor, a grand entrance welcomes the visitors from the lift. The entrance is well accessorized with two wrought iron statues and some plants and paintings to bring in natural elements. The Italian flooring and yellow LED lights add to the grandeur of the place.

As one enters the house, a stunning lobby gives a quick preview of the big picture waiting inside. One wall of the lobby, which is also the common wall of the building stairway, has been punctured to give it a glass panel. From the outside, the glass has been protected with a spiral design grill, which serves two purposes - it allows the natural light to flow in to the lobby and also the design of the grill makes for aesthetic delight. The lobby contains a sleek rectangular shoe rack with a small orange ledge for the visitor to rest. The shoe rack contains lights inside that reflect the spiral design on the grill when put on. Silver vases gathered in a corner make for ideal accent pieces for the lobby, which is further accentuated with a chandelier.

While most of the house has been kept white in colour, fumed veneer in wenge colour dominates the furniture of the house while the flooring remains Italian overall. A streak of orange colour runs throughout the house as a distinct highlighter in some way or the other. Walavalkar has played with a lot of LED lights and also kept the balance of natural light intact.

The large living room has been divided into a living area, and a dining area that directly faces the kitchen. The two are separated with a sleek duco-painted cabinet console, which is accentuated with bright flowers and knick knacks on top along with a mirror frontage. Apart from the contemporary sofa, the living area has been given a fusion slant with the help of two custom-made vintage chairs polished with silver leafing. The ceiling of the living area has a pixel blast design mirror and a chandelier to complete the look. The dining table set has been kept white with an abstract table design that stands apart. The fan here is the most interesting as it functions as both a light as well as a fan. Walavalkar says, “The blades come out when the fan is switched on and they turn inwards when not in use and only the light remains”. The curtains are remote controlled.

A small powder room has been incorporated in the living room and done up tastefully. It contains sensor lights and an onyx wash basin that is backlit. The pixel design continues on the wall of the powder room in the form of a back-painted glass. The black Markina flooring looks splendid.

The kitchen faces the dining area and has been given textured walls on either side to bring in some design change. The pixel design is repeated in the form of orange highlighters on the breakfast table. The appliances are in-built and the entire kitchen is white with duco painted cabinets and a white Corian platform.

Just next to the living room lies the Audio-Visual room and just as it should be, the room has been kept dark to create the ambience. The red and black horizontal striped wallpaper does the needful. An L-curve sofa makes for a comfortable lounging space. The roller blinds cover the glass that is the common wall between the AV room and the entrance. They can be simply pulled up if natural light is needed in the room. A projector screen has been rightfully provided for.

The children room has been also designed very creatively in the colours of white and orange. Bunk beds have been provided with extra pull-outs for storage. A convertible study area has been intelligently incorporated, which can be closed to make space when not in use. The bathroom in the children room had no window so the walls of the bathroom have been made of a blend of clear and frosted glass to maintain the openness as well as the privacy. The barcode style design runs throughout the kids’ room. The cycle print roller blinds cutely blend with the theme of the room. In the bathroom, blues and whites have been used to complement the orange in the main room. The blue pearl granite on the flooring, the blue floral wall tiles and the chequered white tiles with blue grouting have been used in a seamless flow to continue to the grid.

Black, white and silver are the colour tones used in the master bedroom, which has a leather finish bed and designer curtains. A floral motif runs through the design of the master bedroom, repeated on the sheers, cushions and wall paper. The wardrobe design is most interesting as it looks like a well-designed mural from afar. Walavalkar says, “The client did not want a usual wardrobe with handles so we have scooped the MDF at odd lengths to reduce the weight of the shutter and create the required design. The wardrobe has also been given in-built lights that prove helpful in the night.” The duct in the room that lies bang opposite the entry door has been converted into the dressing area with a huge mirror covering the door. The enclosed shower cubicle gets a gray Travertino spread.

The parent’s room has been kept simple and contains a recliner chair in a corner to make for an easy read and a TV unit with a chest of drawers to stock up their essentials. Use of mirror has been made to create an illusion of space where necessary. Use of red Lavante marble adds a dash of colour to the room.

With the maximum burst of orange colour, the guest room is the most jazzed up. The peach wall paper is balanced with textured ivory walls. The brown Pothoro marble in the bathroom is accessorized with stenciled steel design at the borders.

The house has a large floor plate to which the designer has convincingly managed to add interesting elements to create a splendid piece of work.