The Artsy Post!

Someone once said "Because Art is never an extravagance." 

Now whoever said that was probably rich and was just trying to justify his profuse spending at that time. But let us give this guy some benefit of doubt and think that maybe what he was trying to put across was that art is not just for the higher circles, maybe he wanted to tell us that normal people like you and me can understand, appreciate and collect art too. You just need to have the hunger for beauty, for that something extra beyond what is visible through the naked eye.

GoodHomes magazine took a great step last month by hosting a week long celebration of Art in Mumbai with a motive to bring it out to the public in order to break the barriers of classes that we generally associate with art. Not only this, they have gone a step further and dedicated their December issue to art and this time instead of 1 there are 3 different cover pages to it, each designed & hand painted by 3 great artists - Aarohi Singh, Nilofer Suleman and Viveek Sharma who have done a fabulous job to commemorate the movement.

The magazine were kind enough to email me these exclusive cover pages for you all to see, so here, take a peek...

The hand painted look of the covers gives you another perspective, it reminds me of the pages in fairy tale books that we use to read as kids. I'm sure it means something different to each one of us.  Everyone likes to imagine, it allows us to see and be in a place that's not real or is a better expression of something that is real. Same is with art, the extraordinary expression of the ordinary draws you towards it. 

So a crazy coincidence happened with me or call it the law of attraction. Ever since I have got back from my holiday in Prague this October (fyi - the place is a hub of Art & Design), the bug had bitten me too and I've been reading and looking up stuff on artists, forms etc. This is something very new for me and at every step I go "whoaa...I don't know anything about this stuff" and then I learn a little more every day. And while I was at it, this email popped in my inbox from GoodHome Magazine asking me to write about their December issue, which is all about ART! As they say it, 'Like attracts Like'.

And for those of you inspired by all this talk about art, GoodHomes is holding a contest based on DIY entries which could earn you some great goodies. So get your creativity flowing and check out the details here.  Also, grab a copy of this exclusive December Art issue to get that extra dose of inspiration. 

Do share your thoughts via the comments box below because as you know it, I always love to hear from you. Cya soon!

Birdie love

There are days when I keep looking and nothing strikes me enough that is worth sharing with you all and then there are days like this when something so gorgeous walks right up to me via my inbox!

Image source

Yes its this birdie wallpaper! So pretty that it makes me wanna put it all over my house, ok! maybe not all over but don't you think it's a must have? As great as it looks in this powder room, I think it could go very well in a kids room too. Not that it is kiddie or something, because it would pretty much make any room call out to you, but it being a neutral design could fit well for kids any age ie. from lil ones to teenagers. Also, if you have a home decorated in a mix of styles it could even look good in a passage or a hallway or even on the facing wall of the foyer. I guess I am just penning my thoughts as they flow, but my point is that these lil birdies would look great chirping away in any part of your house, you just got to use you imagination and as they say it...make it POP!

Also, for those of you wanting to know the source of the wallpaper - fschumacher

Spacey...

U know those times when you see some place and it looks a little unreal, it makes you wonder what it must feel like to live in a place like that? That's how I felt when I lay my eyes on these pristine babies, check them out...

Images: T.B.H.Co

The decorating trick here seems to be that single focal point in each room. This focal point could be a pop of color or the shape or size of an accessory, but it has to shout out to you when you enter the room. 

Now go back up and notice the black chandelier(very boho!) - Room1, the over sized mirror - Room2, the tan leather chair - Room3, the larger than life map in a frame - Room4 and the unmissable barn door - Room5. Each one of these items add that 'wow' factor to the rooms while the heavenly white backdrops create the perception of space. 

# Lesson: Going subtle and single shaded (pastels if not white) in those tight areas in the house will help add the space effect and in order to liven it up, go fetch a showstopper. 

Melbourne...U beauty!

What if someone told you 'It's your time to visit Melbourne NOW!'? What's your first reaction?

Well for someone who digs beauty, art & design in all its forms it's only natural to get over the top excited and want to jump off her third floor balcony forgetting the fact that she is missing wings. Yea..so I hope someone is there to stop me from the madness if the above mentioned statement pops in my inbox a month from now. 

A few years ago my cousins were staying in Melbourne and my Massi (Mom's sister) must have invited us over a million times. But owing to several things that were going on in our lives like school holidays would clash with Papa's work at times and something or the other would keep coming up at other occasions, so we never got to go. And then they moved!

That was then and now things are different. I have full control over my life (well almost!) and say I get a chance to visit the place, what is it that I would do you ask? Picture this...

Take 1

It's a beautiful spring morning, my husband(B) and I are sipping delicious coffee at a cozy cafe. We finish with our yummy parfait and sandwiches and head straight to the Johnston Collection (museum) - belonging to Late William Robert Johnston, an antique dealer and collector. As our day is dedicated to museums and architecture this had to be an obvious choice for me to start. Housing a collection of 16th to 19th century decorative items, this place is remarkable and notably an inspiration for futuristic designs. While taking in every bit of the display breath by breath and daydreaming about  how i'd re-dress the place if given a chance one day (which by the way was a tradition started by Johnston himself), I try not to catch up with B who is already on the other end of the room. 

The Johnston Collection

The next stop is the National Sports museum where B and I seem to have interchanged our enthusiasm & pace. We follow this up with visits to Old Melbourne Gaol, Old treasury building, Melbourne museum, St. Patrick's & St. Paul's Cathedrals, Flemington Heritage centre and some click-click with frequent stops at some cafes & restaurants on the Brunswick Street. 

Take 2

We are at the federation square and a street artist accompanied by a couple of more people meet us here.  What are we in for? Today we check out the Melbourne Street Art scene.

As we move from alleys to arcades in the city, our guide who is a local street artist explains the relevance of art forms drawn on the streets. This avant-garde art is an expression of various artists and not frivolous graffiti. Be it an opinion on a political issue or an environmental issue, it's all there. At the end of 2 hours we reach The Blender Studio. It is a massive structure where we watch artists at work. We chat up some of them while sipping good wine and this great journey comes to an end. 

My mind feels like a white wall which has been sprayed on with thoughts of different artists as I leave the studio, I know I'll apply them somewhere someday.  

Blender Studio Wall 

It's late in the evening, I have my party shoes on and we are ready to hit a hip club in the city. Time to experience the night life at Melbourne.

Take 3

Its the day I had dreamt of many a times while doing the daily round of my favorite blogs. 

9 am, seated in a comfy spot at a studio, Abigail Ahern is about to begin her Master Class at Melbourne. I am ecstatic and can hardly contain myself. As I listen to the inspiring ideas that she shares I am even more intrigued than the first time I read her blog. The way she talks about the use of colors and objects , it makes me feel like I'm in a different world and never had I imagined things in this way. She finally spares a few minutes to have a quick word with me personally, I tell her how I love reading her blog everyday and try to ask as many questions possible. 

I think of the nights ahead which I'll spend dreaming about this day. 

Abigail Ahern

Take 4

The day is about to break out, B & I can hardly feel our heads with excitement. Its our first hot air balloon flight ever and we cant wait for it to take off. My heart is pounding as my phobia of heights takes over but I also know B will somehow make it go away as always. We can now see the Yarra valley and the vineyards beneath us as we sip champagne. This is going to be one of the most memorable breakfasts of our lives. 

Hot Air Balloon ride over Yarra valley

Wow! I'd like to believe I painted a pretty picture here from pieces of my imagination without actually ever visiting the place. What about y'all? Do write in to tell me about your experiences and for those of you wondering what got me so crazed out about this...goto www.visitmelbourne.com/in 

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Prints

You'll never know if you like prints more than plains till you try them out! - Personal experience

At home I had always thought of myself as more of a 'plains in cute colors' kind of person rather than a 'heavy duty prints' person whereas in personal style I gradually learnt to be more adventurous. But thanks to my Mom who continues to showering me with bed & table linen in bright prints even after my repeated requests to stop, I was forced to use them out of love for her. And as I continue to do so I realize how much more one can experiment with them. 

You know its pretty easy to mix and match plain colors but doing the same with patterns is as challenging. But once you start rattling your brain on what goes with what, you wouldn't wanna stop. And the end result my friends...very fulfilling! 

Some ground rules that work for me so far:

• Let one of the prints be bold & stand out, the rest can be comparatively smaller and maybe in a more subtle shade (remember! the idea is to go easy on the eyes and make a statement) 
• You don't always need patterns of the same family, contrasts can work too eg. flowery & ikat or abstract, damask & stripes etc.
• If you are using printed accessories like cushions on a plain couch or a bed spread, it never hurts to play with patterns & colors of different families
• Always go with your heart first, opinions come after and changes are ongoing.

P.S. - These rules are born out of my personal opinion, which off course is influenced by what I observe & read about in the beautiful world of Interiors. 

I'd love to get your thoughts on this and try out new things going forward, so do write in please. 

Image: isuwannee

Oh My Mid-Century Credenza!

I say "Credenza" and you think I'm babbling Italian. Well hello! I was only talking about sideboards...Brag much? I think so! - I recently learnt that a sideboard is also called a credenza, don't you just love the sound of it? Wait till you hear the Italians say it.

So moving on from my obsession with the word, I think I'v got the most fabulous looking Mid-Century style credenzas lined up for you. Go ahead and take a peek!

Now you know what I'm talking about? Doesn't it take you back in time to the 60s? 

The idea is to have a piece of furniture that doesn't blend with the rest, which looks out of place yet adds that fun element to your space. So I think quirky is the way to go with these lovely mid century styled pieces and this is how...

In case you want color but not too knocked out of proportion than the rest of the set up then how about these...

While I try to get one of these custom made for myself (I know ill never get a ready made one to my exact liking) why don't you ponder over the kind you'd like for yourself and share with me via the comment box below.

Till I see you again...Salve!

All Images: Houzz

Glam Jam

Sometimes all you need is a nudge to get back on track...

a track which you choose for yourself at some point, a track which you think you were actually meant to amble on, a track which lets you escape your worries and takes you with it on a beautiful journey, a track from which you are very likely to stray again owing to the 'apparently more important stuff'....yea well, I guess I am back for now! 

So I have GLAMOUR on my mind as of this moment and this is what I dug up...

I am loving everything about this 'at home work place'! The cool white furniture, the yellow and teal sit ons beautifully complimenting each other and last but the most important glamorous golds -  the Oh! so gorgeous golden leafy piece on the back wall and pretty gold lamps.

A perfect foyer decor with the fresh blues and surprisingly the wallpaper doesn't look bad either. Don't mind my cynical tone here but I'm not a big fan of damask designed wallpapers. So in my opinion if one must use it remember not to keep carved furniture in the same room. 

The gold frame adding all the charm here!

This room has a very earthen look and the golden framed pictures add a glamorous English old world 

charm to it.

(Yes! you've guessed it right that there's got to be a bit of gold for it to be glamorous)

Adding a tasteful chandelier to a room is another instant formula for glamorizing it, just like it does for this otherwise rustic decor. 

So that's a wrap and I got to go to bed now and will be back tomorrow, till then Ciao!

P.S. - Your comments in the box below always make me happy so do write in.

All Images: Pinterest

In Vogue!!

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."  - Coco Chanel

According to the recent Vogue 'Tribal' seems to be the buzz word. And I say when something is buzzing on the runways then it ought to trickle down to our abodes too. So I dug up some Tribal flavor to create some displays for the purpose of today's post ie. A humble effort to bring the latest fashion trends to your homes. 

African Tribal Prints

Dress up the couch or a couple of chairs in colorful tribal printed upholstery to bring that zing to your home. And if you belong to the lesser experimental lot then just go with accessorizing, look how the printed accessories bring character to this room. Also I am in love this classic coffee table, isn't it gorgeous?  

Ikat Prints

Ikat designs are very popular and have been around in the design world  for a long time now.  Designer Vera Wang  designed the Ikat dinnerware shown above for Wedgwood back in 2005

Reptile Skin

Reptile skin is in and how! Be it these Hermes bracelets or this Picabo chair by Hancock&Moore, helps you add that oomph factor to the whole look.

This style surely spells luxury!

Jungle Prints

 Jungle/ leopard prints were present everywhere, loud and clear, the whole last season. But it's easy to produce a garish display by using too much of this print, so I suggest using just a hint to give that suave and sophisticated look to your home. 

Tangerine and gold - what a great combination!

Fringe

I personally love fringed bags and find them very chic but when it comes to using fringe at home, I think they probably belong only on throws (Beige Ralph Lauren throw in the above picture). Gone are the days when we used them on cushions and drapes. 

Although, an old picture of Tory Burch's study with a fringed table cover suggests another great use, seems real elegant to me!

Do let me know what you think about these trends via the comment box below. Ciao!

All images (from the start in order): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

The New Girl way...

My latest obsession is this new TV series 'New Girl'. It's very funny and I'm totally in love with all the 5 characters, specially Zooey Deschanel who plays the main lead 'Jess'. Also,  Zooey's look on the show is adorable, it's full of polka dots and stripes (which I love madly). But at the same time I'm not as colorful as her, although believe me I try! Here are some of my favorite looks from the show so far...

I am such a big fan of stripes that one day if they decide to make stripes the biggest fashion faux pas, I would be the one committing it! 

Love the bows and the red shoes!

Is this cute or what?

Images: wwzdw

The Farm...

While planning for the new year's weekend getaway last year, my friend suggested a hotel called 'The Farm' in Jaipur. I decided to check out the website, but due to some reason could not view any pictures on it. Somehow the little information on the home page and the sound of the unusual name intrigued us enough and we decided to book it. But as luck would have it, the place was sold out!

4 months later I got a chance to take a virtual tour of it and what I 'saw' was worth sharing with you :) 

Decorated in an eclectic style, this place seems to be a fusion of conventional and contemporary designs

Where a beautifully carved & traditionally designed table makes a statement at the centre, a yellow hammock hangs easy on the other end  

A mix of old and new... isn't that how all homes are generally? 

Now this one's quirky!

If you notice closely each room is done up in a different style and tone from the rest, making it an interesting experience for visitors.
P.S. - Try it at home!
It not only looks great but also saves you the occasional boredom (which the likes of me experience often). It would also give you the freedom to change the look of a single room without worrying about disturbing the tone of the whole house.

With a lot of inspiration around here for decor ideas, I can bet this place would get the creative juices flowing in my brain and thus would make a very motivating blogging spot. The hospitality on the other hand can only be spoken about once put to test (which I will pretty soon).

Hope this was as much an eye candy for you as it was for me! Do share your thoughts via the comment box below. See ya soon!
Images: The Farm