I absolutely loved the composition of this photo by Meher Samoud in Tunisia.
Gold, as a colour , in various forms/applications is redefining contemporary design and decor which has shied after from this particular mettalic. In recent times, the midas touch has found its way into most homes where a touch of gold iridiscence accentuates a luxurious setting. Muted tones of grey serve as the perfect foil for this metal’s inherent magnificence.
1911 is the lounge bar at the Imperial, Janpath. Like the rest of the hotel, it retains an old world charm in the interiors and architecture, coupled with a liberal dose of opulence and luxury. I love how splashes of green serve as a colourful foil to the leather bar stools and the dark mahogany. The stained glass detailing on the bar dome is quite stunning without being too ‘in-your-face’.Understated elegance in everything from the art to the accessories underline the common theme of imperial grandeur that defines the interiors in the hotel. The ochre in the table tops bring in a bit of cheer as well and one tries out their interesting cocktails. The ceiling features are far too ornate for my liking but in keeping with the general colonial style used in the interiors of this hotel. Very imperial and you need to be a burra sahib to afford the rooms—but the bar is a nice place to spend an evening and does not burn a huge hole in the pocket either.
Maspar has a great sale on. Lots of discounts on bedding and bath linen at their stores across Delhi. I love their bright colours and textures. For information on their collections and store locations check out MASPAR
I have to thank Bhavna at Indian Summer for pointing me in this direction–through her post.
I have a very close family ties at Nilambur, so I was delighted to discover this website, I already have a couple of terracota murals from there, but did not know the man or the company that was spearheading such a renewed definition and application of pottery. I will post some pics of the murals I have in terracotta.
Aruvacode is near Nilambur, in the Mallapuram district of Kerala. Jinan set up this project fifteen years ago, partly to rehabilitate the artisan community there and to create products that would find a new defintion in our homes and lives. Kumbham initiated a journey of the self for its creator and brought with it solutions and renewal in a community where the skills were fading into a dying art.
Using eco friendly raw materials terracotta was given a new lease of life and became popular in varied interior uses from tiles to murals, architecture and landscaping .
Products made by Kumbham are available at various stores in Delhi,Chennai,Pune,Bangalore,Mysore,Hyderabad and of courses a few towns in Kerala
Read my article in India Today Home
Copper is one of the oldest metals used by mankind. In one form or another, its use dates back 10000 years. It has a very long life cycle and its malleability has given us the opportunity to use it in different ways. While its biggest use has been in electricity, power transmission and telecommunications given that is a great conductor and ductile, copper has been used effectively in architecture and interiors over the ages, apart from decorative and artistic applications. It is an integral part of sustainable design because it can be recycled. In fact, all the copper around you has probably been used at one time or another in some form!! Less than fifteen percent of the world reserves have been mined and more than two thirds of the metal that has ever been mined is still used in one form or another today. No other metal is perhaps more environment friendly
Although it has been used for solar heating for water, the most eco-friendly use of copper that would change the face of architecture and construction is perhaps its use in solar panels. Photovoltaic cells made of copper could convert sunlight into electricity and power homes across the globe. In the near future, this is likely to become more prevalent as will be the introduction of smart wiring in homes.
Its rust resistant properties and ability to be joined easily allowed for application in pipes for plumbing, while its heat conducting properties led to its use in radiators, refrigerators, air conditioners and even cooking pans. In bronze and brass it found artistic expression. Architects have used copper for roofing sheets, tiles,gutters,downspouts and a multitude of other applications not only because of its longevity ( over a hundred years ) but also for its malleability, resistance to fire and water and its appearance—the patina being its most enduring visual feature. Shingles were used extensively for roofing in many parts of the world, not only for its practical properties, but its aesthetic attributes as well.
In modern textiles it has been used innovatively by weaving it with other yarns and creating fabrics that have a luster and interesting detail. Another modern application is using it for wall claddings, panels and furniture. Interior wall cladding is fast becoming a distinctive feature in contemporary interiors, with architects and interior designers using this metal in interesting and innovative ways. In furniture strips and decorative inlays of this metal are being used as design elements. It is also being used in decorative tiles for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms and panels. Its use in the kitchen has gone far beyond pots and pans and now from the backsplash to the kitchen sink all the way to the hood, copper is becoming a trend .Cooker hoods which were primarily in stainless steel have now made way for their copper brethren, by making a style statement. Copper countertops are attracting a lot of attention in kitchen design as an alternative to corian, marble, granite and stainless steel. Because of its oxidation properties, scratches disappear over time and the colour has its own individuality that is constantly changing. Because of its anti bacterial properties it gets full score on hygiene.
In the world of window treatment hardware, copper has again created a niche in terms of its applications for finials and poles, decorative accessories and tiebacks. Copper leaf is increasingly used in gilding. Gilding itself is making a comeback in the world of interiors and furniture. This beautiful metal is also being used for fountains and waterfalls because of its patinated look. For those that want the copper to retain its original colour and shine, the clear coated option is also available.
Copper as a colour tone has also become a rage; primarily because of the metal mania raging in the world of design– a dash of copper/bronze is a recurring theme in modern palettes. The copper finish and verdigris treatment is finding it way into faux finish walls, lighting fixtures and decorative accessories for the home. Light fixtures are available in copper from extremely contemporary designs to the more traditional variants reminiscent of country cottages. Hammered copper is being used extensively for photo-frames and decorative lamp bases. Copper insets are being used in flooring design as well. It is absolutely everywhere in some form. In all likelihood, the use of metal in interiors will shift from steel and nickel to copper and bronze in the next few years.
An accessory that has become a fashionable trend in recent times is the decorative rain chain in copper, which acquires a patinated finish over time and becomes even more beautiful. It could not perhaps replace downspouts and gutters in areas which have heavy rainfall, but its usage in rainwater harvesting is perhaps not as effective as its appeal for garden enthusiasts. The Japanese combined practical use and inherent beauty to create something that is quite a charming addition to any home. Fireplace screens in copper and bronze are also popular but their use in India is limited.
Because of its excellent properties, this unique metal is an artist’s delight. Coppersmiths use it for interesting light fixtures, furniture and interiors—apart from sculpture and garden accessories which have always been the mainstay of Cu in the arts. In landscape lighting, copper is an ideal choice as a material, because nothing else will give such a range of dimensions and respond so well to climatic conditions over a period of time, in a manner that only serves to accentuate its beauty. Its resistance to corrosion and sunlight couple with a long life cycle are major factors making it suitable for extensive outdoor use. Our increasing ecological awareness and a desire to move towards sustainable design will see copper being used extensively in the architecture and design industry in years to come.
While I was decorating my niece’s room a couple of years ago, I realised that there is a dearth of furniture and furnishings available. Most of the things that were available were too common or boring. Nothing excited me. So I had to create a concept and make it from scratch. Nothing was picked up from any store.
But then I did not know a store like Bumble Bee in Delhi 
Set up by Rani Advani, this retail outlet is on Wodehouse Road in Colaba. They have a delightful range of products for kids rooms.
The products are from the UK chain Kidsline but I think Bumblebee will be introducing other companies as well. I particularly like the fact that they have an entire range of coordinates.
I picked sealife as it was my favourite from the range available.
I am not sure if the entire line of furniture is also available, and that would be really nice. I think right now it is basically customised, but perhaps soon we will see more.It would also be interesting if there were more concepts for walls and windows,rugs, artwork etc and if there were also options for more contemporary lines. I will feature some that I like in another post.
I have always believed that when your work/hobby is fuelled by passion , it is also fulfilling as a career. Should you ever make that choice and turn into into something commercial, its success is driven by enthusiasm. Mandira Talwar and Annette Wong turned such a passion into a commercial venture—Spinach Candles. Started seven years ago, this hobby turned into a successful enterprise and maintains very high quality standards coupled with innovation in design.
The products retail at several upmarket stores in Delhi and Mumbai.
I was sent this link by Maria and I really enjoyed reading this post by James Curry, Executive Editor of Epicurious, who blogs about renovating his kitchen. If you have recently renovated your kitchen, or are planning to, I am sure you will identify with this article. I was recently was asked by a client if their kitchen could be completely re-done in 10 days. Here, we do not have the paperwork issues, but there are other issues. Cooking out of a microwave is not an option and Ranibai refuses to work in a makeshift place !! The design is finalised, and even though we do not have all the appliance options available in other countries, and there is a budget restriction —deciding on a new fridge,chimney,backsplash and flooring is turning out to be a whole project in itself
This is what James has to share —-
So how’s the kitchen renovation going? S-L-O-W-L-Y. Here’s what I’ve had to face over the last few weeks:
Architect/Contractor Negotiations
I love the folks I am working with but they have questions, lots of questions. Not just: How much can you spend? But also: Do you want an island? (Yes, we want one.) Should the island have electrical outlets? A heat source? Wheels? Internet/TV like in the photo from dvice.com (uh, no thanks). Do you realize that moving plumbing and/or electrical outlets will devour your pathetic budget? And finally, are you prepared to cook exclusively with a microwave for a few months?
Asbestos Testing
It’s going to cost $500 (by far the cheapest rate we could get) to find out if demolition will unearth unspeakable chemicals into the air. Another few grand if the walls are asbestos-filled. Our house was built in 1910. My fingers are crossed. My stomach in knots.
Filing Paperwork
The city government will have to approve our plans. So our architect, Susan Sloan, has drawn the most detailed plans I’ve ever seen; she included shelves, lighting, and even nooks (technically “niches” on the plans). The finished design looks nothing like our existing house (a good thing). Soon, we file and wait for a stamp of approval. Or something like that. It is the beginning of many fun waits, I am assured.
Appliance Indecision
I thought I’d know which brands I wanted by now. Yes, we decided to go with a “French door” fridge, a member of the side-by-side family. We especially liked the CleanSteel GE Appliances 25.0 cu. ft. GSL25JFTBS recommended by Consumer Reports. But now we’re wondering if we should take advantage of one of those buy-a-bunch-of-our-appliances deals and select range, fridge, and microwave from the same company. Or is that a sucker ploy
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