Over time our decorating style and preferences for color, art and artifacts, tend to evolve. I personally think, we are heading in the right direction as it indicates that we have developed a more mature and refined taste when it comes to decor aesthetics. We have been able to master the art of applying what we have observed, explored and absorbed over the years. For instance, in my initial years of decorating, my style was distinctly ethnic Indian. But with the passage of time and my fair share of travels and all that I’ve been exposed to and experienced, I have migrated to a decorating style that I'd like to coin as the “Eclectic Global-Desi style”. I would describe this style as being largely India inspired with a streak of the modern, retro, vintage, country, contemporary and traditional vibe. But it also involves embracing and tapping into the pool of cultural diversity of different countries. Tell me how does one not fall in love with the Suzanis from Uzbekistan, Ceramics from China and Korea, wood carving from Thailand, baskets from Ghana......I need another life time to list out my wishlist!
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| (This lovely corner features traditional brass South-Indian artifacts, Maasai Tribal Wedding Necklace from Kenya and Rajasthani hand painted wooden figurines.) |
I recently chanced upon Hemal Paliwal’s (a TECD blog reader) Instagram gallery and was instantly drawn to her “Global-Desi” style of decorating. Warm tones, fresh flowers, glimmer of traditional brass Indian artifacts and global treasures come together beautifully to create a warm, relaxed and authentic style in her Nairobi (Kenya) home. Sharing with you, a few corners of her beautiful living room.
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(A pair of Thai Guardian Angle "Thepanom" Kneeling Figurines add the Asian flair to this corner of the living room.)
(Hemal loves switching things up from time to time. Here she skillfully puts together blood red Heliconias in an equally vibrant blue vase. Placed on a Kutch mirror glass work runner, the Chiwara headdress fashioned out of wood by the Bamana people of Mali makes for another beautiful addition to Hemal's global collection. )
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| (Heirloom silk batuas that belonged to Hemal's grandmother find a special place of importance in this pattern filled vignette.) |
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(Brass tribal horses from Orissa look regal against the carved wood panel from Mali) 
(Hemal's painting inspired by S.H.Raza adds the much needed punch to an otherwise neutral bedroom. Intricately printed Kitenge cloth is used as a throw on the bed to pull the shades of blue and reds together.)
(On a different day, the bedroom gets a makeover by moving things around.)
(A masai water color painting by local artist Maral Bolouri paired with Alstroemeria flowers, brass Chinese incenseburner and busts of Shiva and Parvati placed ona wooden chest complete this vignette.)
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Image Credit/ Copyright: Hemal Paliwal
Wow Shruthi,I am a great fan of your blog,Your blog has always fresh ideas
ReplyDeleteYour blog is such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful getaway after a long day for me.