Ganapathi Bappa Moriya!

"Ganesh Chaturthi" - excitement, grandeur, customs and traditions surrounding this festival is something I like to absorb completely. The whole idea behind celebrating each Indian festival at my place is to introduce our 8 year old son to his Indian roots and to inculcate an understanding and appreciation of what, how and why of our Indian culture. Apart from that, it is a wonderful time to revisit old memories and recreate the magic. Not to mention the festive spread that you get to enjoy in the company of family and friends. 

However, this year the scene is a bit different at my place. We are in the process of moving to our new home! What that means is we are dealing with packing, brown boxes and chaos. So keeping that in mind, I kept things simple and opted out of the traditional route of celebration. I thought it would be refreshing to have pretty little vignettes with Ganeshas in different materials as the anchors, scattered all through the home to set the mood for the festivities.  

So first up is the Kondapalli Toy Ganesha. Typically used in Dasara Kolus, I decided to bring him out of storage and join in a little early in the celebration. The Kondapalli toys follow a 400 year old tradition and hail from the "Toy Colony" of Kondapalli in Andra Pradesh. Carved out of locally sourced "softwood" known as Tella Poniki, the pieces are hand painted with vegetable dyes and vibrant enamel colors to breathe life into the creation. The most popular of these toys are the Dasavatarams (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu). I've paired my Ganesha with soft peach colored roses gently tucked into a Moroccan tea glass and a traditional brass arti diya for a traditional touch.

Next, we have a Ganesha fashioned out of "Resin". A piece that I've had for more than 20 years. Bought at a local arts and crafts fair in Bangalore, the elaborate detailing on it was something that I fell in love with at the first glance. I had originally placed it as a good luck charm in my car (in India). When we moved to the US, he moved with us too:)

These beautiful "Terracotta" Ganeshas are one of my absolute favorites. Love their cutesy aura. The larger one I picked myself from Pottery Town in Bangalore (again ages ago) and the smaller one was one of the items that I looted from my parents place;) With little terracotta diyas acting as urlis, this vignette is all about earthy tones. 

A contemporary "Glass" Ganesha takes center stage in this vignette. I love the opaque quality of this figurine and especially enjoy looking at it when the evening sun casts a warm glow on it. Looks comfortable in the company of my brass inkpot that's multitasking as my vase for this vignette.  

This traditional vignette has a "Brass" Ganesha as its focal point. As its backdrop, a pretty calendar framed makes for some great art. Strings of lotus seed and rudraksha beads together with red roses housed in my brass mortar completes the look.

And finally, a simple vignette that echoes the various greens of nature. An inlaid stone marble table top forms the base for this vignette with the inlay patterns forming an almost rangoli like effect. The Green Aventurine Natural "Stone" Ganesha looks serene in his natural setting with a brass vintage rice measuring cup serving as a vase for some  fresh cut stems from the garden.    

The warmest of wishes to you and your family on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi ! 

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

Decorating Creatively

The star of my post today is the modest mortar and pestle or the "Sil Batta" (in Hindi). Wait ! I promise you it is going to be a decor related post. But first, let us revisit how the (now disappearing) sil batta was an indispensable tool in the traditional Indian kitchen. It was predominantly used to prepare fresh spice mixes for cooking. I remember my nani using a sil batta to make masalas for curries. She preferred the sil batta to the electric mixer and grinder as the natural oils and the flavor essences that are contained in the herbs or spices were kept intact. She explained to me that by choosing the convenience of an electric grinder, one was not only compromising on the aroma but also the taste as the herbs and spices tend to get over heated with the grinder blades being operated at high speeds. So no surprises there why nani's food is so sought after and cannot be replicated.

A couple of days ago, a brand new mortar and pestle, replaced my old stainless steel mortar. I did not have the heart to throw the old one away and came up with this idea of using it as a vase! Anyone who has been a reader of TECD long enough knows of my infatuation with flowers and finding unconventional containers as vases to house them. I have two different versions to share with you'll - the first one, an antique brass mortar in a traditional ethnic setting and the second, a stainless steel mortar in a more eclectic-modern  setting.

A bunch of red roses packed tightly into the antique brass mortar look stunning ! To complete this vignette, I've paired a Green Aventurine Natural Stone Ganesha statue with a Ravi Varma's " Yashoda & Krishna" oleograph. A couple of bead malas ( like the rudraksha, lotus seeds and the sandal wood), I picked up from a street vendor in Malleshwaram (Bangalore) add textural charm to the vignette.

For this vignette, I have a cluster of deep maroon colored mums tucked into my stainless steel mortar. Then I went ahead and paired it with my favorite Buddha. When you actually think of it, teal and maroon seems like a dubious combination. But I like the looks of it. What say ? 

No matter which style you choose, the bottom line is, be creative and make the things you've got, work for you !

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright. 

Indulge your Senses.........it's the Weekend !!!

It's Friday again !!! The weekend is here to mend the wear and tear of the weekdays, so slow down and exhale. Friday is the one day I have a chance to kick back and put my feet up. Indulging and pampering my five senses on the weekend helps me bounce back and tackle the hectic weekdays. 

Love the Golden hues enveloping my living room from the diffused light cast from the candles and ambient lighting.

And the one place that gives me the luxury to do so is my home. Lighting candles, arranging fresh flowers and playing my favorite Jagjit Singh ghazals on a Friday evening, helps me calm myself down unlike anything else. I then head over to the kitchen and look at my "to try" recipes that I've book marked. If I'm not in the mood to cook, the phone's right there. Conveniently, order for a take out. Once the food arrives, gather everyone in the living room, spread out a beach blanket in the living room and sprawl out. I don't believe in treating my home like a museum. No room is off limits. 

Fresh flowers and the flickering glow of candles can make any place seductively appealing.

As I surrender myself to an indolent evening, I leave you with snapshots from my home and wish you a weekend filled with fun and relaxation. Do drop me a line and let me know what is it that you plan to do, to unwind !!!

Images: Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission. 

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.  

Everyday Beauty

A flower's appeal is in its contradictions — so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect. ~Terri Guillemets

I personally think that the Peonies embody old world sophistication and charm with a dollop of drama and seductiveness unlike any other flower. Their delicate perfume has an intoxicating effect that is indescribable. Seeing them go from a tight ball to a balletic full rounded bloom, they take my breathe away every single time. Yesterday I picked up these beauties from the grocery store. The lovely lady who works in the flower section of the grocery store, happens to know of my love for flowers. When she saw me there yesterday, she told me she had a surprise for me:) And she was right!!!! I've been waiting for these gorgeous flowers a long time...............

As I unloaded the grocery bags, I kept thinking of the vase that would house these beauties and what I would pair them with. I chose to go with the regal combination of pink and gold. One of my favorite Natya Ganesha makes his debut in this post. Hand carved, this beautiful brass statue was a lucky find on a trip to Thanjavur (India). In the evening, I lit a few candles around the home to elevate my mood. The brass picked up the flickering glow of the candles and the peonies in all their ornate glory were pure visual poetry.  

I thought it wouldn't hurt to know a little more about these revered flowers that have their roots in Greek mythology. Legend has it that Peonies were named after Paeon, who was one of Asclepius' (Greek god of healing and medicine) pupils. In an attempt to safeguard Paeon from Asclepius anger, The Greek God Zeus transformed him into an unassuming peony. What ever may be the story behind the first blossom of a peony, but their artistic beauty have inevitably served as a muse to Chinese and European painters and poets alike. Also said to have medicinal properties these beauties are nothing short of being called nature's jewel.

Signing off for today and I hope you find your share of inspiration in the everyday beauty too. Have a wonderful day !!!!

Images:Clicked by me. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.  

The Collected Home (Singhs' Home Tour)

The home of Padmini and Chandra Mohan Singh, with its consciousness for inherited treasures, acquired tastes, assemblage of cherished gifts and stumbled upon finds, it truly is a “Collected Home”. As you cross the threshold and are seized by the couple’s passion for antiques and Indian Art, you come to realize that each object and artifact has a story to tell. I’m thrilled to be able to feature this home, as it holds a special place in my heart. It’s the home I grew up in and every corner evokes fond memories and takes me back in time. Every time I visit my parents, the positive vibes pulsating through the home, promptly puts me at ease. 

As we walk into the foyer, the open floor plan greets you with wide open arms and guides you to an intimate space filled with intricately carved teak wood furniture, treasured artifacts and antiques that coalesce into a thoughtfully curated living room. A lot of the pieces that you see in the home have been resuscitated by the Singhs' creativity and bring authenticity and character to their home. The Singhs' collection is the result of perseverance and patience that spans more than 4 decades in search of extraordinary finds for their home.

The brass floor lamp in the right hand corner is a refurbished surahi (a long necked vessel used to serve liquids). Nostalgic about the lamp Chandra Mohan says, "On one of my many scouting trips, I spotted this beautiful surahi. Forgotten in the corner of a metal salvage yard, this surahi was missing its snout. With the intent to overlook its imperfections and showcase the craftsmanship on it, it was converted into a floor lamp as it stands today." On the opposite side is a copper pot that has yet again been cleverly transformed to light up another corner. A collage of wooden carving, framed art, votive candle holders and masks, makes for one of a kind wall display.

A carved wooden pillar (one among the many from the Chandra Mohan's ancestral home) has been ingeniously used to create a display of the assortment of brass bells and traditional Indian lamps. Lighting it up at night is a copper horn that's been morphed into a nightlight and casts a warm glow and highlights the carved detailing on the pillar.

Tanjore paintings gifted by a dear friend are given their rightful place above a grey schist stone carved Ganesha. Completing the display is an 80 year old urli with fresh flowers from the garden. The Singhs' love for natural elements can be seen all through the home. Chatais (natural grass woven carpets), wooden pillars, stone figurines, potted plants and flowers are considered staples when it comes to creating the Singhs' abode. 

A traditional style diwan with the ensemble of brightly colored cushions is a perfect place for a catnap on a hot summer afternoon. Padmini loves to experiment with different textiles throughout her home. She says, "By changing out the cushion covers and diwan spread, you can play up or play down the mood and have the flexibility to introduce a wide spectrum of colors into the space". Adding textural dialogue to the room is the granite dressed wall forming the backdrop for the diwan.

Chandra Mohan and Padmini took on the role of the architect for this home. Incorporating sublime architectural details like the 300 year old teak wooden pillars and brass inlaid staircase from Chandra Mohan's ancestral home, presented a challenge. But after a couple of brainstorming sessions and trusting their instincts, the end result has  been a seamless layout that is the perfect setting to showcase the couples enviable collections. Padmini says," This home is exactly what I wanted. It's been a slow process over the years but nevertheless it has been a completely satisfying process and I wouldn't want it any other way."

The antique pillars have been incorporated in such a way so as to create an open floor plan but at the same time create a distinct area for the formal living room.

A close up of the staircase, that looks like an art installation in itself.

A cradle converted to serve as a table, displays a carved wooden Nandi and other travel finds from Bali and Thailand.

The Buddha takes center stage in this zen corner, along with travel treasures from Nepal. Remember the Nepal trip I shared with you'll earlier, the unique weapons displayed here are from that very trip. Weapons of male bodhisattva form Mañjuśrī, never fail to ignite a conversation with the Singhs' guests. 

The formal dining table in the home is another piece that’s not a common catalog acquisition but was an effort that took more than a year to get together. The table base was reclaimed and granite was cut to size to form an indestructible tabletop. Escorting the table are Italian chairs that were rescued and upholstered in a custom fabric. It all comes together beautifully with the traditional thali setting that Padmini uses to entertain frequently.

Large french doors lead us from the dining to the beautiful garden that we took a tour of. The house has been designed in such a way so as to get a view of their green oasis from every room in the house.

If you would like to tour their garden, click here.

Besides the garden, the kitchen is the other hardest working space in the house. Padmini loves cooking traditional meals and she's admired for her culinary skills and hospitality. (There's nothing like mom's hand cooked meal - just writing this makes my tummy rumble.) Even though function reigns supreme in this part of the home, Padmini has made an effort to make her countertop displays in the kitchen, every bit as beautiful as the rest of her home. Her design mantra for the kitchen, "We tend to spend extensive amounts of time in our kitchens. Why not give it the same attention as the rest of our home and enjoy the time we spend in there cooking delectable meals for our loved ones". 

Walking upstairs, we come to the landing that has been put to maximum use. With ample natural light washing over the room at all times of the day, this place serves as a reading nook. It's also the place where the Singhs enjoy listening to ghazals and other classical music. At the far end of the room is a display wall that has been created with precious photographs of the family and is a catalyst when it comes to sharing favorite anecdotes with their guests.

Handmade wall hangings bought at a handicraft sale were  customized as  floor cushions. 

The master bedroom is tastefully done up in calming shades of cream with touches of red to add the visual spark. A medley of antique brass pandans (tobacco boxes) make for an interesting display at the foot of the bed.

Grouping of similar items makes for a wonderful, big impact display.

Anchoring the room is a Saharanpur buffet displaying the bone collection of the Singhs from Nepal. Another favorite piece of the Singhs is the rosewood chair, an heirloom piece that's more than a 100 years old and belonged to Chandra Mohan's father. 

Since Padmini believes that it's all in the details, the two other bedrooms are also painstakingly decorated with interesting pops of color and unique accessories that make the rooms a restful place.

Chatais (woven grass rugs) apart from adding  color and texture, have the added benefit of easy maintenance. 

And finally a look at a few other corners of their home before we wind up with this fabulous home tour. As you'll know by now the Singhs have a soft corner for "Ganesha". So I thought a collage of their favorite idol in his various avatars would be welcome.

And finally Padmini and Chandra Mohan Singh sum up the emotion that surrounds their home by saying, "We created this home much like a cocoon. A place that's special, secure and soulful,with the ability to enrich, educate and transform our children into strong individuals before they ventured out from this home. It has succeeded in doing all that and more. And now it serves as a retreat to enjoy our retired life and pursue our passion for gardening and art. As we cherish the memories we created with our children, we also look forward to creating new ones with our grand children in this very home."

And with that we come to the end of this wonderful home tour. I'm sure you'll will be coming back to take in all the details at leisure, as there's so much inspiration to take in.

I'd like to thank the Singhs for their time, energy and patience in making this feature happen for me. I cannot tell you, the number of mails and phone calls that have exchanged between mom (Padmini) and me regarding this post. But I'm glad that this post (my 100th) turned out as I had expected. I truly hope that you'll enjoyed the tour of the Singhs' home, as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you'll. 

Take care and see you'll back here at TECD for global decor inspiration and more!!! 

Images:Clicked by Padmini Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission.

Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.