A Taste for the Exotic (Home Tour)

From the initial glimpses of this home, one is acquainted with the unrivaled aesthetics of its home owners. The owners’ tastes encompass a love for travel, art, textiles and global culture. By the inclusion of treasured décor pieces, judiciously curated art and handpicked furniture, it is evident that the home has a decisive personal identity! Welcome to the stunning Gurgaon home of advertising professional, Sandeep R Inamke. Having lived in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune and traveled the world over, Sandeep’s access to many of the country’s finest arts and crafts, has resulted in quite the "collection"! Having recently moved from Nairobi to India, Sandeep’s family has lived in their current home for a short duration of only 6 months. Within this short span of time, Sandeep and his family have worked their magic wand to create a home that's rich in cultural references, textural contrasts and boasts of cultivated taste for all that is aesthetic and exotic! 

A peek down Sandeep’s foyer reveals a bevy of beautifully curated art and artifacts that pull this narrow yet hard working space together. Taking center stage is an antique Vishnu painting depicting the Vishwarupa Avatar (i.e. Krishna reveals himself as the "Supreme Being" and finally displays his Vishwarupa to Arjuna in the battle of Kurukshetra). Together with a few ceramic pieces, a Buddha bust and a grain container from Congo (the one resembling a crocodile), this space is big on global-desi style. A colorful durrie from Jaipur enlivens the neutrality aspect of this space. A set of vintage Kavadis procured from Sanskriti Lifestyle in Pune, is painted a deep emerald (by Sandeep himself) to add a touch of color and tie in the space together.

Surveying the well-appointed living room, you immediately realize global cultural references in every frame of this space. Art portraying innocent subjects by Uganda painter and sculptor, David Kigozi, brings in oodles of depth and personality to this space. Textiles and beautifully curated pieces on the coffee table further introduce one to Sandeep’s design ideology and his passion for all things vintage and handmade. The one thing that Sandeep did not compromise on, while designing this space is comfort. 

Over to Sandeep as he describes his design style, "From a design perspective am not much into fusion or contemporizing classic designs. Hence maybe a bit of a purist. Having said that, I am not against fusion as long as it is tastefully done with due respect and being sensitive to the original. My approach to interiors being to seamlessly fuse artifacts from different regions/countries together to create something unique. Whether its traditional brass lamps from Maharashtra sitting comfortably with Brass lamps from Kerala, or African masks/artifacts co-existing harmoniously with Indian artifacts. I think the common thread there is all these are traditional hand made artifacts. The real stuff, mostly old pieces hand picked with an eye for details. The outcome is always magical!

Interestingly when I lived in Africa , my African friends used to find my house very Indian and my Indian friends would find my house very Afro. I also love to juxtapose the modern with the traditional as well as different materials. Above all I think I would describe my design sense as Maximalism under control."

I’ve decided to bestow the title of a “Treasure Hunter” upon Sandeep. I mean seriously, look at all the treasures he’s managed to garner over time. Each piece unique and each piece grouped so beautifully, so as to harmoniously cohabit and not contest for attention. It truly is amazing how he's managed to create an individualistic style that is a perfect marriage of traditional and modern.

Talking about the influences on his decor style, Sandeep shares, "The love for things beautiful and authentic was instilled into me by my aunt Sonali Pingale, owner of the décor store Sanskrtiti Lifetsyle (I've featured her extraordinary home right here. So no surprises there as the aesthetic gene runs in the family). Having grown up shopping with her, she has had a huge influence on my personal decor style. Other influences being, browsing through endless pages of Elle Décor and AD (US editions) and various books on ethnic and contemporary interiors. And yes, lately Pinterest and Instagram." On a side note, anyone who knows Sandeep well, will agree that this decor enthusiast thrives on Instagram:)

A wide angle shot of the living room. There are so many tricks that one can learn from this living space. Layering and visual perception are definitely the most significant. The formal vibes of the tufted grey couch (sourced from Wooden Desirez) is diminished by draping it with Indigo textiles from Bangkok and causally tossing throw pillows to soften the look. More textile love can be seen where a console is draped in a royal blue cultural Ghanian fabric called kente. Next, the rug-on-rug trick is very creatively used here. A bold patterned durrie is layered atop a wider wheat colored sisal rug to balance proportions. Pattern is brought in naturally by means of textiles and printed accent chairs from Home Center. Coming to visual perception, effort is made to constantly engage the eye through compositions that keep the eye moving.

Absolutely love the ingenious use of a wine rack from Nairobi used to display Sandeep's collection of Hindu brass figurines. A smattering of fresh blooms and potted green liven up this lovely corner.

If you want to adopt a style that's similar to Sandeep's, here's his list of decor mantras :

• "More is more ( minimalism is not me). 
• Buy authentic and handmade pieces. 
• Constantly experiment. A house should always be a work in progress. 
• Juxtapose to create something unique yet seamless.
• Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication."

Bringing in an unexpected element to this space is the zebra hide rug. Now before you'll jump to any conclusion, neither Sandeep nor I, support unethical sourcing of such products. This particular rug came with a certificate claiming no animal was killed for skin! With that being said, I love how it facilitates to transition from the living to the dining and keeps the predominant Indo-African theme intact. (For those of you who spotted the weapons hanging on the far end of the wall - the top one is a spear head from Congo and the lower one being a complete Masia spear).

              

That fantastic South Indian style lady statue is an antique, originally found in old temples of Karnataka. Sandeep spotted this at Sanskriti Lifestyle and lost his heart to this unique find. The Tanjore paintings too were sourced from Sanskriti Lifestyle. Sandeep tells me that these pieces were put up for sale, as the homes that they originally belonged to were being pulled down to accommodate modern day structures. I say, if not for people like Sandeep who love all things vintage and believe in the adage "old is gold", these treasures would be long forgotten......

The Moroccan lamp was a lucky find from Dubai. Sandeep says that it was a nightmare flying with this fragile piece as hand baggage!

Believe me when I say this rustic looking statue of a man riding a horse is made of terracotta!! This almost wood like statue was sourced by Sandeep from Congo.

I just had to know what it was about African decor that drew Sandeep in like a bee, to which he answers discerningly, "At one level it’s extremely contemporary. African art is very bold and raw as against the intricate work found in India. (Here I am not including North African art which is influenced by Asian and Islamic forces). African art is masculine which juxtaposes beautifully with intricate pieces from India / Asia, which are delicate and feminine ( I suspect this observation may kick up a conversation / controversy among my fellow decor enthusiasts:) As for African textiles, whether it’s the Kitenge from East Africa, Kente from Ghana or the mud cloth from Mali, they are all exotic and unique. What's not to love!"

Daggers of Yemen origin were bought from a collector in Dar es Salaam. Sandeep tells me that because of the turmoil that Yemen has had to face, artifacts like these are a rare find  nowadays. To preserve them better, Sandeep decided to have them framed in shadow boxes. A pair of copper busts from Benin together with a rustic bouquet of dried flowers and reed completes this corner that's done up in earthy tones.

Ignoring decor norms in terms of what is fashionable and acceptable, Sandeep has furnished the dining space based on only what complements his family's lifestyle. Dining table from Furniture Republic in New Delhi is mixed with a combination of mid-century modern and transitional style chairs to make an interesting yet comfortable combo. Yet again Sandeep masterfully pairs a contemporary rooster painting by David Kigozi with a traditional Indian Pichwai painting from Sanskriti Lifestyle to add color and life to the walls.

This gorgeous day bed was found in a shop (Odds and Ends) in Nairobi and is now part of the entertainment room. Cushions dressed in Kitenge fabric from Tanzania, bring the folksy touch to this space. Sandeep decided to go with a beaded tribal wall hanging from Nigeria to deck the space above the day bed. The painting resting on the floor is an old and rare litho-print of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's court sourced from an amazing store dealing in old furniture and artifacts market in Oshiwara (Mumbai). Right above the litho is a Zulu shield that Sandeep picked up from the Rosebank craft market in Johannesburg.

This lovely room belongs to Sandeep's ten year old son. Having grown up in Africa, it is no surprise that he is a huge soccer fan. A soccer statue from Gabon is hung on the wall to showcase his passion for the sport. A colonial style day bed sourced from Sanskriti Lifestyle, works great in this space. A combination of weathered finish photo frames, filled with special memories+art and black and white tribal art panels from Rwanda, makes for an interesting gallery wall. The console at the foot of the bed, is made to look interesting by draping it with reed fabric from Congo and displaying smaller animal marks sourced from a flea market in Johannesburg.

A closer look at a few more interesting corners and one of a kind artifacts (Clockwise from top left) : Porcupine quills from a flea market in Nairobi is neatly tucked into a brass pot; Pan Daan was picked up from Sanskriti Lifestyle; Buddha and Nag Statue from Thailand and the tranquil looking Krishna painting was commissioned art from a Kenya Artist, Ikenya.   

And more pretty corners (Clockwise from top left) :Sandeep is as passionate about at as he is about decor. The Kali painting was infact done by Sandeep himself!!!; The brass pot on the coffee table is an old heirloom piece; Krishna art by Uganda artist - David Kigozi). 

Here's what Sandeep had to share about his passion to collect art, "Am restless when I see blank walls. However art is about knowing where to stop. I believe it’s our prime duty to develop a sense of aesthetic and love for the arts among the next generation. Our children should grow up respecting and appreciating our rich and unique culture."

With that we conclude this phenomenal home tour! Would you believe me if I told you that this home tour was in the making for over a year! Yes, that's how long it's taken for this to happen. (It would be amiss if I did not thank Shalaka Pingale for introducing me to Sandeep. Thank you Shalaka, this feature would not have been possible if it wasn't for you!)

As for Sandeep, he is one of the most wonderful and patient soul's I've met in recent times!!! I've bombarded him with questions and requests and every single time he has been so gracious and understanding in answering all of them. I wish him and his wonderful family the very best!!!

I know how my readers love a good home tour, so I'm pretty sure you would have devoured this one! 
Until we meet again, happy decorating lovely people:)

(Image Credit/Copyright : Sandeep R Inamke. The images may NOT be used for commercial or non-commercial purposes without the prior written permission of Sandeep Inamke and TECD.)

Living with what you Love (Home Tour)

Tucked away from the cacophonous buzz of metropolitan Bengaluru, the eclectically charming home of Kanthi Prasad is truly a manifestation of the expression "a home should be soulful, seductive and serene". The more than 20 year old, three bedroom apartment is infused with nostalgic heirlooms, covetable travel treasures and one-of-a-kind art and other unique bits and bobs steeped in interesting stories. Though the overall palette is defined by calming neutrals, the place is brightened up with pops of color through textiles, paint and fascinating décor accessories. 

The entryway to the home is a reflection of what's in store for you. The console you see in the entryway has undergone a transformation at the hands of Kanthi's skillful eye for design and detail. The original piece, an antique teak-wood chest of drawers with a mirror was converted into the console and a diwan that sits pretty in the living room. A lot of Kanthi's pieces are repurposed from the family's ancestral home in Mysuru. Kanthi shares, "Our ancestral house in Mysuru had so much character, with wonderful artifacts, curios and furnishings filled with history. There was a part of me that wanted to carry that legacy and hence the repurposing was adopted." 

That readers for you is the lovely Kanthi Prasad! As you can tell by now, she loves everything relating to home, decor and design. A retired kindergarten teacher by profession, she fondly reminisces about her time that she used to enjoy crafting and art sessions with the school kids. Decorating and home-organization have always been a hobby of hers. Though not trained in the design field, she is a natural when it comes to identifying, grouping and styling, be it for the home or herself.

Here is the diwan that I was talking about! Shades of rust, rev up this space beautifully and provide a visual contrast to the canary yellow on the walls. The Buddha wall decor and Buddha hand mudra were picked up by Kanthi while on a trip to Singapore with her family. 

As we make our way to the living room, we are welcomed into a warm, elegant and relaxed space that is brimming with strategic play of tactile layers, color, patterns and functionality. Throwing more light on her decorating style, Kanthi says, "I don’t think a lot about fitting my style into a particular genre of decorating. When I see a piece, I just know if I like it or not. If I can envision it having a space/a home and it is within my means, I will embrace it. I typically like ethnic Indian with a balance of modern elements. Repurposing rustic artifacts and items is something I love to do and you will see plenty of that around my home."

There is so much to take in.....I'm instantly drawn to the coffee table that is filled with lovely silverware that shimmers in the soft flickering light thrown from the lit candles. Before she relocated from Delhi, she made sure she picked up an assortment of these pieces as mementos from the many silver shops in Greater Kailash.

Another example of repurposing old items is the wooden bowl (also from the family's ancestral home in Mysuru). Originally used in it's hay days to mix the rice dish, "pulliogre", it now serves as a unique plant stand!’

I bet your heart skipped a beat ! Mine did too! The eye catching display of brass with intricately carved wooden pieces is a nod to the home owner's south Indian roots. The assortment of brass collectibles you see has been collected over a period of over 40 years! "I collect them slowly (but they suddenly reduce in number when my daughters make a visit- they love taking away my goodies." (I can relate to that as that's exactly what I do when I visit my parents;)

Decorating was never a challenge for the design savy Kanthi, "I honestly don't see this process as a challenge at all. It is what I thrive on. It has always been an organic process for me, keeping in mind practicality and affordability. I used a lot of my stuff that I had in Delhi, and over the years have collected and added to the decor, through my travels. I can't do anything in haste or under pressure. I take my time and believe it is an ever-evolving process."

It's wonderful to see the ambiance that one can create when you mix finds from different eras and places. 

Kanthi shows me one of her favorite pieces, the kajal holder. (I'm also eyeing that silver kangan and that very lovely Ikat silk saree that she carries so effortlessly! 

The niche is anchored by a set of wooden pillars that Kanthi got custom made. The niche is painted the same color as the opposite wall to tie it all together. Taking the center stage is the heirloom Tanjore painting(again salvaged from their ancestral home) that Kanthi got restored by a curator from Delhi National Museum.

A closer look at the other details adorning this beautiful niche !

The french doors from the living room lead to the balcony. Once the doors are thrown open, the living space is extended and it feels like one large space with a green view. This is Kanthi's favorite spot to read or just enjoy the evening breeze.

Talking about influences on her design and style, Kanthi says, " I am not sure how I developed my style initially. I love to read décor magazine and my daughters and I bounce off ideas and influence one another. I do remember when my husband and I just started a family in Delhi, I would collect money from selling newspaper to the Kabaadiwaala and actually use that towards something for the house. So I think I always paid attention to the character of the home, and gave that importance. I studied home-science in school, so my organization skills and house-keeping probably comes from there. Travelling the world and living in 7 cities has given me the exposure and helped hone my taste. "

The dining room is just off the living. A Kerala wall mural by B. Murali immediately catches the eye with its flaming colors. Family photographs and other travel knick-knacks have an inimitable way of adding nostalgic warmth to this space. 

Tucked to a corner, this antique writing desk from Delhi makes for the perfect spot to catch up on mails and pay the bills. Adorning the wall above the desk is a collage of masks and puppets that have been collected over the course of Kanthi's travels to the Middle East and South East Asia.

Just off the lounging area is another balcony that has been touched by Kanthi's magic wand! As you can see, the outdoors spaces too reflects the same amount of thoughtfulness that has gone into creating the indoor space. This is where Kanthi unwinds everyday with her cup of coffee. Potted plants, terracotta bells and Bastar art elevate the style quotient of this space.

This lovely plant pot that you see here is another heirloom piece. It was originally used to feed fodder to the cattle! 

Quoting Kanthi on what a HOME means to her, "Home is my safe haven. It is a reflection of myself. And when it is well organised and pretty, it gives me utmost satisfaction." Kanthi we can truly see the love that has gone into the making of this home ! 

This is Kanthi's daughter, Shalini's room. Remember Shalini Prasad ? I know you do. We have featured her home and her work here on TECD! I am so glad she introduced me to her mom and I had the opportunity to connect with her on this visit to Bengaluru. Done up in a black, white and red theme this room is serene in every way. All the art in the room is done by Shalini!

Every corner is just so well put together! 

This is what Shalini had to say about her mom's style of decorating, "For my sister, Yamini and me, Amma has, is and will always be the embodiment of style, strength and grace. We can’t be more proud of her. From the way she carries herself to the way she keeps her environment, every aspect has a touch of class, character and taste. We have learnt, immolated and developed our own sensibilities and styles from her. I personally may have studied design, and architecture, but I am always struck by how intrinsically and instinctual her understanding of the balance of space, line, texture and object is! What one has to go to school for, comes just so effortlessly to her. She takes it for granted and I have to keep reminding her that she has an innate talent! We have grown up in order and beauty, and we have only Amma to thank for it. She always says that there should be a place for everything in the house (or else get rid of it)-- an organized home is an organized mind-- and I swear by that principle. The biggest lesson I learnt from her about creativity in home decor is finding beauty within your budget; to look beyond the tried and tested; and remind yourself that it is ever evolving. She is crafty, handy, practical with good taste and a keen eye— and those are a great combination of tools to have when styling the home."

Here is what Kanthi had to share on her favorite decor stores, "My daughters (whom I am proud to say have lovely homes themselves) have a good eye for things. Through them I got to see and got to love West Elm, World Market, Crate and Barrel to name a few. But more than the brand name stores, the three of us are fans of visiting old towns, flea markets, antique and vintage stores in the US and the hole-in- the-wall shops in the little alleys of Bengaluru and Delhi. I believe that

if you have an eye, you can spot beauty anywhere. I just enjoy browsing around these eclectic unnamed shops and like to be surprised by the things I can find. "

Love the mini gallery wall Kanthi has created in this bedroom. "I fancied the idea of mounting this brass ‘Trishool’ and spear like spoon, on the wall, instead of placing them in my puja room, so I attached wire on them to hook them up. I picked up the ‘Kamandal’ from a trip to Banaras."

And finally a look at Kanthi's private sanctuary. Royal blue and deep reds set the tone for the space. Another Kerala wall mural above the bed and a grouping of mini marble paintings from Rajasthan continue the eclectic theme that is seen in the rest of the home.

It was a wonderful opportunity to meet this lovely lady and am so glad I got to spend some quality time with her. Thank you Kanthi for your hospitality and I want you to know how much I appreciate you inviting me to your beautiful home. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and delicious food (I'm a huge fan of your paniyarams-yum!) It would be so amiss, if I did not thank Shalini for making this happen!

I'm sure you'll enjoyed this home tour as much as I had fun putting this together for you'll. Happy decorating folks !

(Photography : Sruthi Singh. Please do not use the images for commercial or non-commercial purposes without the prior written permission of the home owner and TECD)  

An Aesthete's Paradise (Home Tour)

Malavika Kamath is no stranger to TECD. Her brainchild "Omnah" has been featured here on TECD's "Featured shop" segment. If you haven't had a chance to check them out earlier, you may read about them right here. While putting together the feature for Omnah, I was not only drawn to the unique product range but was also drawn to the product styling. My curiosity got the better of me and I knew that if her ability to curate so prudently and style her products so effortlessly for her store, was any indication of her strong aesthetic sense, her home would only be an extension of that. Bull's-eye! I was right! Her Mumbai home is filled with eclectic furnishings and art that creates well-ordered interiors with plenty of references to her homeland, India and her travels across Asia. A style of decorating that is truly synonymous with TECD's "global-desi style"! 

Having been a flight attendant in Hong Kong, Marketing and Communications professional in Singapore, and now a Facebook entrepreneur after having relocated to India after 16 years, this lady has pretty much been there and done that. When Malavika is not working, she enjoys music ranging from raga to rock, loves eating out, lounging at home with loved ones and occasionally escaping the daily grind via sourcing trips she takes around the country for her brand Omnah.

Malavika has successfully decoded the sure fire way to deal with the decorating dilemmas of a rental space. Minimal wall decor has been balanced by using tall cabinets to display her collections that keep the eye at the same level if art would have been hung. Besides, the cabinets provide additional storage space. Now who wouldn't want more of that! Working with the neutral wall colors of the rental property, Malavika makes the space interesting by bringing in bright hues through textiles, art, decor accessories, potted plants and fresh flowers. Each of these are judiciously combined to create little pockets of interest in every corner of the home.

Let's start with this eye-catching corner right here - The tallest idol is that of Ardhanareshwari a gift from Malavika's brother, bought in Chennai. The two Krishna idols are also gifts from friends and family! A Tibetan kettle picked up from Delhi is adapted to serve as vase for a bunch of roses. Although the brass lamp could pass off as Indian in style, it is handmade from scrap metal and was sourced by Malavika from Cape Town.

The living room is an intimate space with plenty of seating options. To amp up the casual vibe in the living room, Malavika decided to go with a diwan plumped up by a number of throw cushions and woven furniture, "I absolutely love having a ‘divan’ at home, with plenty of colourful cushions, either in my living room or in the lounge or TV room. It’s something we have grown up having at every home we’ve lived in. My mom decorated it with bright cushion covers, and being a neat freak, they were neatly arranged as diamonds." Persian Kilims and textiles like the Kashmiri Crewel (Arastan), Gujarati Kutchi embroidery cushions as well as cushion covers from Omnah’s very own Dakshin series import color, texture and the plush factor to this urban dwelling. 

The Annapurna Tanjore painting above the diwan is a 43 year old piece. Malavika loves the deep rich hues of the paintings and says the newer creations these days don't quite exhibit such unique themes or colors. She was drawn to this particular painting at the India International Trade Fair in Delhi as the horse in the painting is actually 5 women (yes, take a closer look)! Flanking the Tanjore painting on the right is the Saraswati wooden sculpture sourced from Salem, Tamil Nadu, another one of Malavika's favorites. 

Another view of the living room. The painting is a hand painted batik creation by artist Henry S from Borobudur, Indonesia. When asked about the influences on Malavika's design style, she says "My mom, a Fine Arts student from J.J. School of Arts, has been my biggest influence with regard to home décor and styling, and she has been significant in shaping my own style. I believe I am blessed with her artistic gene. Her spotlessly clean, simple yet elegant style, with hand-embroidered cushions and chair backs, to well-polished brass pots, artifacts, and a select set of indoor plants made for a cozy and impressive home."

At the far end of the living room, a reclining Buddha from Bali brings a zen vibe to this corner. Malavika particularly liked the teal color going for the Buddha and his serene expression. She fondly recollects a story associated with this Buddha purchase, "I went on a day trip from Bali to Ubud. Enroute there are over hundred shops lining the street on one stretch. I spotted this Buddha from the car and had to have it! I kicked up a fuss and insisted on going back, took a detour to find this shop on the return trip. I am so glad I made that effort." The Cabinet is Korean, bought in Singapore. The picture frame is actually a baby cot headboard that Malavika found in the antique market in Shanghai, which she then got framed in Singapore.

Malavika's "Ganesha Corner"! The large Ganesha on Lotus is a treasured gift from Malavika's sister. The smaller groupings of Ganeshas and brass elephants are a combination of lucky finds from Chor Bazaar Mumbai while a few others were picked out on her travels. The little cow on the right is another interesting find from Chor Bazaar shares Malavika, "It’s used to cover a cow’s horn by village folks, so unique! Some of them come with bells (ghungroos) so you can imagine the sweet sounds you’d hear when the cow or cart is moving?" The glistening copper pot was spotted at a steel shop in Mumbai and is used to houses a few green stalks. A bunch of Carnations and white Statice add a punch of color to this setting.

A Madhubani painting in the ‘godhna’ (tattoo) style was an impulsive buy from Dilli haat. Malavika's coffee table has her favorite books, a Urli from Chor bazaar which is always sporting fresh flowers, and other fond curious from her travels like the bell from Singapore and the copper and metal alloy planter from Istanbul.

A stunning Tibetan wooden door depicting Durga seated on a tiger is a hand painted creation from Just Anthony in Singapore. Malavika loves this piece as it is not only decorative but also multitasks as a room divider. 

Quoting Malavika on what the word "home" means to her, "A home is a place and a feeling, and is a reflection of who you are. That said, my home is my safe sanctuary, my quiet nest that I can escape to, a place where I feel relaxed, peaceful and happy. A home should be warm, welcoming, clean and uncluttered (I try!) and smelling really nice (I use a lot of ‘dhoop’ and incense sticks), with open windows and lots of natural light, and your mood is set! My home is a place I look forward to seeing when I return to it. I feel the decor should be bright and cheerful, and should rise up to greet me when I walk in! And, I decorate to please myself, not impress others." We couldn't agree more!

Malavika's "Got to have it" list always included oriental style furniture. So when she spotted this pair of fire engine red Chinese chairs in "Just Anthony" in Singapore she knew she had to have it! A complementing side stand draped with a 45 year old hand-embroidered piece from Timor Island (Ubud, Indonesia) makes for a lovely backdrop for a collection of pretty decor accessories. The Chinese urn from Chinatown in Singapore, peacock and Naga arti stand from the Rajasthan State emporium in Delhi, an Indian brass lamp (a gift) and the Balinese wooden bowl though disparate in style come together beautifully to give this corner a curated look.

A closer look at a few more pretty corners......Some of her favorite stores in India include FabIndia, The Shop, The Bombay Store, Goodearth, Mora Taara. Singapore being another favorite destination to shop, Malavika digs the product range offered at Just Anthony, Yue Hwa Emporium, Lim’s Arts and Living and Barang Barang. 

Malavika's charming study/work office- Desk and chair from Amar colony is Delhi are the heart of this setting. An Egyptian vase converted into a lamp was picked up from a small boutique in Noida. Adding a touch of green to this setting is a Croton housed in a multicolored planter (reminiscent of the house painting style of the Ndebele village people of South Africa) bought on a trip with Malavika's parents to Johannesburg almost 20 years ago. An exquisite Afghan Kilim and Tajik Suzani patchwork cushion from Arastan pull the colors together perfectly in this room.

A closer look at the photograph by well-known Malayian artist Howard Tan - the photograph is that of the entrance to an Indian shop-house in Georgetown. (Georgetown was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008).

The master bedroom is an un-fussy space that helps unwind and relax at the end of a hectic work day. The painting above the console is from the Forbidden City, Beijing while another contemporary painting gracing the wall above the bed was picked up from a mall in Noida . The brightly patterned bedcover is from The Shop, Connaught Place Delhi.

Malavika's night stand has all the essentials in place - books to read once tucked in, an orange metal and wood storage box (picked up at the Annual Diwali Mela for the Blind School in Delhi) to store unsightly messes, a handmade etched Zebra soapstone trinket dish from Johannesburg, a reed diffuser pot from Pondicherry to keep things smelling fresh, and a yellow ceramic and brass teapot from Chinatown in Singapore that cradles a few stalks of fresh blooms.

A few decor tips from Malavika before we call it a wrap on this home tour, "While decorating your home, try to keep the base a neutral palette so you have the flexibility to add pops of colours that don’t clash or make the space look too busy. For instance, I’ve always liked off-white walls and sofas that contrast well with dark wood furniture and plenty of colorful cushions to accent the living room. Oh, and add some ‘life’ with plants. Another tip I follow while shopping for decor items - if you really like something that you spotted on the first go, BUY IT! Don’t spend too much time deliberating especially if it’s an affordable, unusual piece."

Now that's what I call running counter to trend and creating your own style! I hope you enjoyed the home tour as much as we had fun putting it together for you. Thank you Malavika for letting us tour your beautiful home. We wish you all the very best!

(Image credit/copyright: Malavika Kamath. The images may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the home owner / TECD)