A Tour of Rosie's Retreat Homestay (Lakeside)

With sweeping views of man-made Lake Pachola, this Airbnb homestay is a hallmark of individuality and ethnic style done right! Rosie's Retreat Homestay (Lakeside) blends beautifully into Udaipur's architectural backdrop with emphasis being on a place of escape and relaxation.This quaint two story apartment is owned by Rosie Cornwallis and is filled with architectural niches and arches, tribal treasures, art and antiques creating what I call "spirited interiors".

Let's start with a tour of the breath-taking master bedroom.....A carved stone jharokha not only serves to enhance the architectural quotient of the home but it also serves as one of a kind headboard. 

Image waking up in this bed with magical views of the beautiful lake! Do take note of the small spinning windows at the side of the bed for late night lake viewing. It doesn't get any more romantic than this, does it? 

Wooden beams decorating the ceiling and flat woven kilims on the floor bring warmth and character to this beautiful living room dressed with furniture in rustic wood tones.

Adorning this corner is a 1920's English chest-of-drawers with the Brijbasi prints of the Hindu Gods serving as art.

Drooling over this handpainted Jodhpur almari and the rustic bedroom door that leads to the breakfast courtyard.

More door love!

The alfresco breakfast nook located just off the bedroom seems like the perfect spot to enjoy some mouth watering parathas smeared with butter before one heads out to take in all that Udaipur (also known as "The Venice of the East") has to offer. Potted plants, granite carvings and a village carving of Mira guarding the doorway are simple touches that bring about a huge impact.

The house is fitted with an expansive private terrace complete with diwan style seating and a sigdi (firepit)  for some serious lounging.

And finally a view of the scenic sunsets from the terrace with the Amet Haveli and Leela Palace in the background. Now who wouldn't want a piece of this?

Images: Airbnb

LALITA HAND-STITCHED SCARF from Craft by World Market finally arrived !

Wild mustard is back this season and I couldn't resist bringing in a few sprays of these delicately clustered flower to brighten up my home. With a riot of colors carpeting the landscape outdoors, I'm tempted to recreate that effect indoors too! Colors make me happy and the simplest way to do that is to bring in a bunch of flowers and layer your decor with textiles..... 

Seen in the picture above is the "LALITA HAND-STITCHED SCARF" from the July 2014 Collection of "Craft by World Market". The scarf finally arrived a week back after a long-long wait. But the wait has been so worth it. I love that the scarf is light-weight and yet manages to keep me warm in the chilly spring weather. The icing on the cake is the beautiful hand embroidered detailing and the different shades of aubergine woven into the design palette. With such pretty colors on display, I did not have the heart to put it away inside the cupboard and have it draped on the couch like a throw!

As for behind the scene updates from the TECD casa, I'm upto my neck with work and other commitments. However, I cannot keep myself away from the blog and I've managed to get some work done on some wonderful posts for you'll.One of them being a studio tour of a talented jewelry designer from India! So keep a watch on this space and stay connected!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

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

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

Harlequin (Featured Shop)

It's eye candy all the way today !!! Harlequin Studio recently launched their Jardin Bohème Collection. One look at it and I was weak in my knees. Fabrics and wallpapers in bold color palettes with exotic global patterns are sure to make any interior space sing with joy. And for those with a faint heart and would like to enjoy a slice of this collection, they have textiles and designs in a neutral color palette too.

What makes the collection so special are the techniques used to create the patterns infused with a bohemian flair - "Traditional printing techniques such as stamp-making, potato prints and lino-cuts were used alongside strong brushstrokes to achieve the desired boho effect as shown below in our Bohème fabric."

Their inspiration catalog is overflowing with perfect combinations of fabrics juxtaposed together to create interesting interiors. Weaves, plains, voiles in a spectrum of patterns and colors are drool worthy and tempt you to make them a part of your home.

Wasn't that a feast for the eyes ???? The vibes from these images sure made me a happy person. I hope it does the same for you too.

Have a wonderful day !!!

Images: Via

Interwoven (Featured Shop)

Good Morning Friday!!!!

Bright, colorful and happy posts are something you'll have begun to associate The East Coast Desi with. And today's post is just that. 

In today's featured shop segment, it's Interwoven for you. An online store that brings you beautifully curated artisan fabrics like vintage Kantha, Suzanis and Kashmiri silk to name a few. With it's roots in Abu Dhabi, Interwoven is an entrepreneurial venture initiated by Kera Thompson.Sourcing the fabrics from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Turkey........each piece in the store is handpicked by Kera herself. Her keen eye for detail, design and color  makes the collection at Interwoven one-of-a-kind. Products offered by Interwoven are perfect for those who want to layer their home with cultures and tales of a far off land.  

My favorite pick has to be these bright and trendy Ikat Multi-toned Kantha Pillows that combines my love for Ikat and Kantha so beautifully.

The brand name Interwoven, has been thoughtfully chosen by Kera,
"I created Interwoven because fabric makes me happy. Whether it's floor coverings, wall hangings, or the perfect cozy throw, textiles can tell far-off stories and breathe life and soul into your space.

From my travels and experiences as a designer, mom, and model, I have realized how interwoven we are as a world, community, and cherish the beauty that comes as we embrace the good around us.

Each piece in my collection is just a small reflection of that beauty". 

And here are a few more pieces that got my attention;)

To shop these gorgeous fabrics click here.

I'm already in the weekend gear and am taking things a little easy:) Wishing you a relaxed weekend too. See you next week at TECD, to share the seasons festive spirit.

Images:  Interwoven