Lai's Nilaj(a) collection is here!

I have featured LAI before and it’s a no brainer why time and again, creations from Lai get featured on TECD. Puja Bhargava Kamath (the lady behind the brand Lai) builds collections drawn from diverse cultures that are fresh yet timeless in appeal……chic yet talk to bohemian soul of the modern day woman. Lai’s newest collection, “Nilaj(a)“ (meaning 'produced in the blue mountains' in Sanskrit and 'one who comes with joy' in Yoruba) has a contemporary nomadic flair to it. Having drawn inspiration from the exotic land of Afghanistan, the ultramarine hue of the Lapis Lazuli used in the collection is the perfect contrast to the greyish tone of the silver taking any summer outfit to the next level. 

Sharing her thoughts on the Nilaj(a) collection she says, “Taking inspiration from various layers of Afghani aesthetics - from their Bactrian roots to the nomadic tribes - the designs in this collection are a contemporary rendition of an amalgamation of these multiple aesthetics. Pieces that are both visually intriguing and wonderfully crafted- jewelry that is as likely to be found in the trunks of an antique dealer in a bazaar in Afghanistan as they are in a chic Parisian boutique.”

Tempted to get more than one? I say give into the temptation. To see the entire lookbook click here and to order, mail Puja at shop@lai-designs.com.

Image credit/courtesy : LAI

Happy Second Birthday TECD!

Happy Second Birthday TECD! Yes, it’s been two whole years since I first started this blog! Seriously someone tell me,where does time fly?

But I must say that my blog, “The East Coast Desi” has come to be more than my creative springboard. It has been the most liberating experience for my artistic soul. The emotion of creating something gives me a high and all aspects of blogging lead to this very road! Styling, writing, photographing, sharing, meeting and interacting with like-minded, inspirational and creative folks and making special bonds with some of them, has been the most nourishing experience to say the least. But the highlight has to be my wonderful set of readers who reinforce, inspire and encourage me to put my creative best forward. Thank you fabulous people, for all the love and reassurance. Truly without YOU, TECD would not be what it is! 

I thought I'd make this wonderful milestone even more memorable by sharing some very exciting news with you’ll. My family and I recently took the big decision to move into another home. It is a very demanding decision that requires my undivided time and energy and that would explain my mini-hiatus from the blogging scene......The new home is being built from scratch which means we've been busy going through numerous design plans and trying to make sense of the fragmented pieces to complete the giant design jigsaw puzzle. It is not an easy task but it has been an exhilarating one. The actual move will be taking place later this year but until then we have our hands full preparing for the move and the new home. However, the most wonderful outcome of this decision of ours is that we get to design and decorate our dream home! We as a family are truly excited and I would love for you to join us on our design journey.

With that, I bid you adieu for now......Since summer is here and I am enjoying it while it lasts, expect the posts to trickle in from time to time but rest assured, I’m here to stay in the blogosphere! 

You take care and 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.

Have you read the April 2015 Issue of Once Upon A Tea Time Magazine yet?

Priya Iyer and her delightful blog "Once Upon a Tea Time" (OUATT) need no introduction. Having lived and embraced the culture and environment of three different countries, Priya is steeped in a global-chic-bohemian style and her well curated blog is a reflection of this very facet. Her exceptional aesthetic for design, her passion for vintage textiles and her ability to discover inspiring people and share their soul stirring stories is what draws me to OUATT time and again. 

5 years into blogging, Priya celebrated this milestone with an anniversary issue. The issue was a huge success and it gave Priya a reason to take her penchant for writing and curating all things beautiful and inspirational to the next level! She indulged her readers with a monthly digital issue packed with stories of remarkable and inspiring people, weaving tales of textiles, enchanting home tours and so much more….12 issues later and a thriving, diverse, global readership, OUATT has launched its paid subscription issue that is now available on Joomag.

Reading a magazine is a great way to unwind. However, I also look for added benefits like being creatively inspired, finding a new perspective on issues and being better informed at the end of such reading sessions. When Priya reached out to me to showcase the subscription issue of the OUATT magazine on TECD, I was more than happy to do so as every previous issue has continually promised to deliver what it says "Amazing People. Boundless Creativity”. Their new April 2015 issue is no different and is packed with chock full of good reads with the highlights being a home tour of artist Jutta Rikola in Finland, newly decorated Once Upon A Tea Time studio and engaging conversations with creative entrepreneur Mili Suleman of Kufri Life and artist Pragati Sharma Mohanty. 

Make sure you get your copy today and devour it over a cup of chai........ 

Image credits/Copyright: OUATT Magazine

Hints of Spring Pastels!

Can you smell it in the air? That intoxicating and indescribable fresh spring scent…..

The harsh winter, ruthlessly drained the landscape of all the color but spring is working overtime in my part of the world to restore and repaint nature’s canvas. I love the changes this season brings with it…..

• The frozen ground thaws and fresh shafts of grass begin to push through the soil to kiss the sun; 
• The tinges of sweet fragrance and buttery radiance of daffodils together mixed with other spring pastels that breathe back life into the dreary winter gardens;
• The musical orchestra of birds tweeting and chirping with the first morning rays of the sun;
• Warmer, brighter and longer days that invite you to get your dose of Vitamin D;
• Gardens centers becoming a bevy of activity and those garden pliers and shovels find themselves back in action;
• Toe nails get painted and the boots get ditched for open toed flirty sandals;
• Long lines that stretch at the car wash and you waiting impatiently to rediscover your car’s true paint color under all that winter grit and 
• The April showers that make chai time that much more fun! I love it all!

Here are a few frames of the subtle touches of spring at home. I love pairing this soft, pastel, feminine hue with the luster of brass. 

When you find fallen flowers on your long walks, what do you do? Bring them home and float them.....

A new tea cup with those cherry blossom motifs, seemed like the perfect way to ring in spring…..

If you don’t see me here too often at the TECD blog, it only mean that I’m out there taking in all that there is to enjoy of this wonderful season:) I truly believe that if it wasn't for winter and the absence of it all, I may not be so receptive to all the wonderful changes that is happening around me……. 

Don't you think, floating a few Cherry Blossoms in a brass urli is a wonderful way to bring in a touch of spring to your decor? 

Happy Spring!

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

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

Siam Sawadee (Featured Shop)

Today, I take you all the way to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand to feast your eyes on some unique and exotic Oriental artifacts. I've been asked many a time to refer a store that specializes in trading Oriental decor artifacts. And I think I have the answer for you:) "Siam Sawadee" is an online store that does just that and retails via Etsy. I personally think, they have the most beautiful, authentic and unique collection of Oriental artifacts. I reached out to Eve Naewmuang, the owner of Siam Sawadee to know more about this wonderful store. In an exclusive interview with TECD, Eve tells it all.....

TECD: Hello and welcome to TECD, Eve ! I love hearing about stories of how a particular brand was established. I personally feel that knowing all there is to know about a brand/store not only helps me relate better to the brand but also gives me the direction to make a conscious decision to support creative souls (like you) that are striving to further a cause or provide support to the communities they thrive in.  Tell us how Siam Sawadee came together?
Eve:"I started Siam Sawadee with my partner about 2 years ago. We are both avid travelers and love nothing more than collecting on our many adventures in and around south east Asia. One hot and dusty afternoon we stumbled across a border market town with so many treasures, instantly we decided that the world needed to see such beauty. Hence our motto "From the heart of Asia, to the heart of your home". We feel that usually people would not get to purchase such rare and unique items. So we find it exciting to give that opportunity to 'stumble' across a market from the comfort of your home. We decided to settle in Chiang Mai, as this is the epi-center of all things craft."

"Siam Sawadee" has an exotic feel to it and it simply translates to "Hello Thailand"! Siam is the old name for Thailand before the revolution about 100 years ago. Eve says she actually prefers the name Siam to Thailand as it sounds more romantic. So she incorporated Siam into the name as it's a throw back to an earlier time, much like the beautiful and exotic finds she sells at her store. And it goes without saying that Sawadee means "Hello" in Thai. 

TECD: What aspect of oriental decor are you drawn to?

Eve: "Oriental decor is not only about function and design but also heritage and culture. Our decor incorporates thousands of years of Asian artisans working to decorate the houses of Kings, nobles and lords of our lands. I love to have a bit of history in our home, makes me feel as important or at least as ostentatious as a royal. We like to offer that to our customers too."

TECD: We'd love for you to share with us your most unforgettable experience since starting the store?

Eve :"My most memorable item was of a 4 ft Burmese puppet called "Tossakan" from the fable 'Ramakien'. He was an eight armed "bad-guy" but my partner and I loved him dearly, he seemed to give us good luck. We had forgotten that he was listed so were heart broken when the Etsy "Ka-ching" was heard and realized we had sold him. The buyer though was over-joyed to find such a magnificent piece so we know he went to a good home."

Siam is a fair trade business and believes in giving back to the community.....Eve says, "As mentioned before, the items we sell will never be found at your local high street. We work with local artisans and crafts people who have had their skills handed down to them for generations. I don't think Bed, Bath & Beyond can claim the same lineage. Our work also supports the local communities with a massive boost to our local economy as we have now employed local people to help, not only the artists, but the logistics of wrapping 8ft wall panels, or carrying 20 items to the post office, we have a happy team at Siam Sawadee."

A round-up of some of my absolute favorites from the store:

Looking for ways to add a little color to your kitchen? These hand-painted decorative containers are traditionally used in Asian homes to store rice. How about Styling these on the counter tops along with a mint or coriander plant!

Siam Sawadee has over a 100 different rice baskets to choose from. The task of picking out a favorite one can be quite time consuming as each one of them has some splendid hand painted detailing in many hues to choose from!  

Another specialty of the store are these enormous Balinese Wood Wall Art ! These teak wood mandala like panels with their three dimensional intricate designs are sure to bring the exotic vibe to any space. Use it as wall art or prop it as a head board.

This grouping of Burmese monks is a perfect addition to your home or garden ! You can read more about my fascination with Burmese decor right here.

Burmese lacquerware...sigh! This intricately handcrafted container is a rust shade is the perfect accent to add to your coffee table. Either display it on its own or get a couple and start your own collection today !

Make sure you bookmark this wonderful store if you are looking to create a space with mixed influences. You could also connect with them via their FB page for regular updates. I would like to thank Eve for taking the time to share such wonderful stories with my TECD readers and wish her all the very best with Siam Sawadee!

Happy decorating and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Images : Copyright/Credit or found on : Siam Sawadee 

A Globally Inspired Christmas

Good morning lovely readers!!!! It snowed yesterday:) Our very first snow this winter.......everything looks so pretty under a blanket of snow. Schools are off so I have my little one at home with me today.  

Christmas spirit is running high...........lists of presents are being made and are being checked off once the perfect present is found, secretly stashing away those presents in the most unassuming of places, and of course decorating the Christmas tree, mantel and planning a menu for the holiday dinner.

When my little guy knows it's going to be Christmas soon, he magically transforms into an absolute angel........putting things in their place, doing his home work without being asked to do so, eating up all his veggies........the list is endless.The reason behind this responsible behavior is not so angelic. He has a motive : to melt my heart with his "I'm a GOOD BOY attitude" and for me to say yes to all the presents on his WANT list. His parents are fully aware of it. It's just that he thinks he's smarter and I let him think so. Cause my life gets a lot easier with him being a GOOD BOY;) 

Now coming to our post for today...........three of my favorite picks for a globally inspired Christmas this season. Some of the decorations are versatile pieces and could be used all year round.

These wonderful ethnic gourd ornaments have been hand carved with folk art flowers and birds and hand-painted in vivid tones by women in rural Peru. Once Christmas is over, place them in a wooden bowl and they would look pretty on the coffee table.
My next pick is from India. How wonderful are these recycled Kantha textile beads. This is a versatile piece and not limited to the holiday season. Once things are wrapped up for Christmas, these would make a fun and eco-chic display in a nursery or kids room.

Looking for an unconventional take on the regular stocking to dress up your fire place or mantel.............these stockings made from vintage Uzbek Suzani are one-of-a-kind and are sure to be a show stopper.

You'll have a wonderful day and do drop me a line on how are you'll gearing up for Christmas.

 Images: Via, Via, Via