Unveiling the 2016-17 Collection from Good Earth - SHAMBALA!

Good Earth, the Indian luxury lifestyle brand needs no introduction! A global brand, where authenticity in design and quality are the guiding principles in creating an eclectic range of products that elevate the ambiance of any space that they furnish. The design team at Good Earth churns out an annual themed collection that draws from the pool of inspiration that India is and also transcends geographical boundaries to bring back the rich cultural influence and stories of Asia. There is a conscious effort made by the iconic brand to focus on sustainability, the rich handicrafts and traditions of India and Asia and making these available to the global audience with a refined taste. This year’s design expedition takes us to a mythical paradise, a land hidden somewhere beyond the snow peaks of the Himalayas, a Buddhist pure land, the “Shambala”! 

The Good Earth Shambala Mandala! The Mandala is made up of the key motifs that essay the stories of the visual landscape of Shambala. The mandala itself will be featured on limited edition "Thangkas", textiles and the gorgeous packaging that accompanies any Good Earth purchase.    

To give you a jest of this magical kingdom, it has its reference in the ancient Buddhist, Hindu, Chinese and even Russian texts. Western explorers interpreted this into what we refer to today as Chinoiserie. On a more metaphorical level it translates to a space of Silence within oneself when the heart and intent is pure.

The 2016-17 collection titled “Shambala” (and rightly so), orbits around marrying Indian design with the exotic aura of this legendary paradise. Taking cues from the painterly landscape of this mystical kingdom (that is pristine in every which way), the Shambala collection mirrors motifs like pagodas, peonies, elephants with umbrellas, wild goose, cotton clouds and green rolling hills. The exotic motifs are animated with colors like regal jades, classic combination of blue & whites, deep-hued cinnabar and rich vintage gold to a joyous effect.

A visual of Shambala's landscape......

If you love tastefully done fusion decor, then this festive season give your home a Shambalaish vibe with Good Earth. Entertain family and friends with their exquisite range of fine china in blue and white or lounge in style with their cushions in lush fabrics of silk brocade, silk velvet and fine muslin enhanced through the textile crafts of hand-weaving, block printing, gold leaf stencils and silk embroidery. I’m sure you are fascinated with the Shambala collection and can’t wait to see it all. The collection will be available in all Good Earth stores and on the web-boutique from October 2016.

A sneak peak from the Shambala collection!

And do make sure you stick around for round 2 of more from this exquisite collection! 

(Image Courtesy: Good Earth)

Bespoke Design By ZERO9 (Home Tour)

I cannot emphasize enough on how “Good Design” can enhance the quality of everyday living. Good design has the ability to magically transform square footage into comfortable, functional and stylishly livable spaces. The Mumbai based multi-disciplinary design studio “Zero9" is adept at balancing cutting edge design with traditional interpretation of comfort and function. I was particularly blown away by their design approach adopted to stylize a 950 sq.ft. apartment in Mumbai owned by a young couple. The design team lead by Prashant Chauhan and Anu Chauhan completed the project within a time span of 5 months. Logically altering the walls that existed in this Mumbai apartment, the team successfully maximized space utility and created a home that exudes contemporary flair integrated with a rustic+homey vibe. Clean lines and simple design is brilliantly combined with old décor elements to create a sense of history in this new Mumbai apartment.

Firm Zero9's strong design beliefs have steered them in the right direction since launching their firm in 2005, "We believe in an evolving and long lasting relationship with the people we connect. We place our client’s virtuous sense and taste as the focus of our works. Our sensitivities translate the client needs to reality by using innovative and state of art mediums like digital art, photography, new-age technology and material analysis. Each of our projects with a unique style has a story to tell." It's no surprise that the distinct design style of the firm is much sort after by young home owners and design enthusiasts who second Zero9's design mantra, "Design is boundless.", and are "aesthetically inclined towards integrating art and space converting it to refined design solutions."

I reached out to Prashant Chauhan to get my answers on latest design trends and how he and his team managed to achieve the design feat in a 950 sq. ft. space. His answer to the latter is straight forward,"It's all about keeping it simple. The lesser the clutter, the bigger the space. Another prerequisite included to see as much as the floor as possible. That makes a space look bigger.” Quoting Prashant on following design trends in the industry, "We believe good, efficient design defining the user and his lifestyle is timeless. Trends are temporary.” 

Characterized by beautiful turmeric colored Jaisalmer stone floors (etched with silhouettes of frangipani leaves in brass) and textured white stucco walls with carved geometric niches,  the space sports a warm rustic vibe with an open airy floor plan. Niches created in the wall along with wooden shelves serve as the perfect display platform for interesting decor accessories and quirky collections. The decor accessories seen in the home are a combination of those that the owners had collected themselves and others that were sourced by the Zero9 design team from Oshiwara Antiques Market in Mumbai and Good Earth. 

The palette of sea foam blue-greens, ocher and nut brown come together in the most charmingly eclectic way to punctuate an otherwise white backdrop. 

My absolute favorite spot in the house, has to be this antique painted "parsi style" day bed tucked close to the window, a perfect spot to curl up and read a good book. 

The colors flow unhindered from one space to the other thus keeping the look cohesive  and creating photogenic corners in every room in the home.

Design challenges to keep the kitchen looking fresh and unique were tackled by thoughtfully combining real wood cabinets, modern G4 stone platform, cheerful ocher colored tiles and wooden carved jali that are lit to emphasize their design presence. All in all, the kitchen is the perfect model of how form and function can come together to create stylish interiors.

Won't you agree when I say that it's all in the details?

As we transition to the master bedroom and bath, the mood is intimate and inviting. Departing from the rest of the design style at home, the master bedroom and bath have a more contemporary, modern, clean line approach to it. White flooring and wardrobe shutters in brown mirror, create that sanctuary spa like feel.

Zero9's services are not limited to Interiors for commercial & residential projects.They are proficient in the areas of advertising, exhibitions and architecture too. You can get acquainted with their range of skill right here. Should you wish to stay abreast of their latest projects and work, follow them via FB or Instagram. 

Thank you Prashant for taking the time to connect with TECD. We wish you and Zero9 all the very best!

(Image credit: Sebastian Zachariah and Rashmi Mallaya, Image Copyright: Zero9. The images may NOT be reproduced with the prior permission of Zero9) 

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) 

India Inspired (Home Tour)

Staying true to their Indian roots, the Kargupta’s have doused their home in Surrey (UK) with vibrant hues, traditional Indian artwork and curios and objects of desire that the family acquired from their travels and stay abroad. Siddhartha (a computer scientist) and Chandra (a performing artist) share their home together with their son and a brood of 3 canines. Work took them from India to South Africa (where they stayed for 7 years) and then moved to their current home in Surrey (a stone’s throw away from London) which has been their abode for the past 13 years.    

Chandra is quite the celebrity if I may say so! She is a singing sensation and has performed all over the world. Her most memorable performances being for Nelson Mandela and the Queen. When she is not juggling a full time job at one of London's busiest libraries or conducting musical workshops, Chandra indulges in painting, reading and decorating her beautiful home.

The most recent decorating experiment was painting a Warli in the entryway. The bright apricot hue not only creates a welcoming ambiance but also makes up for the sun deprived weather that engulfs Surrey most of the time. 

Chandra carries the apricot hue to other corners of her home too. The accent wall showcases Chandra's collection of art. Some of them being potraits of Durga and Saraswati in brass from Kolkata, a Jharokha from Rajasthan and Warli paintings that Chandra acquired from a tribal group in Bihar.

A collection of clay cooking pots from Bengal serve as the base for a coffee table. A silver Ganesh gifted to Chandra during one of her concerts in America is a treasured piece that finds its place aptly on the coffee table.  

Cocktail of color, pattern, art and hand picked curios create a personal style that's individualistic in every sense. Chandra says, "Siddhartha has a passion for Buddha statues, where as I love Ganesh. So our house has a collection of Buddha and Ganesh made from different materials."

A royal blue sari finds an alternative use as drapes in the dining room.  

More curios, books and art make for interesting conversation starters when the Karguptas have company.

The heart and soul of the home is Chandra's kitchen. Buttery paint color, brass utensils from India and a collection of wooden spoons from South Africa add that extra special touch to an otherwise white kitchen. 

Here is another one of Chandra's favorite corners in the house. Quoting Chandra, "It’s one of the favorite corners in my kitchen. I've decorated this corner with a medley of  handmade paper pulp Ganesh, decoupaged picture cuttings of Jamini Roy’s horse, Dokra Ganesh ( Dokra is a famous art work from Shantiniketan, the city of RabindraNath Tagore), wooden candle stands I collected from Kenya and a couple of my Terrarium pots."

Chandra also loves gardening but says that the weather in Surrey makes it hard to enjoy this hobby all year round. So she's created a mini indoor garden for herself !

Thank you Karguptas for letting us tour your warm and beautiful home! 

As for you my lovely readers, I hope you enjoyed how we kick started this year with a home tour! Coming up next, a little peek into my new home ......

Have yourself a great week:)

Image Credit: (Chandra Chakraborty The images may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the home owners.)  

Blend and Create Style Perfected (Home Tour)

When I look around the Srirams' home, I can’t help but quote from Brideshead Revisited, “It was an aesthetic education to live within those walls.” – Evelyn Waugh. Based in the little town of Canton, Ohio, the Srirams' home is a veritable reflection of the home owners’ strong personalities, their fascination for music and art, their cultural roots, inspired details from their travels and life's explorations and an effort to enhance the everyday living. 

Sriram is a senior human resources professional, Divya - a leadership and executive coach and Rohan their 9 year old, 4th grader, who celebrates sports and geography in their myriad forms. Quoting Divya, “Sriram and I work with people a lot as part of our jobs and our personalities are aligned that way. We extend this aspect to our home decorating as well. We believe in learning from people and sharing what we have.” Having moved from Bangalore to Ohio only 3 years back, the Srirams have done a commendable job of putting it all together so beautifully in such a short time span. As you will see, their home is a manifestation of the core values that they believe in as a family, “One of the ways we build relationships is we stimulate meaningful conversations, discuss music, share our notes on inspiring books, promote art, energize with bright colors (along with lovely sunshine as our house is facing the east) and appreciate photographs of great memories. This is true for us as a family and also when we invite people home. These have been our core principles as we went about designing our home.”

Divya describes their style of decorating as "Blend and Create". “We appreciate different cultures and love India deeply. So we are constantly looking for bringing pieces together. I believe in maximizing the synergy and fusion.”And true to their style, the minute you step into their foyer, a fascinating assortment of Indo-Oriental artifacts welcome you. The black stone Hanuman statue takes center stage in the foyer. It's a tribute to Divya’s mother-in-law who was a devote follower of Hanuman. Traditional brass Kerala Villakus flanking the statue and the urli bring the South Indian touch to the foyer. The gallery wall of the foyer displays a custom made mirror that was designed by Divya and her Dad. The duo conceptualized the mirror from start to finish with the special touch being the addition of the Kanjeevaram saree border, making it a truly unique piece. Mini Tanjore paintings and wood carvings from Bangkok complete the look.

Some of the other pretty elements in the foyer, clockwise from left : (a)Divya loves collecting art made by friends and artisans.This elephant art is a special one made by a close friend and it turned out to be perfectly aligned with the flower vase which has the same color palette;(b)A Gajalakshmi Tanjore painting gifted to Divya by her parents finds a place of importance in the entryway;(c)An intricately carved Dasha avatar wooden sculpture, picked up at the Dastkar exhibition in Bangalore leads spruces up the way to the living room.   

Divya is constantly brimming with decor ideas and is a strong believer of 'storyboarding'. She does this as part of her job, when she works with corporates and extends this to her home decor design too. She says it’s all about creating a story! And boy, she sure knows how to weave an interesting one! To frame Kolam stickers  was Divya's ingenious idea.

The Sriram’s living room is a gateway to India. Tangerine hues pop against a neutral backdrop that is laid out with a variety of inviting seating options. Art from different parts of India, favorite books and meticulously curated artifacts create a cozy grandeur. Divya says, “Our living room is a place where we welcome guests to India, encourage conversations on books, showcase various coffee table books on India, music and art of India and can even play a quick game of Palan Kuzhi. Our guests have always felt energized in this room and the colors play a big role in that.”

A quick game of Palankuzhi (an ancient game of count and carry forward from Tamil Nadu) anyone?

Art is not only celebrated in the Sriram's household but it is a prominent factor in adding their individual stamp to their home. The color saturated Kerala mural painting of Nataraja was a recent addition  to their collection of art. Sriram is a huge fan of Lord Nataraja and is to be given due credit for his keen eye when it comes to art in the home. When asked who calls the design shots at home, Divya says, “Sriram was not much of a home decor enthusiast till we got married. I was always one, since I came from a family which appreciates decor deeply. Sriram followed sheepishly :) But is now a great design partner. We have our own strengths. Selecting art for the walls is always a joint decision and Sriram plays a much bigger role there to provide the meaning. He also chooses the books for the home to share with others and the music elements are chosen by him. I specialize in the color palette and conceptualizing the room design." 

I absolutely love this traditional seating option from Cottage emporium Bangalore. The Srirams were able to bring most of their favorite pieces with them from India.“We have been fortunate to have had Sriram's employer allowing us a shipment to bring our furniture all the way from India which was a huge benefit. We feel we could decorate our house to where it is today, thanks to the company which sponsored the move.”

On the opposite wall is another attention grabbing Madhubani painting. Divya says, “I love love Madhubani art! This one was custom made by an artist in Bihar based on the size of the wall that I wanted this to be showcased on. Made with acrylic paint, this art was my first one made for the home years ago. I have been inspired by TECD to align the colors of the cushion covers to the art work colors and that’s how this corner came about.”

A warm glow envelopes the room, when the lamps come on in the evening!

A view of the dining room from the living. Cushion covers from India Circus jazz up the off white upholstery. 

It's all in the details! Clockwise top from left: (a)A Bronze Nataraja statue; Another favorite of Divya's is a brass statue of Lord Karthikeya. Love the shades of deep blue and mustard in this vignette; (b)A copper kettle from Crate and Barrel houses a single stem of money plant. (c)A pair of South Indian wooden hand painted busts add the Indian flavor to this nook in the living room.  

Next up is the Sriram's formal dining room. Divya went with a calming blue in the sunlight filled space. As a contrast, she has used shades of pink and orange to keep things interesting. Pictures of extended family members, a chai corner and views of the lush green backyard, makes you want to linger long after dinner is over and have those long and meaningful conversations with family and friends.

Clockwise top from left: (a)Chai art print from the store Chumbak in Bangalore; (b)A print of Ravi Verma's famous painting "The Maharashtrian Lady" was sourced from 64arts.in.; (c)Colorful table mats from Chumbak are a fun way to introduce the many delicious Indian dishes to their non-Indian friends and the pretty patterned seat cushions from World Market co-exist happily in the setting.

The breakfast nook near the kitchen has a casual vibe. This is where the Srirams connect as a family over breakfast and dinner. Cheerful colors and warm copper tones give this space its happy note. 

Divya likes to call this her Copper corner. The copper wiring pendant lampshade was a lucky find at a clearance event in a lighting store. Can you spot Coppre's Linear Tumblers? (Divya was the lucky winner of the Coppre giveaway hosted by TECD.)

Divya shares that several vignettes in her home have been inspired by what she sees on TECD. "TECD has been a huge inspiration! I have been following TECD for a while now and have been able to take away so much from the blog. I have observed the way Sruthi conceptualizes and takes pictures. Aligning colors at the background and foreground, placing flowers in brass and copper vessels, designing corners, placing vignettes on unique platforms like books, boxes etc. which is super innovative. My home is a testimony of what I have been learning from the TECD blog!" 

It is moments like these that makes blogging so worth-while! Thank you for your kind words Divya!

The Srirams practice the Lotus Sutra philosophy of Buddhism. A peek into their prayer corner!

The Srirams are a musically inclined family. Sriram plays the Mridangam and their son Rohan is adept at playing the piano. Jugalbandi is always a part of the weekend evenings. As the focal point of the family room,  a Kalamkari painting of Lord Shiva (also a Mrindangam player) is placed above the mantel.

The musical corner of the Srirams! Apart from South Indian Classical music, Sriram also appreciates jazz. The gallery wall in the music corner features a collage of his favorite Indo-western musicians and pictures of Sriram playing his Mridangam across different timelines.

Another one of Divya's favorite corners in the home,"Part of the dinette area, this room faces the east and captures the morning sun......all the colors in the room seem to come alive. We have some favorite magazines and books kept in this little shelf that we usually tend to discuss during our meal times." A Kalighat painting done by a dear friend, Dharitri Tripathy adorns the wall above the shelf.

Divya's work station is a functional and productive space with inspirational quotes and meaningful artifacts endorsing a positive and encouraging atmosphere. Quoting Divya, "My work demands that I be creative as I design coaching and team facilitation workshops. As a source of inspiration, I've surrounded myself with inspirational quotes, pictures of  people who give me strength and a few of my favorite things that make me happy like the Zentangle art made by a dear friend !"

As you can tell Divya loves her jewelry. Instead of putting it away in the closet, she prefers to display it, where she can see it and wear it often.

With that we come to the end of the wonderful home tour. Finally leaving you with the words that Divya shared with us about what home means to her, "Home is a place where you can collect yourself, sit in a quiet corner and read, enjoy the sun filtering in, fill the home with sandalwood incense, savor your chai at your own pace, dance to your favorite tune in your PJs, get energized with lovely bright colors, revive great memories with photographs of family and friends and pray everyday with your loved ones." 

Thank you Srirams for so graciously allowing us to tour your beautiful abode. We wish you'll luck, health and happiness!

(Image Credit/Copyright: Divya Sriram. The images may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the home owners.)