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) 

Ethnic-Bohemian Symphony (Home Tour)

Today, we travel all the way to Edmonton, Alberta in Canada to tour the beautiful home of Shivangi and Naren. Shivangi currently juggles a full time job as an Inventory Management Associate and a CPA, while Naren works in the mental health field. Both trained Bharatanatyam dancers and actively involved in various Indian cultural activities, they also share a passion for home decorating. The couple describes their style of decorating as “Ethnic-Bohemian, with a touch of contemporary”. This style of decorating marries traditional ethnic art, pots of lush greens, rich jewel tones with an abundance of flickering mood light.

Let's start with this charming zen corner. One of the very first purchases that made it to the Shivangi's list of must-haves, this Buddha statue from Pier1 was love at first sight. Shivangi says, "In fact, I saw this piece in the store, way before we had bought our home. But the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it would have a very special place in my home. To make the most of the corner space, we used wall decals to create a Bodhi tree effect." Apart from Pier1, Art&Light, GoodEarth, Fabindia, Chumbak and Harabu House feature in the couple's list of favorite decor stores.

 The brass Nataraja Statue was a thoughtful gift from a loved one. It sits pretty on the TV console echoing the couple's love for dance. 

Shivangi declares the living room as their favorite haunt to lounge and relax,"Every single piece of furniture and decor was purchased after much deliberation. We took our time to decorate our first home together and didn't rush to fill up the empty spaces."

Shivangi's collection of decor accessories revolves around brass figurines and elephants and horses of various sizes and materials. Clockwise from top-right: The brass tonga was also a gift from a loved one. The brass vilakkus are heirloom treasures passed down to Shivangi from her mother-in-law. Extreme-left : The Ambari Elephant from Mysore was a parting gift from one of Naren's dance students. 

Quoting Shivangi,"Naren and I really enjoy decorating our place with souvenirs from our vacations, gifts from dear ones, and various memorabilia. I feel like it adds more personality and charm to a home, especially when each article has a story to tell. When you live in country like Canada, where 75% of the year is spent in -20 degrees weather, you're left with no other option but to bring the outside indoors. I try to achieve this by owning lots of house plants (much to my husband's dismay), and incorporating fresh flowers every now and then."

Artifacts from Sri Lanka too add to the decor drama at home. Tapestries depicting Kandyan dancers grace the walls of the formal dining room. Another decor favorite seems to be the masks from Sri Lanka, "Naren and I had a layover at the Colombo airport en-route to Maldives for our honeymoon. We made the most of our time by checking out the handicraft stores run by the Sri Lankan government. We were told that each of these masks have a different meaning. The larger mask that hangs in our living room is said to banish enemies and invite friendships, so apt for our new home."

The couple's South Indian roots are reflected in their kitchen menu that features filter coffee, masala dosa and elaichi kufi for dessert.

The master bedroom is a calming retreat done up in shades of taupe and azule with shades of white as a highlight hue. More candles and fresh potted plants complete the look.  

Thank you Shivangi and Naren for reaching out to TECD and letting us tour your beautiful abode. We wish you all the very best!

(Image Credit: Shivangi and Naren, Please do NOT use the images without the prior written permission of the home owners) 

Freedom Tree has me dreaming of Spring.....

I am so done with the snow and the snow storms that have engulfed my part of the world. I long for fresh-calming greens, pure pastels and the fragrant air of spring blossoms......I found my virtual escape route through "Freedom Tree". The India based décor line revels in the fact that their product line is truly unique with a fresh approach to mid-century modern style of design. Clean line furniture, fresh color palettes, imaginative patterns and peppy prints animate their entire product range. In their own words, “The studio's spirit is to celebrate modern India as a vibrant design destination - it is a thumbprint against standardization. Loveable and fun products make everyday living beautiful celebrating a freedom of expression, freedom of thought and freedom of being. Welcome to the world of good design every day; constantly evolving and stimulating the freedom to have fun!”

Here are some of my absolutes favorites from their collection:

To see their entire collection, click here.

(Image Courtesy/Credit: Freedom Tree)

Spotlight on the Genesis of “Soumeiran” and their latest jewelry collection “Shaarada”

"Soumeiran", the UK based jewelry brand, harmoniously blends that which is old and new. Taking traditions and heritage of ineffable India and translating that into the style needs of the woman of today is an effortless undertaking for the lady behind the brand, Suchitra Hattangudi Gulvady. Professionally trained in Applied Arts from Mumbai, Suchitra has the combined expertise of being a graphic designer with various e-learning companies and that of being an illustrator with apparel companies. Suchitra is a one woman team when it comes to Soumeiran. She handles all tasks associated with conceptualizing to sourcing, designing to making, photographing to editing, and  advertising and logistics!  

Her jewelry creations for Soumeiran are heavily influenced by her Indian ethnicity. Her deeply ingrained and insatiable love for India’s indigenous arts, crafts and textiles has just grown stronger having lived away from India for so long. Quoting Suchitra, “The renaissance and revival that these industries are going through, along with people becoming more aware and appreciative and endorsing these industries’ works, paired with the brilliance of everything accessible on the internet, makes me think it’s one of the best of times ever to belong here and work with.” Although India is her main pool for inspiration, her designs also exhibit a streak of her experiences living overseas and the exposure to global art, culture and history. 

TECD : Welcome to TECD Suchitra! Let’s start by asking you what does Soumeiran mean?

Suchitra: I would like to start with a warm and heartfelt thank you to Sruthi and TECD for sharing this amazing platform to showcase Soumeiran to its wonderful audience. It is a delight and an honor, to say the least. 

The name Soumeiran (soo – mee – run) is an excerpt from Sanskrit translating to mean prayer beads strung together. 

TECD: Tell us more about your creative journey into the field of jewelry designing?

Suchitra : Soumeiran, if I may say so, is serendipity personified. Having lived away from home for about eleven years now, brought with it starting life from scratch, finding my own feet in a foreign land, a great deal of independence but also responsibility, the biggest of all was of having my own family. As much as it is exhilarating and amazing to have all that, it was at times quite daunting! Being from a creative background I reached a point when I just HAD TO get back in touch with my creative side as routine was getting frustrating and I needed a getaway. Some kind of liberation. Something that I could call and tend to as only my own! I have always wanted to paint but having two very young children meant having very little time left for myself to pursue it. One day I breezed through Google looking for silver jewelry for myself. I have always loved silver jewelry and chanced upon some online stores based in the Far East. I happened to buy some for myself and was amazed at its quality and craftsmanship. I started researching more about various styles of jewelry and the process that went into making them. Obviously the first stop was of Indian genre. I then embarked on this search for material, and I got drawn into it quite quickly. So much so that I got hooked. Before I knew it, I had ordered my first small lot of silver, followed soon by gemstones. I taught myself how to make the pieces and I thoroughly enjoyed making them. It was meditative, to say the least. I have never looked back since. 

TECD: What would you say is the USP of Soumeiran? 

Suchitra: The ethos of Soumeiran is to represent exquisite, original and creative work through quality craftsmanship. We extensively work with silver and gemstones combined into one of a kind jewelry/wearable art. We primarily source on the lines of the temple jewelry genre, bringing forth highly exquisite craftsmanship and stunning design motifs that date way back into time, only to be rediscovered and given a contemporary twist. Right from the conception of Soumeiran, we have emphasized on amalgamating colors in the form of genuine gemstones with our silver. As much as silver is the heart and soul of Soumeiran, the use of genuine, quality gemstones from highly trusted sources is what brings in a totality. We can’t stress enough on the use of honest components, however little or big they are. Thus each piece is made to last a lifetime because of the same. 

TECD: Flamboyant statement pieces that lend an air of bold yet feminine flair to any outfit. Who according to you is the ideal Soumeiran woman?

Suchitra: The ideal Soumeiran woman is one who has a very keen eye for design and color; one who is a seeker for something new, unusual and different; one who has a deep connection with her roots and yet enjoys all that is modern and finally, the most important, being someone who wears her jewelry with pride.

TECD: What would you say has been your most memorable experience w.r.t. Soumeiran?

Suchitra: To be honest, it can’t be put down to one but many memorable experiences since Soumeiran came into existence. Without sounding patronizing, it would have to be every single person I have bonded with through Soumeiran. There are some amazing women here in the UK and across the globe, who I otherwise wouldn’t have had the pleasure of even knowing! As if we all are bound by the same invisible thread, we connect through our common love for design, arts and crafts. I will utterly cherish this all my life, and I am sure I have made these connections for ever. 

TECD: Suchitra, your latest collection Shaarada, is truly one of a kind! We’d like to know more about the Bor Maal’ beads that are extensively used in this collection? 

Suchitra: The collection – Soumeiran Shaarada, that I am so thrilled to be showcased on TECD revolves around this century old (so I have been told) technique of making silver bi-cone shaped beads that were used to make a traditional style of necklace in the Western parts of India, called the ‘Bor Maal’ (string of berries / berry shaped beads). This labor intensive technique has been painstakingly yet successfully carried out by skilled craftsmen to make these beads, which we were fortunate enough to source, after seeking them for a long time and almost giving up hope on them ever to be made, because of it being so laborious and almost unattainable. We have used some really select gemstones – Golden Obsidian, Larvikite, Chrome Diopside, Turquoise (not Howlite!) and Lapis Lazuli along with temple motif silver amulets and pendants to make one of a kind neck wear pieces. 

TECD: The cult following that you have in such a short period of time is admirable to say the least. What has been your success mantra as a small business owner? 

Suchitra : I suppose, fulfillment thereby success lies in being true to yourself and your work, what you showcase. There’s a big audience out there who highly appreciates and really values genuine, honest work and one must always strive to work towards that, and only that will make you stand out, get noticed. It is also a much happier place to be in where a healthy, positive atmosphere is maintained between fellow artists and makers, and honest, good work is always mutually encouraged and appreciated. Lastly, success and humility have to go hand in hand! 

TECD: On a concluding note, tell us what’s next on the charts for Soumeiran? 

Suchitra: I hope the future holds great promise for Soumeiran – we will continue to showcase like we always have, some completely new designs straight from the source – be it ear wear, neck-piece range or maybe something else that has always been highly received by the audience. We hope to build some amazing connections with more connoisseurs of handmade jewelry and crafts, and that Soumeiran stays on a joyous ride like always!

A stunning collection won't you agree? Personally what I love about Soumeiran is that each piece is truly one-of-a-kind -individually crafted to mirror the personality of its wearer. Soumeiran ships worldwide. To get your piece of Soumeiran, please email Suchitra at soumeiran@gmail.com for your copy of the catalog/lookbook or connect with her via Soumeiran's Facebook page. 

Thank you Suchitra, it was a pleasure connecting with you! My TECD readers and I, wish you all the very best in your creative endeavor.....

(Image Credit/Courtesy: Soumeiran) 

Coppre's latest launch - “Kasba Tealight Trio”

I have blogged about Coppre earlier and this brand never seizes to amaze me! Quality, minimalist design style and incredible craftsmanship permeates every product that Coppre has to offer. Their newest launch this year being the “Kasba Tealight Trio”. The collection exemplifies the architectural heritage of Coppre’s headquartered city, Pune (India) and more so on "Kasba Peth – the bustling central market in Pune with its many bazaars and residential complexes." 

The delicate patterns on these metal tealights is a chic spin off on the abundance of architectural inspiration found in the buildings in and around Kasba Peth. Ornate relief carvings in the domes of 18th Century old temples, lace like configurations from balcony railings in the residential homes and iconic Jali designs that have their roots in Mughal architecture were each interpreted to a more modern day design and etched on metal transforming them into dainty tealights that cast the most pretty shadows when lit.  

What I really loved about these tealights is the actual physical design per se. Unlike other tealight holders, where lighting the tealight can be a task, this design is practical in use. The Kasba tealights have a removable stand that supports the actual tealight. Hence, you can light the candle by placing it on the candle support and then gently slide the tealight support right back in with ease.

What’s more, I found more than one use for these! When not in use as a votive holder, they work really well as a plant holder and a stationery holder too.

The Kasba Tealight Trio comes in a ready-to-gift box (as a set of 3), in shades of white and teal. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, these would be the perfect addition to create that romantic setting for the special loved one. So go ahead and choose your favorite combo. To place your order, click right here.

(Image Credit/Copyright: Collage - Coppre, 2,3,4 - Sruthi Singh) 

Auraz Design - Featured Brand

Meticulously handcrafted, genuine antique furniture is often hard to come by. You either inherit such treasures or look high and low till you hit the jackpot on one of those furniture scouring trips. But if you want the easy way out, let me introduce you to “Auraz Design - Antique looks for the modern soul.” Auraz Designs is a Bengaluru based online store where each and every piece is hand-picked and verified for authenticity. Auraz believes that the antiques furniture market in India is fairly disorganized and aims to simplify and improve the customer experience in the process of purchasing antiques. 

“We at Auraz, are reshaping consumer ideas about the design of modern spaces. We are passionate about experimental home decor by pairing antiques with modern accessories - helping us blend history and modernity. We are creating a one of a kind web experience which reflects this unique combination.”

If the trill of the hunt for that one standout piece is wearing you out, may I suggest you check out Auraz’s collection. As we know, the best dressed homes mix styles, eras and personality to get that va-va-voom look.

You may connect with them via their Facebook page, Etsy store or their website at aurazdesign.com. Won’t you agree when I say that owning a piece of history just got easy! Auraz has a flash sale that runs till the end of the month:) 

(Image Credit/Copyright: Auraz Design. The images may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the owner) 

Creating Feature Walls

Looking for ways to bring the wow factor to your lair? It can be as simple as creating a feature wall. These are especially great if you are looking to create a design plan that is high impact without overwhelming the space. Some paint, wall paper, stencils and a creative mind can take your wall from boring to brilliant without you breaking your bank. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite feature walls for inspiration.

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If you are color courageous, then creating feature walls is child's play. Pick bold hues to bring contrast to the room. One has to understand the difference between bringing contrast to a room through colors versus just playing with opposing colors. If you ask me, inky blue hues or colors inspired by the night sky like, in the image above is all the rage these days. Once you have the base color finalized, layer it with your collection of art and artifacts. It's a great way to add personality to your space. 

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Wall papers are another great option to add visual interest. For instance this whimsical floral wall paper sings a happy spring tune to me! 

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For a more eclectic vibe, try intricately patterned wall papers.   The punchy patterns, complementary colors and other design elements in the room truly make this space a drama galore.

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If wall papers are not a budget friendly option, then a little elbow grease and a stencil can come to your rescue. Choose stencil patterns carefully to bring the required look to the space. Use floral for a country vibe, geometric for modern or an African Tribal mud cloth pattern for a global vibe!

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This one is the impressive imposter as I like to call it! All it takes is a freshly painted wall and Sharpie. Yes, you read that right. A designer wall paper look can be whipped out with a Sharpie provided you have time, patience and the willingness to put in the required amount of elbow grease. Don't you think the end result is so worth it? Head over to Vintage Revivals for a tutorial. 

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If none of the above have got your attention, don't fret. Removable Adhesive Wall Patterns are a cost-effective, less permanent alternative to paint and wallpaper. Peel, stick and you are done!

Was that inspiration enough to get you to tackle that feature wall project this weekend? I hope so. As for me, I'm going to be tackling my mudroom walls this weekend. Will keep you'll in the loop about how it turned out......

Images used in the post have been given due credit.