Lively-wood

A Teacher’s Philosophy & Dancers’ Delight

2012-01-02T09:54:00.012+05:30

You might wonder, why I have such a strange name for this bedroom project for the Bhupatkar residence! Well as much as I like my friend Maithily & her dear mother, I loved working in these spacious, well-lit and clean bedrooms of theirs. I am glad I got to work on two extreme diverse concepts; one eccentric and eclectic while the other was contemporary with a smack of family heritage!

Now let me start making by making the title clear. When I say Teacher’s Philosophy, I simply mean the way a teacher thinks. The family are a bunch of extraordinary teachers. When I worked with Mrs. Bhupatkar, I was surprised to see how careful and observant she was. She didn’t miss out a single detail when it came to little things like handles, curtains, her picture frames, to the extent of switch boards! The first time I met her, she made it clear that she wanted something in straight lines, and it all had to look clean! That’s when I knew she wanted to go contemporary in her room.

Whites & greens, basic and minimalistic was her choice. Long curtains, patterned bedspread and bold pillows made her happy. We refurbished the existing wardrobes and built a little entertainment centre for her antique TV.

Since all members of this family are ardent readers, creating a corner where they can unwind was important. The advantage of working in this house was that the rooms are good sized. I did get a nice cosy corner to change the focus of the bedroom, which was previously unattended.

Well to my good fortune, they owned a 100 year old antique gorgeously made chair with an even better old trunk lying around. They certainly valued it but really didn’t know how it could be incorporated into their home. When I suggested it’s place, they were truly delighted and happy that these antiques could be a part of their decor. So, this unattended corner became a reader’s haven. I placed good amount of lighting behind it with a few abstract shelves which made the room look cool and contemporary with a splash of the old.

Lastly, I did want to provide a little dressing area. Even though reading was a highlight of the room, I didn’t want to forget that it was after all a bedroom. In a small space beside the bathroom, just on your way out, a simple peek-a-boo mirror cabinet was fixed.

Hence ending the story of the Teachers’ Philosophy, keeping it straight and simple!
Now let us talk about the eccentric dancers’ delight. My friend, who is an outstanding dancer, wanted her room to be eclectic and on one hand and on the other wanted to bring some form of dance into the decor. So let me start by explaining how we went about doing it.

The corner of this spacious bedroom was a bit neglected. I knew not much could be done with it since accessibility to the corner wasn’t convenient. But without doubt, I could make it a focal point of the room and yet give some functionality to it. Hence, we hung some kandeels or lamps from the ceiling and arranged a beautiful old cabinet to display her Natraj (God of dance) statue on it. The lower cabinets could be used to store her books and other brass items. The cabinet was refurbished and glass was put on 2 sides to showcase her collection of antiques.

The next very important part of her room was her beautiful dresser named Surya. We scrubbed and rubbed to make it look old, frayed and antique. The contrast of yellows and blues with ornate brass handles made the corner look brilliantly distinctive. Since that little dance element had to be added, hand-made handles with ghoongroos or bells were installed on the drawers. We also added a touch of golden wrot iron embossing on the deep, rich blue full length mirror with some ghoongroos to match the dresser below. Since all my products have a name, I call this mirror Lavanya because it came out very graceful! With ample storage of 3 drawers, the corner looks exquisite!

To match and balance colours, a similar side unit I call Turmerica was made. It stands next to the bed and has sturdy carved teak wood legs.

Along with these two features, arranging and refurbishing her existing bed and wardrobes, lighting and entertainment centre had to have their place. Below are the placement of the wall mounted entertainment centre opposite the bed and the overall view of the room.

Lastly, I want to thank my dear friend Vikrant for helping me take such wonderful photos of my work. He has been helping me do so always!! :)

Dealing with Small Spaces? Trunks do it all!!

2011-12-17T11:39:00.015+05:30

Sometimes we find some old treasures in our locked garage or may be on a loft above some store rooms...do you remember exploring something like that? And there...boom...we find a mysterious storage trunk!!! Whether you have this fond memory or not… there always has been and always will be a wonderful mystery and comforting feeling surrounding trunks!

A trunk is flexible enough to correspond well with any home décor, whether you prefer antique and classic or contemporary and modern. Obviously, you can use a storage trunk for storage… and there are many things you can do here. But in small homes, apartments, or dorm rooms you can use it as a decorative end table or coffee table.

Trunks in a Living Space

A decorative trunk can be used as a side table to place a lamp, coasters, and a book on beside your favorite chair. You can also store out of season items inside, such as curtains, blankets and sheets, or holiday decorations. When used as a table, a storage trunk gives you a quick and convenient access to storage without sacrificing style.

Or, you can also use a decorative trunk as a coffee table. You can store items that are used while entertaining guest such as board games, table runners, etc. This brings style and offers functionality.

Storage Trunk in the Bedroom

The best way to save space, make it look different and have a good amount of utility, make your trunk a stylish side table. If you drink water at night, be sure to place your glass on a coaster so you don’t cause any damage. Inside, you can store out of season clothing which are sorted out just once in a while.

Trunks for Gazing & Relaxing..

A storage trunk can be used as a rustic style seating bench by a window, perhaps covered with antique dolls and stuffed animals to provide a comforting appeal. It can be placed in your spare room or a study where activities like reading take place.

The Hidden Bar

Get that decorative box on casters and have a mobile bar anywhere in the house! In case you do not like to have your liquor displayed, a wine trunk or a mini bar serves best!

All that mess my child makes!

A pretty little trunk can be made to hide pictures, books, board games, or toys and stuffed animals for the kids. In one of my projects, I made a pretty colourful trunk with locking casters which could not only be used as storage but also served as a bench or a chair. It slid perfectly under the study table, consuming absolutely no floor space.

GO GREEN with GoodHomes

2011-12-12T09:36:00.006+05:30

I just love GoodHomes magazine! They seriously emphasize enormously on going green, environment, re-use, etc! I thought it was very nice of them to have people participate in contests which in some way spreads the word of saving our Earth in a small way.

So my friends, here goes their little play -

GO GREEN with GoodHomes Contest! (10th - 16th December)

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=287941917914342

Ronitaa Italia-Dhanu, the Editor of GoodHomes magazine shares a video of a Green Christmas!

Take inspiration and GO GREEN in your Home! Share a picture of a Green Christmas decor setting done by you in your Home. 1 lucky winner with the best setting will win goodies from GoodHomes!

Travel, Inspiration & Art

2011-11-19T09:25:00.022+05:30

A lot of times, I go clicking pictures of different things like fruits, a scene at a bus stand, or a shoe display...etc. Its incredible how many pictures I have of things which seem irrelevant and pointless! But for me, they are a constant source of inspiration. I have over 1000 pictures just randomly clicked, all intending to flood me with ideas. My post this month is about these photos and its implementation into my work, so far.

Persia comes to my Door Step

From the Land of the Turks came my little inspiration of a beautiful dresser I made for my friend. Most mosques in Turkey had these ornate taps in their courtyards which encourage people to wash their feet and then enter this religious place, clean and pure.

This old and ancient tap inspired me to make her dresser. If you notice, you will see the similarity in the shape and the ornateness in the design. The rich golden yellows and deep blues reminds me of my wonderful trip to the land of the Sultans.

A midst the Himalayas

A midst the Himalayas is this little state of Sikkim, heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture. I call it the spiritual, lost little paradise. Its simply gorgeous! I was so touched by how beautiful it is that I decided to use it in one of the most popular items I make, yes, a mirror!

The script on the mirror says "Tashi Delek" meaning May Good Luck come to You in Bhutia language. One of the most beautiful prayer rollers in the Rumtek monastery inspired me to make this piece!

The Zanzibar Islands in Africa

I was shocked to see the overwhelming intricate doors on all the houses in Zanzibar! I had to use it...the idea, the design! It came popping in into another deep green mirror I made, I call it Peacock Plumage!

Balloons of Cappadocia

Going back to central Turkey, I had this wonderful experience of sailing through morning skies in a hot air balloon. The view from the top was like a wonderland. A wonderland which I tried creating for a children's room and on multi-functional trunk I call the Balloooooni Balloon Trunk, made to store toys and use it as a chair while studying.

Jaatt Riksy after Whisky!

You might be wondering whats wrong with my title??!! Well the core of our country, the everyday scene which we hardly notice was brought on to my work. I have seen so many varieties of trucks, lorries or semi as they call in the USA but I have never seen one as decorated, colourful and funny, anywhere else in the world besides India. I always wanted to use all the gaudy designs and funny wordings! Hence Jaatt Riksy after Whisky!

Its all about Lights!

Going back to my Turkey trip, all over, everywhere were these dazzling lights hung from the ceiling. There were times when some of us has to duck down to avoid bumping against them. The warmth created by them was so kindling and cozy. I used it in one of my projects. It made the room look, warm and inviting.

The Fall Colours!

When I look at the trees during fall, a strange feeling of content and peace comes over me. The colours look so bright, warm that the rising cold feels so insignificant. During my stay in the USA, this beautiful patchwork was done by a very dear family member of mine. Its took effort, love and a lot of imagination to create it!

The Turkish Cat Story

I am still not sure about cats from Turkey. They are all over, everywhere, on the roof, in the meadows....on the chair!! I wanted to pet them all, cuddle them all!! I saw a beautiful, fluffy one sitting on a chair...that concluded it all. I recycled a used paint drum with pretty little cats on it and converted it into a stool.

Well...I think I can go on...and I know I have to stop! I would love to hear stories from you...little things that inspired you to create something. Please write to me about anything that motivated you, and made you build something...very close to your heart!

GoodHomes & Fab India Re-Use aftermath....

2011-10-11T11:05:00.007+05:30

I am sorry for not really writing about the aftermath of "The Re-use Workshop by Good Homes". Well I thought I should not leave anything incomplete. So here are some pictures and a little note of the happenings that followed...

Event was conducted by GoodHomes editor Ronitaa Italia-Dhanu were in she took the participants through different vignettes where we highlighted the whole ‘recycle and reuse' aspects of decor. The whole point in doing this brand building exercise was to establish GoodHomes as “decor expert” and encourage interaction with readers.

Conducted on Sept 23rd at the Kalaghoda store of Fabindia, 48 walk-ins enjoyed the "REVAMP" theme of the workshop, which meant utilize existing material which are available at homes and recreate things at home without changing the original format.

The workshop also ended with bright ideas and participation from participants. BBC GoodHomes also had a little contest with where 5 best reuse ideas won little gift baskets. Overall I think it is a very cool initiative taken by Good Homes to make all of us realize how waste or unwanted things can make a a whole lot of difference!

I am going crazy with Re-using!

2011-09-09T13:26:00.015+05:30

Yes yes yes...I am going crazy with re-using and re-furbishing!! My carpenters think I have lost my mind because I want to re-use everything! Let me start by showing you all things I re-used and refurbished and yet made them all look pretty and completely usable!

I call it "Colour Recycled"

Well this is one piece of mirror that looked different and was sold off in a jiffy! Every time my carpenter scrapped off wood shavings, I wanted to use them. But of course, I couldn't use it anywhere and everywhere keeping its fragility in mind, hence I decided to use them on this mirror.

Time for my Sunflower Cats & Barrel Chairs

I had some paint barrels lying around in my workshop. I wanted to do something with them desperately since they were sturdy and would take good amount of weight. Voila, they became colourful, vibrant and strong stools!

Old is Gold

Yes...indeed...old is gold....While I was re-modelling my friend Maithily's home, I discovered the treasures she had. They were just lying around and accumulating dust. She was aware but had no idea what to do with it! An old-fashioned chair rested in a corner of her room which was more or less used as an extra seating. Another little piece of treasure, a stationary teak wood trunk was kept under a TV set. I grabbed them both, refurbished every bit, upholstered the chair, and made them a focal point of the remodeled room!

Beady Wines

I have this little wine rack in a corner of my kitchen where I store the never ending supply of my wine bottles. I just love the way they look when they are racked. Since this one was in the corner for a long time and I had started getting bored of it and was wondering how I could make it look a little different and fresh, I decided to bead it! I had a broken junky necklace which came to my help...I beaded the little rack and now it looks gorgeous! I couldn't even let my junk jewelry go!

Tick Tock goes my Clock!

Some extra pieces of well cut round ply sat occupying some space in my workshop....so, I decided to make some clocks....hand-painted and with lots of craft and beads on them. I have chosen the best ones from my collection :).

How can I forget fabric?

My grandmother had a lot of embroidery rings and pieces of patterned fabrics that she salvaged from the pretty little things she made for us. One day, she got her old trunk out and was asking our maid to take or dispose them off. Again..how could I let it go...it came on in the form of wall art and a curtain in 2 of my remodeling projects - Eatmosphere & Balloooooni Balloon Doctors Clinic!

This month the mania of re-using got instigated because of Good Homes who are conducting their workshop called 'Re-Use' this month in Mumbai on Sept 23rd at Fabindia. Lately the fad of re-using is in the air. I not only try to re-use, re-cycle and re-furbish but also, encourage my clients and friends to do their bit.

The Re-use Workshop by Good Homes

2011-09-01T09:22:00.007+05:30

Re-use, Be Green, Recycle....all these terms have been heard of, almost everyday. We have old sarees or some tins and jars or a whole lot of things in our house which goes straight to garbage cans. Have we once thought of what can be done with it? How can it be re-used? Yes, all of it can be!! And if you want to know how, join us at Fab India on Sept 23rd in Mumbai.

Good Homes - my favorite decor magazine in association with Fab India is conducting a workshop on 23rd Sept in Mumbai to unveil various creative techniques to "Re-use".

I strongly believe that "Re-use Materials" should be a part of everyone's lifestyle. How cool would it be to see your old shirt / Saree as a beautiful pillow cover? I think it is a very cool initiative taken by Good Homes to make all of realize how waste or unwanted things can make a difference and be a part of your decor!

I am really looking forward to this workshop, come along and make a small change.....

Doctors Office gets a Makeover - Ballooooonni Balloon Library & Children's Work Space!

2011-08-06T10:53:00.016+05:30

My doctor client now has a consulting room, a waiting area, a small reception and a pretty little library with loads of goodies and space for toddlers to teenagers. When I met her, she was in great dilemma, she has a lot of books, little therapy sessions for kids and young patients, so how could she accommodate all this in her spare area? The room needed to look cute, bright, cheerful on one hand and on the other, demanded space for her books and work area for children. So here it goes.....

A central view of the room, a wash basin, a nice display of children's work on a push pin board and a study on the side.

I thought of displaying children's inspirational handy-work on the central wall of the room. It made the room very warm and welcoming.

Making the room comfortable to sit and work was also important. In case of sessions, a spare examination bed was essential. Hence we gave it enough storage for books underneath and threw pillows to make it warm and inviting.

So far, the view of the library has been hidden. Ardent readers often have problems, they can't resist buying books and then, there is no place to stack them. Small open & closed shelving was made to display some interesting books and the stack the other reference books below them.

However, a desk, toy trunk and toys were important ingredients of this space. Yet everything needed to be compact and comfortable.

A Ballooooonni Trunk was made with a fluffy foam seating, with ample space which serves well as a bench for the table and fits perfectly under it, saving space and making it compact. A lot of people asked me if the cushion came off the trunk while opening it. The answer to this is no, it is completely removable with a removable cover as well and yet attached well to the trunk top.

The biggest highlight of the room were the Balloooonnni balloons on the wall. The light blue wall with a variety of air balloons painted on it made the room look colourful and alluring for not only kids but even adults.

I even thought of making a frilly light curtain to cover a small window. It did wonders to the wall and to the face of the entire room.

What Media Says...Mumbai Midday Burst!!

2011-07-25T10:18:00.004+05:30

A surprise just stepped at my door when Soma Das from Midday Mumbai called me last week to tell me that she intends to feature me! Wow...coverage in Mumbai is something I'd not really thought about! I was happy with The lovely stores of Bliss and Tribal Route who give me publicity and sell my products with love and appreciation! Soma Das did see some of my work at the Carnival at Bliss and decided to write-up about my work. Thank you Soma, thank you very much!!

The White Loop Quarters

2011-05-12T11:51:00.000+05:30

Sometimes you have 4 walls, a pale ceiling, some windows and an opening to a terrace and a bright flooring, you love it and yet you hate! You want a change, you want to liven it up again, re-do it without breaking a bank or endure a complete re-model. The answer is-you guessed it-in the details.

The changes I'm suggesting fall into four main categories:
Walls
Lighting
Furniture
Accessories

You'll be surprised at how much you can do with a paintbrush and acceptance of the fact that less really is more -

Walls

A major change that will occur in your house is after you paint. Start by the basic, how do you want your room to look? Bright, Colourful, Pale, Pastel? What colour will match the shade of your floor and furniture? Test some colors in different lights. Experiment.Do not be scared to try something new. The White Loop Quarters project I worked with, needed light, lots of it. It has a low ceiling and maroon flooring which made it look smaller despite a good room size.

Lighting

Just like you wear a beautiful necklace to accentuate your dress, lighting makes whatever else you have on look even better. It transforms the place and brings in warmth. Dim spots in the room can be highlighted with standing lamps. In this room I wanted to make it look cozy yet bright hence standing white lamp against the yellow walls gave a gentle glow to the room.

Furniture

One of the important elements of re-doing space is furniture. The living room had too many subtle tones of yellow, brown and white. I needed to perk it up yet, not pick anything too bold which would make the room look smaller. Hence the sofas were designed and made with teak wood and turquoise polka dots upholstery. We threw pink cushions on it to give a slight splash of colour.

A slender 'L' shaped coffee table was made which essentially consumed less space and a taller side table was fixed in the corner to add interest and scale. The room felt clean and roomy. Such an obscure piece of furniture, sometimes, does the deal!

A tall pane-like entertainment centre was placed diagonally with the wall. It served a purpose of a divider between the living and dinning area and it concealed the clutter. No place in the middle of the room could be allocated to accommodate the TV and its accessories since it could kill the perception of space. Hence an odd wall was picked to showcase the same.

Accessories

Pillows, pots, lamps.....flowers, etc add visual interest and substance. Accessories are both a blessing and a curse. This living room benefits from the bold pink pillows on the turquoise blue sofas.

Another accessory is the mantle or shelf fixed on the wall. Framed by red vases, and stripped of clutter, the mantle looks clean and dramatic.

One of the real focal points for the room is the White Loop divider! The huge room had to be segregated into two - living and the dinning. White, cascading loops being the pattern, stole the show! It gave a punch to the room and yet did its job of partial separation!

What you are is what your home is....isn't it? Hence, with the 4 fundamentals of Wall, Light, Furniture & Accessories, this space was converted into a serene, cozy, warm and a welcoming quarter.

The Black Taxi Exhibit - Colour & Design being the Theme!

2011-04-26T09:31:00.015+05:30

Its just so nice to be among people who inspire you. Inspire you to create more, inspire you to make use of every little wasted material, inspire you to learn how to use different materials, colours etc! The Black Taxi exhibit inspired me to do all these things. I loved meeting so many wonderful designers and artist. It was my first display or exhibit made in Mumbai and I loved every bit of it.

So the above picture is the overall outcome of the little stall we rented. Kanika Bahl from Anek Designs & myself decided to share a stall since both of us knew each other through common connections! We'd also seen each others work and were super excited about how perfect our stall was going to come together.

I love this little spot! I displayed my burly mirror which I called Floral Goodness on the hand woven stool called Desi Moda and threw some of Kanika's lovely pillows to bring in the cosy look! It looked so splendid that I sold off the mirror!

Another side of the stall got a lot of attention too. It was the peacock themed stools painted in bright bold colours! I call them Serene Plumes & Curvy Plumes!

Bringing my colour stained easel did help! I displayed the unique little Bluesome Vespa mirror on it! It was so retro-ish and loved by all passer-bys.

I was glad to have Ms. Priya Dutt visit our stall. She not only admired the art and effort behind the textile and my designs but also genuinely appreciated our creative skills.

Some of us, bloggers came together and posed for a nice shot! May be some day we'll all actually get to meet and catch up on each others stories!

Just thought I'll a few more pictures!

Lively-wood exhibits on Apr 22nd-23rd @ Executive Enclave, Bandra(W), Mumbai

2011-04-02T16:40:00.016+05:30

For more details click on to Black Taxi Facebook Page

Some more designers present at the exhibition are -

Check it out on Anek Designs

Check it out at Artnlight

And more....of
Spyra - contemporary and trendy handcrafted jewelery
Limited Edition - funky, printed and unique bags
Tuesday Afternoon - ashion apparel and accessories
Riddhika Jesrani Jewelry
Masala Chai
Ai.ko
Pink Tonic - ontemporary fashion brand
Matsya - traditional Indian crafts
Pushme Pullyou - quirky graphics meet chic craft on bags, notebooks, scarves
Chromackey Designs - designer stationery
Velvet Frost - Cupcakes, Cakes and Cookies
Black Taxi....

After a long time I want Lively-wood to go public!! I hope to see you all there!!

Organizing Art on Wall....Not A Big Deal!!

2011-03-25T09:29:00.012+05:30

A lot of us pick up art and wall accessories from various places we travel or as and when we see something interesting. Once its home, it is either lying around somewhere or we get all stressed about getting it up on the wall! How do I drill holes in the wall? How high should it be mounted? How can it be arranged with other pieces to create an inspired statement? Lets talk about getting this job done with less stress and yet be safe, secure and beautiful!

Basics & Style

Step I: When you’re ready to hang the art, the next step is choosing where each piece should reside. If you decide to put more than 2 pieces of art together, make sure how they look good. If the wall is narrow and verticle, perhaps putting them one below the other may bring out its beauty. Or if the wall is wide, placing pictures horizontally might be more appealing.

Step II: When hanging a pair of works, one above the other, treat them as one large picture. It doesn't matter if they are the same or different sizes.

Step III: There is no right or wrong way to do it. Always start from the middle, pick a focal picture or art and work your way out. Work your proportions keeping the central artwork. It isn't even sometimes necessary to have a sequence or logic.

Step IV: Always ask someone to help you to hold these pictures against the wall for you. Then you can take a step back to see what the space is going to look like, understand the proportions and colors, best suited to the wall or the room.

Proportions & Spacing

Step V: Usually, while hanging art, the center of the picture should be about 60-65 inches off the ground, which places it at eye level.

Step VI: For spacing between art on the same wall, 2-3 inches are used for medium or large size pictures or 1.5 inches for smaller frames. Now, note that the same spacing is important above, below, and on either side of each frame.

Step VII: Lastly, do not be stressed about hanging pictures on the wall. It needn't be perfect or logical. As long as you have worked on your basic proportions, things can't go very wrong. Infact changing displays of art every once in a while freshens things up and lets you display your new work or collection!

Leisure Lounge @ Home!!

2011-02-22T09:03:00.006+05:30

Most of us have little getaways from our mundane lives; and certainly, we need to have at least some of them near us! Well that’s how the idea of the Leisure Lounge came up!

A room not bigger than 200 sq ft needed to be converted in to a lounge area which would accommodate several things and yet make it look like a lounge. The area needed to fit in a book case, study, storage, loft, a bar, a cabinet to showcase a shot glass collection and a stage to accommodate a drum set and other smaller drums from West Africa and Middle East. Now the challenge was to be able to fit so many things in 200 sq ft without cluttering the space and still making it look classy, roomy and artistic!

Very few people have an inclination of collecting something special that will remind them of a place, person or an incident. Here, the challenge was to be able to accommodate over 120 shot glasses collected from travels all over the world. A cabinet had to be made to display, preserve and present the collection.

Next came in another very interesting feature yet a little discreet and innovative. A bar had to be made in a way that an outsider would not know, yet when opened, gave you a surprise! A chic painting with miniature bottles studded on the door of the bar makes it unique and funky! Along with a regular bar, a mobile wine cellar with bottle holders and a tray was also made to be able to push it around to other rooms.

Since this room is a mixture of some fun and work, a study and book case had to be accommodated. More than 200 books needed to be placed and protected from the ever increasing dust. Despite the space constraint in the bookshelf, a small feature had to be added to break the tedium of the quadrangle. An illuminated square was fixed off centre in the bookcase with zigzag shelves which flaunted odd some objects breaking the monotony of its content.

A long desk was made with two storage cabinets. The one on the left was made permanent while the one on the right is movable in order to fit two people on the same desk if need be.

Lastly, the room couldn’t be complete without a platform to hold a striking collection of drum set. The reason for the elevation of the podium was to reduce noise and vibrations produced while playing. Taking advantage of the height, some storage was also created under the stage. The wall and door that bordered the drums was demolished and a glass was fixed in order to cut the noise that made its way outside.

Tic-Toc goes my Clock!

2010-11-15T11:43:00.014+05:30

Its been long ain't it? I've got my hands on the blog after the festive season. You may be wondering why is my title 'Tic-Tok goes my Clock'? Well this time, its all about hand-made and hand painted clocks made specially for this gifting season. So here is a glimpse of my work -

Sparkle Pinkie
I call this clock Sparkle Pinkie. It is obviously pink as you see it and has a whole bunch of feminine features in it like the flowers, a pretty ceremic shoe and to break the girlie monotony and stainless steel plate!

Zardosi Ghoongroo
This clock is inspired by a beautiful saree I saw recently. The lady carried it very elegantly on her with some tiny ghoongroos or bells attached to them. I wanted to use it in my work and the most recent one I was making were the clocks...so here it is!

The Foot of the Lord
This clock is a melange of English colours and the traditional copper foot imprint with several motifs drawn in the Hindu religion.

Saree, Bangle, Mirror!
Another clock inspired by the tradition of India and seen very commonly among women, yes, it is the saree, bangle and the mirror!

Star Flower
This clock is a work of geometry with some beads. It will serve best in kids rooms!

A Bright Sunny Day!
One day I got up to such a beautful morning with home grown sunflowers and bold blue skies. This clock is all about that day! Happy happy thoughts!

The Tool Clock
Sometimes, leftovers from factories makes me want to use it in my work. The 'Tool Clock' is a combination of bits of stainless steel and wood.

You will find all these clocks @ Bliss in Andheri (180, Aram Nagar1, Fisheries University Rd, 7 Bunglows, Andheri. Ph: 022 26332111 )

Home - Colour, Art & Tradition Inspired!

2010-10-16T09:16:00.014+05:30

View of the farms, feel of the winds and openness of the large windows inspired me to take up this project. A small splash of colour was the only thing required to make it look cosy and inviting.

The living room is large with its king size windows and a terrace which opens to a farmland so vast that it is unbelievable to conceive that it is a part of Pune. The owners had some sturdy Sagwan sofas with orange jute upholstery which became my focal point and helped me design the rest of the home. The dark brown furniture helped me to tone down the blues of the walls, orange of the sofas and the yellow of the lamps. We made the room look retro with its retro sofas and a mix and match of wall decor.

To accentuate its retro look, we designed a corner shelf and a little magazine table to balance out the spaces and to help them store things. Instead of using veneers and laminates, I decided to give it an old rugged look to match the rest of the living space.

I also wanted to use some original artwork in this area. It had to be something that nobody would have in their homes. We got some paintings done for less and from the scrap we had.

A corner of the room was also made to store CDs, music system and their TV with a little bar and glass cabinet.

A dance studio became one of the other important themes of this home. The room belongs to an upcoming dancer who according to me should wake up every morning feeling inspired. Hence the ‘dance studio room’!

I could not forget the hallway and the entrance. They had to be classy and inviting. They provided storage for shoes, helmets, tools, newspaper, and inverter.

Lastly the master bedroom, done traditional with so much sunshine and freshness and a mixture of art from various parts of India.

Colour in the Right Amount & Right Places....they Rock!

2010-09-01T14:47:00.000+05:30

Colour is everywhere! Tress, flowers, mountains, people, animals, just everything has colour! It surrounds us at all times so why be scared to use some? I agree that everything does not solve all questions like what colour, or which combination, etc? However we can connect them and receive thousand tints which can be used in our decor, clothes, or anything that makes sense to us! Here is a little colour palette that may help you to choose combinations and implement is your daily life!

Wooden Flowers

The oddsome combination of subtle pink and bold orange with dark platform brings out a tender nuance between colours. Such combinations look good when you match smaller items instead of large ones like paitning connecting walls or sofas, etc.

Vase

Orange can be overwhelming, but orange and beige is just a right combination! A lot of beige, cream or white with patched of orange will bring in an abundance of life!

Antiques

Sometimes we have to leave the natural colours to make a difference! If the furniture is made with fine teak, leave it alone! Its lustre, elegance and character is matchless!

Peacock Plumage

When you need something serene and meditative yet colourful, use the peacock combo! A best way to feel cool, fresh and happy at all times!

Zanzibari Cottage

Look at the nuance of light yellow, blue and red, its so pleasing to the eye! It is a great combination to use in your living space. The yellow gives the warmth and the blue brings calm, both serve the purpose of life and peace in your home!

Spanish Window Fort

When something needs to be highlighted yet have a subtle look, pale yellow, white and black does the magic!

Stained Glass Celing

I had a chance to visit this exotic country in South America called Peru! Rich as it is, I also got a small subject for my blog! Loved the way the subtle peaches and greens looked on the ceiling of a church in Lima.

Buddhist Inscriptions

I visited Sikkim in 2009 and I can't explain how colourful and beautiful the monastries look! Though they use bold colours, some combinations are so vibrant that it makes the whole scene alive!

Chandani writes....Furniture Designing: A Profession of Passion in the e-magazine www.youthoncareers.com

2010-08-14T16:35:00.012+05:30

A few months a go, I met this interesting girl named Chandani who wanted to intern with the Blue Cross Society of Pune. Since I am one of the active volunteers there, we got talking and working together. During one of our conversations, she asked me what I did and after I explained to her about my slightly uncomprehendable profession, she thought she wanted to do a write-up on me and my work. According to her, not too many people were in the line of designing and painting furniture! Hence this month, I want to share the sweet little write-up Chandni wrote....

The first time I met a furniture designer was when I met Sonia Revankar. I had heard of many different kinds of designers but this was the first time I had heard of and seen a furniture designer, so I could not contain my curiosity and I asked her, “What does a furniture designer do, exactly?”

Apart from the obvious answer (Furniture designers, design furniture) she also told me what it really meant. First of all, furniture designers are different from interior designers though they both belong to the home décor industry. An interior designer changes the structure of the house. He handles the flooring, tiling, making and breaking of walls and windows, bathrooms, sanitary ware, etc.

On the other hand, a furniture designer designs and produces individual pieces of furniture depending upon the requirements of the clients. This way, the furniture is custom made to suit the needs and lifestyle of the owner. As it provides greater comfort and enables the client to create a unique look for their home/office. Furniture designing is an option many people who are decorating their homes and offices look into to provide a unique look to their space.

When asked how she got into the field of furniture designing, Sonia told me that it all started out as a hobby. She said, “I have been very creative all my life and being able to create something new is what I am addicted to.” She started off with an undergraduate degree in French from Fergusson College and a Masters in International Business from Grenoble, France. After that Sonia moved to the US where she established a retail and wholesale store of Indian art.

While she was in the US she met somebody who did something similar to furniture designing which really motivated her.” I have to keep creating something in order to function and hence I decided to put my foot in to this”, she says. She draws inspiration for her work from colors of day to day life which she sees around her. “I have always been inclined towards home décor and living in a space which makes you grow and furniture is an important part of that”, she adds.Now she runs a furniture designing firm along with her husband, Bipin.

A furniture designer requires a lot of patience as the space has to work out just right, especially in the eyes of the client. Another very important thing a furniture designer needs to have is the ability to befriend and deal with a male oriented class of labor like carpenters, painters, polish guys, etc. To be able to create the right feel for the customer, it is important to be able to connect day to day lives with colors and designs and be very observant. “Of course, experience also helps a lot. You get better with every piece you make”, she believes.

A furniture designer needs to be dedicated to creating a new and unique piece every single time. Not everybody can completely appreciate the efforts and the designs and the remuneration is also not very much. “People ask questions like why does it cost more than what I find in a mall or think that buying from a renowned place is better than getting it done from someone they don’t know. Everything you do is questioned at all times. They don’t want to pay for the efforts taken behind every piece.” Being a woman in this field is especially challenging as most of the work involves a male dominated labor class. She says, “They don’t like taking orders from women. Also, they are inconsistent and sometimes produce low quality work unless you guide them well through your designs.”

This field can provide a lot of flexibility. The amount of work you take on, the kind of work you take on and the work hours can all be easily changed to suit your needs. It is necessary to take well thought out decisions and make sure that you understand the market. In furniture designing, the painting and creativity are a part of your profession. There are many more aspects to furniture designing that need to be dealt with. Also, you will not be able to depend on it as a standalone source of income immediately as it takes a lot of time to settle down and establish yourself in this business.

“I think one should pursue what they aspire for in their lives”, Sonia says. In the end, it’s the passion for art and creation which keeps you going.

Chandani Karnik.

Zanzibari Doors...Unique & Intricate

2010-07-08T15:36:00.026+05:30

I've just come back this morning from a splendid trip from the Africas and couldn't help myself but write about this beautiful Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar. The island with narrow alleys, breezy rooftops, majestic Indian & Arabic doors and private courtyards and its pristine blue ocean.

The reason I write about the significance of the Stone Town is because of its stunning, magnificient wooden entrance doors! It is a feature which makes a bold statement on this island. In my article today, I am going to describe the types of doors and its significance with the many pictures I have taken.

Since Zanzibar had a huge Indian & Arab settlement from the 13th century, the carved threshhold to the interiors played a role of a status symbol. The fashion for carved doors was brought in by the Indian & the Islamic people. Back then, doors were designed and scaled for each family, thus being unique.

Some common features I noticed among these doors were that they had a centre post with a wide frame and a lintel all elaborately carved. The carvings have traditional Islamic or Indian motifs, iron or brass studs for decoration. Also, most of the doors are double and open inward from the centre.

There are many types of door...some of them are -

Lamu Doors

The door belonged to one of the Stone Town hotels...I loved the contrast of brown against the light blues of the walls.

The Lamu door is the simplest door and are found on smaller houses. The motifs of these doors are rosettes or geometric forms. They also have some Swahili colours like emerald green or gold.

Siyu Doors

This picture is taken from an exhibit from the Nairobi Museum

This door is the only one different from the others...yes..it doesn't have a centre post. Also, the doors are painted in circular motifs rather than carved. A little history about them is that they were made with very hard wood which was difficult to carve and hence the painted motifs.

Omani Doors

I think this door was freshly polished...it just dazzledin the sunlight!

These doors have the grandest outward display I've even seen in my life! They are the most popular in Zanzibar. The lintel and side post are so ornate and intricately caved with looping floral designs and motifs that its hard to take your eyes off them. They have a very profound arabic feature i.e. they have inscriptions of the Qur'an at the centre of the lintel. They are also heavily studed with brass and iron hinges and ornaments. They say that such doors are seen very often in Oman.

Gujarati Doors

This door and a house belonged to a Bhori Zanzibari

Even now, these doors are found mainly among the Indian shops with thin centre post carved beautifully. These doors are wide, coffered and studded with a central hinges so that only one part of the door needs to be opened. History shows that they were imported from India since they are made up of teak which is not indigenous to Africa.

Zanzibari Doors

A lot of shops had this door!

Though they are named Zanzibari...they come from India and mostly from the Mumbai region. These doors were introduced by Sultan Barghash in the 18th century with a tinge of western classical feature of the pillars carved into the frames. This is one of the most popular door here and imitated widely.

This article might have sounded a bit boring but believe me, if you ever saw it, you would be as bewildered as I was! Infact, these East Coast African doors are marked contrast to very plain architecture of the houses and make a bold avowal of the occupants, both as reference to their culture and social status. This is a legacy that Zanzibar preserves and should preserve since its unique, artistic, intricate & obscure!

Some more pictures....

Unaccounted Artwork.....

2010-05-25T16:08:00.016+05:30

In my last post, I talked about the Eatmoshphere project I did in April 2010. Its been doing great and my work has been appreciated. But sometimes it is also the small peices of art or just a little splash of colour helps make a difference. Its not always that I like to paint big things and hence, this time, I have showcased all the little sub projects I've done so far...unaccounted and solely out of interest...

I'll start with 4 name plates I have done for a few friends! They were fun projects and done while my work load was low...

The one below is my very own....done in a hurry and not so good but it still brings colour and life to my entrance.

My friends tell me that these name plates have made so much difference to their entryways and not only that, they have recieved a lot of compliments on them.

My friend Sayali a very romantic person and wanted her and her husbands name painted instead of their last name...and hence painted something cosy and romantic for them...

Aside the name plates, I also did my husbands office, one of my big projects. The space came out great but it needed some colour bursters. I decided to make them instead of hunting for something. Hence I came up with a theme..flowers, fruits, animals, in amulgamation with humans. Not all paintings are original here but there is certainly a touch of my imagination....

I wanted colour in this corner of the office and hence decided to use the vibrant reds and blues...the corner does look gorgeous..

I did this for my husband's cabin. He is very passionate about his drums...the Djembe, an African drum and in his cabin, I wanted to show all the elements of nature come together and hence the fruit, the human and his passion, his drum!

These paintings are in the entryway - bright, bold and welcoming!

A painting of a fruit is very important since my husband owns a coldstorage and one of the very important thing that is stored there is fruits and hence the artwork...

My next set of artwork was done in Eatmosphere..an abstract canvas which has a mèlange of the colours used in the cafe.

These mirrors below are 4 different mirrors all put together to give one big feature in the cafe. It also gives a perception of space and adds to the vibrancy or the liveliness of the space.

So this is some of my unaccounted but well appreciated work of art..I am sure I'll work on much more because they are my stress busters and they make me happy and keep me going...

EATMOSPHERE it is.....

2010-04-22T10:51:00.027+05:30

The Hanging Sign Board outside the Café

I am so sorry for not being around in the month of March. I totally missed being on the blog but time just flew and I didn't get my hands on till today. Anyway this month, I have a whole new exciting feature and that is "Eatmosphere". Now that might sound a bit odd but let me explain. The reason I have been away from my blog for so many days is because I was working on this beautiful cosy café owned by my dear friends Rhuta & Manish.

This is how Eatmosphere look from outside

Manish & Rhuta behind their healthy and tasty Menu Counter designed by Kanchan

This wonderful couple has a quaint story about how they landed up starting this little eatery of soup, salad, sandwiches, crêpes, & chillers. Manish a guy so passionate about food started off as a chef at Taj, Mumbai and then switched to a whole new world of IT. Rhuta has always been in IT and worked for IBM while in India. The duo shifted to Dubai and made a stressful living working for 12 hours a day in the field they thought was right for them. As time passed, they realised that life was much more than slogging. The feeling of owning, sharing and meeting different people would make them happier than earning a good salary without any personal life. And hence, they decided that they have had enough and want to achieve their little dream of owning a place where they can serve a wholesome meal with love and keeping health in mind. And this is how Eatmosphere budded after a lot of hardwork from all of us.

Glimpse of the café

Now you might want to know why I am talking about all this? Well my friend Kanchan and I, did play a fair part in this project...yes I did the interiors while Kanchan who owns Southpaw Creatives designed their logo, menu, did the marketing & communication collaterals and above all suggested the name Eatmosphere! She too is a wonderful artist who also did up my logo and came up with the wonderful name Lively-wood for wich I recieve a lot of compliments! The rest of my blog is going to be the pictures of the place, the signboards and the little nook and corners of Eatmosphere.

The mezzanine seating with warm comfortable seatee designed by me

Another cute African Corner...I love the amalgamation of colour here!

In the above two pictures, I have tried to provide different types of seating...each comfortable, cosy, gives a choice of seating high or low and breaks the monotony of the place. My idea was that, everytime someone comes to grab a bite, they should want to try a new seating which is unlike the one they've tried before.

One more beautiful and interesting feature about this part of the café is its flooring which makes the whole place different, I mean very different!
Infact when I started doing the interiors, I was very pleased to see that the mezzanine did not have tiles. I decided against tiling this corner and did what my friend Sheetal has done at his ashram called the The Urban Ashram. So here is a picture of the flooring to see what is different.....

The leafed floor

The washroom area

Though small, we wanted this area to be pleasant and comfortable for people to freshen up. In the whole process, I did not want to forget about the colours and theme at the same time make the place seem bigger than it is. Hence the combination of blue and turquoise with a mirror facing the café worked in our favour.

The Lover's Corner as I call it...

This is another nook outside the café that I really like. It is secluded, colourful and awfully cosy! I call the orange and red stools, Oranges 'n' Cherries and the little table Kesariya which contrast and gel with the 'Geru' or Teracotta flooring!

Some more outdoor seating..

Hand-painted turquoise-blue table which has a great combination of metal, wood, tile in-lays and glass

There is another concept we have tried to promote...the idea of recycle! Manish and Rhuta lost a lot of cups & glasses in their shipment from Dubai to Pune, I was thrilled to see them and decided to make use of the lovely colourful crockery. We also got hold of some bottles which was basically going to be trashed and restored them and check what and how we've used them!

The Recycle Corner

So this is the café and this is the work we all did to make it so bright, colourful, welcoming, cosy and of course, can't forget the food. Hope you have liked it and I would love to have comments and suggestions on it! Till then, if you wanna grab a bite, Eatmosphere is open from 10a.m. to 10p.m. in Wanorie, Pune in the lane of Kedari Petrol Pump.

For more details on branding, logo designing, advertising and more, please contact Kanchan @ +91 (0)9011012454 or just send an email to kanchan.gokhale@gmail.com

For more details on Eatmosphere, please call Manish +91(0)9967514019 or just send an email to rajpalmanish@gmail.com

Quick Tips for Home Office Organisation

2010-02-02T11:59:00.007+05:30

A lot of us work from home. For instance, even though I have my workshop, I carry a lot my painting and artwork back home so that I can work at my own leisure and mood. Just a cup of coffee, some good music and the comfort of my home motivates me to do better. There are times when my office space gets cluttered with papers and paints, brushes and catalogue books and it doesn't help me achieve my agenda. To avoid such clutter, I have gathered a few quick practices and no matter what, I abide by them.

Cables and Wires - what a mess!

a) All the cables that are connected to the computer or speakers or TV can be categorized and bundled up in groups. For example, keep computer speaker wires with stereo speaker wires.

b) Some times you do not need all the cables, hence tag them and store them well. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components.

Position of Peripherals

a)Position your equipment by frequency of use. If the printer is used daily, it should be within easy reach.

b) When setting up hardware, be conscious of access to drives, trays and cords. Don't block access to drawers or take up leg room with tangled cords.

Do have an Activity Centre?

The efficient office should be zoned into activity areas:

a) The Work Area: This is a clear workspace, the computer and frequently used office products

b) The Reference Center: which includes binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials. In my case, my refernce centre is paints and brushes, varnishes...etc. I have a small collection of reference books which I need as and when. Determine your reference area in your study or office.

c) The Supply Center: This area is widely used. It needs to be segregated very well. This contains office and paper supplies.

Project Files, Reciepts and Rough Work...

a) Create an area for storing your current project files and paper work.

b) Establish a permanent filing system for papers you will reference, but not on a regular basis.

News!!!! Better Interiors features Lively-wood in the Jan 2010 Edition!

2010-01-11T09:25:00.022+05:30

Cover Page of Better Interiors Jan 2010

I can't tell you how excited I am about a new opening for Lively-wood. After all the chaos and parties at the end of 2009, the interior design magazine Better Living focused on how to get back your life to normal by creating a calm and a meditative space.

Siddi, the Yoga chair and Aadhara, the Vajra Asana bench, the centre of the Blue Theme.

It all started from this beautiful store called Bliss in Andheri, Mumbai where I display my furniture. Since I have a very defined line in Yoga & Comfort, Mallika Desai Thakker, the owner of Bliss created a relaxed yet beautiful décor focusing all the meditative elements around Siddhi, the yoga chair.

Open Magazine

The colour hues of blue and beige give a perfect and serene look. It truly provokes a need for calm and peace in our lives. While talking with a friend of mine who has nothing to do with Yoga or meditation commented about how it inspired him to just be in the blue and beige moment. The products thus inspire a non-meditative individual as well.

A small focus picture of Siddhi - Yoga Chair

Besides the décor, the article also says " The focus of the setting is the yoga chair which provides good posture while meditating" . Such has been my focus through my Yoga and Comfort line. There is also a lively apple green table-like thing called the Aadhara which facilitates people to sit comfortably in Vajra Asana. All this leads to comfort and helps meditation efficiently. For more details click on to http://www.lively-wood.com/yoga.html .

The apple green Aadhara - Vajra Asana Bench

Wanna buy Furniture for your Home? Check out the Guidebook!

2010-01-04T11:23:00.015+05:30

We all have our own tastes...some people like long lasting, hard wood furniture while some prefer style and casual pieces which can be replaced in a couple of years. Whatever your style, make sure you know what you want to bring home. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best choice.

Hard & Soft Wood

Hard Wood Rocking Chair

Make sure you know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwood comes Sagwan, Sesame or Salwood while soft wood comes from Pine or Deodhar trees. The hard wood has strength and stability in case of chairs, beds, tables etc; but those qualities can make hardwoods difficult to work with for intricate carving and detail work. Soft wood is easily carved or worked. Since their surfaces are often soft, they are more susceptible to marks and dings, which may result in a weathered or worn quality.

Soft Wood - Pine wood Yoga Chair

Is Plywood better?

A lot of times, using plywood is the best option. Solid wood has a tendency to expand and contract as the humidity changes leading to instability.Plywood or particle board (MDF)is more stable and less apt to warp or split. Plywood then can be covered with veneers or laminates to recreate the desired look.

What is "Veneering"?

Make sure you know what "veneering" is. Veneer is the use of thin layers of highly decorative woods on top of plywood. Veneering makes it possible to match grain patterns or create designs. The only factor that adds to veneering is that it cannot be left unfinished, it has to be touched up with a protective coat of varnish, polish etc.

A lot of wear & tear.....use Laminates

If you know that your funiture will be unmaintained and needs sustainability the best option is to use laminates. Laminates are sheets of processed woods in different colours, textures, designs which help in maintaining the plywood against moisture, termites, humidity, etc. One can find a huge variety in them.

Decorating in Red Hot.....is it pleasing???

2009-12-08T11:21:00.010+05:30

Red is a very strong color and everything red around gets a bit over-whelming. It brings life and vigour to your decor but how much? Decide whether to make red the focus or the accent color in the room. Let us see how we can do it to make it dazzle your space!

The Floor Space

http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html

Starting with the floor, try a dark wood, covered in the center with a red Oriental or cotton rug. Try to use reds which tend toward the burgundy or deep red rather than the flashy version of the hue. The depth of color brings with it a safe sophistication that warms the room. Decorate your sofa with golden or floral print cushions to make it more inviting.

Now the Wall Space

One of the wall in your study could be painted bold red. Black and white or abstract pictures frames would make a statement of strength and stability.

Signature Piece of Furniture

http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html

http://www.lively-wood.com/chairs.html

A signature piece of furniture...maybe an ottoman or a single chair or maybe just a bright red upholstery over a stool changes the look of the space. Try non matching chairs that still match the color scheme of your rooms, you can look out for this unique type of furniture on my website www.lively-wood.com rather than the big department stores.Its always recommended to break the monotony of the dark or light colour sofa set.

Bold Red Accents & Patterns

If you do not want to indulge in too much red, patterns are simply wonderful for borders, backsplashes, floors, accent tiles. Patterns are especially good choices when you don't have a lot of space to work with and also when you don't want too much of red.

Books...Book Shelves...and more...

2009-11-04T10:04:00.011+05:30

I read a lot from the time I was little, maybe as old as 6-7 years. Since then, books have been with me all the time. After I moved back to India, I decided to start collecting them. Though a lot of times I think collecting books can be such a waste due to the amount of space they require and they are practically of no use once they have been read. But somehow having a good collection of books and having them around me, inspires me. I also lend my books to a lot of my friends and family, it does give me some kinda pleasure and satisfaction. Hence, I thought, why not deviate from the home decor subject to some thing else and make it more fun and
interactive. Scroll down to have some fun!

How much do you know about books? » Quiz School

My brother has suddenly started taking interest in photography and is always waiting to take some nice pictures. Since I wanted to write on this topic, I asked him if he could take a few pictures of the books I have. He wanting to do more of it, took some wonderful pictures. Here are some of them....

(All the above pictures are taken by Kshiteej Sumant)

Now lets move on to the Book Shelf topic....

I have written about how you should arrange your book shelves. I hope the tips have been useful so far. Here are some more quick 3 do-able tips without removing all your books -

1. Match colours and sizes of books.
2. If you have a shabby stack of books, hang or put a painting or a nice frame on a small easel in front of the books.
3. Use books as pedestals for art objects by stacking them on their sides and placing objects on top.

Hope taking care of books hasn't been a hassel for you. If it is, then the best way is to give away your books to a book store which takes used books. Maybe you can earn some pennies from it and also make more space in your book shelf for some new ones!

Lively-wood travels to Bliss in Andheri, Mumbai

2009-10-22T11:41:00.013+05:30

Store called Bliss in Andheri, Mumbai

I am very excited about the new venture. A brand new fashion & decor store called Bliss is now open in Versova, Andheri, Mumbai where Lively-wood displays a variety of Mirrors, Bars, Yoga & Comfort products, Coffee Tables, etc.

Siddhi - a low comfort chair

Through some connections Mallika Desai Thakker, one of the owners of Bliss, and I got in touch. It just clicked very well and there, I have chance to open my avenues in Mumbai while she enhances her store with more variety. Bliss is very creatively inspiring store with various designers potraying their art and designs. For all of you in Mumbai, or planning to visit Mumbai the address is 180, Aram Nagar1, Fisheries University Rd, 7 Bunglows, Andheri. Contact them at 022 26332111. For more info of the store, visit http://www.artnlight.blogspot.com

The Persian Trunk - a wine cellar, beautifully displayed at Bliss

Can Diwali be Economical & Eco-friendly?

2009-10-14T10:09:00.022+05:30

Above photo is taken by Tanmay

Diwali, or the festival of lights is a beautiful mélange of pooja ceremonies, lamps or diyas, floral decorations, fireworks, etc. but also a reason to clean and decorate your home and to break the monotony of our mundane lives. The festival is such a beautiful blend of all the above elements. While we walk through the few days of it, we cannot forget and avoid the environmental and health hazards it causes, but in our small ways, we can definitely celebrate this auspicious festival keeping in mind to help and save our environment.

Cleaning & disposing......is it a waste of time?

Don't even think of cleaning and decorating your home in one day! Assign your work to all your family members. Most of all, try to reduce clutter from your home by removing all the unwanted things like glass and plastic bottles, newspaper, old clothes, shoes, etc. Make a list of things you need to dispose and and give them away. Start by giving the used glass bottles/ newpapers to the recycle vendors, make a neat heap of your clothes and shoes and donate them to orphanages or needy people. Start your Diwali by helping, organising and disposing unwanted stuff by not just throwing it in the trash but by making sure it its re-used and recycled.

Splurge on embellishements from home!

Just because it is Diwali, it does not mean buy, buy and buy a lot of unnecessary things. Lets talk more about splurging on things that you have at home. Decorating the house can include making a beautiful rangoli with flowers. Now-a-days we find non-toxic rangoli which mixed with soil does not contaminate it, or drapping old sarees as curtains instead of plastic streamers, or using floor rugs. You can also use old scraves or duppattas as table runners or table cloth. Filling up old bronze and brass pots or urns with flowers and displaying them at the corner of your living space also makes it look ethnic and festive.

Above photo is taken by Tanmay

Welcome Nature this Diwali

Bring in some indoor plants and pots. Make the house look cosy. If you already have plants, re-arrange your furniture and plants to make it look different.

Diwali is about lights...

Yes, I totally agree with it but how can we bring radiance in our home while still help our surounding? Use paper lanterns with CFL bulbs instead of the traditional yellow bulbs which are less energy efficient. Light earthen lanterns or diyas instead of lights in the house. Though earthen lamps need oil the quantity is less and will make your home sparkle and save energy bills.

How can we forget Diwali Feasts???

Impress your guest with being traditional. Use banana leaves to serve sweets and meals. In place of glass or plastic glasses, use those made out of mud. This will not only give your party that uber-ethnic edge, but it will also keep it natural.

Fire-crackers....is it a must?

The photos above and below are taken by a budding artist Tanmay

Being Diwali, its hard to not indulge in firecrackers. They cause serious hazards not only to the environment but they also affect animals. Instead of buying traditional chemical cracker, go for eco-friendly crackers. Eco-friendly crackers are made up of recycled paper and the sound produced by these crackers is under the decibel limit defined by the Pollution Board. These crackers produce paper fluffers and different color lights instead of sound on bursting.

6 Tips To Get Your Home Dressed Up To Impress Your Guests

2009-10-06T16:03:00.022+05:30

Get your house dressed up and ready to impress. Have you got some friends who love to visit on a Saturday night? Somehow the house is always welcoming, the living space looks lovely and the dinner table is inviting.

Part of getting it right is in the planning. Allow yourself to prepare the food, tidy the house and get yourself ready. Your cooking might not be perfect but its the ambience that you create when you ask people around to dinner. Here are some ideas for you -

Table Styles

Have your table set to the theme of the dishes prepared for dinner. For example, if you have traditional Indian food, have some flower petal decoration around the plates or if you have a drinks and cocktails, then arrange a nice bottle of wine with a few wine glasses on your dinning table. Or float a single flower head in a bowl at the centre of the table.

Switch Moods

You can change your seating areas to bring about some change. If it a casual dinner, go for a low seating instead of your dinning table. Bring in floor cushions and use them around your coffee table instead of dinning chairs.

Candle or Tea lights, is that essential?

Well yes, it creates intimacy that overhead lights can't match. Did you know if you stored your candles in in the fridge for a while before lighting them, they will burn longer? If you happen to have diffused low lighting in your home, put them on because that will support the intimate ambiance.

Flower Arrangements don't have to be "perfect"

Have small flower arrangements in your home. May be you can put them on your coffee table or at the wash basin or bathrooms where guests will certainly visit. Smaller arrangements can have just as much, if not more, appeal, charm, and beauty. As long as you like the arrangement, and as long as it makes you happy, it is indeed a "perfect" arrangement. To have your flowers last longer, add a little bit of salt and sugar or maybe a tablet of disprin to the water to make it last for a few days.

Scent has a powerful effect

When your guests walk into a room and there is a wonderful scent, it immediately says "welcome". Sometimes Indian food tends to have a strong aroma and if you want your home and linens to smell more inviting, then spray a fragrant room freshner, light some scented candles or simply arrange naturally perfumed flowers.

Your Entrance, Porche and Hallway should not be ignored!

Always remember not to neglect your entrance, porches and hallways. Your guest will pass through these areas leaving the first impression of your place. If you decorate your interiors fantastically and overlook whats on the outside, it will throw a jumbled impression on your guest. A simple tip would be potting a plant at your door step or making a rangoli and placing a small diya at the entrance or simply placing some pebbles or cactus which makes the entrance look warm and welcoming.

Entertaining at home should be relaxing for your guests and pleasing to both of you. The best way to do this is to plan the occasion to avoid stress and mess.

Semblance of Feng Shui & Vaastu Shastra

2009-09-07T15:18:00.020+05:30

A lot of us believe in Feng Shui or Vaastu Shastra or either. Both the beliefs are a science of construction, architecture and in general help us to improve life. The Indian-derived Vastu Shastra is said to be the basis for Feng Shui and has recently gained Western popularity for its eco-conscious appeal while Feng Shui is based on the idea that everything in your outer surroundings affects the course of your life.

Although different, Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra share some common core timeless design approaches. A home is where you spend a lot of your time, let it reflect your individuality or the uniqueness. I will mention a few easy and doable tips to enhance your daily lives.

Surround yourself with things you like:

When you look at your things what do they say to you? Do you look at your furniture and/or art and say “I love that!?” This is where you should keep or get rid of things that don’t make you feel good. If you have negative associations with objects in your home then pass them on.

De-clutter your home:

Home can be where you go to rejuvenate. Environmental chaos can clutter your mind too. Remove all the unnecessary things and make your home more spacious and open.

Colors cue moods:

The palette to embrace is one that satisfies the range of human emotion: pink and orange trigger joy; green and blue create calm; red inspires passion; black and white embody grace. Decorate with colors that please you and positive energy will flow undisrupted.

Illuminating spaces:

The choice of lighting sets the tone for a room. Flooding the home with early-morning light refreshes the mind. Lower the lights and it will trigger relaxation.

Mother nature can come in too:

Going green at home can help you form a connection to the natural world. It soothes and refreshes the mind and body.

Taste of Indian Heritage

2009-08-10T15:16:00.009+05:30

Everybody talks about India and its heritage, culture, etc. Even though we talk about it, we tend to ignore the character of all the little things that make this country so versatile. I think I am a part of this negligence but things changed a bit when I visited this place called Choki Dhani in Pune. This place takes you back to who we are and how we have changed through the years. It is a fantastic combination of entertainment hand in hand with reminder our skill and tradition, long lost and forgotten.

It all started with a fanfare of the traditional dhols and a folk dance from Rajasthan. Just the grand welcome made such a difference to the entire visit to this place. I loved the beats of the traditional drums; they did make the audience move. Not only that, the rhythm got so many people on toes which ended up being a huge parade of dance and music! That was the very moment I realised how much of our own art is lost and hardly valued. I did make up my mind to see, study and observe each and every form of art and understand much more than what we actually see.

After the grand greeting we went to see the puppet show. I’ve always loved the vibrant colours of the puppets. They sure look charming with their string moves in their little theatre. While talking to one of the performers, he added that puppetry started off as a custom to ward off evil and to bring rain and prosperity in the lives of villagers. The play was based on the story of Amar Singh Rathore narrated by the members of the show. The performers produce sharp, trembling and shrilling sounds as a part of the dialogues of the play. Though I’ve seen this so many times, this time was different because I did not watch it for entertainment but as an art, so creative! I also came to realise that puppetry must also be an expensive form of art or entertainment. My curiosity did make me ask the puppeteer about the elements involved in the process of the show. He started off with a long list which in no doubt surprised me to the core. The art involves drawings, paintings, wood carving, carpentry, plaster cast making, clay modelling, costume designing, story, script writing, dramatization, song and music composition. It surely was beyond imagination!

Our next halt was an astounding performance of a rope walk done by a boy not more than 13 years of age. He was an antic entertainer who performed on the beats of the dholak. It was stunning to see the little boy balance, sleep, jump, sway and do all sorts of antics of the one inch rope. Later after the show, he said he came from a small village in Rajasthan where most of the people have ropewalk as their profession. He also said that for generations they have been performing and hardly remembers anybody who had not mastered the art of rope balancing. He got the maximum tip and appreciation from a lot of people. He certainly did steal the show. It was so unfortunate to see this art almost completely lost in time.

Followed by the rope acrobats, we entered a small theatre where a group of women presented the Bhavai dance. In this dance the veiled women move to the beats with nine brass pitchers over their head. They also have unusual skills like balancing and dancing at the edge of a sword or glass. It is so fascinating to see colourful dance which looks even more graceful due to its spectacular attire and dazzling ornaments.

And hence the evening of unusual events continued with mehendi and tattoo, followed by the chudi wala where he made lacquer bangles in the colours and size we wanted. The potter also stole the show by letting us make miniature pots. The whole evening was a blend of art and crafts, special and interesting in its own way. By the time we finished visiting all the affairs, it was time to have dinner. Our day ended with a sumptuous Rajasthani food of dal bhati, kheer, bjre ki roti with lasan chutni and a wide range of sweets. I wish I could write more and more about that evening but I will leave it to some other time. For now, the rope walk, dance and puppet show really impressed me above the rest, hoping to remember this day that opened my eyes to something so age old and prized.

All about Wine!

2009-07-14T14:31:00.006+05:30

Wine seems to be an emerging drink in India these days. Since I have designed so many wine holders and cellars, I realise everybody is bullishing about it. When I came back from the USA, I noticed something very ironic, all shops selling alcohol had hoardings saying "Wine Shop" yet did not have the slightest clue about the drink called wine. Even now, a lot of people mistake port wine to be the only wine in India. The whole concept of wine fascinates me due to its own ways and and process. Hence I thought, this time, instead of writing about the usual do's and don'ts, I will have a small quiz to make it more fun and interesting and a chance to get to learn more about this drink!

To see furniture related to wine, click http://www.lively-wood.com/bar.html

Wine Quiz - How much do you know of your wine… » Quiz Question Maker

Top Tips for Laptop and Health

2009-07-01T19:29:00.002+05:30

How many of us face discomfort while we work on our laptops? All of us right? Using a laptop all the time is not only inconvinient but can also lead to back pain. Since we can move a laptop around the house really easily, we neglect little things which can cause serious damage to our back. Before you damage your back, you might want to think about just how you use your laptop. Here are some suggestions.

1. Keyboards & Mouse
Ideally you should use a separate keyboard and mouse while working for extensive period. The screen should be at arm's length while the keyboard needs to be pushed closer to the body which is not possible as you extend your hands while working on the laptop. This leads to slouching causing upper back pain.

2. Stable Base
Always have a stable base for your laptop where there is support for your arms, and not on your lap. Use tables with one end suspended so that it slides under your sofa bringing the table closer to your body instead of you leaning towards the screen.

3. Posture
Use laptop holders or tables in order to adopt good sitting posture with lower back support.

4. Take breaks!

Take regular breaks. If you’re moving, there’s a lot less stress on your muscles and joints.

5. Good Habits
Get into good habits before the aching starts. Back pains build up slowly and can cause severe damage.

Quick & Easy Monsoon Care Tips for your Home

2009-06-09T10:42:00.010+05:30

All of us are awaiting the monsoons after the rising and scorching heat of the summers. Though we wait for them, we also dread them in some ways. Its just a beautiful thought of feeling and experiencing the lush freshness in the air but at the same time facing the mould and moisture on everything we see around us. Since we are stepping into this beautiful season, I thought I'll give you a few tips on what to do and what not to.

Closet Care

1. Use good quality camphor balls to combat moisture and insects.

2. Neem leaves help to keep Silverfish away which is a common insect seen during monsoons.
3. Silica sachets also keep the place dry and mould free.
4. If possible, install a low-watt electric bulb in your shoe rack. This will keep it dry and odour free.
5. Sprinkle a few clove pods among your clothes to keep your clothes from smelling damp.

Leather Accessories

1. If you have leather accessories, use it as much as possible in dry places. Do not store leather in plastic bags. Its best to store it in airy spaces.

2. Do not wipe it with a wet cloth. In case it gets wet, just let it dry at room temperature. Do not attempt to blow dry with heat from the air blower. The leather will loose its natural oils and lustre.

3. If your leather couch or goods catch fungus, take a tablespoon of dettol in half a litre of tepid water. Rinse the cloth in the water and wipe the fungus affected surface. Once it is dry, you can also apply a high-quality natural oil cream which can be bought in any leather store.

Carpets, Rugs & Upholstery

1. Whenever you get a chance, put your pillows and rugs out in the sun, so that the moisture evaporates and removes the musty smell. 2. The best thing to do is roll up your carpets and rugs and put some pouches of silica inside them.

3. Spray fabric freshner on the upholstery and rugs, they keep the surface dry and odour free.

Some general do's & don't's

1. Keep windows open. Make sure there is enough cross ventilation.

2. Put silica pouches next to electrical gadgets.

3. Do not let water accumulate anywhere close to you. Its leads to mosquito breeding.

4. Start your home projects like painting, water-proofing, etc. after the monsoons.

!!! Mirror Magic !!!

2009-05-29T10:03:00.013+05:30

All about Mirrors......

Mirrors are among the most ancient and timeless hues on the decorating palate. Let us see how we can make a difference in our homes with the help of mirrors -

Location...

When you place a mirror you consider where the light sources are located. A mirror across from a window can magnify and enhance the light in a room. This gives a perception of a larger and open space in the room. They also make the room more inviting.

Your Reflection...

For More info on Mirror & Buffet Table,
log on http://www.lively-wood.com/mirrors.html
or http://www.lively-wood.com/refurbish.html

Mirrors reflect more than just a lovely face. It changes and redefines your style statement. For example, some mirrors use large, ornate frames to stand alone as works of art. Other mirrors do not have the frame to give it a minimalist look. There are rustic mirrors natural looking mirrors, while a contemporary mirror focus on shape and structure which gives a unique and can be unique and unexpected. Mirrors are available in all the shapes and sizes you're looking for.

Don't overlook them...

For more info on the bathroom Cabinet,
log on to http://www.lively-wood.com/mirrors.html

Mirrors are such a part of your day-to-day life, that we take them for granted and do not thinking about using them to enhance our decor. But Imagine a bathroom without a mirror? Unthinkable!! So why not make a bold statement there?? Mirrors look stunning at the end of hallways - dining areas can use a mirror to give that expansive feel to the room - mirrors at a child's eye level in the kid's rooms. Its easy use mirrors, just needs a bit of thought!!

Gosh how do I keep my Mirror Clean?

Nobody likes to look into dusty, cloudy mirrors. Here are some tips on making your mirrors spotless -

1. Use soft and dust-free rags
2. Spray your solution on the rag and not the mirror and then wipe the surface.
3. Use warm water to remove anything stuck on the mirror first and then use a solution.
4. Always keep the mirror frame dry. Do not let the water seep in through the edge of the frame.
5. Avoid solutions like ammonia or vinegar.
6. Do not expose it to direct sunlight. In the long term, it may damage the glass surface.
7. Use of proper hanging or mounting devices.

Come visit us at the event Art with a Heart @ The Urban Ashram, May 16-17, 2009 from 11am-8:30pm

2009-05-08T11:29:00.027+05:30

Schedule for Events & Workshops

An alternative pocket amidst the corporate and technology driven Pune city, Urban Ashram keeps the possibility of the human heart alive. This May, Urban Ashram celebrates its first anniversary or shall we say celebrates the strength of truth, beauty and love!
Art with a heart as the name suggests, hosts an array of events. From photography to wood art, from paintings to social cause, from events to workshops. For the body and the soul. It has it all!

Artists -
1. Sonia (Lively-wood) displays a wide range of hand crafted wood items. From subtle to bold, ethnic to contemporary, each item is unique in its design, color and embellishment.
2. To enjoy these creations the event has abstract & fine art Phtotography Exhibition by Mayuresh (Shadow Photography).
3. Kanchan (Southpaw Creatives) displays her artwork ranging from paintings, typography inspired designs, sketches and contemporary designs.

Social Cause -
1. Blue Cross Society, Pune will bring their pets ready to be adopted on the spot. The visitors can actually meet, play and cuddle some of the puppies and grownup. Also here’s your opportunity to volunteer for/help/or get acquainted with the Blue cross Society, Pune.
2. Seva Sahayog – a networking organization in recruiting volunteers will be present to highlight the need to develop the neglected fields of education, rural development, health, etc.
3. Crossbow club is another organization promoting social causes, as part of the nourishing ambience.

Events & Workshops -
1. Rupali Daaga from Mind Ventures will present various arrays of child development.
2. The event also gives a chance to the visitors to enhance their beauty and rejuvenate. Dr. Deepa & Dr. Rupa from Cute Care Naturopathy Institute will hold a demos & tips session on enhancing beauty using natural products available easily.
3. Apart from visual appreciations, seekers also have the possibility of participating in events like Drum Circles, a Naturopathy Beauty Seminar, Yoga and Meditation etc.

The event holds a simple thought of spreading awareness and smiles. A part of the collection from this event will be donated to the Blue Cross Society, Pune.

The 16th-17th of May 2009 from 11am-8:30pm, all seekers are invited to participate, celebrate and explore a fragment of meaningful living. All are welcome with a spirit of love, peace and gratitude to the Urban Ashram, Mukund Nagar.

For updates on events log on to – www.theurbanashram.org , www.lively-wood.blogspot.com or email – theurbanashram@gmail.com, livelywood@gmail.com or contact – 9960643579, 9881099886

Tibetan Art & Architecture

2009-05-03T12:30:00.030+05:30

Just recently, I came back from a trip to Sikkim. Now you might think that the article is titled Tibetan Art and I am talking about a visit to Sikkim. The fact is, Sikkim is heavily influenced by Tibet and its culture. Most of the people in Sikkim have direct origins from Tibet and have migrated to India in the last 100 years and more. The place is so surreal, untouched, spiritual and colourful that I couldn't help but write more about the art and architecture. It deeply inspired me to implement it in my work but before that I wish to share it with all of you.

Tibetan Architecture

Tibetan architecture is one of the most simple, colourful and splendid form of art. Its simplicity brings out the temperament and character of the lives and people of the place. Tibetan Buddhist architecture, in the cultural regions of the Tibetan people, has been highly influenced by China and India. For example, the Buddhist prayer wheel, along with two dragons, can be seen on nearly every temple in Sikkim. Many of the houses and monasteries are typically built on elevated, sunny sites facing the south. Rocks, wood, cement and earth are the primary building materials. Flat roofs are built to conserve heat and multiple windows are constructed to let in the sunlight. Due to frequent earthquakes, walls are usually sloped inward at 10 degrees .

Tibetan Furniture

Furniture from Tibet has always been quite rare. Except for the wealthy, Tibetans used very little furniture in their homes, and the population of Tibet has always been so small that not much was ever made. Most of it was probably always found in the monasteries, and of course most of these monasteries were destroyed by the Chinese during the "Cultural Revolution" along with huge amounts of furniture. Made primarily from pine and other Himalayan soft woods, it is noted more for its sometimes lavishly painted surface and/or carved decoration than for its joinery.

Tibetan Motifs

The eight Buddhist auspicious symbols consist of - a parasol, pair of golden fish, the great treasure vase, a lotus, the right turning conch, the endless knot, the banner of victory and the wheel of dharma. These originated from a group of early Indian symbols of royalty which were presented at special ceremonies such as the coronation of a king. The symbols differed between different groups, for example the Jains and Newar Buddhists. In Buddhism these symbols of good fortune represent the offerings that were made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he attained enlightenment. Brahma appeared offering the thousand spoked golden wheel as a request to Shakyamuni to turn the teaching wheel of dharma. Indra appeared presenting the right spiraling conch shell as a symbol of the proclamation of the dharma and Sthavara presented the golden vase full of the nectar of immortality.

Sri-Yantra

The Sri Chakra or Shri Yantra is formed by nine interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the bindu point, the junction point between the physical universe and its unmanifest source. It represents Sri Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance on all levels, in abstract geometric form. It also represents Tripura Sundari, "the beauty of the three worlds." Four of the triangles points upwards, representing Shiva or the Masculine. Five of these triangles point downwards, representing Shakti or the Feminine. Thus the Sri Yantra also represents the union of Masculine and Feminine Divine. Together the nine triangles are interlaced in such a way as to form 43 smaller triangles in a web symbolic of the entire cosmos or a womb symbolic of creation. This is surrounded by a lotus of eight petals, a lotus of sixteen petals, and an earth square resembling a temple with four doors.

Identify & Renew Antique or Old Furniture

2009-04-02T13:29:00.037+05:30

Like all other material, furniture wears out over the years. Sometimes the entire finish is worn or heavy-use spots are seen. Even if wear and tear adds character, there are some technique which help in restoring furniture.

Let’s start with identifying different finishes. Before you decide to film or recoat the piece, it is essential to determine the finish of the furniture. Try small tests to identify between polish, varnish, paint, shellac, varnish, lacquer, etc.

1. Wax Polish
This is a semisolid polish and does almost no harm to the wooden surface and is widely used in India. It involves a lot of physical labour. Since it is stable and durable, it needs to be applied infrequently. Polish gives a natural and penetrating appearance rather than film-building look to the furniture. It usually has a dull sheen look to it.

2. Varnish
Varnish is a combination of drying oil, resin and a thinner. It usually gives a glossy look though it may be designed to produce satin or semi-gloss look. Usually varnished surface is sanded carefully and then varnish remover is used which can be found in hardware stores. Be careful because there are some varnishes that stay permanent.

3. Paint
It is easy to indentify paint on wood due to its different colour. Most paints are oil based and can be removed with thinners or paint removers.

4. Shellac Finish
Shellac is derived from a resin that is secreted from an insect native to certain forests in Southeast Asia. Shellac is non-toxic and can be added to any colour very easily. To determine shellac finish, use mineral spirit or turpentine and rub it with a white soft cotton rag in an inconspicuous area. The apply denatured alcohol to the spot and leave it for 5 minutes. If the colour dissolves and the rag picks up the colour of the furniture, then it is a shellac finish.

5. Lacquer Finish
Lacquer is a coloured or clear varnish which produces is very hard and durable look. It comes off effectively only with the lacquer solvent.

Simple home cleaner and more....

Always buff and sand the piece of furniture you want to restore.

1. Utensil Detergent
Use warm water and detergent to clean finishes and leave it to dry for a while. Mostly it does works on painted and clear finishes. Do not pour the solution on the wood as it may open up the wood grain and cause damage to it. Soak the cotton rag in water, rinse it dry and then work in sections by wiping it. Take another clean rag and dry the surface again.

2. Thinners
There are several types of thinners. You can find paint, polish, metal...etc thinners at any hardware store. They are easy to use and are very widely used in cleaning surfaces in India.

3. Mineral Spirits or Turpentine
Mineral spirits and turpentine are two different solvents which have similar applications. They both are very good in case there are grease or oil stains and work great on painted and primered surfaces. This one is widely used in restoring furniture. In India turpentine is widely used though working with mineral spirits is easier and safer. These are usually available at paint shops.

4. Denatured Alcohol or Ethanol
Denatured alcohol is weaker and slow-working and good to clean light surfaces. It helps to more easily remove the excess dust that results from sanding wood, because it does not open the wood grain. It is widely used for shellac finishes.

5. Lacquer Solvent
Lacquer solvents are strong and will dissolve them quickly. They are used on lacquer finishes only.

Hope you have got an idea about the different types of finishes that appear on the piece of furniture you want to restore. I will certainly talk more about removing spots, grease and water marks in my next article. For now please try to understand and care for your furniture. Always remember, old is gold. Restore and treasure it as much as you can!!

Decorating Small Spaces

2009-03-17T13:23:00.011+05:30

Small spaces have always been a problem. You need to add much more in there without having enough space. Here are some interior design tips to make your room big. bright and clutter-free.

Use light and cold colours like purple, blue, off-white, pale greens..

Always paint celing white or lighter than the walls.

If you are using wall paper, verticle stripes give the perception of high ceiling.

Use mirrors and glossy finishes which reflects paint and space in small rooms.

Limit using bold patterns. Small patterns work best.

Use small furniture like stools, ottomons, foldable chairs & tables, bunk beds. Line your furniture along the walls to keep the centre area of the room open for easy access.

Think verticle, build cabinets one on top of other than to have them alla round the room.

Check out more ottomons & storage solutions at http://www.lively-wood.com/

Easy & Comfortable Yoga for Beginners

2009-03-03T19:20:00.004+05:30

Yoga is a therapuetic process. It is beneficial for physical, mental and spiritual development. Yogasana has several "asanas" or body positions to promote well-being of the individual.
Achieving the Art of Yoga involves practice and dedication. For beginners, it could be inflexible and could bring discomfort, hence, Lively-wood has created a few products to help beginners to practice Yoga more efficiently.

Forecast for Design Trends in 2009

2009-02-02T11:14:00.006+05:30

2008 was a profusion of posh one-of-kind style while 2009 is believed to be heading towards back-to-basic style. The focus seems more on eco consciousness, quality craftsmanship and agrarian living.

Tomorrow’s Trends

The Caravan Motifs
The geometric patterns and motifs with bold colorations will dominate the palette. Some of the examples are Russian Folk Art, The Moirangfee Loom of Manipur, Suzani patterns from Central Asia.

Patchwork
The age-old craft of quilting has made a grand entry in the 21st century. Modern mix of pieced fabric, tiny flowers and colour-blocked graphics accessories are slowly making their way into 2009.

Red & Orange Palette
Passionate, warm & inviting – red and orange are still going strong into 2009. Clear reds make a splash in ethnic textiles, sculpted candles and silk flowers.

Glacier
The complex dimensions of snowflakes and crystal quality of ice is one of the freshest themes in home design. Frosty finishes, metallic accents, and cube shapes redefine the fine line between hot and cool.

Human Dimensions to Furniture Making

2009-01-29T17:31:00.002+05:30

Have you ever wondered how furniture should be made or arranged keeping our body dimensions in mind? For example, how much distance should there be between a sofa and your coffee table or how high should a dinning chair be in proportion with the dining table? This is called Anthropometrics – study of human dimensions. In this case, we will incorporate making furniture with anthropometrics to build and use furniture efficiently.

Seating
Depending on where you are sitting, the chair is designed so that you can sit upright or sit back. If you are lounging, the chair is made to recline or while dining, the chair is made upright to help a slight forward motion.
Further, if your feet are unsupported, the body loses stability leading to discomfort. Hence, a bar or some kind of a support is required to help maintain comfort while seating. On the other hand, if the seating is very low, the legs may extend forward which is fine for lounging but not for dining.

Tips while making or choosing Furniture
1. Seat height for dining chairs should be at least 18 inches high.

2. Seat height for lounge chairs and sofa should be at least 16 inches.

3. Knee space under dining table should be a minimum of 12 inches, though 14 is better.

Spacing Requirements while Arranging Furniture
1. Allow at least 24 inches between the side of the bed and the wall so you can get in to make the bed and change the sheets.

2. A dresser and the foot of the bed should be at least 42 inches apart so you can open the drawers easily.

3. Sixteen to 19 inches between sofa and the centre table will give you enough space to get around the table as well as be able to reach it for access.

4. A passage or a hallway created by a wall and the back of the sofa should be 30 to 36 inches wide.

5. Give yourself 36 inches from the edge of the dining table to the wall for easy access in and out of the chair.

Trends in India

2009-01-16T13:26:00.003+05:30

Living in the modern times, touch of old mixed with new, creates some kind of eclecticism. You could have your contemporary sofas alongside your antique ones and still make it look trendy, or rather the right word to be used is retro. This aesthetic trend of mix and match has been circulating not only in India but all over our globe. In this article I will be writing more about the newest furniture accessories, colours, textures and fabrics.

To talk a little about the latest trends in furniture - a low sofa with white or shades of white simple cotton upholstery accentuated with bright decorated pillows is in vogue. Leather has also made a strong statement this year with its bright to subtle shades of colour. To give your home the look of its own, having an accessory piece of furniture, may it be a mini-bar or a few ottomans or book rack, shows style, and an inclination and openness to the ever changing fashion.

In colours, a drift flowing towards earthy colours like terracotta or a stone-finish look is in style. Green has been a dominant colour of this year. The deep vibrant green with tinge of pumpkin orange or bright reds has been in fashion. On one hand the earthy look steals its place and the other poises for the daring colours like pink, luxurious violets, turquoise, deep cinnamon, etc.

Texture has touched every feature of design, may it be wood, fabrics, floors... just everything!! There is cracked texture on furniture to create an old, worn antique look, or a sand sprayed stone finish stool embellishing the garden and so on. We see a lot of weaves and motifs in various other applications.

Furnishing plays a very importing role in enhancing or beautifying furniture, homes, etc. Motifs in bold colours are seen to be eclectic. A lot of focus has been given to weaves and the natural fibres which is the in-built beauty of the fabric. Combinations of bold and sheer fabrics are used in curtains and linens. Roman blinds have also made a mark in the contemporary world.

Please visit us at http://www.lively-wood.com/about_blog.html

5 Home Remedies on maintaining wooden furniture

2009-01-16T13:00:00.003+05:30

All of us want a neat and tidy home. Now the question comes, how do I do it? Some things come easy like dusting and mopping but there are those little irritants which will never make your furniture look clean no matter how much time and effort you waste in maintaining them. Here are some of my 5 Home Remedies on maintaining wooden furniture.

1.Removing water marks. To remove water marks from your wooden furniture, massage mayonnaise into the marks and leave it overnight. To make it work even better, you can add to that a little bit of salt. Just work the salt in with the mayonnaise—it will give it a mild abrasion. The next morning, wipe off the mayonnaise and the marks will be gone. You can also substitute petroleum jelly, butter or margarine for the mayonnaise.

2. Always wipe of any water spilled over wooden furniture. If you have a gray mark, it means moisture is trapped beneath the finish and can be removed using tip no. 1. A black mark means the moisture has penetrated all the way into the wood -- that's the more difficult kind of mark to remove.

3. Petroleum jelly is really good for furniture that has dried out. Rub it in and leave it overnight or longer and then buff it with a soft cloth. Never buff furniture with paper towels because they will scratch the furniture.

4. Making your own furniture polish. All you need to do is combine one fourth cup of white vinegar and one cup of olive oil in a clean container. Shake well and rub the polish on the furniture with a soft cloth. Wipe it off and then buff the surface with another soft clean cloth.

5. A quick way to care and pack your furniture if you decide to move it put on socks on the legs of the piece in order to avoid breakage or scratches.