The Weekly Story ~ wk 88

Hello my lovelies!! Have you been waiting for  Monday? .... as much as I have *smiles*... Well... the most exciting topic for me.... is 'walls'.. So I've been waiting for Monday to show you some walls in my old home and my new home... and to tell you how I think, a coloured wall is such an important part of our homes..  

Paint is the most amazing tool at the disposal of any amateur decorator, as there is nothing else on Home Decor Heaven that can create as much sensation as a fresh coat of paint. Go with your heart and the mood that you choose for your room - it could be bold (reds or blacks)  soft and serene (pastel shades) or warm and powerful (oranges and yellows) - colour is meant to be enjoyed. And don't worry even if you have time enough to only paint one wall at a time… even a two toned wall can be a blessing and a great conversation piece!

A pop of colour on a single accent wall can freshen up the area and even make it look bigger and brighter. Think about the colours that elicit emotions – light blue is soothing, so good for a baby room, while red and orange are energizing and perfect for fitness rooms, yellow is bright and cheerful, perhaps a good fit for the foyer.. Pick colours that compliment existing décor and you’ll have an instant winner.

incomplete wall in my dining area

Painting the complete room, a single wall or even stencilling a wall yourself is the most economical way to give a room a new, refreshed look.  And if you think you aren't the painting type (though from experience, doing it with friends and loved ones is always tons of fun), then do explore the wallpaper option. This is easy, hassle free and also adds a lot of character to a wall. Wallpapering also offers a wide variety of colours, styles and themes to chose from. 

My incomplete living room wall... and this teal bedroom wall will have a makeover in August... Watch this space for more.. *smiles*.. And email if you have any ideas to share!!

Hope you are joining The Weekly Story' linky party ~ open from Monday through Wednesday every week..

1. Do a post on your blog, about ANYTHING! and it can really be anything – example – a fun recipe you tried out, a craft project, a DIY, a table top, a few candles, coffee with friends or a good book or a movie review… The list is endless… just about ANYTHING… and anything about YOU !! *smiles* ... It can also be 'anything pretty' ...
2. Original photographs only... No images from other websites or magazines please!! This is about YOU.
3. Link back to my blog.... only as a courtesy, so we have more people joining the party.
4. Copy the 'permalink' from your post (not the link to the front page of your blog).
5. Add your 'permalink' to the 'inlinkz' at the bottom of this post.
6. Click the link before you. Don’t forget to comment and if you like the blog, please follow!!

Any questions, email me on coloursdekor@gmail.com


Please note, you DO NOT have to be a follower of my blog to join the party.. I'd love to see you here!!

Please grab the Colours Dekor 'The Weekly Story' button!!

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The Weekly Story ~ wk 87

Hello my lovelies… Today, the weekly story continues with simple ‘makeover tips’… Sorry, I haven’t come visiting you guys as yet.. I’m in Moscow at the moment, enjoying the sights & sounds of the Kremlin *smiles* .. I’ve always wanted to visit Moscow… stand at St. Petersburg … go on a river cruise... So I’ll have lots to tell you when I return.. So promise to pop in and say ‘hello’..

The first pic today, is from my friend Anamika’s home…  and we’ll talk about introducing colour schemes and de-cluttering spaces… 

Introduce Colour Schemes

As a guide to start your make over, use colour schemes around the house. Silver and bronze elements work well with dark colours. Autumn tones compliment brown or being furniture whilst pastel shades are perfect for baby rooms. Children and teens prefect bright, eye catching colours. Try to ensure that the accessories around these rooms go hand in hand with the colours so the overall effect is pleasing to the eye. 

De-clutter

Cleaning away the clutter guarantees your space an instant face-lift. Get rid of stuff you don't want or need - don't be a hoarder! Use boxes, baskets, chests, smart storage ideas for quick and simple solutions and your space will look fresh and clean and more importantly, will allow you to decorate with a few choice pieces of colour or ornaments of your choice. 

I firmly believe that the entrance to your home creates the first impression with guests, so de-cluttering your entry way is of paramount importance. Use creative key chain holders or even small wall shelves or painted cabinets for keys, mobile phones or hand bags and laptop bags, that more often than not, get dumped on the first available flat surface. Defining a space for these items gives them a permanent, pretty home.

Move around larger decorative objects or lamps to different corners of your home. Put some away, or periodically change the room that the piece is normally stored in. You'll find that people often don't notice a particular piece till you give it a new place, put it in better lighting or sometimes just bring it back after a few months of hiding!

Don’t be attached to a particular type of furniture arrangement, as the easiest and most cost effective way for a transformation is to move furniture around and create a new look. Moving your décor items around can also make a difference - for example moving your coffee table books or decor to your dining table often makes a dramatic difference. And remember, the best part is that if you don't like it, you can just change it up all over again!

The above and below pics are a small example of de-cluttering..  My daughters bangles… arranged on the coffee table in a glass or in bamboo sticks.. *smiles* 

And while you are here... join The Weekly Story' linky party ~ open from Monday through Wednesday every week..

1. Do a post on your blog, about ANYTHING! and it can really be anything – example – a fun recipe you tried out, a craft project, a DIY, a table top, a few candles, coffee with friends or a good book or a movie review… The list is endless… just about ANYTHING… and anything about YOU !! *smiles* ... It can also be 'anything pretty' ...
2. Original photographs only... No images from other websites or magazines please!! This is about YOU.
3. Link back to my blog.... only as a courtesy, so we have more people joining the party.
4. Copy the 'permalink' from your post (not the link to the front page of your blog).
5. Add your 'permalink' to the 'inlinkz' at the bottom of this post.
6. Click the link before you. Don’t forget to comment and if you like the blog, please follow!!

Any questions, email me on coloursdekor@gmail.com


Please note, you DO NOT have to be a follower of my blog to join the party.. I'd love to see you here!!

Please grab the Colours Dekor 'The Weekly Story' button!!

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Makeover series ~ Vandana's home

You haven't send me pics as yet? *sigh*... What can I say!! Share some makeover stories, show off your knick knacks, painted walls, rugs, lights ... or simply all the clutter that makes a home... 

The first entry for this is Vandana's home... You've seen pics of her home before ~ Home tour... 

Today she shares little corners of her home, filled with knick knacks that she loves to collect... 

Oh.. I will be talking about rugs again... but check out the cushion on top!! Isn't that a wow!!

Each corner of her home, has a story to tell.... So much colour... so much love... so much character.. 

And a little cozy seating, that is enchnanced by the pretty rug... Pops up the whole scene .. doesn't it?

Now, email your pictures to coloursdekor@gmail.com ... I'm waiting... 

Store Review ~ Entropy

I'm one of those people who admire talent... and am always amazed at people who follow their hearts and live their dreams... 

On these t-shirts... rather.. in this t-shirt store.. is a story of two such amazing talents ~ Shruti & Shrada... Visit their store... and FB page Entropy!! 

So when Shradha (the designer) laid her hands on a plain t-shirt and came up with a design which was simple yet interesting, the very first t-shirt “Start” was born. Soon their friends, cousins started asking for t-shirts and designs. Thats when they decided to broaden the horizon and start with a webstore for selling these. So came up ENTROPY, the name which was predefined for their first venture, whatever it might (we just love the sound of it…tech+geek+cool).

After this came days and hours of endless... testing t-shirts (quality, fitting, colors), webstore designs ~ sipping coffee till wee hours of the morning, Sketches (Shruti sketched almost every element of the website) planning, banks, registrations, deadlines (making and breaking), shoots, courier, Facebook/Twitter… list goes on.... and on....  

Sticking true to their name, the designs and themes are not very well thought, they come up randomly when the designer (remember her name?) sits with a t-shirts.

And thats how an exclusive hand made t-shirt comes your way... *smiles*

Home Makeover tips : Knick Knacks

Do you remember my post on changing the colours of my living space? Well I had a few queries on how I could even think of changing colours that easily or ever so often... 

Well to tell you honestly... its my favourite pass time... *smiles*... Yes.. I thrive on doing new things around my home... (Sounds a bit sad.... doesn't it?)

So today... I thought I'll share a few tips .... 

Truth is that 'small', 'inexpensive' projects ... that are well executed can easily freshen up your living space and create a whole new ambience... And no!! it doesn't have to be a 'designer look'.. 

Introduce throws, pillows, shawls, tea lights, drapery, linen, table cloths. All of these can be rotated when you want a change of scenery or simply want to change colour schemes. Use doophattas or shawls as throws as well - a decor item doesn't need to have a 'home accessory' tag on it!

Whilst on the topic of knick knacks, don’t forget hanging shelves. Wall shelves and hanging shelves can easily double as pieces of décor. These are functional and creative. Display photographs, artwork, collectibles or tell your own special story on your shelf. Be creative with your use of different types of shelves to balance out a room and freshen up the space.

It could be a collection of bottle caps, coasters, even matchboxes - it will be yours, it will be special and it will be unique.

This is what my home looks like everyday.... Its got little bursts of pink....

And... here is what I do, when I want a quick makeover... for say the weekend, a special occasion or a party....

If your sofas and curtains are of basic colours, these can easily blend in with any colour of your choice. Saying that, if they are not, and you have red sofas.... there are still a lot of colours that you can play around with... Believe me... the palette is unexplored *smiles* 

Tip 1 : Buy accessories that are simply, inexpensive ... with a standard base made out of wood, brass or even glass ...  (example the candle holder above...) 

Tip 2 : Collect accessories for those accessories... example, I have two wooden bases that are candle holders ... over the years, I have pink, yellow, orange, gold, blue tea light holders ...

I also have coloured pebbles or stones... that I put in glass for a colourful effect... And if you don't have coloured pebbles... spray paint or simply paint garden stones... 

Place a mirror on a table... with coloured glass tea light holders and place these pebbles around for an instant sparkle to your party... *smiles*

Tip 3 : Use items from around the house to change the look quickly.... ie, the punjabi glass you see in the above image is normally kept at a place of prominence... However, in the above image, I've used it like a vase... and its nearly hidden ...

Tip 4 : We all have pashminas, shawls and doophattas... Use them as throws on the sofas ... It instantly creates the much required magic...

Now here is the 'peacock' look... or the blue inspiration *smiles*...

And now for the summer look... 'orange'...

Again, simply re-arrange things around the house for a new look *smiles*

Do you like 'pink', 'orange' or 'blue'....

Now.. look through your home and see what you can find... look through your wardrobe to see what pashminas you can use... And if you've created magic... don't forget to email pictures to coloursdekor@gmail.com 

Yummicious pancakes...

I love pancakes...the more creative they are, the better! The simple pancake covered with butter and maple syrup or the wholegrain wheat ones loaded with blueberries, strawberries and topped with fresh slices of banana. Yummicious!!!
Pancakes is a fond breakfast item in my cousin's household. The kids love them and they polish of their pancakes in no time. No gentle scolding from the mom for dilly-dalling on the breakfast table...No sounds of "Common S, finish your breakfast quickly!" (Smile) or "S, bega...bega finish your breakfast! "(Smile, Smile) (Bega means 'quickly' in the Kannada language)...
Aah, but these are no ordinary pancakes!...these are the special buttery chocolately ones, sprinkled with colours of love...check them out...they are easy peasy to make...

Don't they look delish!...Thanks Ashwini Acharya for the yummy pancake pictures...and hugs to S and S...
Ciao...
~Anpu

Make over on a budget

I've had a few questions on how I think of makeovers so often... so I thought over the next two weeks or so, I'll share some easy tips... This Monday, the Weekly Story... is merged with this post *smiles*

Most people think home makeovers are a huge deal.

Hiring the right designer, spending lots of money, shopping at all the big places - an investment of time, cash and a fair bit of worry. But if being a home decor enthusiast has taught me anything; it's that this isn't the case at all. A home makeover is just that....adding a bit of make up and doing a few things differently to a place you love...your home!

You can achieve a complete turnaround to the way your home looks with just a few simple steps.

Identify your requirement

Are you tired of the same painted walls in your living room? Has a certain piece of furniture become a bit of an eyesore? Perhaps a few potted plants might do the trick? Or are you just bored of the way home looks and want to do something special to it?

You don't necessarily need to burn a hole in your pocket to achieve a new look or feel to your chosen project area.  Neither do you need to be an interior designer or an expert at colour analysis - this is your space. What is your vision for it? Let your own creativity emerge through your ideas for your home transformation.

Small inexpensive home decorating projects can easily freshen up your living space and create a whole new feel.

So over the next few weeks I'll be talking about these simple tips ... so stay tuned... and if you'd like to contribute a photo or two towards the below... (you have a painted wall... you use a rug... indoor plants.... or show me your clutter of knick knacks)... 

Go on and email me on coloursdekor@gmail.com 

• Paint 
• De-clutter
• Knick Knacks 
• Rugs 
• Lights
• Art Works 
• Green indoors 
• Mirrors 
• Introduce Colour Schemes
• Update furniture

I'm linking into

Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground 

Home and Garden Thursday  at A Delightsome Life 

Creative Things Thursday  at The Vintage Farmhouse

Frugal Friday  at The Shabby Nest

Share the Love Wednesday  at Very Merry Vintage Style

'The Weekly Story' linky party ~ open from Monday through Wednesday every week..

1. Do a post on your blog, about ANYTHING! and it can really be anything – example – a fun recipe you tried out, a craft project, a DIY, a table top, a few candles, coffee with friends or a good book or a movie review… The list is endless… just about ANYTHING… and anything about YOU !! *smiles* ... It can also be 'anything pretty' ...
2. Original photographs only... No images from other websites or magazines please!! This is about YOU.
3. Link back to my blog.... only as a courtesy, so we have more people joining the party.
4. Copy the 'permalink' from your post (not the link to the front page of your blog).
5. Add your 'permalink' to the 'inlinkz' at the bottom of this post.
6. Click the link before you. Don’t forget to comment and if you like the blog, please follow!!

Watch out for a few linky highlights on Facebook, Pinterest & Twitter!!

  

Please note, you DO NOT have to be a follower of my blog to join the party.. I'd love to see you here!!

Please grab the Colours Dekor 'The Weekly Story' button!!


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Invitation ~ Art Exhibition, Germany

Art Exhibition in Germany!! 

Fremdeblicke team is currently hosting another Vernissage, the 53rd in the Fremdeblicke series, showcasing a group of Indian Artists.

Hop on to the blog for more details... and watch out for individual artist reviews as well.. 

This exhibition will make a sincere trial to compile India in to the evening.

So if in Germany, do visit... *smiles*

The blog is http://die-fremde-blicke.blogspot.de/  - (some pages are still under progress)
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/fremdeblickpage : http://www.facebook.com/fremdeblickpg

Store Review ~ Serenity- Blissful Living

Amongst the hustle and bustle and fast pace living lies a store that captivates the essence of colors - An anthology that portrays distinctive, eloquent expressions created by Indian artisans.

Serenity Blissful Living a store that offers an effervescent and eclectic collection of furniture’s and accessories for home and office decor. Situated in the hub of vibrancy Bandra West this store represents a vivacious yet tranquil style of living. It is assured that there is something to suit everyone’s preference and on your second visit there will always be something new to take home.

The store offers a variety of furniture that comprises of exceptional wine racks, book shelves, and vintage cabinets, chest of drawers, coffee tables, dining tables as well as products to accessorize your walls like mirrors in wooden frames, framed prints and original artworks. The unique cushion covers exclusively capturing elements of Indian scenarios collectively pooled with a palette of colors, designed with amusing prints to suit the ambience of your home. There are some remarkable Buddha and Ganesha replicas that can add tranquility to your home.

The glass section offers variety of radiant and colorful hand- painted vases in hues of greens, blues, yellows etc Candle holders, bowls, and trays, coasters that showcase 70’s Bollywood actors.

There is also exclusive spa and accessory section. The spa section comprises aroma oils and candles, diffusers and essential oils, incense sticks for a mystic experience. In addition to this, traditional earrings, available in silver with intricate work can be worn at any occasion. Beaded chains, bracelets, rings can be used as costume jewellery.  A variety of bags that have interesting pictures patterned with kaleidoscopic colours.

Ms. Amrit Borkakoty, Proprietor, literally found “serenity” while exploring her journey in finding talented artisans from all over India. The entire collection comprises of tasteful pieces of that she personally hand-picks. Serenity possessions have been sourced and complied from different corners of India including Delhi, Chandigarh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Sensibly priced, this exceptional collection is apt for decor and can be the perfect gifting option for every aficionado of art. Serenity Blissful Living offers their distinct collection at a price range starting from Rs. 250 -30,000 and is the most suitable shopping spot for interior designers, architects, new married, restaurant owners, youngsters and every everyone who is home proud.

Store Timings: Monday- Saturday 11.00am-9.00pm

Sunday closed

Location: Clamar Builing, Opposite Guru Nanak Park, Junction of 16^th & 29^th Road, Bandra (W) Mumbai, India- 400050

You can also write to amritborkakoty18@gmail.com or

Call 9920766894/ 022 – 26405258

For further clarification, please call: - Upasana Makati | upasana@crisscross.in | 99204 00 580|| Stacy Fernandes| stacy@crisscross.in | 9819 829 870