Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - City

ACE THE LACE LOOKFOR YOUR HOME

Planning on giving your house a Victorian makeover, minus the perils of a humongous budget? Try lace, say decor experts, as they lay down a handy guide

- Etti Bali ■ etti.bali@htlive.com

The first thought that comes to mind when one thinks of lace is vintage elegance — stories of Victorian high teas with women busying themselves with happenings of the day. But there’s more to lace than being just a fabric.

Gone are the times, when lace would be used solely for wedding gowns and shop window displays. Remember how your grandmothe­r used to cover that old box TV set with a pristine crochet sheet, or lay a similar lace knit over the sofa? Now, this dainty timeless fabric is making its presence felt in home decor stronger than ever.

“Adding beauty to your home, lace brings an elegant and vintage atmosphere, too. It can act as a graphic motif on everything — from windows and tables to bedspreads and cushions,” says interior designer Dimple Kohli.

Lace has the ability to turn ordinary decor items unusual and stylish. Easy to maintain, durable and viable, lace makes for an all-seasons decor item. “Lace appeals to those who appreciate art. It’s a delicate fabric that works for all seasons. You can use it in combinatio­n with other fabrics like satin and linen as well,” says interior designer Varija Bajaj.

Here are some simple tips from decor experts so that you, too, can become masters of the lace universe:

HOW TO USE IT

When it comes to lace, you can use it anywhere that your heart fancies. From curtains to teapots and light fixtures to ceilings — think it and you can do it. Lace goes well with floral prints. Use coloured lace with printed furnishing­s. Lace, teamed up with a matching motif wallpaper, gives a room a designer look. Consult with your decorator to create myriad patterns.

CHOOSING THE FABRIC

If you plan to use lace in combinatio­n with another fabric, keep in mind its durability and strength. Fabrics like nylon and polyester are good to go with lace, when it comes to home furnishing.

MAINTENANC­E

Lace is a low-maintenanc­e fabric and can be cleaned simply by washing it with hands. But depending on the fabrics you’re using it in combinatio­n with, some lace decor pieces might require dry-cleaning.

 ?? PHOTO: ISTOCK ?? Windows with white lace curtains
PHOTO: ISTOCK Windows with white lace curtains
 ?? PHOTO: ISTOCK ?? Spring flowers in glass jars decorated with crochet sheet
PHOTO: ISTOCK Spring flowers in glass jars decorated with crochet sheet
 ??  ?? Lace doilies make for elegant bases and table mats
Lace doilies make for elegant bases and table mats

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