Cloud computing
Out, damp spot! Get your home ready for the months of rain, leaks, and grey skies ahead. All you need are a few clever hacks
When it comes to your home, the monsoon can be doubleedged sword. On the one hand, the rain washes everything clean, you’re tempted to open windows to breeze after the summer, and the views are always greener.
On the other hand, the showers can be unrelenting, the muck gets on to everything, and damp seeps through concrete walls. If you haven’t weather-proofed your home yet, here’s where to start.
DÉCOR THAT DRIES
At the entrance, swap the fabric welcome mat for one made of plastic grass to help dust off dirt and mud. Inside your home, fight the humidity with plants like peace lily, Boston fern, English ivy, reed palms and spider plants.
Shabnam Singh, founder of Project Co says they do well in the monsoon season and are low on maintenance. “They add a fresh spark to the place, also absorb mildew,” she adds.
Wherever possible – on curtains, covers and furnishing, opt for stain resistant and fastdrying synthetic fabrics.
BRIGHT IDEAS
Overcast months need bright homes. Instead of strong overhead lights, opt for accent lights such as a floor lamp or uplighting fixtures within your plants. Place them in different corners of the room and pair them with delicate cove lights to create a warm, inviting space.
Anupama Bihani, founder and interior designer at Mirabel Interiors, Delhi believes warm toned-interiors are a particularly good way to counteract a cold dull monsoon day. “Use yellows and polyester and nylon furnishings on items that are close to the window,” she says.
Sanjay Agarwal, promoter and MD, Sirca Paints picks vibrant shades like corals and yellows, red and greens to create a décor palette for the monsoon.
An easy way to achieve a bright look is to mix stronghued linens with solids or place your brightest art on the walls. Look at mixing and matching ethereal watercolours with statement oil paintings. “Build it up with 3D pieces such as sculpture or candles,” says interior stylist Jasmine Jhaveri. “Or opt for a pristine white wall and frame your art in silver and gold.”
A quick fix to beat the gloom: flowers. “Flowers in bright colours on your study table, personal workspace and dining table add cheer,” says Chitra Das, founder of Champs Fleur. “Pick blooms in shades of tangerine, citrus, turquoise and pinks to match your interiors.”
Don’t forget to unwind too. A signature monsoon accessory is a hanging chair or a swing placed in the living room or the balcony area to enjoy the rain with a hot beverage. “Scented candles especially lavender, lemongrass or vanilla fragrances in the living area give the room a comfortable and romantic feel,” says Arshi Mukri, interior design expert at Pepperfry.
WET WIPED
Ishan Thacker, associate director at Vector Projects says being monsoon ready is as much about damp-control as visual changes.
“Place a few naphthalene or camphor balls, neem leaves or cloves in your wardrobe and drawers. These absorb moisture and are an effective solution against silver fish, a common problem during rainy season,” adds Thacker.
And consider temporary switches to everyday objects if you constantly have family members trooping in from the rain. A bright bucket by the door to hold umbrellas. A plastic shoe-stand by the door just for sopping pairs.
Hangers for additional towels (bright hues again). A hair
dryer within arm’s reach on a bathroom shelf. And perhaps putting furry toys, white jeans, suede, paper and leather items safely stored away.
If you want to quirk up the kitchen interiors, go green. “It makes a room look relaxing to the eyes and refreshing for your mind,” says Peeyush Bachlaus, general manager of marketing at Kansai Nerolac Paints.
Don’t forget to draw the curtains aside on your biggest window — the sight of the clouds rolling in, a dramatic evening sky and the view of a shower far away are best enjoyed when you’re dry and happy indoors.