DIWALI DECOR DECODED
With the festival of lights around the corner, here’s how to keep the festive setting contemporary and chic
The festival of lights conjures up visions of luminous diyas, fragrant marigolds, traditional rangolis and the spirit of joie de vivre. And with 2020 round the corner, it’s time to modernise the settings with an of-themoment touch. Keep the festive decor pared-down, elegant and locally sourced, while staying true to the traditions. For instance, give your timeless rangolis a fun twist by introducing quirky designs or opt for vintage-inspired art for your wallpaper.
Style maven Kalyani Chawla’s Diwali decor is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary as she uses flowers such as marigold in a modern way to enhance her home. Speaking about her silverware range, she quips, “Rezon Silverware has every home and decorative item, with a totally contemporary look. It keeps ancient archaic designs with modern manufacturing skills, which would fit into any home.”
Diwali — a celebration of colour, light and prosperity — is coupled with generations of tradition. One can pair these festivities with an overarching sense of simplicity and modernity by local sourcing the Diwali decorations. Architect and columnist Ashiesh Shah suggests, “Using flowers like rajnigandhas, lilies and roses unfolds an aromatic experience, drawing from memory. These fresh flowers can find their place throughout the space and possibly overpower cluttered candles. Welcome guests with a hand towel soaked in cold gulaab jal.”
Raseel Gujral Ansal, cofounder and creative director, CASA PARADOX, cautions that an important point to remember while decorating any space is that you must preserve your individuality. “While there is a list of triedand-tested décor statements that are re-created every year to brighten up your home, you can uplift the mood of your interiors by making the space more young and contemporary rather than going over-the-top with decorations. Don’t stick to the stereotypical Diwali décor; instead fill up empty spaces with accent furniture pieces that will make a statement.”
There’s something about a candle-lit glow; everything seems softer, calmer and warmer. The biggest mistake you can make when planning an intimate evening is using white lights. Nothing looks worse than the fluorescence of a tube light. Opt for dainty tea lights, scented candles, filigreed candle holders, diyas, and fairy lights.
Rashmi Shukla, business head, Jaypore, says, “Unfortunately, this is also the time of the year when air quality plummets. Surround yourself with foliage to counter the pollution, while adding an au naturel vibe. Concrete planters are a chic way to upgrade your home, as are metal and wrought iron ones.”
Rangoli designs can also be simplified using geru (the earthy red essential used for painting flowerpots). “Pick the perfectly brown shade and create a dotted grid to modernise a pattern — from symmetrical and geometrical, to traditional or contemporary. This grid can come into play while arranging elements, to create a visual cohesiveness, whether through trays of sweets, flower petals or merely table pieces,” adds Ashiesh.