SPECIAL FEATURE
Nature is the often ignored defining principle that has a way of creating balance and harmony. By creating living spaces that are in alignment with its basic principles, using the knowledge of Vaastu, this serene balance can be added to our life too.
Vaastu science encompasses elements that harmonize the life of a dwelling and its denizens. The alignment of various rooms as per the tenets of Vaastu help in harnessing the best of five elements (panchammahabhotas) of nature i.e., air, water, fire, earth, and space. And apart from harnessing, nature also has a way of correcting itself as we have all seen in the past few months. I have observed that there are a lot of misconceptions regarding Vaastu Science and then there are believers and nonbelievers. As an interior designer, I have come across many people who are wary of the subject and some are sheer obstinate. Simplifying the whole issue, here are some parameters that can be followed by everyone with ease.
Ventilation and circulation of air are very important to maintain a healthy environment. Windows should be opened every morning in order to welcome in fresh air and light. Curtains and blinds should be pushed aside to let positive vibes seep inwards. Many times, we tend to put heavy blinds and curtains in the living room; they should be aired regularly. It is a good idea to burn camphor in the morning or evening to add to the positivity and serenity of your space.
Also we tend to clutter our houses with a lot of unwanted items and things that are not required. This was the whole idea behind Spring and Diwali cleaning. Periodic cleaning should be done
regularly to facilitate the disposal of things like unused dresses, broken mirrors/glass. These things, as per Feng-Shui, hamper the existence of good Chi in the house.
Overall, the colour palette of the decor should be soothing to the eye. We need to balance the cool colours with warm colours, especially in a hot country like India. For example, if the upholstery is bold and bright, we should neutralize the wall colours and curtains. The wall paintings and accessories should be warm and pleasing to the eye. Add mirrors on the northern wall. And it is also a good idea to have a mirror reflecting your dining table as it enhances prosperity. The placement of heavy furniture should be on the southern wall. The North and East side of a room should be relatively clutter-free. The living room, in fact, should ideally be in the North, East or North-East zone of the house. In case, there are windows on the southern side, dark colour blinds and curtains should be utilized here. Note that green is the most soothing colour of the spectrum. It is always a good idea to add some greenery to your living room. Many air purifying plants like Areca Palm, Pothos, Bamboo, Spider Plant, Snake Plant, etc. add to the beauty and purify the surroundings at the same time. In addition to this, garden and balcony are important parts of the house too in this respect. Lush, healthy growing plants signify prosperity, therefore dying plants and leaves should be pruned regularly. We should genuinely understand that “Being green and clean is not just an aspiration, but an action.”
There is something rather beautiful about textiles. The way it connects to your personal history, culture and five senses. Sometimes even the metaphysical. The hand feel of a fabric or many patterns rushes back memories and nostalgia into your present moment.
Imagine walking into a room, untouched by textiles. Just the thought of it is disempowering, uninspiring, cold, and soulless. In an ever-changing world, it would be wonderful to find a simple way, in which we can change the look of our spaces and add newness to it by making just a couple of tiny and easy changes.
I am excited to share some economical and easy to execute ideas with you!
Cushions
For me, what lipstick does to your face, cushion covers do the same for your home! It is quick, easy on the pocket, and an efficient way to make your space look vibrant and revamped. It is always a great idea to use a varied range of cushions in different sizes, patterns, fabrics and tones that adhere to your space and adds vibrancy and a personal character.
Graduated from Summa Cum Laden in Textile Design from Philadelphia University, has been working in her family textile export business, JJR Spin Textiles LLP and been a visiting lecturer at Philadelphia University and JDBI, Kolkata. Her Instagram handle showcases beautiful ways to design and decorate your living spaces.
Neha ‘Design on the go’ Bedcover
Keeping in mind the vast area it covers in a room, bedcovers play an essential role in adding harmony to the bedroom. Neutral and subtle bedcover generally work better as they give bigger playground to shuffle other décor pieces. However, if you are someone who loves patterns and colour, just work on keeping the other elements simple, so the bedcover becomes the eye-catcher of the room.
Curtains
So many substitutes to curtains have come out, but in my opinion, the kind of character this use of textiles brings to a room is unparalleled. Keeping in mind that we do not change the curtain sooner than half a decade- its best to play with subtle elements. But if you love patterns, don’t hold yourself back. Maybe use bold patterns as a border on your curtains.
Pouffes
They are a great way to add an element of surprise and versatility to your space. They can be easily moved around the house and can be upholstered with some fun, creative textiles in very experimental techniques!
Rugs & Carpets
While the cushion is the lipstick, rugs are the shoes of a man- they give the perfect finishing touches. It is like the canvas, which syncs all the different elements of the room together. A rug can anchor a room, define it, add warmth, and assist in creating excellent space design. Carpets are often the statement piece that adds the ‘wow’ element.
Bed Runner
A simple way to give your bed a complete makeover! Bed runners are so joyful - a place where you can express yourself through simple techniques—for example, patchworks of different materials weaving beautiful memories or merely a quilted one. Maybe have a few options, which you can change as and when. Use this opportunity to get creative.
In these unprecedented times, we are spending more time at home than we ever have before. The above thoughts intertwined with your own personal style and houseplants will surely bring magic to your home and create a new, expansive energy flow in your surroundings. A meaningfully decorated and organized home, brings more joy and calm to the mind