A trinket, a flower, a vase …
|
Genteel styles mirroring individual tastes get prominence in most homes these days, writes BIJU GOVIND
|
— Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup
Objets d’art: An array of articles, including those borrowed from tradition, adorn homes these days.
Home decoration has been popular from the dawn of civilisation across continents. And modern interior designing has been inspired from traditions to suit the urban lifestyle.
Genteel styles mirroring individual tastes get prominence in most homes these days. The younger generation prefers chic items to beautify their living and drawing rooms. Decorations have acquired significance in kitchens and bathrooms.
The beautifications are not done by just sophisticated sanitary-ware but also by articles that go well with these rooms.
“Even small rooms in flats can be given a facelift to look beautiful. Some favour corner stands with artificial flowers, paintings and curtains,” says Sahira Rehiman, a proud houseowner. Drawing and living rooms are the most decorated rooms. Children’s rooms and bedrooms are given a gorgeous look with beautiful curtains. Curtains have a style of their own. Various types are available in the market.
Showcases have suddenly come back in homes. It had been in vogue till a decade ago. And the trend abruptly vanished from living rooms. “All classes of people visits shops scouting for items of wood and metal to keep in showcases,” says Sarath Karunakaran of Nutan Handicrafts.
He says that showcase items made out of rosewood and metals are priced in the range of Rs. 150 to Rs. 10,000. Flower vase is an ideal choice for all homes. Idols of Krishna, Ganesha and Shiva are favourites even among young homebuilders. “I have a collection of different poses of Lord Ganesha exclusively in a showcase in the drawing room,” says Ashita Prasanth, an Ayurveda practitioner.
Partitions
Designer partitions made out of north Indian teakwood are popular among the folks in the city. These are ideal for villas and apartments to separate big rooms and create new ones. Above all, these provide an aesthetic appeal to the rooms. Normally, the height of partitions is between 1.5 and 1.8 metres. The breadth, however, has a standard level of two metres. These are priced from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000, Mr. Karunakaran says.
Dry flowers are another accepted fashion statement. Dry flowers are actually natural flowers but treated with chemicals to increase shelf life up to three years.Decorative flowers imported from Dubai are a fad with the middle-class population. A few flowers, leaves and a basket to decorate a room cost less than Rs. 500. Wonderfully bedecked flowers, even if artificial, give the room a pleasant look.
Batik-printed curtain and paintings are much sought after by the upper middle class. The batik paintings look lovely in big rooms. The beauty of these paintings can be enjoyed as backgrounds in big rooms. These paintings can be framed without glasses.
Batik is a dyeing technique used in several countries and is very popular in Indonesia. Batik paintings are available for Rs. 100 to Rs. 300. Door curtains are less expensive. A piece costs Rs. 150.
People are also charmed by Dockra craft. These are metallic products made of copper, zinc and tin. A unique feature of these products is that these are finished without polishing. “Thus, these products get an antique look although they are not antique,” Mr. Sasidharan says.
Leather-stuffed handicrafts, especially animals, are in great demand. Camel is an all-time rage. A 12-inch item is priced at Rs. 250; 18 inch, Rs. 600; 24 inch, Rs. 1,200 and 36 inch, Rs. 2,500. Some even prefer life size.
Tribal carvings and wood products are also admired. These give a rustic appearance in modern homes. Iron-finished products such as lantern, which are priced Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,500, also give the interiors a nice look.
Handicrafts from Rajasthan are fast-moving goods for showcases. Candleholders made out of brass and toys in metals are mainly preferred.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Property Plus
Coimbatore
