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LIGHTING TECHNIQUES THAT CAN BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME INTERIORS

Lighting plays a very significant role in your interior decorations. The light you choose can set the mood of your home. It can energize you, soothe you or inspire you. Though it can be affordable, it is an important aspect of your home interior and should not be neglected.

Ideally even before you start doing up your interiors you should have an idea of the kind of lighting you want in your home, based on your personality. This will help you to choose styles and pieces in the overall home interiors that can be complemented by your lighting style. So first, it is important to understand the different kinds of lighting and how you can make them work for your home. You will need to use all of these lightings – just choose the correct placement, proportion, combination and fixtures to create your masterpiece!

AMBIENT LIGHTING

These are the lights that we use regularly on a day-to-day basis. The role of this lighting is to provide more illumination to the overall general area or room. This can be either warm or yellow, depending on how bright you like it. So choose a location that can distribute light around the room equally and well. You can use ceiling-mounted fixtures or wall-mounted fixtures, which come in a variety of finishes and designs to be aesthetically pleasing while also uniformly distributing light across the room.

Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash

AMBIENCE LIGHTS

This light is used to set the mood of the room and is not used on a day-to-day basis. Usually, they are concealed and only emit the light you need. You can switch them on when you have a party or want to just wind down in a mellow setting after a hard day’s work. You could have color changing lights for a party mood, a warm yellow or soft white for a festive or romantic evening. Recessed lights or running LED strips are most commonly used to create an ambiance and can be fixed to the floor or ceiling. Here, you cannot see the bulb or the wires. Only the soft glow of the light is visible, which sets the mood.

**Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash**

FOCUS LIGHTS

These are used when you want to draw attention to a specific object or space. They are sometimes also referred to as Task Lights. You can use them to highlight an accent wall in your home, for your paintings or art. It can be used in the kitchen by fixing it to the bottom of the cabinet so that the countertops are lit, providing you a little extra light when you are cooking and need to see clearly. Pendants lights in different designs like a single bulb or as a set can be hung from the ceiling, above the area you want to focus on. These have elongated wiring from which the bulb and its shade are hung. Pendant lights can be used anywhere – in the kitchen, above the dining table or for that cozy corner you want to highlight.

DECORATIVE LIGHTS

This is what adds that bling quotient to your home. They need not be permanent fixtures but can be put on during festivities and celebrations to add that sparkle. You have many options like fairy lights or curtain lights for a backdrop or your balcony. You can artistically place colored decorative tea light holders or Moroccan lamps. The idea is to have something different for those special days that can add to the celebratory mood.

You could also have permanent fixtures that double up as the focal point in a room. Ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers act as a piece of art and add to the overall décor of the room, while also doubling up as a decorative light for that extra bling. Decorative overhead lamps fixed above the dining table throw that extra light when you want to highlight your well-set table. Wall Scones also add a decorative element to your room. They can focus the light upwards or downwards depending upon the design you want to create for the room. Similarly, a funky looking lamp can be placed on a table or in the corner like a piece of art. It also serves as a focus light for reading.

So the next time you want to renovate your home or are looking for options for a new home, remember to use these different techniques. Create your unique combinations and enjoy a well-light and beautiful home that suits your personality.

DOES YOUR HOME REFLECT THE ONCOMING FESTIVITIES? HERE ARE 5 THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO WHEN DECORATING FOR DIWALI.

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Diwali is celebrated all across India as ‘the festival of lights’ and the victory of light over darkness. So the décor, rituals and traditions of Diwali are all about lights and glitter. It is the time to bring out all the lamps & candles, polish the brass to a shine, cook up delicious sweets and be ready to welcome guests into your home to take part in the festivities. Here are a few things you can do to spruce up your home this Diwali.

Entrance Décor

Make the entrance to your house and the foyer welcoming and festive. There are many ways to decorate it for Diwali.

Create intricate Rangoli patterns if you are good at drawing. You can use colorful chalks or powders to create these patterns. You also get ready-made Kundan Rangolis that come as pieces and can be just placed on the floor. These use a base of plastic sheet on which bright beads & glitter are stuck. They can be reused and you can also make your unique design by combining different sets.

Hang Torans of natural mango leaves & flowers like marigold or jasmine. Along with the festive color, they add a heady fragrance as well – one that is associated with festivities. If you like some glitter, you can choose from many artificial ones that are made of sequins, wood or mirror-work. These also come in many fancy shapes and bright colors.

**Photo credits : a href=’httpswww.freepik.comphotosdiwali’Diwali photo created by freepik –** **www.freepik.coma**

Lighting Ideas

Diwali is all about lights. Be it traditional lamps, terracotta diyas, candles or electric lights – this is the time of the year that you can use ALL of them.

For the exterior lighting like balconies, choose electric lights as the natural flame cannot stay alight in the wind. There are many fairy lights or string lights to choose from. But if you like to go in for candles, choose hurricane lamps or lanterns that offer some protection against the wind. You could use water glass or mason jars too to place tealight candles in.

**Photo by Erin Marie Payne from FreeImages**

For lighting up your home interiors, you can buy some terracotta diyas and paint them with bright colors and stick beads & sequins. Place them around the house – on tables or ledges or even line them as a border along the floor or arrange them in a rangoli pattern. String up fairy lights along the ceiling or the walls. You could place fairy lights that work on battery inside mason jars or old liquor bottles for some quirky lighting options. Use some gold lace or paper to wrap these candle holders and add some bling to the light. Polish the brass & silver lamps to a shine and fill them with fragrant oils to light them up. This truly gives the authentic feel of festivities and is considered auspicious as well. Decorate the lamps with flowers if you would like to add some color.

Fill urn or urlis or large bowls with water and put in flowers and petals in them. Add some floating candles for that touch of Diwali.

Color & Glitter

Looking to redecorate? This is the right time to do it and be ready for Diwali. If you don’t want to spend too much but still want a new look for the festivities, you can get a new festive look for the living room – the main area where you will host your Diwali parties. Buy new curtains in bright colors with gold motifs or made of art silk. Place matching bright cushions across sofas and chairs. This can instantly transform how your living room looks and set the mood for the festivities.

**Photo By Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash**

Binge Without Any Guilt

Apart from the new dresses and decorations, festivals are also a time for some awesome food. Traditionally kitchens would be busy before a month, preparing for Diwali. While this may not be possible now, try your hand at some homemade laddoos and other sweets & savories. It is the right time for the chef in you to experiment. Traditional, elaborate meals are a must during this season. Of course, the presentation of this wonderful food is also important. If you have silverware or copperware, polish them well and use them. Even if it is not an entire set, choose good pieces that can be set as a centerpiece. You can also use some zari lace or kundan rangolis and lamps to decorate the table.

Party Favours

Who doesn’t like gifts? And Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts. You can add a bit of personal touch by making some party favors for your guests to take back home. Buy some terracotta diyas and paint them in gold or bright colors like orange, yellow or blue. You can also create patterns with simple dot painting. Get some glass jars and fill them up with homemade sweets like besan laddoos, chocolates or brownies.Use some brightly colored paper to make a bag, fix some gold string for the handles and create a gift hamper by placing a couple of your hand-painted diyas and a jar of your homemade sweets. Your guests will be thrilled to receive this little personalized gift when they leave. You can also add a little note thanking them and wishing them a Happy Diwali!!

What do you do to make your home special for Diwali? Do let us know….

IS YOUR HOME DIWALI READY? TIPS FOR QUICK AND EASY CLEANING OF YOUR HOME!

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Diwali is just two weeks away and usually it is the time when friends & family come over to take part in the festivities! Many of us buy new furniture, clean and redecorate our home interiors during this time. While the festivities this year are expected to be low key, it does not mean that you cannot spruce up your home. It is considered auspicious to clean the house as it signifies getting rid of the negativity and making way for the new positive times to come. So, if you haven’t already started cleaning your house, it is time to get started!

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash

CREATE A SCHEDULE

Start by mentally picturing things you want to change or do away with around the house. Then make a list of these, going through each section of the house. Based on the work involved, allocate the time required for cleaning that particular section. Then see how many rooms you can fit-in in a day with your other schedule. Finish one room and only then move to the next. Don’t try to finish all your cleaning in one day. You will end up getting exhausted and may abandon the project altogether.

CHECK YOUR STOCK OF CLEANING EQUIPMENT

If you do not use a vacuum cleaner regularly, it is time to pull out yours and check if it is working fine and has enough garbage bags. You dont want to run into problems in the midst of cleaning.

Similarly stock up on floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, specific brushes, wipes masks and gloves. Oh, don’t forget to check if you have vinegar and baking soda (Yes! You can use these for cleaning too!!)

If you don’t have a ladder, it is time to invest in one. Many of the ecommerce sites have fabulous sales going on where you can get great deals. Or just borrow one from a neighbour.

GET STARTED!

While we all love a neat home, most of us don’t like the cleaning part. But if you want to be ready for Diwali, it is time to get started. NOW.

Before you begin, cover surfaces that you don’t want the dirt to fall. Even the cleanest of homes will have little corners where dust and cobwebs accumulate and you don’t want them on your furniture as you clean.

Start at the top – get a ceiling broom and dust away the cobwebs. You could use a vacuum to suck out the dust from light fixtures or use a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to brush down the walls as well.

One pro-tip that many swear by is using old pillow cases to clean the blades of the fan. Just cover the blade of the fan with a pillow case and wipe as you pull it out. This will give you a clean blade from all sides while also ensuring that the dust doesn’t fall down.

For cleaning glass surfaces, use equal parts of vinegar with water and fill up a spray bottle. Just spray and wipe to get your glass sparkling. Don’t use these on TV Screens, Phone or Laptops. Invest in special solutions for cleaning them to ensure that you don’t damage when cleaning.

You could add some lemon juice to the same spray bottle solution to get rid of hard water stains on taps, kitchen countertops and tiles. Or use a mixture of baking soda and regular dish soap to scrub away dirt easily with minimal pressure.

To clean fabric surfaces like beds, sofas etc., spray on some vinegar and sprinkle a little baking soda. Wait a few minutes and vacuum for a clean surface. Always remember to do a little patch test on a place that is not visible to the eye and then adjust the consistency of the mix.

For cleaning electrical appliances, use only dry cloth so that you don’t damage them. It would be a good idea to use microfiber wipes for them.

Wash and change your set of curtains and cushion covers. These are frequently neglected and not changed as often as bedsheets and pillow cases.

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS

While all this may seem easy, some of us genuienly hate cleaning. Or we simply may not have time with the Work From Home scenario. Don’t worry – call professional cleaning service, who can get your home sparking in no time. Many offer discounts during this season. Ensure they wear a mask, gloves and use sanitizer liberally and be safe.

DECLUTTER & GIVE AWAY

As you go about cleaning and putting things in their place, you will find may things that you do not use. Keep aside two big cartons – one for items in good condition that can be of use to someone and another for broken or expired items that has to be thrown.

If you haven’t used any item in the last one year, it is likely that you will not need it anymore. Discard them instead of hoarding. Pay attention to old papers, cosmetics and medicines as these tend to pile up. Your wardrobe will also have clothes that you can’t fit into any more or don’t want to wear any more.

Many times, we have duplicates of items that we may have received as gifts – if you are not using it, give it away. Your waste may be someone else’s wealth and could light up their Diwali!

Have you started your Diwali cleaning yet? What are your pro-tips? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Cleaning & A Happy Sparking Diwali!

ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR A FUNCTIONAL & MODERN KITCHEN

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There is a saying that “the kitchen is the heart of a home”. This is true for every kind of kitchen, be it modern or traditional or minimalistic. Gone are the days when kitchens were looked at as spaces in one corner of the house, where one toiled in the heat. Today’s kitchens are designed to be functional, inspiring you to experiment and be creative in your cooking. It is now a space where the whole family can hang out, eat or participate in the cooking process. In many instances, the kitchen opens up to the living area which ensures that you can watch television or can continue to have a conversation with your loved ones while cooking up yummy meals. So if you are looking to renovate your kitchen or build a new one, here are some tips to make it a truly functional one that can also reflect your character and style.

Type Of Kitchen

Choose what kind of kitchen you want to build. A Modular Kitchen is the preferred modern way to design your kitchen. It is versatile and as the name suggests, has “modules” that you can choose. These are easy to assemble and uninstall, come in a variety of finishes and can be customized to suit your specific needs. The other option is to go in for a Carpenter Made Kitchen. While these can be pocket friendly, the finishing and precision often depend on the skill of the carpenter. It is also not easy to uninstall as these are mostly “fixed permanently”.

Ergonomic Design

Ensure that your kitchen is built to suit your needs. The most used areas when cooking are the countertops, the hob, the sink & the refrigerator. Make sure these are easily accessible and not far from each other. Usually, these are placed in a triangle for easy access. It is also important to ensure that the countertop and hob are suited to your height so you don’t stoop or stretch when cooking. Similarly, use the cabinets at the top to store things you access daily and the ones below to store things you use once in a while.

Color

If you have an open kitchen, choose colors that go with the rest of the house. Choose colors that are timeless and those that hide food stains and oil spills. You could have some fun and have accent walls with bright colors or even some wall decal stickers with quirky quotes. Warm chocolate or wood colors on the cabinets are a good option and usually go well with other elements of the house too. Similarly an all-white or a monochrome kitchen speaks of subtle elegance.

**Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash**

Counter Tops

When choosing the material for your countertop, go with natural stone like granite that is sturdy and will not absorb stains. There are many aesthetic designs available and can be put in as a single slab – so it is easier to clean and maintain. Though a bit expensive, they are long-lasting and don’t break easily with daily wear & tear. Artificial materials like laminates are also used for countertops. While these are less expensive, they can end up looking “cheap” and usually are not very long-lasting.

Modular Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets allow for discreet storage and are a very important component to make your cooking experience a seamless one. Modular kitchens allow for many drawers and even utilization of corner spaces. You can have exclusively created spaces for storing appliances that you don’t use regularly like toasters, mixers, kettles etc. These cabinets also come with good quality stainless steel fittings with soft-close mechanisms that ensure minimal damage during usage, thereby increasing the product life too.

Sink Space Utilization

It is always advisable to have a 2-sink unit in the kitchen as it is more convenient. It is easy to scrub using one and place it in the other for washing at one go, thereby saving water. If you have space, get 2 separate units so that you can keep the utensils for washing in a utility area and have one exclusively for your cooking needs in the kitchen. The most commonly used material for the kitchen sink is stainless steel. It is affordable, durable and suited to all countertop surfaces. Other popular choices are copper sinks or one built-in with stone. The space below the sink can be enclosed with the same finish as your cabinets to have a uniform look and feel. It helps cover the pipes and can also double up as storage for your cleaning supplies. You could also fit in bins on the doors for dry and wet waste so that it is easy to clean and dispose as you go.

Safety First

Your kitchen is the space you use many appliances that can lead to a mishap if not maintained properly. Ensure you check your wiring and sockets regularly to avoid electrical shocks when using appliances. Similarly, if using a gas cylinder keep it in an undisturbed space. While some prefer to keep it under the countertop, it would be better to keep it in a ventilated space like the utility with enclosed wiring to the hob.

You can have decorative and ambiance lighting in the kitchen. Use these for decoration and choose practical, bright lights when cooking/cleaning as this will help you see better and helps avoid accidents.

Ventilation is also very important in the overall safety of a kitchen. It helps air out the strong smell of food & spices and also helps to keep the mold away. Opt for sliding doors or windows that can be easily opened to air out your kitchen. The chimney also helps to air out the fumes when cooking. You could also install an exhaust fan for additional suction.

What are your tips for a great kitchen? Do write to us with your comments.

8 Easy Ways You Can Make Your Bathroom Beautiful

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As strange as it sounds, the bathroom is probably the only area in a home where one can truly find some peace. However, we often neglect to do up this space and are content with just keeping it neat & tidy. Irrespective of the size, you can transform your bathroom, make it beautiful and give it a luxurious feel by following a few décor tips.

1. Color Palette

Choose a color that you find pleasing. Most bathrooms don’t open to sunlight and hence are already dark spaces, lit with artificial light. To give a feeling of more open space and light, you can use light shades. Whites, light shades of pink or blue or sea green are soothing to your eye and easy to maintain. Darker colors like black or burgundy are more difficult to main as they show up water stains easily. Whatever is your choice, remember to one color palette across all elements such as the tiles, tub, basin, toilet and accessories as too many contrasting colors will make this small space look cluttered and untidy.

2. Tiles

Most of us use white or cream-colored tiles in the bathrooms. These are also the standard ones that come with an apartment. However, if you want to add some color and get in a unique look, you can replace these with patterns ones. You can also choose rust or moss-colored tiles that don’t easily show up the stains. Always remember to choose anti-skid tiles, specifically made for bathrooms as you don’t want to have accidental falls on a wet surface.

3. Shower Panel

Separate the bath tub/area from the rest of the bathroom with a glass panel. This not only helps keep the wet area separate but also looks elegant. You can choose from a variety of panels like clear glass, frosted glass or even one with patterned inlay to add some design element to the look of the bathroom.

4. Bathtub

If you are the kind to frequently enjoy a luxurious soak in the tub with scented bath salts, a shower panel won’t work for you. Instead, you can install a shower curtain using a tension rod. Get a good quality bathtub, preferably in white as this is easier to maintain and does not leave visible water stains. You can choose a freestanding one with legs or even build one into the bathroom if you’re constructing or renovating your bathroom. In the latter case, you can add shelves and use it as an additional storage space to keep bath salts, shower gels, shampoos & conditioners so that they are easily accessible.

5. Cabinet

Modern day apartments have small bathrooms. So they don’t have space for a stand-alone cabinet to store your things. Convert the space below the basin to a storage cabinet by enclosing it. While wood is a popular choice, make sure your cabinet are will be free of water as otherwise, it can lead to wood-rot. You also get PVC cabinets that can be painted to your favorite color or ones with even wood finish. You can further section your cabinet into two areas by adding shelves. One can be used to store the bathroom cleaning supplies and the other can house your spare towels, shampoos and soaps. Add quirky porcelain holders on the basin countertop where you can keep your toothpaste, brush, facewash and other toiletries.

6. Mirror

You can make your bathroom mirror a statement piece. For an artsy look, choose one that has a vintage look and paint the frame to go with your color scheme. For a modern look choose one without a frame. Depending upon the space, you can play with the shape and size of the mirror. While the most common ones are the square or rectangular ones, you can also opt for an oval or round one that will give your bathroom a unique look. A mirror with an inbuilt backlight adds a soft glow to the bathroom and also gives you ample light when you want to use the mirror to do your hair & makeup.

7. Plants

Adding a potted plant to your bathroom not only acts a décor element, the correct ones also help purify the air and act as air fresheners. Choose plants that can thrive in a humid environment like ferns, aloe vera, peace lily. If you would like some flowers as well, you can go in for a variety of orchids that are available.

8. Fragrance

It is important to keep your bathroom smelling nice and fresh. While there are hoards of artificial air fresheners available in the market, you can also go natural. Place a glass bowl with some potpourri and add a few drops of essential oil like lavender or rose to it every few days. Or place a ceramic oil burner, add a few drops of essential oils and a candle and you are good to go. Oils like lemongrass, eucalyptus and citronella bring in freshness and also keep bugs away.

All of these ideas are easy to do. They not only help to create a nice ambiance for your daily use but will also make your guests fall in love with your bathrooms as well.

Which of these ideas did you like most and find easy to adapt? Let us know in the comments section below.