The Design Enthusiast

DE's minutes of fame

2012-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Khabar, a US based magazine published a feature on Design and decor bloggers. Among the five blogs featured, was Design Enthusiast. A mention of my name and the blog and snippets of the interactions I had with the Author Girija.

Link to the article: here

Honored to be in the esteemed company of fellow bloggers Anu , Gagan, Kamini, and Patricia

Heart(h) n Home : Kamini's Eclectic Kitchen

2012-01-29T11:44:00.000-08:00

Continuing my series on Kamini's home, a tour of her Kitchen over at the food blog :). I had shared a few pics of her outdoor space and entry way in an earlier post on the DE.

Link: Here

Artist Showcase ~ Bhavana Vijay

2012-01-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

One of the blessings of being a blogger- you get to meet talented and very creative men and women who never cease to amaze you. Bhavana is one such wonderful person. An amazingly talented artist, a very busy mom of two and a sweet, down to earth lady. Another reason for my excitement - She is a hyderabadi too!! :P..pl excuse my excitement!!

To many, her work needs no introduction. This post is more of a documentation of my admiration for this very creative lady. A Mudra Institute of Communications Graduate, Bhavana began her career in advertising only to realize she was cut out for spending time in her studio with her brushes and easel.

Starting the showcase with this sketch of my favorite god - Ganesha

Bhavana says" Art has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I would doodle in my textbooks much to my teachers chagrin and later continued to do so in air, tracing the edges of everything in sight, prompting weird glances from those around!"

She could not devote time to art during her school and college years. A bachelors degree in mathematics and electronics, and a Masters in Advertising led her to work for a leading advertising company. A few years later, in November of 2005, she decided to start painting again.

Love her representation of the NY traffic : Midnight Jam

She says."Getting back to painting has been the best decision of my life. It has enriched my life in so many marvelous ways."

About her work

"I paint whatever excites me. Over time, I have found that I need to feel a story emerging from my paintings to be excited about them. I am partial to night scenes (in an urban and landscape setting) and unique still life."

Her specialties : City Scapes, Landscapes and still life. I am unable to choose among her works to list my personal favorites :)

Open Late

Her love for Pastels

"I discovered pastels by accident. After starting with oils in November, the fumes started hurting my eyes and I turned to soft pastels. It was love at first touch."

Her pastels - while work in progress

About Pastels

Bhavana says "Soft pastels consist of the purest form of artist pigment combined with just enough binder to allow them to be formed into usable sticks. Pastel paintings are luminous with vivid color and incredible texture. Pastels are the most permanent artist medium if created and protected properly, as the medium cannot crack or yellow."
All her paintings are made on archival quality, acid free support. This is one of her favorites, and isnt for sale :)..Wedding picture..loved her representation of a beautiful bride and a handsome groom

she loves pastels due to the immediacy of the medium. She says "I don't need to wait for paint to dry and can apply the pigment directly to the paper. To see and feel the vivid colors go on smoothly is pure joy."

More of her stunning work..her ethnic jewelry series

Accomplishments and Published work

Ethnic Danglings

Juried into The Maryland Pastel Society Web Show 2010.

Cherished

Published in the online zine Courageous Creativity
@ http://www.flyingchickadee.com/zine.html

Street Abalze

Juried into the Maryland Pastel Society Members Only Juried Show 2010. "Streets Ablaze" also won the CPS Outstanding Achievement Award.

"Towards Light" won a merit award in the members-only juried exhibition by the Maryland Pastel Society at the Glenview Mansion in Rockville, Maryland.

Tea for one

"Tea for One" was chosen in The Pastel 100 competition 2007 by the Pastel Journal and published in the April 2007 issue of the magazine.

- --

My sincere Thank you to Bhavana, for letting me share her work on The Design Enthusiast. For more information: Please check her website to see more of her work and her accomplishments. Use the contact form to send in inquiries, to buy original artwork, order giclee prints or commission a painting >>link Here

Pic courtesy: Bhavana Vijay

Vintage Love ~ Sornay's Floor/table Lamp

2012-01-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Here is another one for the wish list!! Andre Sornay's floor/table lamp. Simple, clean line yet so classy

close up of the table

Floor Lamp

Designer: Andre Sornay

Country of Origin: France

Period: 1940s

Floor Lamp with Table

Material: Rosewood

Measurements

height: 5 ft. 0.5 in.
depth: 13.5 in.
width/length: 15.5 in.

A little about the designer:

Andre Sornay

A French Designer who, I feel, has not been as popular as his contemporaries - Le Corbusier, Francis Jourdain, Eileen Gray etc. I consider him one of the finest designers who contributed considerably to the 1920s French modern art and architecture movement.

PS: will try to showcase a few more of his designs when possible :)

pics via: 1stdibs.com

Store Profile: Indya Kaleidoscope, Part II

2012-01-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by this young lady - Preethi Prabhu of IK

I had posted her interview earlier >>here. Also, in September 2011, DE had a giveaway sponsored by IK(IndyaKaleidoscope- the store).

Now for some more good news - Preethi has set up a beautiful brick-and-mortar (physical) store in Koramangla, Bengaluru (India). And, I had to share pictures of her amazing store on DE :-)..

So here we go....

The entryway

View - outdoors from the indoors

A closeup of the gorgeous antique hall tree

Love her eye for detail

A closer look at whats in stock!

Drool worthy Tile top colonial rosewood table and the antique brass urli :)

Urli with a traditional flower arrangement (Kerala style)

Coconut timber products in stock.

Handpainted terracota products - by local artists

Hand painted Wooden boxes

Antique salt containers

Her mission to revive forgotten Indian art and craft forms and look beyond profits is what makes her venture stand out

If you happen to be a Bengalurian/ banglorean or visiting the city, you must stop by the store

IndyaKaleidoscope Arts LLP

194/B, 12th A Main

Koramangala, 4th Block

Bangalore - 560 034

To order online visit her store @ IndyaKaleidoscope and dont forget her USP- exquisite hand crafted products at reasonable prices!!

For updates about IK - IK on Facebook

Decor ideas and more: IK - the blog

Pictures: courtesy Preethi Prabhu

House Beautiful ~ At home with Kamini

2012-01-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

A great start to 2012 ...A visit to a beautiful home in my hometown, Hyderabad. :-) I have been following Kamini around ever since she started her blogs. Her decor and travel blogs are a must read.

Kamini's decor blog:
Kamini is an Interior Designer by profession. After a degree in Economics from St.Francis college in Begumpet, Hyderabad, she moved to the US in 1984 and a few years later in 1994 went back to school for 3 years and pursued her real passion - Interior Design.
Kamini says "I practiced in the commercial/retail field for 10 years before moving back to India in 2006. My jobs over the 10 years included marine/boat design, retail store design for J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sun Microsystems, Nordstorm and my last job was store designer for Starbucks Coffee Inc for 4 years." Impressive right! Now you know what to expect from her home :).
She was gracious to give me access to her albums. Every nook and corner is so drool worthy that I decided to plan our visit in series of posts.
Lets start with her entry way. Did I mention she is a wonderful artist and a DIYer..I could do a separate post on...:)

Love the Terracota accents and vintage curios doting the entry way...dont miss the old copper water boiler in the background...:)

Warli artwork and all the terracota stole my heart

Impressive collection of artifacts from her travels

Stay tuned for more from this lovely home... :)

Pictures: Kamini Raghavan of Saffron and Silk

Hello :)

2012-01-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
My sincere apologies for being away for quite a while now. Been sick and recovering. I had promised myself to be regular with the blogs, and I haven't been able to :-(. 2012 has just begun and its never late :). A huge thanks to all you lovely people for being so patient and sending in your love.

In the two and a half or so years of DE's existence, I grew as a design researcher and vintage lover. Met so many wonderful people and each one of you has a special place in my heart. I wonder how at ease I am with people I never met in person. Blogland is amazing!! Each one of you is precious and your comments make me smile. I sincerely look forward to opening my email each day for more love from you all. Design Enthusiast (DE) being a research centric, vintage loving blog, its ever growing friends circle is a definite morale booster.

Thanks for all the love!!

Plans for 2012

Looking forward to showcase many more artists, visit and profile beautiful stores, share a lots more vintage love. Also, we shall continue our tour of lovely homes, document many more amazing antiques and find stuff on fridays :). Design Enthusiat also hopes to have more guests over with their lovely thoughts and design/decor ideas. Fingers crossed! :-) All I need is a little prayer and lots of love to keep going

Wishing Peace and happiness for all

PS: I hope to click more pics and share my tiny apartment with all you lovely people. I have been delaying sending my pics to other lovely blogs. I promised myself to do that this year.. :)

Wishes for a peaceful 2012

2012-01-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

May this year bring in peace and good health for everyone.

Wishes for new beginnings and celebrations

2011-12-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Kitchen tour ~ Over at the Food blog

2011-12-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Up for some yummy Tuscan inspired goodness! hop over to my food blog for a lovely kitchen tour

Dont forget to leave your comments :)

Link Kitchen Tour on Avial and Rasam ~ my food blog

House Beautiful ~ At home with Shweta Sharma

2011-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

I came across Shweta's blog - Hastkala and her lovely home pics and requested her for a sneak peek. Her home is a neat and classy place with love and personality oozing from every corner.

She won me over when she said " I believe in recycling, reusing and recreating the best out of waste. I believe in living a life which is healthy for me and healthier for the planet." People who know me would know why I was impressed by this talented lady who is not only an artist but also a wonderful photographer :). You must see her clicks to see what I mean.

Now, a peek into her space -

Shweta say "I have never designed or decorated any home before I got married and moved into mine. It is so daunting to have a place of your own and then to make it comfy and cozy as a home should be. I must say it didn't come to me in one day. It took me months to understand that a creative mind blooms in a creative home/space."

A green and welcoming entryway. Ganapati ji with candle and plants are the first thing you spot when you enter her home. I couldnt help admiring the lovely iron and glass table with leaves and tiny birds; and neatly lined terracota pots

A close up

She says" Ganapati ji with candle and plants are the first thing you spot when you enter my home. This year I'd planted so many tulsi plants that the extra ones are sitting at the entrance greeting everyone"

I feel that every home evolves with time. Patience and thought behind everything we buy matters. That way our home reflects our personality rather than looking like a popular store's catalogue.

Love her Ganesha collection

Shweta adds "It is very simple and a little complicated like me :) It is colourful, cheerful and cozy. My style is very eclectic. I love Indian arts and handicrafts . They remind me of India, where my heart resides."

I am drooling ~ a very charming workspace :)

All the artwork has been done by her

She has a lovely Ganesha collection

A serene bedroom

It is feels good to see all the personal touches given to a rental apartment given all the space and color constraints
-----
Thank you, Shweta, for letting us peek into your lovely home

Pictures: shweta @ Hastkala
PS: do check out her blog and her artwork

Store Profile ~ Preethi Prabhu's Indya Kaleidoscope

2011-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for exquisite and functional pieces of art n craft for your home, with the icing on the cake being affordability – IndyaKaleidoscope is the place to go.

About IndyaKaleidoscope(IK)
From making candy jars using age old lacquer technique of Channapatna - to incorporating traditional materials into contemporary lifestyle products- IK is on a grand mission.

Founder /Owner
Preethi Prabhu needs no introduction. She is the very talented and creative lady behind the Blog - IndyaKaleidoscope. Preethi gave up a secure job as an IT professional to follow her dreams and passion for Indian culture and heritage to start this design journey.

"The journey has just begun and there is a lot to accomplish" says Preethi.

Preethi’s vision for IK
Make good quality traditional arts and crafts available to people who want them. “Though this is our major focus, it is not our USP” says Preethi. “Affordability is the key. Off late there is a huge commotion about products that are “handmade”, “eco-friendly” and “organic” and they reflect on the price tags. We deal with the artisans directly. It helps cut a lot of middle men costs, hence making our products more affordable. Our USP - Good quality and affordable price .”

Q & A with Preethi Prabhu
1- What does IK sell?
- Traditional Handicrafts.
- Lifestyle products made from traditional techniques
- Contemporary products made out of traditional material
- Handmade products.
- Above all, the mandatory norm is that the products have to be Indian and Eco-Friendly

2- Where do your products come from?
Our products sources can be classified into two catogories- IK Handpicked (10%) & IK Social (90%)
Could you please explain the categories?
IK Handpicked account for 10% of our products and include
- Just about anything that is Indian, Beautiful and of-course Earth Safe.
- Heritage products (Vintage & Antique)
- Pre-Loved, stuff that was previously owned; rescued before it ends up in the trashcan.

IK Social forms 90% of IK’s products. (Products made Traditionally and made exclusively for IK.) These products come from -

- Individual Artisans & Families

- Rural Self Help Groups

- Urban Self Help Groups working for a cause

- NGO’s (Non Government Organization)

- Organizations working to preserve Traditional Arts & Crafts

While all this is just information about “what” and “where” the products come from, the reason for you to buy an IK product, our USP – “Affordable Quality Products”.

3- What is IK's Ideology?
Partnering with artisans lets IK explore the techniques and materials, and how they can be made a part of our everyday life. You can find classic pieces that have been made from ages and then there are exclusive pieces that are made just for IK.

The current collection on IK includes terracotta, laquerware from UP and Karnataka, River grass products, lifestyle products made outof traditional fabric and wood crafts.

Our Products at a glance

4- The Online Store and Future plans for IK
“Web sales are in progress and we will be having a retail outlet soon. For a country that had handicraft as its second largest business, we are not even scraping the surface at the moment. We are in the process of meeting more artisans and self help groups and expanding our range. We are also gearing up to handle large corporate orders“ says Preethi.

Footnote:
With India having so many colourful handicrafts, the store is very aptly called “IndyaKaleidoscope”. I need to thank Preethi for taking time out to speak to me. Wishing this enterprising and down to earth young lady a very successful Journey. I look forward to seeing IK do its part for Indian Cultural heritage and its varied art and crafts.

I recommend
IK website and blog: indyakaleidoscope
Her commitment to the cause made the media sit up and take notice. India's popular NewsDaily published a feature about Preethi and the Store. Preethi's Interview in India's Popular NewsDaily >>HERE

Images via Deccan Chronicle and IK, Preethi Prabhu

Vintage Love ~ Teak chairs

2011-11-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

Found these amazing teak and fabric chairs on local C'list today. Never seen such design earlier...:)..thgt id ask my mcm enthusiast friends for information

source: c'list

The seller has priced these beauties (set of 8 chairs) for $100..I am sure they will go to a loving home very soon :)

Media mentions ~ DE featured

2011-11-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapy ~ Renest ~ Great Outdoors

FEATURED ON APARTMENT THERAPY - RENEST

Dreamy :)

2011-11-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

Found this impressively designed Megaphone and couldnt resist sharing :).

Designers::Henry Bosa, a product and interior designer
Isabella Lovero, product and jewelry designer

About this yummy plug and play device...called...Megaphone :)
"Passive Amplifier for iphone made of ceramic. the form is designed to amplify and optimize the best sound output. the amplifier is based on a thin wooden frame that allows the object to float off the table. this in order to increase the vibration of the object and to optimize the emission of sound. designed for the iPhone is perfect for listening music without headphones, for audio conference to hear the person on the phone as live voice.
Compatible with iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch with case."

Here is how it sounds...

Want to know more about the designers and their projects....hop over to - enandis designs

Image and content via enandis.com

Vintage Love ~ Marcy's Saginaw Wall Unit

2011-11-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

Marcy of rhanvintage recently shared her new(old) Saginaw wall unit. I couldnt help documenting it under my Vintage love series. I am on a serious wall unit and credenza hunt this very moment and hope to find something this nice very soon :)

It looked like this when she bought it...

Her and her husband's hard work and patience made it look like this

I am drooling over the beautiful curves and the stacking design . (Another serious one for the wish list) :-). It is such a wonderful addition to her beautiful furniture collection. Want to see more of her wonderful home. Do check out the tour I shared earlier.>> Here.

Images: Marcy @ Rhanvintage :)

House beautiful ~ At Home with Tanya

2011-11-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

When things dont go your way, sit back, relax and recoup to start all over again. Over the last few days, I did just that. And am back with a lovely home tour. We will be at home with Tanya of dans-le-townhouse. A Phd candidate, amazing DIYer and an excellent blogger. She is amazing...And her town house is as amazing as she is...as they say pictures speak for themselves. So lets get going on the tour

A very crisp and welcoming entryway

Tanya says.....

"Well, my husband and I are first-time homeowners but don't plan to live here very long - a total of approximately five years (hopefully the time it takes to complete my PhD!). So we don't have the financial flexibility to make major improvements, nor can we personalize our house too much (must be sellable!). But we have tackled what we could: re-doing the bathrooms, laying hardwood floors upstairs and giving the kitchen a "spit & polish," as I like to call it (new tiling, counters and refinished cabinet fronts). Almost everything, renovation-wise, was (and is) a DIY project."

A glimpse of the Main floor which includes, the kitchen, dining area and the living room

Love the wonderful ottoman/coffee table with the super cool sofa

Another vintage chair with the ottoman...just swept me off my feet....and the fireplace looks yum!

Tanya's decorating mantra~

"In terms of decorating, we've chosen a mix of investment pieces and inexpensive "just for now" items. Things we know we can use in our next place I don't mind splurging on - like the custom upholstery job on the vintage chair in the guest room. But that's an exception because, with the help of our talented family, we tend to DIY. From the headboard I designed that my grandpa welded to the "Sigh" painting in the guest bathroom I DIY'd, we try to fill our home with things that are handmade and special to us. "

Lets take the stairs the next floor

She is a DIY queen...look at this awesome headboard she made herself

The "Sigh" poster and the guest room chair she upholstered

More about the house...."We painted all the walls, ceilings and trim a crisp white that allows the punches of colours I've scattered around to really pop. Although I have DIY'd much of our art, we also have pieces by my husband's grandfather, mother, my mother and my grandfather. I like the bright, spacious, gallery feel we have created out of a formerly run-down and neglected nightmare.

I know from her posts that she loves silhouettes...I really love the wall in their home office

A peek into the guest bedroom

Dont you love all the artwork

A persistent DIYer that she is.... she did a great job with back splash in her kitchen...I loved the finishing touches...(they needed a special mention!!)

"But, like most homes, it is a work in progress. Along with tweaking what we have already done and finishing up some little projects, we have one major project left: a basement makeover. We'll be starting as soon as the snow falls and it might be our most challenging project yet!"

Lovely kitchen

I cant get enough of every inch of their space...loved the master bathroom

Fit for the queen isnt it :)

Here's the half bath on the main floor

I was so pleased when I received her pictures. Thank you Tanya, for letting us peek into your beautiful home.

To see how talented this young lady is, I strongly recommend you all to check out her DIYs and very inspiring posts on her blog - dans-le-townhouse.

One of the most lovable DIYs was the Felt Billy Button she made...

looks super cool..So do check it out

Images: Tanya ~ dans-le-townhouse

Guest Post ~ Anu's Diwali Decor Ideas and Inspirations

2011-10-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

Anu of My Dream Canvas needs no introduction. Her blog and her flickr stream have been a major source of inspiration for me. Anu is a versatile blogger, an amazing photographer and a very genuine and down to earth person. She is a busy mom of two tiny tots, an entrepreneur and a busy blogger.

When I requested her to write for The Design Enthusiast, and she promptly sent in her ideas and inspirations for TDE readers. Herez her post about Diwali at her place....

----------

Sudha of The Design Enthusiast has been a friend ever since I began blogging. I admire Sudha as a person and she has always encouraged and supported me since I began My Dream Canvas. Today, I am delighted to be writing a post on Diwali here at The Design Enthusiast :-)

It was a wonderful week preparing for Diwali and finally the big day arrived :-) The key ingredients for my Diwali are family, friends, flowers and diyas! Diwali evening begins with a Puja at home followed by the lighting of the diyas. When I moved to the US eleven years ago, I have to admit that the first few Diwali's were filled with nostalgia. I would miss India terribly and it would be an effort to partake in the celebrations and rituals. Over the years that has changed. Today, Diwali is about tradition and enlightening my two children about our culture and the symbolism of Diwali. My kids love this season beginning with Diwali, followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving and then culminating with Christmas :-)

Diwali decor for me is nothing fancy.....flowers and the glow of the diyas, tealights and candles seem to set the mood for me! I tend to reuse a lot of things that are already in my home. I could go on talking about Diwali decor tips but I think you all know this.....be yourself and create your own style. The best decor accesory for Diwali is to have your home filled with happiness and laughter. When you have that your home will look naturally beautiful and it shall be a Diwali to remember!

Images: Anuradha Varma@ My Dream Canvas.

Thank you Anu for this wonderful post. The admiration is mutual, may be more from my side. :-). Glad to have you at the design enthusiast. Looking forward to another post from you...

Hope you all had a great diwali

2011-10-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Guest Post ~~ Vintage Love ~ Danish Dining

2011-10-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Jacob Hamilton from Arcadia Lighting approached me with the idea of a guest post. A few emails later, I had this wonderful post from his team. It goes with my blog theme, writing about vintage furniture and my love for clean line design. I am glad Jacob chose this topic and has provided wonderful design ideas....so read on

---------------

Hi, I'm Susi, from Arcadian Lighting where you'll find gorgeous lighting fixtures and lamps. I love visiting blogs like The Design Enthusiast. Vintage Love this week focuses on Danish Dining, specifically Danish Modern. This mid-century modern style is a hot collectible right now that has spawned new editions of classic designs as well as tons of copy cats. Danish Modern style extends beyond the borders of Denmark to include the other Scandinavian countries.

Here are eight of our favorite Danish dining spaces filled with gorgeous Danish Modern style. Enjoy!

This vintage Danish Modern furniture filled space displays the pieces that have become classics today. Warm teak wood, clean lines and modern designs create the signature look of Danish Modern.

Classic Danish Modern chairs by Hans Wegner set the design for this contemporary dining room. Mid-century Modern designs by Danish designers feel as contemporary today as they did a half century ago.

Danish dining is all about form and function. Tables that expand to accommodate bigger dinner parties can also shrink for intimate meals. Chairs are gorgeously sculptural.

A simple Danish Modern table is the perfect backdrop for more sculptural bentwood dining chairs. Mixing straight lines and curves is typical in Danish Modern dining room furniture.

Comfortable upholstered dining chairs by Eero Saarinen invite you to linger over dessert in this Danish influenced dining room. Love the lines of the modern light fixture and lamps. Teak and rosewood are popular choices of wood for Danish Modern dining tables.

Danish designed chairs, like these by Arne Jacobsen, are so versatile. Pair them with other Danish and modern designs or even with a rustic table for an eclectic look.

One of the most versatile pieces of Danish dining room furniture is the credenza or buffet. Made typically of teak, these pieces can work in the dining room or living room in a modern room.

While not truly Danish, one of the lead designers when we think of Danish Modern design is Eero Saarinen, who was Finnish. His Tulip table is one of the most versatile modern designs and can be paired with the Tulip chairs or any stylish dining chair. Looks totally at home here with a traditional painting and wall sconce.

Interested in discovering the latest lamp trends for your home? Check out Arcadian Lighting for some inspiration! Images: ( 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 )
----------

I hope you have enjoyed the post as much as I did sharing it!!

Disclaimer: I am not a part of Arcadia lighting nor earn any revenue from them in any form.

Vintage Love ~ Teak Credenza

2011-10-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Found this amazing credenza listed on the local C'list.

source

seller's desc:

Extremely rare and large free-standing break-front cabinet designed by California Architect, Richard Thompson and produced by Glenn of California.

Art Direction ~ Indian Cinema

2011-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

I had shared a video of a very classy song from a movie called Pyar Kiye Ja in this post >>Here and the post about international influence on Indian cinema- music, decor and fashion etc. The tamil version of the same movie was remade and instead of mid century modern interiors, the art directors chose to go antique-y...see what I mean

french, and english furnishings in the tamil version I(above)

versus

a mix of mid century modern and some very faint french influence via accent pieces in the hindi version (below)

I personally love doing the movies masti magic post....i hope you enjoyed both the songs while letting allthe decor goodness sink in

PS: corrections to terminologies and style references are welcome..i m here to learn :)

Golu 2011

2011-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a great Dassera this year. Mine was great!!

I wrote about previous year's golu>>Here. I used to miss home every festival and feel really lonely...This year was fun!! A friend decided to put up Golu and it was fun. I am glad I had such wonderful company. It took my mind off my doctor visits, xrays and pains. Here is a peek into Sindhu's golu :)

Lovely isnt it!! It was a delight to see friends pitch in and the celebrations ended with a sumptuous Prasadam dinner yesterday

Pictures: Sindhu

Joining The Key Bunch - A bit of India in Every home - celebrations

Festivity ~~ Navarathri

2011-09-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone wonderful Navarathri festivities and oodles of happiness

Friday Finds: Brazilian Designer: Semana Carlos and his Reclaimed Wood Furniture

2011-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

This week's Friday Find is a Furniture Designer who believes in being Environmentally responsible...(me likes!!!). After I had posted about Thomas Wold and his super creative work>> HERE, Divya of Sound Horn Please shared her find with me. (Thanks Divya)...:-). I immediately created a draft post and somehow forgot to publish it the next time. Sorry about that...

So here I go...

“Good design has a social and environmental responsibility,” says Motta, who makes many of his chairs, benches, tables and desks from wood salvaged from demolition sites. “A piece of furniture has to last for a long, long time, because we don’t change how we sit, sleep, eat, write, and so on, so the overall attitude should stay the same.” Motta, who says he likes to design for people who have the same basic needs as he does, calls the use of reclaimed wood in furniture “a simple matter of sustainability.” To follow is a selection of furniture that will be shown at the exhibition.

Read more: source

A few of his creations

Motta’s Butantã bench, which he says is “made of reclaimed wood from an old bridge demolition."

Motta calls this Aroeira-wood table Jaraguá—“another beautiful Brazilian Indian name,” he says. “This wood was once part of a post used by the English company Light, when they came to Brazil in 1910 to install power lines from São Paulo to inland towns.”

The Mantiqueiras sofa, designed in 2001 of peroba rosa. “This is a very low sofa, so you sit very close to the floor,” says Motta. “I made the first one for my house in the mountains, to go right in front the fireplace.

Designed in 2009, the Butantã bench is held together by small, patinaed iron I beams.

Horizonte desk in waxed peroba rosa and cabriúva wood, iron and leather, from 2009

Named after a surf spot on the São Paulo coast, Taguaíba was designed in 2008 of peroba wood. Motta says that he strives to “stay far away from the ephemeral and what is en vogue,” in his designs, which he hopes “fulfill their utilitarian function and are comfortable and durable, with a good aesthetic

I really loved his wholisitc approach to using reclaimed wood and mixing it with other reclaimed material...Isn't he an artist :-)

Read more about his work >>Here and >>Here

Images and quotes : dwell

Vintage Love ~ Teak Lounge Chairs

2011-09-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have had this chair in my inspirations folder forever now..:)...Have been trying to find more about them ever since I saw them. Any input would be highly appreciated!!

beautiful detail

source: ebay

And the winner is .......

2011-09-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

I thank each one of you for your participation and support in the giveaway sponsored by IndyaKaleidoscope. The deadline to enter ended 16th Sept 2011 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

All of 45 comments later, Random.org chose the comment number 28

and the winner is Disha ....Congratulations Disha....please contact me so that I can arrange for Mr.Gajraj to reach you. :)

House Beautiful ~ At Home with the Pappus

2011-09-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today's house beautiful is in my hometown, Hyderabad, India. I had showcased a tour of Rama's inspiring home, from Bengaluru, India. Now, for a sneak peak into a very neat Courtyard house.

Mrs. Chanda and Dr Pappu were kind enough to let me click pictures. It was a cloudy /rainy day, and my photography skills are still a WIP..so here we go!! This 2000 sq ft home has a very well groomed entrance

we walk into the porch, and onto the right is this terracota Ganesha surrounded by greens

A close up of the Ganesha (elephant god)..with a terracota bell

The porch overlooks a very neat swing and the holy basil prayer area

I was in such awe of the entryway that i forgot to click pictures of the main door. This is the foyer and that granite mosaic ganesha was made by the contractor. :)

The foyer leads you to a meshed entryway (the contractor on the right..he was the contractor for my parents-in-law's home as well)

A huge open courtyard greets you as soon as you enter the house

The Pappus have a lovely Krishna statue under the tree and the whole house has painted rangoli

The living area with bedrooms and kitchen on all four sides of the courtyard

What i liked about the master bedroom - concrete seating, reminded me of really old Indian homes..:)

the prayer room

I wish I could share more of this lovely home, but it was time to leave

Hope you enjoyed the house as much as I did...until next time...take care and have a great weekend!

(Click on any pic for a slideshow)

Do check out home tours on the design enthusiast >>HERE

Its Raining Giveaways

2011-09-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

I announced my giveaway a few days ago. Thank you to each one of you for being a part of it. I have a small request, Please do let others know of the giveaway, and if you are a blogger please make a small mention in your blog if possible. And a post on the facebook and a small tweet would be great too..the giveaway ends on 16th Sept 2011. So do hurry up..Link to the post:: HERE

And here is the elephant you can win via my giveaway

I also wanted to blog about the giveaway at Anuradha's Dream Canvas

Anuradha is celebrating her 500th post

And over at Priya's blog - Once upon a tea time...Design Stories, is another giveaway...

Hurry up everyone...the best part about Anuradha's and Priya's Giveaway - Its open to readers worldwide....all the best everyone :)

Images: Preethi, Anuradha, Priya

Friday finds ~ Antique Foot Scrubbers

2011-09-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I went to my thrift and antique stores, hence the lack of friday finds on the blog...this time around it was an interesting dicovery online..and it is all about keeping your feet clean!!

Yes, it is about Foot scrubbers. I had a brush with this very beautiful piece recently. A fellow blogger recently held a contest where readers were asked to guess what the antique piece was :).

and the base

michaelbackmanltd.com

Amazing isnt it...

A little more digging later (phew!! thanks to google).. I found that this object, called "vajri", was from India and probably from the early 18th and 19th C. to be These lovely pieces were used as foot scrubbers by women bathing in a local pond or the river. These vajris have bearings (tiny metal balls) inside and were designed to jingle or rattle while in use. This was to let people know to respect the bathing women's privacy and stay away from that area (source: a friend's grandmother :))!!! I wish she had one and i could have it from her :P

rillajaggia.blogspot.com

( I am sure there must be similar ones in existence long before the 17th century. India had a flourishing civilization with indoor plumbing etc almost 5000 years ago!- remember Indus civilization - Mohenjadaro and Haraapa!)

Antique brass ones seem to have been quite popular and were made in many shapes and decorated with an animal motif, for e.g. peacock, elephant, lion, etc. The sculpted base are what makes them functional and gentle to use.

A few other shapes :-)

lots more!!

michaelbackmanltd.com

Having such pretty foot scrubbers indicate the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail in Indian Handicraft...I am swept off my feet :P

Not sure if it related...but Vajri in Sanskrith means Thunder or even Lord Indra ..Let me know if you have any idea how the name for the foot scrubber must have been derived :)

Before I say adios! a reminder about the giveaway : Here

PS: silly me..i asked for the paati's inputs after i posted my answer on the co-blog.:).

First Giveaway on My Blog :): via Indyakaleidoscope

2011-09-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, Announcing The First ever Personal Giveaway on The Design Enthusiast....

Home tours, sneak peeks and Design and Decor ideas on various blogs, flickr etc are a major source of inspiration for me. I have always wanted to ask people about their decor sources, what, where and how they shop for such amazing things in their homes? Wouldnt it be great if these talented bloggers and photographers manage to source amazing decor items and open up their own online stores for you! Amazing isn't it :-).

IndyaKaleidoscope: Blog, Store

Let me introduce you Preethi Prabhu's store on Indyakaleidoscope. If you are a regular on the decor blog circuit, you would be familiar with her super cool blog, and must have visited her wonderful store already. If not, I highly recommend that you do and see her exclusive picks - handcrafted and handmade by Artist across India, for your home.

And now, the Giveaway: The First ever on The Design Enthusiast

Preethi celebrated the second anniversary of her blog - Indyakaleidoscope and has decided to organize a Giveaway via The Design Enthusiast. (sweet)

Here is what you could win

Isn't he the cutest!!! Who wouldnt want to have him at home :-)

All you need to do

Leave me comment here on the Design Enthusiast to participate in the Giveaway
Visit her store and the blog via here ; Indyakaleidoscope and tell me here on the Design Enthusiast: what draws you to her blog and her store.
Everyone is allowed a maximum of two comments on this post (here). (you can leave as many comments as you like on her blog though)
And one very important thing, this Giveaway is open to readers in India and to all those who can provide an Indian Shipping address (sorry about that guys)
The Contest is open until 16th Sept 2011. A winner will be announced on 17th Sept 2011..Do participate and inform your friends about the giveaway!!

Before I wrap up, I need to mention that this is the first ever giveaway on the Design Enthusiast!!

All thanks to Preethi :-)

Images: Preethi Prabhu

DIY time

2011-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my dear H. This trip to India meant a lot of family time and some DIY (only by my Ma-in-law and hubby dearest). I wrote about the Ikea Poang cushion makeover by my ma-in-law, last year. 2011 look for the living room is ...

and

I am so proud of him :)

Movies masti and magic...International Influence on Indian Cinema

2011-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

While on my research about the influence of international design. fashion and music on Indian cinema, I keep my eyes open for design trends and art Direction choices in Indian regional and hindi cinema over the years. This song is a classic example of what international influence on Indian Cinema in the mid century and until early 70's.

Each time I post a song, I spot design classics and decor pieces in the video. This time around, I would love you guys to do that for me :)

So, while you enjoy the very pretty Mumtaz and the versatile Mehmood sahab sway to a song sung by Manna Dey and Usha Mangeshkar, play the spotting game...will you :)?!! (The video also includes a very handsome Shashi kapoor and Kishore kumar in a "disguise" :-)

In general, most of the art directors picked stuff they liked from the international scene and imported stuff or custom made them for the sets. I love the way they made everything work for an Indian storylin and with other Indian Accents....cool isnt it!!

Vintage Love ~ Hairpin leg Iron bucket chairs

2011-08-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

My parents-in-law own this pair of vintage chairs, very well made , probably by a local contractor/blacksmith. They also may be among the mass produced ones in India in the early 60's. MIL inherited them from her parents. The original nylon weaving is still intact! Cool isn't it

They were a set of 4 such chairs, and three are still with the family (not sure what happened to the fourth one).

While on Vacation ~ Celebrations time!

2011-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am in my hometown, Hyderabad, India, and celebrating festivals and participating in rituals. Had the varalakshmi poojai on friday

and the last year's arrangements in atlanta looked something like this

I liked being with family this year...:)..before I say bye for now, wishing everyone a very happy independence day.

(saluting the Indian flag!!)

Linking up to Weekly stories at Patty's

Vintage Love ~ Scoop Chair with arms!

2011-08-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

My hand and shoulder injury have been keeping me away from blogging. I have been on the system only when it is really necessary, so blogging has taken a back seat. (snifff!!). My cousin spotted this chair on SF craigslist and sent me the link (sweet!!), and I had to share it here :)

Item: Scoop Chair

Manufacturers: Carter Brothers, Salisbury, NY

Period: Circa 1950

Status: Awesome, Drooling!

Made from a single piece/plank of plywood, bent to form the body of the chair.

Measures: 23" wide x 19" deep seat, 21" high back, 13" to 10.5" seat height, 30" top of back to floor. Legs are removable. Weighs about 16 pounds.

source

The seller says " This chair can also be found with a single cushion, but the two cushion one is very rare and was discontinued in 1958."

Nominally priced for a vintage MCM piece, in beautiful condition. I admire people who maintain their homes and their furniture/furnishings well!!

Vintage Love ~ Danish Bookcase /bookshelf

2011-08-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Lack of space, else this beauty would have been in my house right now!!

source:craigslist

unmarked, but so well made!..I fell in love with those legs :P

Movies, Masti and Magic...Hindi Cinema and Danish/MCM

2011-07-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

Bollywood and Regional movies showed us credenzas and dressers which were what the film stars could afford!. Notice the eclectic decor in this movie set : Anand Special focus on the 6 drawer at the back everything else which went into making this "home" while enjoying the song.

Did you notice the danish modern Sled leg credenza, the Lane(??) dining set, hollywood regency style sofa and chairs, the dining table and chairs. The chair in which the Rajesh Khanna's friend and wife are sitting is a cool chaise with the danish modern look.

(Reposting a section of my previous post)

Vintage Love ~ Pascoe Plywood and Iron Side Chairs

2011-07-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have spoken about my love for using wood and metal in furniture design. But then use of metal has to be in simple and clean lines for me. When I saw these on another blog I follow, I had to share it :-)

(circamidcentury blogspot com)

This chair were designed in late 1951by Clifford Pascoe for Modernmasters Inc, and was included in the 1952 Museum of Modern Art Good Design show. This chair has a bent/sculptural molded plywood backrest, black metal frame, and a vinyl upholstered seat. Pascoe chairs are considered a cheaper reproductions of Paul Mccobb's chair, the #1535 side chair of the Planner Group.

Another reproduction of Paul McCobb was out in 1960: A design by Reilly-Wolfe

source

Pascoe (year: 1952/53)

A huge thank you to Jonathan of http://paulmccobb.blogspot.com), Here is what he has to say on identifying the original Paul McCobb vs equally good looking Pascoe's chairs :)\

How do you tell them apart? Here's a list of the major differences:

Paul McCobb chair has a metal stretcher across the bottom between the front and rear legs, the Pascoe chair does not have this.
Clifford Pascoe chair incorporates an upholstered foam rubber seat, the Paul McCobb chair a carved wooden seat.
Where the Pascoe chair uses bolts through the back of the backrest to attach it to the iron uprights, the McCobb backrest is connected invisibly at the bottom of the backrest.
The McCobb backrest is more sculptural and less angular than the Pascoe backrest

(source: paulmccobb blogspot)

Found a pair of Pascoe plywood and iron chairs on D.C. craigslist :) (sigh)

These chairs would look so good in a sunroom, breakfast nook or a balcony..I am sure whoever buys it will be pretty happy :). These pieces work well in small spaces, as they are stack-able and contrary to their looks are pretty comfortable. What I love about clean line furniture, is the airy and well ventilated affect they bring to any decor :)..But then, as I always say, they have to be done right!!

Vintage Love ~Magazine rack

2011-07-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Faulous Studio magazine rack by "Wierd Willy" - lift off tiers and beautifully crafted solid wood frame with hand carved one-piece legs. Signed on bottom: "Another creation from weird willy's wonderful world of wild and wacky wood works"

source: valiantvintage.com

Awards and Appreciation ~ Thank you Tanya

2011-07-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Tanya of Dans- Townhouse, bestowed me with a creative blogger award.

Thank you for the lovely award and the gesture. :)

PS: I apologize for the delay in posting this...i will get back to finishing up the rest of the post..asap!!

Weekend Wishes

2011-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Have a happy and peaceful weekend

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Marcy

2011-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am back with another very beautiful home from San Fernando valley, LA, California.

Marcy, a very inspiring blogger, calls herself an admitted addict; to all things vintage, with a super soft spot for mid century modern. She says, she cannot resist thrift store, estate sale or flea market, neither can I..:-). Marcy loves and appreciates old wares and always saves vintage furniture.

She lives in a 1950's, 1600 sq feet - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a pool. Lets start our tour with the Welcoming Exterior...

Planters picked up at estate sales

A beautiful set of 50's metal chairs with wonderful back detail. She stripped and painted them and added new upholstery..

Another pair of pretty chairs ...

And now lets move on to the pool side, shall we!!

Moving indoors ~~ Living Area ~ can't stop admiring the wood panels on the ceiling, and the fireplace.. The house went through a few renovations. It was not original 50's fabulous when they bought it, but had a few 70's updates. The previous owner had put up a popcorn ceiling and Marcy tore down the popcorn ceiling to reveal the original wood on the ceiling.

I LOVE her furniture pieces, all so carefully chosen and well put together...:)

and now to the other part of the living room

I am in love ~ with that wall sculpture, that super cool day bed, the slipper chair and the teak lamp!!! oh my I could go on...

Dresser close up!! Dont you love the dresser and its presence in the family/living area

The dining area folks ~ Love the dining set and the hutch... :-)

And then the bedroom :-) ~~ so calm and serene....I love the little birdie decal

Before you can gulp in all the homeyness in this house, wait to be swept off your feet ~ her amazing kitchen

I could cook and eat in here...all day :)

A delicious tour isn't it. I am still waiting for all the goodness to sink in :-)......

Marcy says "My choice of home would be the quintessential 1960's mid century modern minimalist with beamed ceilings, wide open spaces and floor to ceiling windows. Hopefully our next home is just that!"

I wish her all the best and hoping that her wish for her dream home comes true. Thank you Marcy for sharing your beautiful home on the Design Enthusiast.

Pictures copyright: Marcy of Rhan Vintage - the blog and the etsy store : Please do not use /copy with out permission

Design Enthusiast Featured ~ Prismma 's Blogger Style

2011-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

This post is long overdue. Prismma, came out with its first issue in April, 2011. Rekha Nambiar, The Editor of the magazine, was kind enough to include The Design Enthusiast as part of a feature called - Blogger Speak.

About Prismma

Prismma showcases space and style and brings in-depth features on design and home living, interviews with Architects, designers and photographers, exclusive home tours and profiles of stores, products and crafts. We have a special Discover India section that covers everything from heritage to travel. The content is spread over three formats.

Magazine—which has a focus on visuals and design and is designed for ease of reading
Website—content with slideshows and add-ons like contests and giveaways
News Blog—here we bring you product updates, news, views and experts.

My feature...

Thank you Rekha and the team at Prismma for the feature...I am glad I was a part of the first issue. It feels good to be sharing space with other very talented artists, architects and bloggers. Wishing the team all the best and many more successful issues in future :-)

Link to their website, facebook page and the magazine.

Nothing to do with design

2011-07-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

BethTerry has been inspiring many people, and she is driving change...I have been working towards it for the last16 years..I write a green blog as well...dint have the right attitude to communicate my efforts..But then, I admire people like Beth who have the right attitude and mental strength to speak out...Sharing her video here because, this is what i believe in..I have had enough of not reflecting my strong fundamentals and beliefs in sensible living.. just because its not appealing to others!

Cakes and more!! ~ Sindhu's Cakes & Catering

2011-07-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

I posted Sindhu's puttu recipe on the food blog a few days ago. I am delighted to announce the opening of her online custom cake store. She is an amazing cook and an accomplished baker. Need to see more...check her website

>> SweetLite

Look at this amazing cake...super... isnt it :)

Sindhu caters in and around atlanta area...so hop over to her site and place your orders...I assure you..you will love her work. I personally recommend her cakes and appetizers.

I know how hard she works to complete each order with utmost dedication and lends her personal touch to every party she caters to. I have tasted her veggie cooking so I can vouch for its yummy-in-the-tummy-ness!! I hear great reviews for her non-vegetarian dishes as well...The next time you or your friends are having a party..call her!!

image source: Sindhu's portfolio

Wishing a happy weekend

2011-07-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Vintage Love ~ Chair!

2011-06-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Something about wood and cane... :-)

source

Vintage Love ~ Credenza / Sideboard

2011-06-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Couldnt help drooling ~

source

Buddha Scapes on Colours Dekor

2011-06-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Tara ~

Tara ~ the female buddha (according to Vajrayana sect of Buddhism)..this idol is also considered a Tibetian version of goddess Saraswathi

A hymn for a calm mind...

This Tibetan Buddhist Mantra is a prayer for White Tara. "White Tara is an emanation of Goddess Tara who has the power of granting Longevity. She is also the special Goddess who helps devotees in overcoming life's obstacles. Mantra chanted by Khenpo Pema Chopel Rinpoche, from the CD 'The Blessing from H.H. Penor Rinpoche for World Peace'. "youtube

Another chant for good health...

it is believed that this Tibetan Buddhist Mantra helps to eliminate not only pain of diseases but also helps in overcoming the major inner sickness of attachment, hatred, jealousy, desire, greed and ignorance. Mantra chanted by Khenpo Pema Chopel Rinpoche from the CD 'The Blessing from H.H. Penor Rinpoche for World Peace'. - youtube

Read through this website for more information on the Mani Mantra ~ Om Mani Padme Hum

At his holy feet

Now over to Patricia's Buddha Scape link party...Peace Out

PS: It is said that white Tara was born from the tear of Avalokiteshvara, the buddha of compassion, White Tara grants long life. Her three facial eyes represent the three doors to liberation (the three emptinesses) and the other four on her palms and soles symbolize love, compassion, joy and equanimity. read more >>here

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Rama Ananth

2011-06-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Rama Ananth, a fellow blogger, an excellent author, and a fitness enthusiast, shares her beautiful home on The Design Enthusiast. I am glad that she agreed to do a guest post and let us peek into her carefully planned and thoughtfully done up home.

So fasten your seat belts ..and off we go to Bengaluru, India to peek into Rama's lovely Spanish Style villa

--------------

Our House: Buena Vista ( Beautiful View)

Our house was conceived with lot of love. Ananth always loved Spanish architecture, and always used to tell me that if he ever built a house he would go for the Spanish style. We just left it at that for neither did we have a plot to built a house nor were we looking for one for everything had gone beyond our means.

Then one day, one of his very close friend said there was a beautifully located plot in Whitefield and that it was owned two friends jointly and they wanted to sell it off as they had no use for it.

They were somewhere in Bombay. He said we should grab this opportunity and just buy it as an investment. This place Whitefield was quite far from the city, it was not well connected by bus or any such thing. Only retired army people and some Anglo Indians lived there in old palatial bungalows.

However the plot was huge and the area though not developed was quite good, peaceful and quiet. There were just a Niligiris shop selling some bare essentials. Since it was affordable we bought it, and forgot everything about the plot.

Then as years passed by we found living in Indira Nagar on the 100th feet Road was becoming impossible, with all the noise, and pollution, and random constructions everywhere- all the beautiful houses were being demolished to be built into apartments, the traffic had also increased tremendously, it had totally become a commercial place- literally a concrete jungle.

Our children too were growing up, and living in the cramped apartment and with my husband's office too in it was becoming very tough.We then decided, that it was time we built our own house, and moved away from all the chaos.

But there was a catch Whitefield was still not developed, it still lacked all the facilities. Our son who was in 9th at that time would have no proper bus to reach his school, my daughter would have to drive for 1 hour in the peak hours to reach her college. And as for me I would not be able to go out as often as I wished to, because of the same problems.

Anyway, finally we decided to just go ahead and make plans for building the house and later on worry about the various problems.

It was very exciting, we went through various books to see what type of Spanish house we wanted, and finally Ananth came up with the basic design, which we gave it to our neighbour and close friend Jyoti Dhingra who is an Architect/ Interior Designer, to work on it.Then another business friend was given the Contractor's job, and so on, till we had all our close friends working at some level or other on our house project.

Then we bought a very good book which was going for half price in some book shop- we were lucky, we immediately grabbed it, and from that day it was like a Bible for us.

The book was: Casa California Spanish Style by Barbara Clemente. Back then, we didn't have proper access to internet, like today. We had to do lot of research. It was tough running around finding things, and when we could not afford some of them, doing it all by ourselves, was the only option, or finding an alternative, without losing sight of the main theme, for, everything had to look and feel Spanish.

Although it was difficult, it was not impossible, for in India too there are many things available, only one has to patiently look for them and place them/ use them properly.

We wanted to use wooden rafters for the ceiling, but wood was very expensive, so we thought and thought and, finally, our Architect Jyoti got a brilliant idea, Bamboo- she said we could use that instead of wood, which turned out to be cheap, yet beautiful and very innovative and also suited the theme of our house. Our contractor had a Bamboo farm, and he selected the right size for our use.

Then came flooring, we decided to go in for terracotta tiles for both inside and the outside. Wow! again we not only saved lots of money, we also got a beautiful and highly durable,totally natural flooring for house. The color terracotta simply looks lovely and it gives such an earthy feeling. It not only keeps us warm in winter but also keeps us cool in summer, what more can one ask?

The same tile fellow agreed to design our roof tiles also for us, because we wanted it to look like Spanish tiles, which has a slightly rounded cylindrical look, like the old tiles you might have seen in Indian villages, but of slightly good quality.

We found a very good cane boutique shop, just by chance, which designed cane furniture, so we selected our entire cane furniture from the various books that she had. We had our front door, a copy of an antique door we found in our Spanish book, done by our own carpenter, who not only made the door, but also all the doors/ windows and the staircase.

The stained glass panels too was done by a dear friend of ours.

Since we had lots of space, we decided to go a for a standard size swimming pool. And I had my own Aerobics Hall too, where I could conduct my classes.

Then another business friend of Ananth was handed over the landscaping of the garden, we liked the Moorish style garden, and Shakeeb our landscape architect came up with a very simple yet beautiful Moorish garden for us. We also requested him to give us a perennial garden so that, there is never any need to change plants, and also plants that would not need much maintenance or need a lot of water.

Now comes the decorative tiles which is must in every Spanish house, which is what gives it a charm not to be found anywhere else. When we found the designer handmade tiles very expensive, we made beautiful tiles ourselves. Our daughter and son pitched in here. We went and bought a good tile design book, and once they got the hang of it there seemed to be no stopping, for they came up with beautifully painted tiles in a jiffy. We had them put everywhere in our house.

We had a dream to build a beautiful, comfortable airy cottage, with a budget in our mind, and, I must say we managed to stay more or less within our budget, without straying too much from it. And believe me, we had not even been to Spain, when we built this house, we visited Spain only after 6/ 7 years after it was built. It took us about 1 year to built this house. Isn't it amazing, that if one is focused to accomplish something, it can be accomplished?

Oh, I forgot we even have a proper bell-- a huge brass bell which we have hung in our terrace, making a special arch for it to hang.

Well, there are so many little little details, it would take me ages to go into each and everyone of them.

To cut short an already long story, I would like to end this with a comment made by an Architect from California, James Madson of Madson Design:

Hi Rama,
I think your home is beautiful, and a wonderful example of architecture gracefully informed by different traditions. It's a great fusion of California Spanish Colonial with Indian motifs and materials. The gable overhang at the front of your house is particularly notable, in that you captured the character of Spanish Colonial, with their heavy exposed purlins and corbels, but used slender bamboo beams and knee braces instead-- this manages to be loyal to both traditions simultaneously.

Just click on the pictures of our house displayed on the right side of my blog: Photoset from flickr, Our Spanish Villa In Bangalore India.

Did you enjoy the tour of our house, which part of the house did you like the most?

-----

Thank you Rama, for the tour and the write up. Every corner reflects the love which went into putting this place together. Rama, blogs at Time,Time, I have all the time...and shares her love for travel, writing and life in general...So hop over to her blog and see why its on my daily visit list :)

Previous home tours >> Here

Pictures courtesy/copyright : Rama Ananth

Letting things go ~ Downsizing

2011-06-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Downsizing is a painful yet, a very refreshing process.

This is how our apartment looked...Our love for pre-loved furniture goes well with our green living ideologies.

Having moved to a different apartment with space constraints and layout challenges, we had to let go a few things bought with careful thought and a lot of search and patience.

We decided to live without a few things around us, and put them up for sale, and let them go to other lovely homes. Some things went to people we knew and others to new homes. As of now, we have our mid century modern dining table with us.(I am finding it difficult to part with it :(

I am glad I met some really wonderful people who have similar design sense (else they would not have bought our stuff!!) and appreciate good design and furniture.

Lots of changes are on cards. We plan to wait and see how things move and then begin our hunt for vintage and pre-loved furniture that would hopefully stay with us for a really long time. The last few days have been hazy..Trying to recoup and collect myself. See you soon

Tuesday Treat ~ Dana's Guest Post

2011-06-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Having toured her beautiful home via a previous guest post, I craved for more...So, I brought Dana back to write about her design choices and accessories which make her home, so inviting and homey!!..Now ...over to Dana, of mid2mod.com, and mid2mod, the blog...

---

When Sudha asked me to write a guest post, I couldn't decide at first what to write about. My blog is focuses on mid-century modern decor and history, and I know her beautiful blog is somewhat more eclectic. Then I had an idea! I'd take this opportunity to showcase the decorator accessories and art in my house that I love most, even though some of it isn't mid-century modern at all.

Some of it I love for sentimental reasons, like this large vase that my great-grandmother received as a wedding gift over 100 years ago. The piece is quite large, and the detail in the swans' feathers is stunning.

My Mama Dell's vase, circa 1900

My daughter Jennifer is quite an accomplished photographer, although with a couple of sons under two years of age, she doesn't have much time for photography anymore. She did a series of images of doors which were magical, because they left you wondering what was happening...or had happened over the years...behind them. Here are two examples, taken in New Orleans, a city she and I visited often when she was a teenager.

Jenn's photo No. 723

Jenn's photo No. 622

I also really like a few pieces of art that I did myself. One is a grouping of six 6" x 6" canvases on which I layered colors of acrylic paint. I scraped or rubbed off sections before the paint dried. Then I fired silver medallions out of precious metal clay, which I affixed to the pictures and have allowed to oxidize over time. Another grouping of three was inspired by a cover of Elle Decor.

Acrylic with PMC medallions

Inspired by Elle Decor

I also love art by Brian Andreas. I have a pair of his prints in my entry hall, and I have one of his wood sculptures in a bedroom. Andreas's work always speaks to my heart, whether it makes me laugh or cry. The print is particularly meaningful to me, because it is the story of the wonderful life I shared with my late partner Carl, who died in 2006.

I don't think of it as working for world peace, he said.
I think of it as trying to get along in a really big strange family.

There was a boy with skin as dark as the earth
& a girl with eyes as blue as the deep
& they loved each other so well that people could not tell them apart
for in their hearts there was no difference between them.

And speaking of Carl...I love this trio of Danish candlesticks and the set of rustic, hand-dipped candles that he bought for me on one of the wonderful trips we made together.

The sleekness of Danish design
paired with handcrafted candles

And finally, one of my favorite pieces of pewter is a vintage Castor Cooper vase with a horse motif. It was an eBay find a few years ago.

Castor Cooper pewter vase

Thank you, Sudha, for allowing me to share some of the personal items I treasure most. I hope they do your delightful blog justice.

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A guest post so well done! All I had to do was copy paste her content and hit publish :)..Thank you Dana, for the wonderful write up and lovely images. And thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures of your treasured items

I am a Danish and Scandinavian Modern crazy design enthusiast who is influenced by her Indian roots!! Dana and other wonderful bloggers are a serious source of inspiration for my design know-whats!!

Picture source/copyright: Dana

Amazing Antiques ~ Canterbury Mahogany Magazine Rack

2011-06-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Bought this Genuine Mahogany Canterbury Magazine rack....It was after I got it home, I realized how expensive even its reproductions were in popular big box stores..

drawer - dovetail construction with original brass knobs

brass wheels

Time Period: Circa 1910

Style: English, Victorian

Wood: Mahogany

Images my own

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Dana

2011-06-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

As promised, I am back with a home tour. Starting the series with a peek into Dana's beautiful mid century home. Infact, Dana is the one who suggested the title for this series.

She is my Research guru and has an amazing blog which is my go to guide for everything mid century. She is a mini celebrity :-) (her home was featured on HGTV's rate my space). I always knew this was the house I needed to start my home tour series with.

Thank you Dana, for the pictures and a wonderful write up. And now, over to Dana.....

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I’ve been reading Sudha’s beautiful blog, The Design Enthusiast, for quite some time now, so I was honored when she told me she wanted to do a home tour series and would like to start with my home.

I live in a mid-century ranch style home which was built in 1950. It is very small…only 1200 square feet…but it’s the perfect size for me and my two sidekicks Mister Ming (a Shih Tzu) and Isadora (an Italian greyhound better known as Izzy).

My 1950 ranch style house in Fort Worth, TX

Ming and Izzy

Bright colors greet you as soon as you walk into my entry. The varying shades of red, orange, green and turquoise are used in some combination in all the rooms of my home. The art is a large Miro print and two smaller Brian Andreas StoryPeople prints. I’m in the middle of a DIY upholstery project on a “new” vintage bench which will soon be where you see the leaning shelf.

Small entry hall sets the tone

My living room is a long, narrow space with French doors at one end and a small alcove at the other. One wall is lined with the original built-in shelves. The hardwood floors are also original to the structure, but the slate tile in the alcove, which also extends into the dining room and kitchen, was added by the previous owner. The alcove, along with the master bedroom and the dining room which all extend across the front of the house, have ceiling-to-floor windows with wood blinds. My living room is decorated with mid-century modern furniture I found on Craigslist, at estate sales or at auction.

Living room furniture is all vintage,
except for my one concession to pure comfort, an Ekornes chair

Alcove with Carter Brothers scoop chair, Jens Risom credenza,
which holds Kosta Boda and Blenko glass

Original built-ins which contain
Haeger pottery and vintage pewter

My dining room furniture is a Drexel Profile set that I found on Craigslist a few years ago at an unbelievable steal of a price. The china cabinet houses my collection of Russel Wright Iroquois Casual.

Drexel Profile and Russel Wright china

Corner cabinet with more Russel Wright,
as well as a collection of Harvest Time by Ben Seibel

I was born in 1948, so I am a "genuine" mid-century gal, and it only seemed appropriate that I use turquoise, the signature color of the 1950s that my grandmother loved so much. The room developed around a vintage bedroom set that I found on craigslist, and it soon took on a life of its own with a 21st century twist to the turquoise color scheme.

Crate and Barrel bed and bedding with vintage bedside tables and chest

Vintage saucer chair

My second bedroom is a TV room for me and playroom for my grandsons. The closet hides toys, play mat and bouncer when they’re not visiting.

Yes, more vintage furniture...but I made the barkcloth pillows

The bathroom was already “updated” when I moved in. I would have loved to find it in original 50s condition, but the previous owners had opted for more of a spa look.

The spa look isn't quite my style,
but the previous owners did a nice job.

The previous owners installed stainless steel appliances, stainless steel countertops and slate flooring in the kitchen, but I’m planning a redo in the near future, so I won't show it yet. Maybe that will get me invited back to do another guest post on The Design Enthusiast.

Thanks again for the invitation, Sudha. I hope your readers enjoyed the tour of my house as much as I enjoyed sharing it.

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So folks,you see why I started the feature with her home right!! I strongly recommend Dana's blog and store for further design inspirations. Can't thank her enough for the wonderful post. Watch this space for a guest post from this wonderful lady and my major source of inspiration. You can leave comments and questions for Dana.

Pictures courtesy: Dana

Sunday Special ~ Introducing Home Tours

2011-05-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

Home tours are my favorite, be it on any website, TV show or on the blogland. For me, sneak peeks are a wonderful means

To get some amazing decorating ideas
Decide on what works or does not work for me (without a trip to the store)
Visualize my dream home, or
Just feel pleased to have seen a well put together space

People all over the world share their love for their home. It would not be an understatement to repeat the saying - "Home is where the Heart is!!". I feature amazing kitchen tours on my food blog and now extend this pleasure onto my design blog as well.

Having said all that, let me introduce the new series on the Design Enthusiast - Home Tours and Sneak Peeks. ~ At home with **** :-). *** to be filled with the home owner's name.

Beginning this Sunday, I was all set to share some fascinating vignette and corners of wonderful homes. However, my health issues kept me from doing it. So please watch this space for a wonderful home tour. I appreciate your patience. Before I leave, here is a preview :)

Friday Finds ~ Porringers

2011-05-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

Another item I see in most antique stores ~ Porringers.

Porringer is a small dish from which Europeans and colonial Americans ate their gruel or porridge, or other soft food. These bowls are generally 4" to 6" in diameter, and 1½" to 3" deep.

Colonial porringers have one handle

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whereas European ones tend to have two handles on opposite sides

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I found a few pieces with the owner's initials engraved on them. A few came with a lid as well.

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It is believed that these bowls, with single or double handles, originated in the medieval period in Europe. They were made of wood, ceramic, pewter or silver.

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Later ones were made of brass or aluminum as well. Peculiarity of these bowls are their flat handles. And unlike regular cups or bowls, their handles face upwards :)

Interesting facts
Original porringers are very rare and uncommon today. This is because, porringers made in USA prior to the American Revolution (c. 1776) were looted from kitchens and turned in, to make bullets for soldiers. The most famous colonial porringers are probably those made by Paul Revere. Nowadays, Porringers are given as a gift for the Christening of a child. Porringers resemble smaller quaich, a Scottish drinking vessel.

Quaich

source

Happening Now ~ Green Week Conference in Brussels

2011-05-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

No, this post is not misplaced and yes I intend to put it up here on the Design Enthusiast as well..My green ideologies are not different from the design enthusiast part of me. I appreciate reuse, repurpose and refuse fundamentals..and do not believe in recycling...not everything is recyclable and nor is the process very eco-friendly...I do not associate with the idea that you can get away with non earth friendly choices and just use the "REcycle" excuse..

want to know more...hop over to Environment/greenweek/

Amazing Antiques ~ Chrome and Glass furniture

2011-05-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me right, Chrome and glass antique furniture. I always thought that Chrome and Steel with glass were a thing of the 80's. Thats until I came across some iconic designs by the talented Irish furniture designer and architect, Eileen Gray.

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Furniture: Side table

Period - 1920's

Designer - Eileen Gray (1878-1976)

This particular table was coded - E1027 and was designed circa 1924. E-1027 was both compact and open. I think it was very futuristic, coming from someone born in the Art Nouveau period. Eileen is said to have been persuaded to explore her interest in architecture by a fellow Romanian Architect, Jean Badovici. The codename is derived from: E for Eileen, 10 for Jean (J is the tenth letter of the alphabet), 2 for Badovici and 7 for Gray.

Another iconic chair from Eileen Gray's kitty: Bibendum chair

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Bibendum chair is considered one of the finest and most recognizable furniture pieces of the 20th century. This chair was called the "triumph of modern living" in the 1930's. Bibendum chair fused the tubular steel design of the Bauhaus Modernists with the comfort of padded upholstery. I feel that her need to move away from her previous traditional designs resulted in this chair and many more later on.

As such Eileen was also known for her love for lacquer, and her very works are an ode to Art Deco period. must have been inspired by the tubular chrome platted furniture designed by other modernists and remarkable designers of her times - Mart Stam and Marcel Breuer. (remember my post on bentwood furniture!!)

Who would have imagined that one could envision such exquisite design in times when Art Nuveauo was in vogue..hmm... this reminds me of The Fountain Head..

Now, compare the Bibendum with the Chairs which were popular in the 20's (worldwide I guess :)...and now imagine the break-from-the regular design trend by Eileen, Mart, Marcel etc... :)..

source

or this

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More on Bibendum

She designed the chair as part of re-design assignment for Madame Mathieu Lévy's apartment on rue de Lota in Paris. Levy was a successful boutique owner who sold stylish hats and hoped to have a home with new and original, with innovative designs. The project took four painstaking years, from 1917 to 1921, and Eileen Gray created the Bibendum chair along with the interior walls, furnishings, rugs and lamps.

Ever since I found out about Eileen and her designs, I was hoping to do this post...but wanted my write up be an honest attempt at showcasing the creativity of an icon who passed away before I was born :). What surprises me most is that these designs are so inspiring and in use even today. While on this blogging journey, I hope I am able to convey my awe for design and creativity and document what I learn. And before I leave, here is a peek into Eileen Gray's apartment

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Want to know more about her work...hop over to > Eileen-gray Designs. and hey...not before you leave your comment here :P

Ruba Designs ~ Green Design

2011-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Post on the Green Crusader

Ruba designs >> over my Post on the Green Crusader

Artist Showcase ~ Aarti Verma

2011-05-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

I love to feature wonderfully creative people who are passionate about Art in any form. This time around, I am glad to be writing about Aarti Verma, the very talented lady behind the Mumbai based independent fashion label 'Art meets fashion'

Art meets Fashion, an 8 month old label, deals exclusively with hand painted and handcrafted stuff, particularly fashion accessories. Aarti Verma has an art teacher diploma from Sir jj school of Arts and also a crash course in fashion designing. After working as an Art and craft teacher for a year, Aarti pursued her passion and combined her love for Art and Fashion, and thats how Art meets Fashion came into existence.

Aarti describes AmF as "a very quirky and Artsy label, every piece is handpainted and handcrafted with love..." This very creative lady makes Handpainted tote bags, Hand painted cushions, Hand painted tunics/kurtis and very pretty jewelery.

Amazing Antiques ~ Hutschenreuther Gold Overlay Cream & Sugar Set

2011-05-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Found this creamer and sugar set listed on the local Criagslist for a reasonable price...I loved the make and researched a bit on its histrory.

Seller listed it as Hutschenreuther creamer and sugar bowl set

A brief history:

Hutschenreuther China Karl Mangus Hutschenreuther set up Germany's first private porcelain decorating factories in Hohenberg, Bavaria in 1814. Hutchenreuther wanted to produce his own patterns, and after an eight year struggle with the Bavarian Government (which was not interested in creating competition for the state-owned factory), Hutschenreuther received the necessary permission to begin production in 1822. Upon his death in 1845, his son Lorenz founded his own Hutschenreuther Porcelain company in Selb. Son Christian and widow Johanna also worked to carry on the company tradition.

In the early part of the 20th century, Hutschenreuther grew quickly by absorbing factories at Altrohlau (1909), Arzburg (1918) and Tirschenreuth (1927). The branches of the company were united in 1969. Hutschenreuther was a trend-setter and enabled Germany to gain an excellent reputation in the European china industry. The Hutschenreuther "Mark of the Lion" is a symbol of excellence that continues to this day. source

A few more pictures of the set

lovely details...

Perfectly glazed!

It is in amazing condition considering its age...I would have bough it..but for the lack of space :)

Lovely and very classy isn't it!!

Pctures source: CL seller; the listing

Brass love!

2011-05-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

One from our collection....

Friday Finds ~ French Butter Keeper (Butter Bell)

2011-05-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

This week's find is a very utilitarian, antique pot/crock used to store butter (with out the need for refrigeration :)

French Butter Keeper (or) Butter Bell

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Before refrigerators came into being, butter was kept in earthenware pots, and sometimes submerged in water. I keep bumping into antique and modern versions of the Butter crocks/pots. The original water submerged butter crock /bell is said to have originated in France in the Middle Ages. (5th to 15th century)

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There are two pieces to the crock, the interior piece which holds the butter and the exterior which holds approximately 1/3 cup of cold water. The water works as a seal keeping your butter fresh and spreadable. If used correctly, butter is said to remain fresh for up to 30 days. Cool isnt it!!...Just keep changing the water every three days. Although butter may slip out in higher temperatures, this is better than a refrigerator because the butter is protected from the air, and it remains at room temperature.

Off late, I see a lot of well known brands reproducing the old style crock. Which one would you want ??

Marble bell

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Glass

ceramic or vintage Enamel

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ceramic

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I may end up getting one home soon...funny part - We don't eat butter...lol

The Design Enthusiast

DE's minutes of fame

Heart(h) n Home : Kamini's Eclectic Kitchen

Artist Showcase ~ Bhavana Vijay

Vintage Love ~ Sornay's Floor/table Lamp

Store Profile: Indya Kaleidoscope, Part II

House Beautiful ~ At home with Kamini

Hello :)

Wishes for a peaceful 2012

Wishes for new beginnings and celebrations

Kitchen tour ~ Over at the Food blog

House Beautiful ~ At home with Shweta Sharma

Store Profile ~ Preethi Prabhu's Indya Kaleidoscope

Vintage Love ~ Teak chairs

Media mentions ~ DE featured

FEATURED ON APARTMENT THERAPY - RENEST

THANK YOU Preethi of Indya KALEIDOCSOPE

MENTIONED - COLOURS DEKOR

Dreamy :)

Vintage Love ~ Marcy's Saginaw Wall Unit

House beautiful ~ At Home with Tanya

Guest Post ~ Anu's Diwali Decor Ideas and Inspirations

Hope you all had a great diwali

Guest Post ~~ Vintage Love ~ Danish Dining

Vintage Love ~ Teak Credenza

Art Direction ~ Indian Cinema

Golu 2011

Festivity ~~ Navarathri

Friday Finds: Brazilian Designer: Semana Carlos and his Reclaimed Wood Furniture

Vintage Love ~ Teak Lounge Chairs

And the winner is .......

House Beautiful ~ At Home with the Pappus

Its Raining Giveaways

Friday finds ~ Antique Foot Scrubbers

First Giveaway on My Blog :): via Indyakaleidoscope

DIY time

Movies masti and magic...International Influence on Indian Cinema

Vintage Love ~ Hairpin leg Iron bucket chairs

While on Vacation ~ Celebrations time!

Vintage Love ~ Scoop Chair with arms!

Vintage Love ~ Danish Bookcase /bookshelf

Movies, Masti and Magic...Hindi Cinema and Danish/MCM

Vintage Love ~ Pascoe Plywood and Iron Side Chairs

Vintage Love ~Magazine rack

Awards and Appreciation ~ Thank you Tanya

Weekend Wishes

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Marcy

Design Enthusiast Featured ~ Prismma 's Blogger Style

Nothing to do with design

Cakes and more!! ~ Sindhu's Cakes & Catering

Wishing a happy weekend

Vintage Love ~ Chair!

Vintage Love ~ Credenza / Sideboard

Buddha Scapes on Colours Dekor

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Rama Ananth

Letting things go ~ Downsizing

Tuesday Treat ~ Dana's Guest Post

Amazing Antiques ~ Canterbury Mahogany Magazine Rack

House Beautiful ~ At Home with Dana

Sunday Special ~ Introducing Home Tours

Friday Finds ~ Porringers

Happening Now ~ Green Week Conference in Brussels

Amazing Antiques ~ Chrome and Glass furniture

Ruba Designs ~ Green Design

Artist Showcase ~ Aarti Verma

Amazing Antiques ~ Hutschenreuther Gold Overlay Cream & Sugar Set

Brass love!

Friday Finds ~ French Butter Keeper (Butter Bell)