Mayura's Farmhouse styled home

We often try to run away from our urban chaos, to a quieter locale probably a farmhouse that we can call our own for the couple of days that we stay put there. But, what happens when your home itself is farmhouse style inspired ( with or without the farm animals! )? That is exactly how it is with Mayura.

Her insta stories propelled me to establish contact with her and request for a home tour.
Her home that we are about to uncover is 80 years old, though it is renovated, the basic structure is preserved. Mayura lives with her hubby, kid and her Mil here.All of them being decor enthusiast, they were clear from the start that the ethnic charm is not lost upon as they renovate the home!

 I feel the beauty of such spaces lies in openness of the plan.  The indoors merge easily with the outdoors creating vastness of space.

The interiors have been done in dark wood tones.Many traditional elements like the jharokha, brass artifacts which are proud heritage collections rule the place.Apart from these brass bells & lanterns lend a rustic charm!

Unique in itself are these rows and rows of neatly arranged brass  cooking vessels like pots, pans,urns, plates which have been designated a separate place yet assimilating their presence in the interiors as well!

 A sitting area which I understand opens into the outdoor...

 Yet another rustic feature wall with dancing warli motifs and woven treasures. Traditional game like the pallankuzhi board that you see on the ledge makes me remember my childhood  summer days. Oh! What fun it used to be when all the cousins used to gather over the game!

 A peek into her well laid out garden space...

The warli paintings are done by Mayura.

Such lovingly created corners!

 And see I told you it's a farmhouse styled  home...Look at those lovely ducks enjoying a  bath in afternoon sun!

 This is the perfect getaway for me in summers. what do you think? Mayura blogs at thelifeinspire.com and you can have a look at her insta feed here. 
She would be happy to hear from you as well!

Decor at a cafe

Being a decor blogger can  be upsetting for the family sometimes because the moment I set foot in a place with eye catchy decor,off I go with the camera, clicking pics.

Few days back we were at this cafe called 'TAB-Take a Break' The decor vignettes they have placed in the niches and corners is very interesting.For a cafe that specializes in Italian food and bakery items,the decor was purely Indian.I found this very fascinating.

The restaurant operates from an old home and houses brass and bronze artifacts.They have maintained a good garden with stone artifacts as well (couldn't click pics of the same due to insufficient lighting!)

Wasn't this awesome? Apart from the decor and the ambiance the food is equally good.Never ever have we been disappointed. Limited but a very delicious spread of pizzas, pasta,risotto and desserts they serve.They get my full points!

Vessels for everyday cooking!

My grand-mother-in-law once told me that half the battle in the kitchen is won if you have the proper utensils( not that the kitchen is a battle ground!) but often I realize the truth in the so - casually made statement.

The ladle -the one with holes in it, my mother had one in which she used to fry 'boondi laadoo'

When we cook for a family of four which is often in my case, you get  hold of the quantity of item that will suffice for the small family but what happens when there are guests.How are we supposed to measure? Again the size of the vessel plays a huge role.Take the vessel that you think should be sufficient and yes this tip will ensure that your dish is not less for your guests !

Serve-ware-so fascinating!

Such enamel ware were a craze in the 90's

Another useful and mindful tip is that one must enjoy whole heartedly the process of cooking.And for this if you use vessels that appeal to you and looks interesting, you will make yummy food!Believe me it works.

Oh! those ladles,fork and spoons!

And last but the least if you are one like me who loves everything vintage,antique,passed-on, rustic( call it by any name) you are sure to create magic in the kitchen just like your grand-ma did! Cook meal in those utensils from the past, associating yourself with the memories of an era gone by and be ready to accept appreciation graciously, for the food you served your guests.


Am on a pinterest spree...have been updating my board quite zealously! follow me here.

Get Creative with brass

Hi folks,

If we talk of traditional Indian homes, can brass be left behind?
I  simply can't get over my love for that dull gold look.With age ,the patina on brass artifacts makes it looks all the more alluring.

Today let me take you to the world of brass decor...come with me.
Hop over to  http://porticoindia.com/fashion@home/getting-creative-with-brass/




 Do you also share the same passion for this metal? I will be glad to hear from you. Do drop me a mail..

Some wooden memories

I stumbled across some old snaps.
Great wood work!! wood always gives you this old rustic charm.
These snaps are from one of our trips to kerala.


Simple ..yet so beautiful!


The ceilings give the special cottage touch to any place


The brass work on the wooden doors remind me of the Malayalam movie manichitrathazu- the ornate lock

corners of my home

These are some of the brassware used traditionally in almost all homes down south.
They look pretty with plants or maybe just grouped together and kept in a corner.