Homes that inspire - Gayatri Goswami's cosy abode

Hi lovely folks, posting after a little break but am back with a home tour that you guys are going to enjoy for sure.

It is a home in our country capital and one that reminds me of Ghulam Ali gazals playing in the background.Wondering what I mean by that? Well, imagine a cosy setting with soft lighting and a  relaxed ambience, now aren't you expecting some soul soothing music to go with this?

Gayatri Goswami 's home is all this and more. She has sure won the  hearts of the Instagram community thru her thoughtful and elegant styling.

A quick hello from her side and she says,

'I am a freelance editor, working full time from home, while my husband works in advertising. We’ve been living in a rented apartment that’s roughly 1200 square feet for about four years now, and like all other old rental homes in any city, this flat too, comes with its own quirks and charms. 

Our house was constructed in the eighties, and since then, it has barely undergone any renovations. For us, this has translated into a certain sense of nostalgia which we both cherish, especially in a city like Delhi, where builder flats with a clinical approach towards space utilisation can be found everywhere.'

Extending positive vibes....

Do you see the connect with Ghulam Ali gazals thru this image?

It is a perfect setting for long chai sessions and hot spicy gupshup. Her home re instills the fact that you only need few thoughtful decor accents like some cushions, plants, lamps ,books, candles etc to complete the whole look.

The house has a living room, a dining space, a kitchen, two large bedrooms, each with its own attached balcony, two bathrooms, and a big terrace overlooking a park. In fact, the terrace was what drew them both to the house. She and her husband  have grown up in small-town India, and it was almost impossible for them to visualise a home without open balconies and terraces. 

She says that as silly as it might sound, the fact that they could have their morning cups of tea out on the terrace, amidst the plants and the birds that flock the amaltas tree that stands just beyond their terrace, sealed the deal for both of them.

Evening glow thru lamps and candles

There never can be too much of plants! what say?

Notice the DIY...the plant hanger...Brilliant idea!

Gayatri's sense of design and aesthetics have been inspired by her mother.

Collection of frames creates a focal point

Beautifully assembled ceramic ware

Gayatri further states that,
' My mother taught me that one does not need to spend more and more money in doing up a house. Transforming a rental apartment into a home that you love has very little to do with money, and more to do with you investing your own self into the space.' 

That grey  wall and yet another set of frames

That piece of fabric runner that hangs from the wardrobe...Attention to detail is key in styling spaces

The earthy hue lends warmth to this space

 I can imagine the calmness one can feel in a space like this. Everything just beautifully falls in its place and that gives a  cool, collected vibe to this home.

Moving on to the bedrooms...

Peaceful living...

Use of  various fabrics extends colour and texture to the room

colour co-ordinated look

Yet again...layering of fabrics, a simple trick to add depth

Soothing...

Apart from natural elements like plants, the botanical frames like these gives life to the bedroom

Simple but eye - catchy!

Corners that breathe life!

Cue to take home- layering works well!

Am not sure whether I will be able to work here...Admirable decor!

I have added my views on each image thru captions. Do give a read, it might be helpful to you when you do up your own space. In short, my take away decor tips from Gayatri's home are:

 

• Living elements like plants and flowers breathe life to your space...There can never be too many of them!
• Fabrics in the form of curtains, table runners, mats, rugs, bedspread, runners, cushions and throws no doubt lend colour but also texture and helps to have a collected look through out the space. Layering is fun and looks cool in the whole scheme of things 
• Earthy colours and wooden furniture are always in trend. Investing in sturdy furniture is for a lifetime
• Lighting is a factor that should never be ignored. Apart from basic fixtures, mood lighting thru lamps and candles is always a good idea
• Last but not the least personalize your space. Enjoy doing up your home!

Listen to what Gayatri feels about decorating her space...

 

'Over the years, I have come to believe very strongly in cultivating a sense of peace and calm in our home. Our lives otherwise are so chaotic and stressful that I wanted our home to be like a literal beacon of tranquillity at the end of each day. While I am a maximalist in terms of style, I don’t believe in filling a space up with things bought mindlessly. I put a fair amount of thought and consideration into every purchase that I make for our home, be it big-ticket items like furniture, or smaller ones like linen. Creating a sense of flow is also of great importance to me, which is another reason why I believe in mindful buying. Every little thing contributes to the idea of maintaining peace and not upsetting it in any way.

My house keeps evolving and changing. I keep shuffling things around—lamps, side tables, rugs, accent chairs, linen, art, plants, etc. My palette is almost entirely neutral, but I do add pops of colour, depending on my mood and on the season. Plants form a big part of my décor, peopling almost every single corner my house. It’s quite a task when it comes to watering them, but it’s well worth the effort when you see them thriving and filling your house with the purest form of energy.

A home always serves as an anchor. It’s a place you always circle back to. And that is what I always work towards—creating a home out of a house.'

And it can't be summed up in any other better way!

Thanks so much Gayatri for being a part of Sajavat.

Napkin folding ideas for an attractive table setting

Past few days have been fun with hosting  snacks and tea parties at home. When you have tea and snacks, can we ignore our serving tables ?
Creating interesting table settings only raises the bar and the guests leave super impressed not only with your culinary skills but also your organising capabilities.

Today, let me show you, some easy napkin folding ideas that can impress your friends and family when you call them over for a quick snack in the evening or an elaborate lunch or dinner.

The basic table setting starts with spreading a clean crisp mat/ table cloth/ runner over the dining table. Accessorize with a vase with some fresh flowers. Bring out your cherished chinaware and then let's get started with the know-how on napkin folding. You can tuck your cutlery inside the napkin folds for that perfect table laying.

Three different ways that I tried out!

I tried three different but simple styles. Instead of cutlery you can always use a stem of rose or any other flower in the folds of the napkin. A fresh cut of greens would also enhance the look.

Just placed the cutlery inside a tissue roll. Use your imagination and create a setting that's convenient and doesn't consume much time after all the focus primarily is on the yumm food that you will prepare.

To explain am attaching some Pinterest images that lets you on it step-by-step.

I found these methods very easy to follow. Do try it out. I tell you, once you catch on with this, you will be tempted to try out more of these.

Some more Pinterest ideas so that next time you party, you party in style!

Hope you like this post. Coming up with more such engaging ideas, so stay tuned dear folks. You can follow my Pinterest here

Chairs as statement pieces in decor

The humble chair takes on a wholly new meaning when presented as an accent chair. Classy, sophisticated and making a statement,  these chairs highlight the space they occupy. You too can add character and poise to your decor by using that armchair or the lounge chair.
What are accent chairs?

Simply put these are often single chairs specifically designed and one which accentuates a designated area in your homes or even as casual seatings in your offices.
Their role is not only limited to function but serves visual interest too!

A carefully chosen piece often makes a powerful impact. Here is how you take care of the essential details, when you go for one.

Simplicity speaks:

You can make an impression even with the simplest of them. No need to splurge at all! The form and the earthy look steals the show here.

Balance is the key element:

Position the chair in a space that complements the piece.The richness of the upholstery is balanced by the neutral wall but overall the corner looks striking. Colour coordination has to be kept in mind while designing these spaces.

Mind the material:

Fabric again is a powerful player in the making of a statement chair. While the right material can help dictate the style of a room, it also impacts the price tag and longevity of the piece. Carefully choose yours!

Adding the oomph factor is the patterened textile against the royal blue wall...




Enhancing the sorroundings:

A comfy, subdued chair but wherein the arms and legs have a very regal form like this should  mix up well with the sorroundings. Juxtaposing simple, plain, lightshaded upholstery with complementing colours of the cushions, geometric pattrens on the floors and creating a eyecatchy decor with side stands and frames that brings focus to the space is essential.


Holding the space together:

Step back, look at the larger picture. All the elements here are made for each other. Sometimes the accent chair also holds up the space together. Dont be afraid to play around in such spaces. The whole look here could have been a little colourful too! That's for you to decide, whether to keep it muted or make it vibrant.


Fun with colours:

Taking a cue from the colours around, the upholstery has been suitably designed or viceversa.

So, a well designed and thoughtfully placed chair often works wonder in your decor. Form, size, shape and finish is all that is to it and thereby you can  introduce colour and character to your home. The quintessential chair thus helps define your personal style and comfort factor.

Hope the above pointers help you rock on in your new statement armchair.

Images: https://pin.it/hlm6qpbahzimxz