They say that it’s what’s on the inside that counts and this mantra has found its way into homes as well. Curation of one’s spaces is now a conscious choice and a growing trend
Words: Tsarina Vacha Images: Various sources
Remember the days when buying a home and moving in was – well, just buying-a-home-and-moving-in? The house was bought, and the interiors came together with an effortless collection of purpose dictated furniture pieces -most often hand me down and makeshift or locally bought from a nondescript furniture shop. A few framed pictures of things holy, or the dear departed, a calendar and a clock pretty much took care of the walls, and things were set. And nobody pointed fingers at the happy mishmash of styles or old sarees fashioned into curtains on wires.
The owner experience today has literally transcended to another plane of existence. Builders today have gone beyond offering mass produced stereotypes and offer more oomph with luxury fittings, finishes and fixtures, which provide the customers with a perfect canvas to create bespoke homes of functionality, luxury, character and style.
It’s a long and winding road that leads to the door that opens to the perfect synergy of space, colour, ambience, style and good vibes. A home is an intensely personal space and therefore, must have its DNA, while showing off the owner’s sense of style and taste and this is precisely what is sought after these days.
The journey begins with days spent going over the plans , browsing home decor websites , poring over design magazines and making wish lists and mood boards for every square foot of precious real estate. And there are choices and more choices of wall and floor coverings, furniture and accessories. Furniture stores have sprung up everywhere, (and very successfully in cyberspace too!) with thousands of square feet displaying everything from solid wood to moulded plastic pieces, objet d’art, soft furnishings and lifestyle products under one roof, making the buying process a simple cash-and-carry activity for a family’s Sunday outing or a simple click of button task from the comfort of couch.
Functionality of course, is the main driver of the choice of what sits where and why. Whilst theming a room to movie set detail may not be everyone’s favourite style choice anymore, “eclectic” is the it word in the design universe today and eclecticism is the mantra of the style pundits. Imagine this corner in a room: A sage green background wall with bronze paisley motifs, a tan leather Chesterfield sofa with crimson Suzani and teal brocade cushions; flanked by Thai brass rain drum side tables and a profusion of fishtail palms in Jaipur blue pottery and vintage copper buckets. The rigid, defining boundaries of “style” have no longer limited the composition of this space or the choice of its elements. Instead, this curated space has succeeded in discovering the synergies of seemingly diverse elements and making them work together to tie up the final look, feel and energy .The quest for the unconventional has made forgotten attics and dusty godowns treasure troves of interesting pieces. A good scrub, touch up and polish are good enough to repurpose and transform hitherto useless objects for their new glam roles in tastefully curated rooms. Often loaded with sentiments and nostalgia, these pieces also offer an important connect with the family roots and stories of days gone by. Travel souvenirs also make interesting decor elements, bringing with them beautiful memories and some global flavour too.
The “energy” aspect has emerged as the fourth dimension of any built space today. While it can’t be described as that which can be seen by the third eye or perceived by a sixth sense, it is a bouquet of those good vibes that makes the space “tick”. The perfect alignment of the energies of the five elements of the universe brings with it prosperity, good health, lasting love, peace and all things positive. This is why a few commandments from the Vastu and Fengshui bibles are revered and followed and objects placed to channel it just right. The north east kitchen, the east facing beds, the falling water, the lucky bamboo, the Chinese coins, frogs and dragons…
The style savvy person today keeps a keen watch on trends of both fashion and home decor and it is interesting to see how homes too get dressed up for a festival or season. Since the reason is the season, a change of drapes, flowers, decor pieces and fragranced candles bring the colours, symbols and scents indoors- coming home to a pleasant change of scene is uplifting and of course, gratifying.
A signature home thus created – rather, curated, is beautiful, dynamic and bespoke and emerges as one’s trophy space. This is “look good, feel good” in in newest avatar!
About the Author:
For over two decades TSARINA VACHA has designed, created and curated bespoke interiors and landscapes for luxury homes and hospitality, retail and spa brands for a global clientele.