Manish Aroras Home-Riot of colors

The interiors of Manish Aroras home in New Delhi.Manish Aroras apartment is consciously impermanent.Everywhere you glance you can find an ornate decoration,a flash of bright color or an intricately patterened fabric.Red ,blue and  fuchsia colors are the important colours he likes.

 Fabrics are so important to me in interior decoration that I have even covered my walls in them - and it's wonderful.' says Manish in an Interview to Mail online

He's not wrong. In the corner of one room he has created a daybed using a quilted effect with a brightly striped fabric that covers both the base and creeps up the wall, creating the feeling of a cosy hideaway that is perfectly integrated into the main room.

But as eye-catching as the fabrics are, what really adds character to the house are the little touches.

Kites,handmade from gujarat,A part of the Uttran Festival

Rubber dolls from Barcelona,Bed cover from Dilli Haat,many trinkets hang on the bedpost.

While in some rooms this takes the form of mannequins clothed in his own Technicolor designs, in others there are swathes of material in the form of drapes, blinds, curtains and paisley-covered cushions. Fans of his clothes may find some of the patterns more than a little familiar.

Pearls are from his work and the garland is typical to be put on Gods

From the dreamcatchers and fairylights that bedeck the bed, to collections of coloured glass vases, retro toys, colourful cartoons and jars full of beads and buttons.

Passion for colour, texture and exuberant, life-filled forms matches Manish's own. But for all its flamboyance, he sees this house as a quiet refuge.

'I like the ambience of utter comfort in which I can relax and recover every day,' he confides.

'My favourite moments are those I spend alone in the morning, doing yoga, and those spent having a drink with friends in the evening.'

(Excerpts form an interview to Mail online,Welcome to the Techicolor Dream House)

(Photographs courtesy:Thames and Hudson,Henry Wilson)

Some of his colourful designs..
The new design for Nivea Cream,launched in summer 2009 in paris
The Mac Ad

An Exquisite French Manor in Utah

Earlier in the week I promised you a tour of a wonderful newly constructed house in Utah. Built by a reader of WD and her husband (who previously worked for Christopher Peacock Kitchens). The house is an wonderful example of true craftsmanship.
We were able to get a private sneak peak into this home which they refer to as the "French House". The home is currently for sale, and unfurnished.
More often than not designers spend large amounts of time bringing interest and depth to plain rooms. I think it's important to show how wonderful and warm a home can look, even unfurnished, for you to have a true appreciation what good architecture and craftsmanship can bring to a space. Even empty this home is stunning.
The main entry, though not grand in size is really beautiful. Notice the key details here: herringbone floors, hand forged iron railings, exquisite moulding details and a beamed ceiling. Beyond we see an interesting curved hallway.
Here is a close up of the reclaimed hand hewn barn beams
Of course when the builder is also a world class cabinet maker you know the kitchen will be the jewel of the home and this one is gorgeous! It has a very Christopher Peacock feel, but I think this particular kitchen has even more personality. I love the front X detailing on the center island. Also notice the coffered ceiling. I also like the choice of light fixtures!
Notice the the first center island has a soft curve to it, which was harder to see in the picture above. Having a conversation at a curved island versus a straight one is much more enjoyable. You should always try to incorporate even a soft curve in a kitchen island if possible.
I love the subtle diamond shaped marble tile backsplash. As expected the kitchen is outfitted with top of the line appliances.
The first island has been thoughtfully designed with a step down so guests can't view a messy sink. The second island is topped walnut for food prep.
Here is a close up of the corner detailing on the island! Wonderful!
A close up of the walnut top - notice its tongue in groove and bread board sides.
Coffered ceilings continue in the Living room, which also has a stunning fireplace and surround. Can you imagine how wonderful this home would look furnished?
The dining room with French doors and interesting moulding details
The family room continues the coffered ceilings. I love the fireplace! My imagination is going wild furnishing it in my head!
The curved staircase is just stunning - hand forged iron railings are beautiful.
A quick peek into the master bath which reveals a coveted zinc soaking tub.
This porch off the Master bedroom is one of several porches to take in the spectacular mountain views.
Notice that the outdoor detailing and stonework are as elaborate and thoughtful as the indoor detailing. This shows just part of the back of the home. See the mountains on the right.
Here is a side view - a lovely landscaped path - notice the copper gutters and cedar shake roof. More spectacular mountain views.
I adore the charm of these shutters!

No detail was left out. Look at the close up of these iron fleur de lys.

Even the garage was not overlooked. I love the heft and depth of the stone outside the garage. Look closely to see the herringbone brick detail in the driveway.

This gorgeous house is a spectacular example of craftsmanship. It was recently on the local "Parade of Homes". For more information on this home and to see
the real estate listing click here.

For more information on the iron work and railings click here.

Beach House Renovation with a Twist

It's always exciting to hear from my readers! Last week one of my readers contacted me and let me know about Michael Greenberg Associates in Connecticut. He owns a wonderful architectural firm which also has a beautiful cabinetry arm. My reader's husband used to work for them and she knew I would love their work. She was so right!

This is a stunning old beach house renovation in Connecticut done by Greenberg.

I love the openness of this home, but I also like how they kept the old feeling by making sure they used similar, substantial mouldings. A lovely mix of slipcovers, sisal, rattan and glass! All give it a beach house vibe, with class.

The dining room is rather sparse, but it really goes with the New England Beach look. I like striped fabric on the upholstered end chairs and the solid fabric on the side chairs. Traditional with a twist.

The sunroom really captures the spectacular outdoor views. I like how the furniture echos the grid lines on the windows. The subtle furnishings blend, as they should, and do not compete with the view.

Here is another view of the kitchen. Traditional New England Beach House style with white marble counters. Very Christopher Peacock! I like the center island - not sure what the top material is - Corian? The big whisk is fun! I actually have one that I picked up yeas ago at a flea market, but mine is in a box in my basement waiting for the right photo shoot!

I love the color of the Master bedroom! Notice the cowhide rug on the floor - we are seeing these everywhere now! To read an previous post about cowhide rugs click here

Lovely master bath - The window placement and the mirror is interesting. I have a similar set up in my own master bath. I also love the textural element of the beadboard.

Finally the wonderful outdoor screened porch. It really is a room of its own with the fieldstone fireplace.

What a spectacular view!

My reader and her husband relocated to Utah and he just completed another gorgeous home. The workmanship and detail are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of part of the exterior. I will be posting the rest the home later this week! See you then!

(all photos m.greenberg assoiciates)

Eddie Ross & Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge

I have been a fan of Eddie Ross' for several years and was thrilled to learn that he was one of the contestants in the Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge - Three designers were asked to go head to head and create a window for Bloomingdale's flagship store in NY. Viewers vote for their favorite window. To see all three rooms – go here.
It was no surprise that my favorite is Eddie Ross' window. As usual Eddie has a fresh and fun approach to decorating! Elegant but not stuffy, formal with a twist!

To learn more about Eddie and the contest click here. For more information on how to vote, go here. Be sure to vote TWICE a day – through this Thursday.

If his window is your favorite, please help show Eddie your love of his work and your support!!!

Small Cottage,Striped Down

The New feature of Indian Homes started this winter is going to be in full form from today.I hope I can bring to you as many Indian home tours as possible,so that my readers could integrate them in to their respective dream homes and make the living in them truly and experience in its own.I hope everybody will love this home to the fullest

Set in Parra,This holiday getaway is filled with vibrant hues complemented with DIY Decor.

Sparsley furnished with furniture,it sintricate wood work lends the character to the living room.A white linen curtain breaks the burst of colors leading to the dining area.



A sari used a drape provides privacy.whle a painted rangoli adorns the floor.the entrance
A handpainted wooden rail to hang knickknacks
Cutlery in a jar
Kitchen flaunts furniture made with the help of local carpenters..Bright striped walls help accentuate the double storey ,concrete finish on the slabs,counters..
Some boxes on the wall to store
Pink themed bedroom
Uncluttered and basic,the concrete finish gives an austere look to the bathroom.
Headboard resembles a jharokha opening.Linen with delicate cutwork from Fabindia.

Tips:

Always remember,When adding texture to the walls,using one colour from the colour scheme tends to give continuity

Colour contrast:Dont be afraid to step outside your colour comfort zone and try.that will give you good results

wall embellishments:Dont stop at your fav artwork.spruce up the walls with lots of texture.

Accessorise:Put travel to good use.this is what will tell the story of your decor..

Hope the colours will pep our spirits and dont forget to tell me about this home tour.

lots more coming your way..

Image and Text courtesy:Elle Decor,June -July 2009