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The Art of Furniture Makeovers

April 16, 2015, 6:52 am
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Having understood the negative environmental impact of tossing away timeworn possessions and buying first-hand ones, I’m always happy to encourage recycling/up-cycling of redundant objects and furniture. By embracing styles such as eclectic and mid-century modern, it gives us an opportunity to weave vintages treasures and flea market finds into our homes with the upside being a personal and one-of-a-kind style. But sometimes things are a bit more complicated than just buying and incorporating it into one’s decor….there is considerable amount of elbow-grease involved to restore and refurbish a piece. This can be intimidating for people like me who do not have the DIY bone in them. But for folks like Deepika Dhoolypala, words like salvage, DIY, elbow grease, paint, scrub and the make-do ideology are very much a part of her lexicon. 
A lady after my own heart, bright hues and patterns happily find their way into Deepika's home decor. Love this chair that Deepika has upholstered in a Suzani -ish fabic!
A multi-talented lady with a background in the IT sector, Deepika claims to be a "typical Hyderabadi at heart". Currently based in Phoenix (AZ), she can be found in her painting gear, either busy painting walls, furniture or having her hands full with upholstering a chair (that is when she is not busy raising her two beautiful daughters). With a number of successful DIY projects to her credit, she has recently taken on selected commercial projects for a few clients. Today we look at the incredible transformations this lovely lady has been able to accomplish with creativity, paint and a considerable amount of sweat. 
Deepika worked her magic on this hutch that adorns her dining room! 
TECD: Hello and welcome to TECD Deepika! When were you bitten by the DIY bug and what is it about DIY that propels you to take on such adventurous projects?
Deepika : “Happy to be featured here on TECD Sruthi! I have always been creative and I have to give it to my husband for encouraging me and going along with me. DIY is a tedious process, sometimes more expensive than going out and simply picking a piece for your home and sometimes a lot of tears because a project fails and then all your hard work goes down the drain. But there is immense joy and contentment in creating something with my own hands. I love everything vintage and there is hardly anything in my home that is new except for our current dining table set and mattresses.”
Ikat style wallpaper used to line the back of the hutch elevates it to a whole new level!
TECD : What are the best sources to look for the DIY furniture pieces?
Deepika: “I have found a lot of gems on Craigslist and at thrift stores. Your local Swip Swap meets on FB are a rage now. Be Patient, You might not find anything for weeks or months and then suddenly a cool piece will pop up, simply grab it! Antique Stores are more expensive and if it’s an antique piece, I’d hesitate to paint it.”
Now that's what I call "bold use of color"! That electric blue sure makes a statement, don't you think? 
TECD : What kind of paints do you work with?
Deepika: “I use various kinds of paint depending on the piece I want to paint . I have used chalk paint for the blue dress , Milk paint for a few clients , Latex , Oil , Porch paint ( water based alkyd) . For my current project, I am looking at lacquer (which has the similar sheen to cars ) . I also use paper (decoupage) and Fabric.” 
A secretary's desk updated with a lick of paint. makes for a perfect fit for this home-office space!
TECD: I’d like for you to share your fool-proof tips and tricks for my readers who would like to take on projects such as these?
Deepika :
  • “Start Small and Look for a solid piece of furniture with good lines and bones and if you intend to paint it , stay away from laminate. Just because the paint will peel if you don’t use the right products ).
  • Look beyond the current state - As long as the damage is not structural and a can of paint can fix it, make it work.
  • Another great option , for people who are skeptical about Vintage furniture , is the unfinished pine furniture from Ikea like the RAST , TARVA lines . You can work wonders with it and they are not very expensive.
  • If you are buying vintage from Craigslist or swip swap , do not FORGET to ask questions like - Does the piece come from a pet free home ? and Does it come from a smoke free home?.( Personally, I would rather buy a piece from a seller who has pets and I keep away from the second , as it's very very hard to get rid of the smoke smell ).
  • If you intend to purchase something like a dresser/armoire go see it in person. Also inquire from the seller if they would drop off  the furniture at your home for a small fee.
  • Haggle and Bargain - Sellers sometimes ask 3 times more than what the piece deserves . There is nothing wrong in asking. You are going to put a lot of sweat into it.
  • After getting the piece of home, leave it in your garage/ patio and spray it well with a vinegar, water mixture or mild bleach and clean it thoroughly, let it dry and then get it inside.
  • Prepping the furniture before painting is the most important thing for a good professional finish. Use a liquid deglosser/sander and sand paper to sand it. If there is paint already on it, then use a paint stripper to strip it to the bare wood and then paint it. Use a good quality primer. Now you could go ahead and Paint and then use a protective finish.
  • There are various methods to paint. Always use good quality products, especially paint brushes and paint.
  • Chalk paint and Milk paint are non toxic and great options to use when you have children around. It also gives you the freedom to work indoors unlike oil paint/Spray Paint that require lots of ventilation and outdoor work spaces."
    • A few more DIY projects from Deepika's portfolio
To contact Deepika for custom furniture makeovers, head over to her blog“Saffron and Daisies”, FB Pageor simply shoot her a mail at saffronanddaisies@gmail.com.  Thank you Deepika for sharing your wonderful projects with us and we wish you all the very best in your creative journey!

As for you my favorite peeps, I hope you're inspired to take on your very own DIY project this weekend! Wishing you a wonderful Thursday!

Image Copyright/Credit: “Saffron and Daisies”
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LALITA HAND-STITCHED SCARF from Craft by World Market finally arrived !

April 23, 2015, 7:27 am
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Wild mustard is back this season and I couldn't resist bringing in a few sprays of these delicately clustered flower to brighten up my home. With a riot of colors carpeting the landscape outdoors, I'm tempted to recreate that effect indoors too! Colors make me happy and the simplest way to do that is to bring in a bunch of flowers and layer your decor with textiles..... 
Seen in the picture above is the "LALITA HAND-STITCHED SCARF" from the July 2014 Collection of "Craft by World Market". The scarf finally arrived a week back after a long-long wait. But the wait has been so worth it. I love that the scarf is light-weight and yet manages to keep me warm in the chilly spring weather. The icing on the cake is the beautiful hand embroidered detailing and the different shades of aubergine woven into the design palette. With such pretty colors on display, I did not have the heart to put it away inside the cupboard and have it draped on the couch like a throw!
As for behind the scene updates from the TECD casa, I'm upto my neck with work and other commitments. However, I cannot keep myself away from the blog and I've managed to get some work done on some wonderful posts for you'll.One of them being a studio tour of a talented jewelry designer from India! So keep a watch on this space and stay connected!
Enjoy the rest of your week!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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Holland in Haymarket - Festival of Spring

April 26, 2015, 7:41 pm
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Juggling a hectic schedule on weekdays can drain you. My family and I decided it was time to slow down over the weekend and head outdoors to explore the "Holland in Haymarket - Festival of Spring”. With overcast skies and a sudden drop in temps, we went ahead with our plans anyway as we are big fans of supporting local businesses. Hosted by Burnside Farms in VA, the event is one of the largest pick-your-own flower events in the world! 
  
 With more than five acres of spring flowers in bloom, the sweeps of resonant colors were breath taking! Burnside is a darling little seasonal farm that offers a selection of both "conventional" fruits, veggies and local organic offerings. Also available at the market place are jams, jellies, pickles, and other "canned" foods. However, what interested us was definitely the colorful blooms of daffodils and tulips that carpeted the fields. 
You are aware of my fascination with tulips.....To see so many varieties of tulips on display was truly spectacular. The "Regular Tulips" (as I like to call them) were dressed in a consistent color and had a simple structure to them, while the Peony Tulips were grand in every sense of the word with multiple layers of petals. They also had the Lily Flowered Tulips that were getting ready to put on a show of their own in a day or two. My little guy wanted to be my helper and pick the flowers for me. So with our basket in hand and a quick read of “how to pick the tulips guidelines” we had our own little bouquet of flowers to bring home with us!
We spent a good two hours at this place! It was a welcoming change from the daily grind and the folks running the place made the experience an enjoyable one. They had a good system in place to keep the flow of traffic structured. The parking lot can get crowded on weekends I’m told but since we reached early on the scene, we did not have to deal with any such issues. It's a flower lover’s paradise and offers some wonderful opportunities to take some lovely family pictures. If you live in driving distance to this wonderful farm, make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity! (Tip: Before you head out make sure you check their updates about the blooms on their Facebook page). 
A look at the blooms that I brought home adding cheer to a corner of my living room......
Hope all that color helped to cope with the Monday morning blues! Have a fantastic week ahead:)

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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A Marrakech Retreat with a Global Flair!

April 30, 2015, 6:08 am
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Our wanderlust and quest for global decor inspiration, takes us all the way to Marrakech.....Today we tour an 18th century riad (courtyard house) that belonged to Chile's most celebrated realist painter, Claudio Bravo. Now renovated to its present glory , the riad is a getaway for one of his closest friends. Treasures (most of them original to the house) from Syria, India and Morocco fill the house to create a truly eclectic global-chic sanctuary. When Ahmad Sardar-Afkhami (head of Sardar Design Studio in Manhattan) was presented with the opportunity to undertake the renovation of the project with the request that the property maintain its integrity and serve as a tribute to their friend Claudio Bravo, he knew what he had to do. Sardar-Afkhami adopted the design ideology of the Chinese city of Suzhou that encourages the thought, "Each person would add a gentle layer without disturbing what came before." He made sure that the original design plan and inherited items of the artist were treasured and used to preserve his memories. 

Let's start with the impressive, pale green, solid door decorated with nailheads. It leads you to the entrance hall where a Syrian bridal chest inlaid with mother of pearl doubles as a console. The ornate gilded mirror is also Syrian. (Note: My new design crush - Syrian furniture:)   
The dramatic archways of the house echo the Islamic style of architecture prominent to the region.  With it's arcs and curves it not only provides an element of architectural interest but also perfectly frames the living room, pregnant with Syrian relics. "Look beyond form" has taken on a whole new meaning with Berber rugs adorning the walls and a banquet dish and stand inventively converted to serve as  a cocktail table.    
The cedar ceiling (original to the home), antique mosque lamp and the Uzbek Suzani - come together to create an ambiance that is a perfect backdrop for home cooked meals.
Another feature that I was personally drawn to was the windows and doors of the riad splattered with a Eucalyptus green paint that almost blurs the boundaries between the indoor and the outdoors.

And finally a look at some of the bedrooms in this sunlight flooded home! 

To see more images of this gorgeous home, click here. For a more detailed read of this fabulous retreat get your copy of May2015 AD today.

Images Copyright/Credit: Architectural Digest
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Summer Style with Good Earth

May 1, 2015, 7:28 am
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With sultry summers in the offing, incorporating a soothing color palette that echoes parchment hues, soft blues and other pastel shades is  a surefire way to beat the heat!The latest additions to the product range of the Luxury Home Decor label "Good Earth"is lust-worthy to say the least and plays out this color palette in the most aesthetically pleasing way.

Their quest for sophistication, quality and craftsmanship not only guides the manufacturing process at Good Earth but also influences their design philosophy that takes on the Herculean task of blending style, understated elegance, practical beauty and more importantly preserving lost Indian traditions and ecology. Infusing inspiration from vintage ‘Suzani’ textiles, ‘chikankari’ style of white on white embroidery, the architectural miracles of the ancient city of Smarkand, the Silk Route and the souks, the new product range makes summer decorating and entertaining, a fun and classy affair:) Here is my list of must-haves for this summer:


That was some eye candy wasn't it? Tempted to get it all ? I know, I am. 

Leaving you with this dreamy image for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend .........
To see more from their latest collection, click here or connect with them via their FB page.

Images Copyright / Credit : Good Earth
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Over a Virtual cup of Tea......

May 4, 2015, 5:30 am
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Hello and a very Good Morning folks! What better way to kick start the first Monday of May than with a steaming hot cup of chai! I have come to love the ritual of sharing a virtual cup of tea with you every month while I fill you in on what's in store from TECD's cache.
This month is going to be exciting as I have a lineup of some very interesting posts for you'll :
~ We start off with the much awaited studio tour of a very talented jewelry designer from India. In an exclusive for the TECD readers, she reveals her never before seen dream studio and workspace. 
~ Next, a look at a new collection from one of my favorite brands and a wonderful giveaway for all my readers from that very collection !
~ All you chai lovers out there, if you've been planning on making a personal chai station for yourselves, well, I've got you covered. Simple ideas to create your counter-top tea station.
~ And did I mention a tour of my very own kitchen?
Does that sound enticing? This was just the highlights, I have so much more to share with you, so make sure you stay connected for another month of inspirational and engaging posts on TECD......

Wishing you a wonderful and productive week ahead!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright. 
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The "Aaraa By Avantika" Studio Tour !

May 5, 2015, 7:39 pm
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Splashes of happy color, intoxicating fragrance of the Rajnigandha, soulful music, delightful art adorning the walls and a gorgeous lady pouring over her worktable and creating breathtaking jewelry……You’re likely to encounter all of the above on entering jewelry and lifestyle accessories designer “Avantika Kumar Agrawal’s” quaint studio!
Based in Pune (India), the studio is the creative and business headquarters’ for her label “Aaraa by Avantika”. An Alumni of the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Avantika established the label ‘Aaraa’ (an Arabic word being synonymous with “adornment and embellishment”). Reinterpreting traditional designs for the urban woman, brand Aaraa draws heavily from nature and Avantika’s strong desi roots. 
A roundup of some of my favorites from her various collections : 
However, with today’s post I wish to shine the spotlight on another facet of Avantika. She’s as adept at creating a beautiful workspace as she is at crafting stunning designs for her jewelry line. Avantika’s approach to designing her workspace has been a keen understanding of what she needs in order to get her work done efficiently. While for some of us it is the creative chaos of a messy worktable that does the trick, for Avantika it is a well-organized and functional artistic space that preserves her creative flow. As you can tell, the space is a beautiful collage of textures, colors and all things that Avantika truly cherishes......
TECD: Hello and welcome to TECD! We are truly delighted to have you here with us and unveil your wonderful studio on TECD. Let us start by asking you how different is Avantika the person from Avantika the designer ?

Avantika : “Well, Avantika the jewelery designer is not much different than Avantika the person. My work is a reflection of what I am. I am a person driven by creativity and inspirations. Design is my way of living. Reading, music, traveling, photography and painting are few of the things that have a great influence on me, which at the same time are one of the most fulfilling experiences for me. Collecting pieces of Indian handicraft and art while traveling just adds to my list of doing blissful things. So this is me in a nutshell!”

TECD: Tell us more about your inspirations and your design style ?
Avantika : “My roots, my culture and my country are by far one of the biggest inspirations for me. My sense of style has evolved over the period of time when I got to work closely with the Indian craftsmen and kaarigars at the grassroot level. While pursuing my post graduation at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (NID) I got an opportunity to work hands on with the craftsmen from all over the country right from the leather to the jewelry, glass and textile industry (to name a few). This experience got me closer to our Indian history and culture from where most of our age-old crafts and craft techniques have originated. My design style is thus an extension of this learning, which is derived from my Indian roots with contemporary nuances. You can see that the style of jewelry and studio setup echoing the similar thought.”
Deliciously colored cushions line the couch and create a comfortable ambiance for the clients to take their time and decide on which one of the magnificient Aaraa creations they want to take home with them! 
Absolutely adore, how Avantika has created a point of visual interest for every corner!
TECD: As a designer, how vital was it to your creative process  to have a distinct work zone? How long did the entire process take for you to set up your studio?
Avantika : “As a designer I always had it in the back of my mind to develop and set up a space that I could call my own, which would speak volumes about the kind of work that I do and at the same time would be the place where I find my solace. Realizing this dream into reality took about quite some time and years. I always knew how the studio would look so I have been collecting artifacts, vintage pieces, various pieces of craft and art since many years. Most of the things that you spot in the studio pictures have been bought from all over the country during my travels. 
After leasing out the space for the studio it took me about 2-3 months to get the place running as it was in shambles and required quite an effort to bring new life to this space.
As learning and creating is an endless process for me, there will always be something more to design and experiment with the decor of the studio. So I would say that the design process of setting up my studio was not just a project but has been and still is a very intuitive journey that I cherish the most.”
TECD: Inspiration is most certainly a very visual aspect for me. Is this something that you relate to and if so what are your must haves in the studio to keep your creative juices flowing?
Avantika: “Personally I need to be in a place that is highly motivating and elevating to churn out creativity. Hence having a workplace that is filled with inspiration is of utmost importance to me and one of my top expectations form a space that I would chose to work in. Colors and creative visuals are a form of great impetus to me. One will find a lot of artwork in my studio space. While taking a break or thinking in silence, I do not like staring at empty walls. Thus one would find a mélange of beautiful pieces of art adorned on the wall and around the studio. Music is something that helps me loosen up, let go off my inhibitions and makes me think abstractly while designing. I love all kinds of music and never restrict myself to a particular genre, as one never knows when a chord strikes and one comes up with innovative ideas!
Melodious music, cup of lemon and honey green tea are my accompaniments while I work and one of the few things that I cannot do without :) :)” 
TECD: What is your favorite corner of the studio?
Avantika: “My worktable is the space where I drown myself in deep thoughts and my own world of imagination. Each and everything placed on the worktable is my favorite, right from the bunch of my color pencils, the peacock feathers to the strings of beads and gemstones. I can spend hours together working here and many a times remind myself that I have to get back home :) The soft board above the table carries small doodles and baubles that I have created and collected over the period of time. It also carries the moodboards for my upcoming signature line of adornments that is inspired by lotus. Lotus is one of them most inspiring elements for me. You will find it incorporated in the Aaraa by Avantika logo as well as other artworks and decor of the studio.”
TECD: I spot Dithi Mukherjee's artwork and a few others on the walls of the studio….You said you take delight in painting, are the other artworks on display a result of such painting exploits?
Avantika: “Yes you are absolutely right, Sruthi! I have been following Dithi Mukherjee's work for a while now and had been longing to own few of her creations. I just didn't know when and how this would happen. It was only after I happened to finalize on my studio space that got me into the jet-set-go mode to order her beautiful and enchanting creations. I am in absolute love with her artistic sensibilities and if given a chance could probably end up owning each and every artwork of her's. I love her use of colors and thoughtful detailing but what moves me the most is the deep thinking behind each one of them."
Dithi's artwork has been inventively combined with other brass artifacts to create a one-of-a-kind wall display!
"The other pieces of artwork that you see are from yours truly! :D
Apart from creating jewelry, painting and working with mixed media excites me a lot. You will also find some of the artworks that are created using leather and handmade felt. Calligraphy is another form of art that I am passionate about. The 'Aum' artwork is one of the creations that came into being while exploring the Devanagari script in calligraphic form. As 'Aum' is one of the most powerful mantra and symbol of absolute, I chose it as the subject for exploration through calligraphy. "
A closer look at the "Aum" artwork that graces the wall above the couch.
"Apart from this I also like trying my hand on digital art. Studying the history of jewelry was very insightful and made me understand how deeply it connects to our language, clothing, cultural and religious symbols. I thus created digital artworks symbolizing this, using a fusion of various visual references.”

A lady after my own heart, flowers are an integral part of Avantika's decor style. This is what she had to say about the fragrant beauties that keep her company in the studio - “To work with an imaginative thought process, it is important to stimulate the senses positively and flower blossoms do just that for me. Having flowers of different hues and fragrances not only charges up the ambiance but also helps me conserve my balance of being sparked to conceptualize newer ideas without having to stress myself out. It's a feeling of exhilarating calm, as I like to call it.”

TECD:  Avantika, Thank you for taking the time to give us a tour of your wonderful studio! I take this opportunity to wish you all the very best in your creative endeavor. 
Avantika : "It is a great pleasure to be featured on a platform such as this and showcase what I have to offer as well as open up so closely about the process that drove me to bring to life the Aaraa by Avantika studio. I would also like to add that while setting up the Aaraa by Avantika studio, The East Coast Desi Blog was one of my sources for inspiration. One will be able to relate to it once they see the studio photos. I happened to stumbled upon it recently and one look and a read later I was completely hooked on to what Sruthi has to offer. Her keen sense and eye for detailing as well as photography is one of the things that I love the most!" 

Thank you Avantika for your very generous compliments and am truly happy to have played a catalyst in the design process of your wonderful studio! If you are inspired to create a look similar to Avantika's Studio, we have a shopping guide in place for you :
(I)Soft furnishing:
-Buddha cushion and the Red-Pink cushions have been bought from the lifestyle store Address Home, Pune
- The purple and neon pink floral ones were ordered online from the brand Indiacircus.
- Others purchased from Indianroots.com and the furniture store @Home, Pune.
(II)Artefacts/Decor: 
- @Home (Pune), Home Centre (Pune), Sanskriti Furniture and Lifestyle Store (Pune), Pepperfry,  iTokri
-Dastkar Fair, New Delhi, held annually for 15 days during the month of January
- Different craft exhibitions and the local markets of: Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bidar, Pushkar, Allahabad, Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi, Kolkata, Pune etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed putting this post together and hope that you too enjoyed the tour:) To connect with Aaraa by Avantika and keep abreast with their latest collections and updates, click here. Leaving you with these images of Avantika's newest lust-worthy collection  "Maurya"!
Enjoy the rest of your week!

Image Copyright/Credit : Avantika Kumar Agrawal (The images may not be reproduced without the written permission of the owner).
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Urban Oasis Envy

May 12, 2015, 6:31 am
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Come summer time and outdoor spaces become an extension of our homes – patios are abuzz with alfresco soirees, terrace spaces encourage one to stretch out and view the constellations in the clear summer skies, the porches furnished with rocking chairs make for the perfect spot to rock oneself to sleep in the gentle evening breeze and the garden landscape studded with glorious color makes for a perfect setting for an afternoon tea party! Whatever may be the reason, my heart refuses to stay indoors and looks for every possible excuse to enjoy what the outdoors has to offer. I recently spotted these two gorgeous spaces on Elle Décor that had me smitten at the very first glance. Part of a sprawling Florida home, the simplicity of design just stole my heart. The only thing missing in the patio setting that features the antique Spanish lanterns and the custom made banquette sporting comfy cushions is some wonderful margaritas!
Look at this view! The terrace of the home overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Absolutely love the global vibe to this space - Syrian bone-inlaid furniture and colorful Suzanis and kilims infuse the space with the right amount of color and pattern. To take a tour of the entire home click here.

Have a wonderful day!

Image Courtesy : Elle Decor
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Longwood Gardens through my Lenses

May 14, 2015, 10:14 am
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The sprawling 1000+acres of "Longwood Gardens" (Pennsylvania) are known for their expertly manicured gardens, rare collection of plant life, majestic fountains and captivating seasonal displays of vibrant blooms. This Mother’s day my son and husband surprised me with a wonderful day at these magnificent gardens. Founded in 1906 by Pierre S. du Pont (an industrialist), the Longwood Gardens started as a small family farm with Pierre’s objective being to save a collection of historic trees. But since then it has matured into a horticultural showpiece that draws over a million visitors annually! This post is going to be a photo essay of sorts and that means I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking for me.

With over 25 outdoor garden displays to explore and a 4 acre indoor conservatory, the botanical masterpiece takes over 5 hours to tour. If you are visiting these splendid gardens make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes and load up on sunscreen and water. So let's get started, shall we?

"Idea Garden" - The whole purpose of the Idea garden is to encourage experimentation and sample artistic new combinations of flower pairings. At this time of the year, flower beds teeming with over 75,000 tulips made for some breathtaking scenes.

I thought I had seen it all when it came to tulips, apparently not! Look at the deep colors and do take notice of those frayed edges of the petals....aren't they exotic?
"Flower Garden Walk" - Sweeps of pretty sunshine hues along a brick walk guide you through one of the original gardens laid down by Pierre himself. I've been told that "The mix of flowering plants changes with the seasons and progresses from cool lavenders and blues to fresh pinks, reds, oranges, and warm yellows".

"Square Fountain"- Bursts of colorful Poppies cradle the square fountain and makes for a delightful setting.
"Forest Walk" - the meandering paths of the forest walk takes one back in time.....Experience Pennsylvania’s virgin forests like it was in the past! With spring being the season incharge, colorful carpets of blooms flank either side of the walkway making the experience at Longwood an unforgettable one.
"Large and small lake" - makes for an ideal resting spot to relax those tired legs. Look around and take in the beauty of the spring-fed lakes and the kaleidoscope of colors marking the banks of these water bodies. Another ideal season to explore Longwood gardens is Fall. With colorful foliage making for a scenic backdrop, the photo opportunities are endless.
"Topiary Garden" - is a work of art with sculptural shapes in verdant hues delighting visitors of all ages.
"Wisteria Garden" - The timing was perfect as these beauties bloom in the month of May. Knotty branches of these striking flowers are pruned and trained into three-tiered forms drawing bees and visitors alike with their gentle fragrance!
"Orangery" - Is the most impressive greenhouse that I've seen till date! Part of the 4 acre conservatory, it features an ever-changing display of flowers and foliage. 



"Bonsia Display" - Trained meticulously, each bonsai is nothing less than a piece of art. Some of the bonsai's date back to the early 1900s!
Silver garden : houses plants mostly succulent variety from the Mediterranean and desert regions.
"Peirce-du Pont House" - Constructed in 1730, the house has experienced a sea of change over the centuries. The house now contains the Longwood Heritage Exhibit that showcases "a collection of historic photos, artifacts, home movies, and video that tells the story of the stewards of the land who preserved and developed the property".
 I love how the Japanese Wisteria outlines the architecture of the Peirce-du Pont House!
With that we come to the end of the virtual tour of Longwood Gardens. I do hope you enjoyed the tour of these premier gardens and explosion of color through my lenses. If you live in driving distance to these magnificent gardens, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience them up close and personal.
Have a wonderful day!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.

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Color Inspiration for a Cheery Summer Tablescape

May 19, 2015, 6:19 am
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When my family and I are entertaining and have a huge gathering of people, we try and keep things simple by serving food the buffet style. But any chance to organize a formal sit down dinner and no one gets as excited as me. I love setting the table and playing the good hostess. But that being said, I like tablescapes that look like a lot of effort went into creating them but the actual down time to create them is minimal. Today, I'm sharing a few frames of one such dinner party that we hosted recently. 
I opted for a color combination of pinks and ochers. With a salmon colored brocaded tablecloth as the base, peach colored roses mixed in with the wild mustard growing in my back yard and some dried lavender (sprays I had dried from the last season) seemed to make a pretty mix. Little bouquets of this combination in brass and copper antique containers were scattered through out the table. 
Since it was a dinner party, some pretty flickering frames would be a wonderful addition to the scene. Colored glass votive holders in shades of pink and yellow tie in the color scheme together.
I almost always try to use what I have and mix things up. You've seen most of these pieces as part of my other tablescapes like here and here. By getting a little creative and adventurous when it comes to color, you can get a whole new look every single time! 

You'll have an awesome day and don't forget to stop by the wonderful gallery of Studio Coppre's Instagram. I'm guest-gramming for Coppre this week and would love to see you there!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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Engrave (Website and Product Review)

May 26, 2015, 11:33 am
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If you are on the lookout for personalized gifts and unique lifestyle products then “Engrave” is the place for you. An India-based, e-commerce design collective, the company specializes in personalized gifts and souvenirs. As the name suggests, Engrave undertakes customized engraving mainly on wood. Their most sought after in this category are the laser engraved plaques and name plates. Another popular category is the range of canvas prints that bring beautiful images to life and makes for wonderful wall decor. 

Founded by Nimish Adani (a graduate of IIM- Lucknow), Engrave was conceived almost 4 years ago when he came across an iPod with a name engraved on it. He loved the idea of how it brought about a bespoke quality to an otherwise clone that was produced in millions. Having realized that the concept of engraving wasn’t popular in India, he decided to start a company that would help create more meaningful and personalized gifts.

Over the years, Engrave has branched out and evolved to be a marketing platform for Indian artists and craftsmen showcasing a range of products with a soul. This endeavor was undertaken by Nimish Adani with the single minded objective to make Indian craftsmen into independent entrepreneurs. As of today, they have artists like Abhinav Kafare, Mukesh Jain and Bulbul Sarkar (only to name a few) to their list of talented artists they promote.

The Engrave team reached out to me to review their products and website. I chose the mortar and pestle and wooden serving spoons from “The Acacia collection” by Bulbul Sarkar. What’s wonderful about this piece is that this kitchen gadget combines style and the utilitarian aspect artistically. Crafted out of domestically sourced Acacia wood, this piece brings texture and rustic charm to one’s kitchen. 
Now for the review:
  • Web Design and Navigation convenience - The website has well labelled tabs that make navigating through their many products an easy task. In the case of products that need customization such as plaques and name plates, it is an easy three-step process before you place your order.
  • Competitive pricing - Customers of Engrave enjoy the benefit of reasonably and competitively priced products as Engrave does not incur the huge real estate costs of a traditional retail outlet. Further, their in-house production and design facility helps them to offer high quality products at low-costs & pass on the benefit to their customers.
  • Convenient Payment Options - Payment Options like Credit Card / Debit Card / Netbanking, Bank Transfer, Cheque/DD, Cash on Delivery (at an extra charge), gives you the ease to choose the payment option that is convenient and right for you. (However, do make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and before you proceed to confirm the order.) 
  • Online Customer Assistance - They have an efficient online customer assistance in place to answer any queries that you might have while shopping. In my case, I did have a few questions about the product and left a mail enquiry with my email address. They promptly got back to me with the answers within 24 hours. 
  • Product Delivery - Engrave ships to all major cities and towns in India only. The product is ensured to reach you in 7 business days. I received mine (here in Virginia) within 3 business days of ordering and was thoroughly impressed with their quick and efficient shipping process.
  • Product Quality - I’ve used the products on a number of occasions and love them. They are sturdy and serve their purpose well. 
I enjoyed my shopping experience with Engrave and would definitely bookmark them for future reference. To see more from their wonderful collection, click here. 

Up next, a tour of my very own kitchen :) Have a great day!

Image Copyright/Credit: Collage 1,2, & 4 images by Engrave, 3 - Sruthi Singh

(Disclosure: Engrave sent me the products to review free of charge. The views and opinions in this post are solely mine.)
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Eat-in Central! (My Kitchen tour)

May 28, 2015, 4:53 am
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The definition of the word "kitchen" has evolved with the modern day needs and lifestyle. It has matured into a versatile space that functions as the epi-center of the family’s activities. It’s not only a place where family and friends gather to cook, share, connect and eat but also serves as a mirror, reflecting how families live today. 
Day’s activities are planned here, bills get paid, homework gets done, playtime and crafting happens here and happy delicious memories get created along with a big batch of fresh chocolate-chip cookies. My kitchen is no different! It is constantly bustling with activity and works hard to nourish my family's mind, body and soul. 
While looking to buy a new home, one of the requirements on our list of must-haves was an open floor plan kitchen with an abundance of sunlight flooding the space. We loved the fact that this kitchen had all this and more. It was beautifully integrated with the sunroom and the informal dining. An advantage when your entertaining and need to keep a watchful eye on the playful eight-year- old mischief-maker.
Informal dining room

Sunroom
Since the building was in its nascent stage, we were lucky enough to work with the builder and get exactly what we wanted. And that means we got to choose the options such as the cabinets, counter tops, appliance and flooring. We kept things simple and went for warm wood tones, dark granite for the counter-tops and a light colored back splash to brighten things up. When it came to the decision about floors, we finalized on hard wood floors for visual continuity and to keep things cohesive with the rest of the space. Boy am I glad! Firstly, it is great in winter as it’s not as cold on the feet as the tile floors. Second, it adds an instant factor of warmth and looks great!
We made sure of the fact that the areas for prepping, cooking, cleanup as well as storage flowed gracefully from one to the other i.e. keeping in sync with the "work triangle" rule. The island being the visual centerpiece, double duty’s as my prep surface, on-the-go breakfast stop and a welcoming perch for family and friends with the addition of the vintage style metal bar stools. 
With the basics in place, we then tackled the fun part - accessorizing the kitchen. As fun as it is I personally think that decorating a kitchen is one of the most difficult tasks. I first started with narrowing down on the colors to use in the space. Since it is an open floor plan, we had to pick our color cues from the sunroom and informal dining space. That way, color is the unifying factor that seamlessly blends the different zones. Shades of orange, green and a touch of teal make their presence felt in the kitchen.  

Sharing a few tips and tricks that I used for accessorizing my kitchen:
  • Display a few favorite pieces from your collection of colorful tea cups, crockery and cookware.
  • A touch of whimsy is never out of place like the teapot shaped chalk board. I love writing happy messages on it or for letting my hubby know what teabags we have in stock:)  

  • Put your favorite cook books out where you can see them. When in doubt what to serve for dinner next time, you know help is within arms reach.
  • Colorful Indian spice boxes are not only functional but also help bring in color and pattern to the kitchen decor. 

  • Flowers and potted herbs/plants help bring the place alive. 
  • Use nature’s bounty such as seasonal fruits and vegetables to your advantage. 
  • Floor Runners that echo the color scheme can not only add texture but have the added benefit of swapping them out often as per seasons or moods and creating a whole new look every single time.
  • Bring in inexpensive artwork like this "Put the Kettle On" print that I scored at a yard sale. 
  • Use bright and cheerful kitchen/dish towels (Drying off dishes is a task that cannot be avoided, so why not do it in style?).
  • Make creative use of patterns to add an element of visual appeal - shop for teacups, tea storage containers, spice boxes etc that mimic the color scheme of your kitchen with interesting pattern-play on them.
  • DIY skills can also come to your rescue. For instance, take the ceramic containers with a few indoor plants adorning my window sill. Simple Oradd ceramic plant pots from IKEA, were jazzed up with some chevron patterned scrap booking paper and modge-podge to match the chevron pattern on my rug. 
Another important factor to make your kitchen work efficiently is "Organisation". It is imperative that you have all your things organized. Here is a peek into my not so large pantry. However, I make it work as I have everything that I need labelled and use color coded storage containers and baskets to help me stay on track.  
Finally, I can safely claim that I’ve tackled the three main elements of kitchen design being function, efficiency and style with panache. I'd love to hear what you have to say, so don't forget to drop me a line....

You have a great day and stay inspired! 


Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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Hello June! Give me Summer......

June 5, 2015, 9:21 am
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June is here! I can't believe half the year has already gone by.... Summer does not start for us officially until another two weeks but one can already feel its presence....The grass has turned a deeper shade shade of green; pastel colored blooms are now giving way to more deeper shades of color; hot cups of chai have been replaced with iced-tea, lassi, buttermilk and fresh fruit juices; cotton fabrics and open toed sandals are dominating the style scene; parks and pools are alive with squeals of laughter; ice-cream parlors have people queuing up for the new flavors of the season, farmer's markets are popping up in neighborhoods and the kids are counting days to their summer vacation..... 
As for me, I'm as excited about summer as the schools kids! And even more excited about all the wonderful posts I've got lined up for you:
~ We have deep conversations with inspiring artists and a close look at their fabulous work ( from digital collages to wearable art). 
~ A wonderful giveaway  in collaboration with Coppre
~ And tonnes of summer decor inspiration! 
Have a great weekend!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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Meet Ambika Sambasivan of Studio Wot Mot (Featured Artist)

June 8, 2015, 5:28 am
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Art is as subjective and personal as one’s preferences when it comes to fashion, décor or food. While some of us tend to analyze the artwork and connect with it on many levels, there are others that think of art as a fun and creative approach to add color, personality and visual interest to ones space. No matter which way you choose to go, the one thing that binds all art enthusiasts is that art has the undeniable power to generate emotions.
I recently spotted New York based artist/illustrator Ambika Sambasivan’s vibrant and animated digital art on Society 6 and was immediately drawn to the familiarity of the Indian scenes depicted by her. Her name might sound familiar as she is also the owner of Studio Bommai - a small business venture that specializes in wooden dolls for the Indian festival of "Golu". Largely inspired by her Indian roots, her artwork created at Studio Wot Mot and her crafty creations at Studio Bommai, bring to life distinctive desi influences in a riot of colors. Ambika trained as a product designer at the prestigious National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad) and then later went on to do her Master's in product strategy at TU Delft in the Netherlands. Let’s chat up with this multi-faceted artist and delve deeper into her mind to know how she juggles it all. 

TECD: Hello and welcome to TECD Ambika! Delighted to have you here. Artist, illustrator, communications consultant and a small business owner at Etsy. Tell us about your foray into the world of art and how you manage to juggle it all?

Ambika:“So happy to be featured on TECD, Sruthi! Thank you!
By day, I am a communications consultant working with non-profits to restructure their overall communications strategy and design short and long-term campaigns. By night, I work on my illustrations and craft. This journey began when I created illustrations for my mom's (Kala Sambasivan writes regular columns in The Hindu and Deccan Herald in India) short stories that she was sending to a publisher. The publisher took delight in my artwork and asked me to do a picture book for them. The first book was very well received and it so happened that I ended up illustrating four books in a short period of time.

My mom and I wanted to take our teamwork a notch up and set out on our own publishing journey - Yali Books. We were thrilled and humbled by the lovely response our first picture book, “Bye, Bye, Motabhai!” received. Our second book, “Jaipur Jamboree” was launched this May and we are working towards a visual puzzle/activity book for late-summer. We hope to develop Yali Books into an independent publishing house that features new writing and illustration talent through stories that open a window to South Asia.

With Studio Bommai, it really began when I had to set up my first golu after I got married. Golu is a traditional display of dolls from Indian mythology and I didn't have any dolls! I tried making some with clay, paper mache, even Play-Doh, with little success. I then discovered these unpainted wooden doll shapes on Etsy and tried painting them. I liked the results and soon, I couldn't stop making them. After giving gifts to everyone I knew, I experimented with an Etsy shop. So far, I love the whole process of crafting and sending out my creations to buyers around the world!”


TECD: Your artwork has huge doses of Indian influence in it. What aspects about India do you find fascinating? Are there other things/people that have an influence on your style of work and art that you create? 


Ambika: “I grew up in Delhi and Chennai, my schooling was almost equally split between the two cities. So I can switch between my North and South Indian sides and I 'get' both cultures. But I do think of myself as a proud Chennai girl, I love my hometown and miss being there despite the heat! 

What I love about India are the contradictions, the little absurdities and general unpredictability. Life in India is never boring - every day is a mini-adventure. You learn something new if you keep your eyes and ears open and cultivate a zen-like acceptance of the way things work. It is this colorful, chaotic, beautiful mess that I try to capture through my art. Every piece of art lets me relive a memory or 'travel' to a new place. If I inject a little bit of humor into my artwork, I feel I have succeeded.”
TECD: Ambika we’d love to know more about the creative process that goes into making your digital art at Studio Wot Mot? 

Ambika: “I have no background in traditional art techniques and my 'artistic style' is a result of my training in product sketching, which helps me see objects, people and animals as a composition of simple geometric shapes. 


My technique is paper collage - I cut out pieces from textured/printed paper and assemble them into a scene. My companions are my trusty X-Acto knife and a glue stick! Once the pieces are cut, I then scan them at a very high resolution in a .tif format to ensure that the details and colors are replicated without quality losses. Finally, I work on Adobe Photoshop to assemble the little pieces into a complete artwork."

I'm sure you are inspired by Ambika's creative journey and have fallen in love with her out-of-the-box fascinating art.Thank you Ambika for taking the time to share your creative journey with us and we wish you all the very best in all your creative endeavors.

To stay connected with Ambika, you could follow her on Instagram ,where she shares images of the projects she’s working on, occasional contests and promotional sales. To purchase Ambika’s artistic creations, make sure to click on Studio Bommai and Society 6.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!

Image Credit/ Copyright: Ambika Sambasivan
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How to make the most of the Flea markets this Summer

June 11, 2015, 7:58 am
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If you, like me are drawn to pieces that have a story and character to them, then may I suggest you scour the summer flea markets for some weathered relics that may be repurposed, recycled and restored to add that special stamp of personality to your home.  Flea market style makes it easy to pull together a look that's individual, stylish and affordable. What's even more wonderful is that flea market style is versatile. You may choose to create a style that suits your personality - modern eclectic, romantic country or simply traditional. 
This image that I'm sharing today is from my sister's (Sunayana) home in London. She like me, loves to decorate and has an eye for interesting finds. Showcased here is a bronze tea kettle she scored at a London flea market for £15! The table used to showcase the kettle was also a flea market find. A lick of paint gives it a new lease of life!
The basic virtues that you need to possess to be a flea market shopper are:
~  a discerning eye to spot those special pieces in a pile of junk,
~ a creative and imaginative approach to look beyond the dust, grime and marginal wear and tear and imagine it adorning a corner of your home and
~ a great deal of persistence and enthusiasm as not every flea market trip is going to be a success story. I thought it would be fun to share a few pointers that I've learnt from my shopping experiences at the flea market. These simple guidelines will help you make the most of your flea market hunt:
  • Start by making a wish list of the specific pieces that you would like to score at a flea market. Make sure to make a note of the necessary dimensions in a book kept exclusively for this purpose. 
  • Next, make a list of the various flea markets in your neighborhood that you’d like to visit. Settle for the ones that have a larger number of vendors as that means more choices to choose from. Also do an online research (where possible) to know who the vendors are and what experienced flea market shoppers are saying about this place. 
    • The little red Chinese foot stool was bought at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market (Bethesda, MD). I use it as a mini side table to host a plant or statue. 
  • On the day before the flea market, clean out your car and make sure you have enough room to carry back all your flea market exploits with you. Load up on newspapers, bubble wrap and an old blanket to bring your goodies back safe.
  • Tick off the checklist for a measuring tape, your book (with the dimensions), water, hand sanitizer and wipes, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
  • Carry real money (dollar bills). Most vendors prefer cash over checks. A sling bag would be great as it frees up your hands. Also carry a rolling cart or mini suitcase on wheels to avoid aching arms and make the shopping experience more pleasant.
  • On the day of the flea market, rise early, eat a heavy breakfast and arrive early at the flea market venue. This was you have a great chance at calling first dibs on the best items available for grabs. (You could also get a great deal later during the day when the vendors are restless to unload and would be willing accept a bargain price rather than lug the stock back to their own store.)
    • The wooden utensils (originally used to store salt and other spices) were brought back from our trip to Cochin. Found these in a pile of clutter. After some sanding, a coat of dark polish, varnish and hardware to hang, they now adorn my breakfast nook. 

    Also seen in the image to the extreme right is a 1960's ITALIAN GLASS VINTAGE GREEN HANDBLOWN WINE CARAFE. I scored this at the Lucketts annual spring market.
  • If this is your first time at the flea market, walk around and take a look at the stock. Note down the shop numbers that have a style similar to yours and come back to them later to explore in detail.
  • Establish a relationship with vendors who stock pieces that are similar to your style. If they don't have what your looking for, let them know about the specific piece you have in mind. Sooner or later, you will get lucky.
  • Bundling always helps and gets you a better deal. So make sure to check out the vendor’s entire selection before you make your final offer.
    • Also don't forget to check out the neighborhood garage/yard sales and car boot sales! The little basket you see with all my decor magazines stashed in it was a $2 find at a garage sale:)
  • Finally when you find a piece that you love, bargain with grace. Don’t be afraid to counter offer but keep in mind that the vendor is here to make a fair deal!
  • Once home, make sure to wipe down and clean your find and then bring it into your home. If the piece was bought for its patina, preserve it (whether iron or wood) with a coat of polyurethane.
  • Display your find with pride and enjoy it for years to come.....
I hope these tips are resourceful and inspire you to bring home some flea market style this summer. Have  a wonderful weekend!


Image copyright/credit: 1 - Sunayana Singh, All other images are the property of Sruthi Singh. No images may be reproduced without prior written permission.
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Spotlight on ZOLA (A piece of Earth)

June 24, 2015, 10:25 am
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“ZOLA” is an Indian jewelry brand that explores the many rich arts and crafts of India, making it accessible to the contemporary global market in the form of bold pieces of wearable art. Each jewelry piece narrates a story of the ethnographic background, history of the art and the artisan, their brilliant craftsmanship and the artisan community. Owner and Founder of brand Zola, “Gina Joseph” gives a new lease of life to the concept of wearable art, creating stunning avant-garde jewelry that celebrates not only the arts and crafts of India but also echoes Zola punchline of "celebrating the art of being a woman”. Through Zola, she aspires to be an advocate for significant issues such as: 
~ Creating sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans (especially women). 
~ Preservation and global showcase of the cultural and crafts heritage of India there by bridging the gap between the rural artisans and the global customer who appreciates a great piece of jewelry but many a times doesn't know its exact origin and technique.
~ And finally, bringing about a new dimension to the concept of wearable art.
Let’s meet the inspiring lady and non-conformist soul behind the brand Zola and chat up with her, about her passion for jewelry designing, the innovative concept of wearable art and her creative journey so far.

TECD: Hello and welcome to TECD Gina! So excited to have you here. I recently spotted creations from the Zola line on Jaypore and was completely smitten with the concept, design and style. I immediately knew I had to reach out and showcase this wonderful jewelryline on TECD. Let’s start by asking you what does the name Zola signify and when was the idea for Zola conceived? 

Gina:“Thank you for the showcase on TECD, Sruthi. Truly honored to be the featured artist of this month! 

Zola in Italian means a piece of the earth. I have always believed that jewelry is one of the most powerful vehicles of self-expression and celebration of one’s personal style. Jewelry in India has always fascinated me and the tales from her rich cultural heritage and folklore, her colors, her emotions, her passion, the fine workmanship and the seamless Indian beauty was what I wanted to explore with Zola. It all started, with my first line of necklaces that were inspired by the women in Indian temple architecture. For this collection, I worked along with the wood carvers of Raghurajpur in Odisha. It was exciting to create these uniquely styled and artistically beautiful necklaces for my Indian Art project and I wanted to explore further. As a result, Zola was born.” 
TECD: We’d love to hear about the journey of how an individual who has worked in the advertising, journalism and corporate communication arena decided to tread on a whole different path to pursue her passion?

Gina: “I did my graduation in Visual Communication 10 years ago from Loyola in Chennai. I started off my career in advertising, later I was a journalist for about 5 years and then was part of the corporate world for 2 years. But all along have been an appreciator of art. I did not have any specific training in jewelry design; it was more of a hidden passion that surfaced at the right time in my life. I think that my background in literature was very important when it came to my foray into the creative field. 

I took a break from work and did an Arts Management program from Dakshinachitra in Chennai; before that I had a peripheral knowledge about art. I appreciated art but did not know nuances of the art of painting or sculpture. So, while doing this program, as part of my Indian Art Project, I created my first three pieces of jewelry. I was very fascinated by the temple women in Indian sculpture, that is the salabanjikas (tree huggers), madanikas and yakshis (goddesses of fertility) so I got them carved in wood and put it together with semi-precious stones. The concept was 'to wear a piece of history on you'. 

If not for what I had been exposed to in my Indian art, western art, temple architecture and cultural studies classes, I wouldn't have been able to start Zola and make it what it is today.” 
TECD: What are the different arts/crafts of India that you have explored through Zola?

Gina: “Zola’s collection includes jewelry of the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha that use the lost wax casting technique with an alloy of nickel, brass and zinc that lends an antique appeal to the casting. I’ve experimented with the Patachitra technique of painting in Odisha and have designed beautiful hand painted earrings on wood. These exclusive earrings and are inspired by the Devadasis of Konark and other mythological and folk tales of India. Another addition to Zola's collection is an exclusive range of Leather puppetry jewelry by the traditional artisans of Andhra Pradesh. The leather puppets, because of their transparency and jewel like glow, are most popular. I’ve also conducted a workshop in Aranmula, where an exclusive range of necklaces and earrings were created using the traditional Aranmula mirror of Kerala. My most recent workshop was with the lacquer and wood turnery artisans in a small village called Etikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh.

There are many more crafts across the country that I want to explore and bring into my designs. Right now I have visits and workshops scheduled in Gujrat, Rajasthan and Kerala. Am sure something exciting will come out.”

TECD: Tell us a little about the design process behind a Zola creation?

Gina: “Each collection is a new experience for me - new materials, new techniques and new ideas. I don't have designs planned out in advance before going for the workshop. It's all done on the floor while I interact with the artisans and see and feel the material and learn about the techniques. It’s very hands on. I make sure that the style of art is not tampered with. I let the artist/craftsman do what he is comfortable with, only the form changes, in my case they become pretty jewelry with a story.” 
TECD: What has been your most rewarding experience through Zola? 

Gina: “It's been a year since I started Zola, very recently one of my artisan told me that he could now afford better education for his two children and also improve his standard of living significantly after he started working with me. Another artisan from Andhra said he has started paying part of his house loan from the earnings of Zola. In Orissa the women artisans I work with have promised to continue sending their daughters to school as a part of the income goes towards the girl child's education. It gives me a lot of happiness and a sense of fulfilment when I hear about the little changes Zola has brought in their lives. These are just small drops in the mighty ocean and Zola has a long way to go and along the way hope to change many many more lives.”
TECD: Before we wind up, is there a special thought/message that you would want to share with my readers?

Gina: “Educate your children about the rich cultural heritage of our country. We are not taught the cultural history in most schools here and only the political history is focused upon, which is sad because the child has no clue about the rich cultural wealth of his/ her country when he grows up. Preservation is not just the job of art museums or organizations; it starts from the very grassroots, in your own homes by educating yourself and your children about it. This will go a long way in not only making them appreciate what our country has to offer but also keeping the rural arts and crafts alive by buying the work of these artisans and keeping their livelihood going and not letting the craft die.” 
Let’s hold that thought and continue to support our artists and craftsmen by making a conscious decision to source and buy handcrafted treasures. To get your piece of Zola head to Zola’s Facebook page, Chamiers and Shilpi (Chennai), Seamstress (Kerala), Paperboat collectives (Goa) and online at Jaypore.com and Gaatha.com. Zola will soon be retailing in Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore and Kenya too. For detailed price enquiries or to get in touch with Gina write to her at gina.zolaindia@gmail.com.

Thank you Gina for taking the time to share your incredible work and inspiring story with the TECD readers. We wish you success in every step of the way, be it your creative journey or your endeavor to support artisans and in keeping alive the culture, arts and crafts of India!

Images Copyright/Credit: Zola, Jaypore and Gaatha 
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Happy Second Birthday TECD!

July 1, 2015, 7:51 pm
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Happy Second Birthday TECD! Yes, it’s been two whole years since I first started this blog! Seriously someone tell me,where does time fly?
But I must say that my blog, “The East Coast Desi” has come to be more than my creative springboard. It has been the most liberating experience for my artistic soul. The emotion of creating something gives me a high and all aspects of blogging lead to this very road! Styling, writing, photographing, sharing, meeting and interacting with like-minded, inspirational and creative folks and making special bonds with some of them, has been the most nourishing experience to say the least. But the highlight has to be my wonderful set of readers who reinforce, inspire and encourage me to put my creative best forward. Thank you fabulous people, for all the love and reassurance. Truly without YOU, TECD would not be what it is! 

I thought I'd make this wonderful milestone even more memorable by sharing some very exciting news with you’ll. My family and I recently took the big decision to move into another home. It is a very demanding decision that requires my undivided time and energy and that would explain my mini-hiatus from the blogging scene......The new home is being built from scratch which means we've been busy going through numerous design plans and trying to make sense of the fragmented pieces to complete the giant design jigsaw puzzle. It is not an easy task but it has been an exhilarating one. The actual move will be taking place later this year but until then we have our hands full preparing for the move and the new home. However, the most wonderful outcome of this decision of ours is that we get to design and decorate our dream home! We as a family are truly excited and I would love for you to join us on our design journey.



With that, I bid you adieu for now......Since summer is here and I am enjoying it while it lasts, expect the posts to trickle in from time to time but rest assured, I’m here to stay in the blogosphere! 

You take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
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Easy Breezy Coastal Style

July 7, 2015, 7:30 am
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Beach vacations don’t last forever, however you could bring the quintessential getaway vibe of coastal style right to your home with a few basic elements of coastal décor. 
Let’s get started with the color palette. For a classic look, stick to the traditional nautical color palette of whites and aqua tones. But if you enjoy a more bold color scheme, tropical hues have so much to offer and explore. Try incorporating fun hues like the fuchsia of the Bougainvillea, the orange/red thrown in to mimic the fiery sunsets over the shimmering blues of the ocean or just follow the color trail that your heart leads you to......
Next, unify the coastal feel with textures. Weather-beaten/distressed wood or furniture and rugs made of natural fibers such as sisal, sea grass, rattan and bamboo are popular choices. Furniture with painted patina is also a great choice and a fun way to spruce up an old furniture piece with a lick of paint. For accessories display your beach combing trophies such as shells, drift wood collections and other elements from the beachy surroundings  with pride. 
And finally don’t forget to add your personal stamp to it all. I brought in some beach style to my sunroom with a few simple finds. A DIY stenciled pillow, grocery store bought lantern (always keep those eyes open) and other knick-knacks celebrate style where you can kick off your shoes and feel completely at ease……..
Enjoy the rest of your week and happy decorating!

Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission. 
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.






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Lai's Nilaj(a) collection is here!

July 13, 2015, 8:27 am
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I have featured LAI before and it’s a no brainer why time and again, creations from Lai get featured on TECD. Puja Bhargava Kamath (the lady behind the brand Lai) builds collections drawn from diverse cultures that are fresh yet timeless in appeal……chic yet talk to bohemian soul of the modern day woman. Lai’s newest collection, “Nilaj(a)“ (meaning 'produced in the blue mountains' in Sanskrit and 'one who comes with joy' in Yoruba) has a contemporary nomadic flair to it. Having drawn inspiration from the exotic land of Afghanistan, the ultramarine hue of the Lapis Lazuli used in the collection is the perfect contrast to the greyish tone of the silver taking any summer outfit to the next level. 

Sharing her thoughts on the Nilaj(a) collection she says, “Taking inspiration from various layers of Afghani aesthetics - from their Bactrian roots to the nomadic tribes - the designs in this collection are a contemporary rendition of an amalgamation of these multiple aesthetics. Pieces that are both visually intriguing and wonderfully crafted- jewelry that is as likely to be found in the trunks of an antique dealer in a bazaar in Afghanistan as they are in a chic Parisian boutique.”

Tempted to get more than one? I say give into the temptation. To see the entire lookbook click here and to order, mail Puja at shop@lai-designs.com.

Image credit/courtesy : LAI

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Flea Market Fever

July 16, 2015, 7:11 am
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With décor rules chucked at the door, Flea Market style can be liberating in more ways than one. It can adapt to any style and can match every price point. And the two most wonderful aspects about flea market style is that every piece has a backstory to it and there is low or no maintenance in most cases as the distressed patina and peeling paint reveals the stamp of time and adds to the personality and ambiance of the space. But one must develop an eye to spot some style amongst all that flea market clutter. TECD reader and flea market enthusiast “Jayanthi Kanderi” truly knows how to work the flea market style.
She recently sent me this delightful corner of her home and I was so besotted with the whole look that I had to share it with you’ll. Now getting into the details, this is what Jajanthi had to say sharing about this lovely corner of her home,"I have always had a fascination for things that have already lived a life – there is always an aura of mystery surrounding every piece. I found the big antique trunk in a flea market for $10! It came with the legs already attached (whoohoo:) The brass trinkets were all picked up over the years. I have no guilt in accumulating them since I pay so little for something that cool. The Pepsi crate is a recent flea market find which was again very inexpensive. I live in Coca cola's hometown (Atlanta) so I guess Pepsi crates are not all that popular:) A touch of green adds freshness and brings the whole corner alive.” 

Thank you Jayanthi for taking the time to share and connect with us. If you too know how to work the flea market look together, do send in pictures of your lovely vignettes to theeastcoastdesi@gmail.com to be featured on TECD!

Images are the property of Jayanthi Kanderi and may not be used without prior written permission.
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