Authentically South Indian Home (Gowda Family Home Tour)

If I begin by saying that this home deserves all eyes, I will be considered biased being an avid brass lover. But believe me, it’s not every day that you come across such homes to share with your readers that reaffirms and strengthens that the future of brass is indeed bright. Dig your heels in dear readers, and allow me a prediction! The next few minutes will have you gasped, surprised and all set to believe my above statement, ergo you stay unstoppable.

We are stepping into Preetham & Bhargavi's super luxurious pads in Bangalore  & Chikmagalur (two houses are featured in one post) to capture some incredible insights into a family that has a winning collection of brass propelled by passion, good luck and hand me downs. I am sure this post will somewhat ‘INFECT’ you with my obsession of brass.

Meet Bhargavi, a multitalented lady who effortlessly gives genius strokes in her homes while striking a perfect balance with her busy IT career. Preetham, the proud owner of the masterpieces, boasts that everyone loves their home, and it feels loved and nurtured due to his better half Bhargavi. Suffice it to say that she is the one who keeps their home aesthetically beautiful when it comes to their well curated collection.
Elegantly appointed interior in traditional tone truly personifies timelessness. And before your questions get volleyed to me.... yes, they are oleographs from Raja Ravi Varma Press. These rare and precious collectibles have been restored and reframed to suit family’s living room. Having an eye to both the past and present, antiques and collected objects live in eclectic harmony with reproductions and modern touches throughout the home.Gowda family pays tribute to pieces that have been preserved from one generation to the next adding a note of the past. As summed up by Preetham, some part of the collection is heirloom and most of it is collected over the period of time hence exact source of pieces is hard to recall. Few are bought in from antique stores, original owners, Sunday markets and art dealers but each one tells a story.

While using lots of interesting individual elements of brass  and art here the couple is aware of the fact that there isn’t need to add any dramatic color on the wall to create added impact. Rather they have left the room in neutral palette that allows the pieces within the space to shine. Adding raw elements such as classically styled wooden textural façade of an old house from central India is repurposed and used as a focal point on the wall to set the scene.

Before you get green with envy with all the brass I have many more glamorous pictures to share...so, hold on there! The age of the brass here seems to have merely brightened its sheer and the decades have only enhanced their dazzle. Preetham's mild interest in brass turned into something serious when he grew up. He is thankful to his wife Bhargavi and parents for their constant support and co-operation who contribute in his passion lovingly.

The family's chikmagalur property is equally pleasing and enticing, where the love of old things is at the core. You will find the mix of old and new and that’s the epitome of Bhargavi's design sensibilities which makes you happy every time you walk in the doors. Their love of brass and art has made its way into every nook and cranny of their make, making it a truly personal and one of a kind place.

                     

Bhargavi skillfully mixed old and new pieces create the impression of having been collected over time. The arrangement is done so masterfully that through there is a humongous amount of metal displayed, it does not appear over indulged and instead sparks hunger for more. It is also a secret to ensuring that a room won’t look dated in coming years. The family has enviably fused various styles and eras effortlessly by choosing neutral palette as an organizing principal. Now that is a beautiful display of a chess board but I personally, would not be able to make a move with all the dazzling distractions around me. If you are done taking in all the beauty from these Tanjore paintings....draw your eyes to that pot that is uniquely used as a book holder.

This image grabbed my eyeballs. Strikingly beautiful display of Paavai Vilakku standing tall and proud. One or two objects might catch your eye, but numerous pieces placed together heightens the effect, giving the arrangement weight and power.

The quantity and quality of the collection in Gowda family home is amazing, wouldn't you agree?

Distressed, matte and honed finishes are preferable to highly polished, reflective surfaces. Each piece is characterized by the extraordinary patina of generations. While perpetuating the creativity and dedication they honor the handiwork or artists and artisans of years past.

You sure can not over look even the smallest corner. The collection in their home has been given new interest and life at every nook and corner. There isn't any inch of wall space or a corner left bare, yet magnificently eye pleasing without being overwhelming. 

I am sure Preetham, who is constantly on hunt, must have had several eureka moments when he encountered that special piece and still couldn’t own it.  

Gowda family owns many masterpieces. And when it comes to displaying it: 'More is more" is the mantra for Bhargavi who otherwise plays safe. When the collection is displayed in a full view, the home radiates an air of quite effectiveness that doesn’t go unnoticed. By the way, did you notice those ingeniously exhibited 'dubbas' and that book holding pot?

Bhargavi has a clear design crush on ‘South Indian” style. Its often the identity and taste that end up being the spark that inspires the overall design of the home. Seen here are the antique coconut scrapers from Tamilnadu, once used in every South Indian homes , are now collected to adorn walls near kitchen. Collection can take so many forms and they speak volumes about the collector if displayed properly. After all, it all boils down to knowing who you are and what you like and trusting your instincts. One can glean so much from looking at this collection and the way it is displayed. By the way, this dining room reminds me so much of Paddy Rama's home tour where she has also used tall antique mirror in her dining area. Take a look here.

I am sure you all got a feel of having walked into an old world era until the reality hits you that we have come to the end of this home tour. I am grateful to Gowda family for allowing me to access to their extensive collection via my blog. Take a bow Preetham and Bhargavi for owning such precious pieces of history. I am also thankful to readers like Anupama Prasad who believes in my passion and points out homes like this one to be featured on the blog.

Here is a take away from today's blog story - be Bold, be unpredictable and most of all don’t be afraid to break so call decorative rules while displaying your collection. All that décor decisions you make about should bring joy to you and not some next door neighbour. Until we meet again, stay connected on Facebook and/or Instagram for more inspiration lovely peeps, toodles!

(Images are taken by Gowda Family). Please do not use the images without the prior written permission of the home owner and Pinkz Passion however, you may re-pin them from Pinkz Passion's Pinterest account) 

A Year End Post!

With the lingering haze of sleep and nerve grinding Toronto cold weather, I am wrapping my mind around with the possibilities of words to shape up this last post of the year. Although, this is the busiest time of the year, keeping my nagging worries aside I am pretending to be in the state of a controlled chaos (with our upcoming travel) and connecting with you all for the last post.  

I am totally bogged down (with a thought of long travel), my stress level is through the roof (managing all the packing) and I can‘t keep calm (with all the excitement of a family wedding). For now I am going to let them slide and pretend they are not part of my life and daydream about the choices I might have to ‘spoil’ me with my long & weighty shopping list of silk sarees and glistening jewelry. Shopping is undoubtedly one of the most exciting aspects of the entire wedding preparations….probably more when it’s an immediate family wedding.

However I find it overwhelming …even though I have precise favorite shopping places, a favorite designer, hundreds of photos saved on my phone and many pieces stored back in the memory of my head…I feel finding the perfect piece or saree is a daunting task especially when you are ‘oh so old-school’ & fussy kind of a person when it comes to settle from the latest flashy trends. No matter what the latest trends say, my fashion funda is clear, I wear something without any pressure from any trends, grace and sophistication comes easily to me when I am sticking with my love for traditional.

Apart from shopping, excitement level is soaring higher thinking about all the massive spread of food and festivities. Feasting on an unending menu of multi-cuisine delicacies and dreaming about dressing in best of the attire we are ready to stir up some fun at a family wedding. There are some typical glitches of travelling overseas but the satisfaction of meeting and mingling with family and friends is worth everything.  

Humming the tune of excitement and with butterflies in my stomach….we are so ready but how could I leave without wishing you all well at the year end for all the love. As we close the year end post, acknowledging each one of you for being a part of my passion. Thank you for your unwavering support and sticking around. Shall crack open new decorative adventures in the coming year. Until then, if you are travelling like us or staying home to enjoy the magical time of Christmas...wishing you and your family the very best of the holidays and a happy new year! 

You may stay connected with me on my Instagram to #travelwithpinkz stories until my return on the blog. A big e-hug to all of you, toodles! 

Chic Touches of Cherry Blossoms!

Spring….the time of rebirth and renewal of gorgeous flowers...is here. Finally the warm weather has settle in and I am absolutely celebrating the return of warm breezes and sunlit days….our ravine backyard has started giving us the hint of resuming our love affair with the season. The trees are starting to bud and songbirds are returning back in our ravine. My tulips are breaking the ground and soon will be showing a hint of color. Though, I am a new schooler and learning to graduate with the familiarities of planting, I am determined to embrace my inner florist this season :).  

Regardless of that fact that I have a brown thumb and I don’t keep indoor plants thriving…I always appreciate the happy side-effect of having beautiful flowers around the house.  And with the transition in season, huge splashes of spring flowers around the home are a sure-fire way to cheer anyone up. Unlike last year’s tulip touches, this year chic touches of cherry blossoms are spreading the array of beautiful pink around the home. A very thoughtful friend of mine lugged away few stems of these beauties from a park where the park officials were pruning the tree due to heavy rain. Now these short lived flowers are ‘pinkified’ modestly in our humble abode ;).

 

In our first vignette, pink blossoms have picked up on the brass accents beautifully and they seamlessly blend with the existing hot pink color and décor accessories in our living room. Beautifully cupped here with my brass tea kettle they lend a delicate touch of spring and I am so loving it.   

Grouping can be more romantic to add an instant floral fabulousness around you. Graceful bunch of bright blooms are emulating their presence here with copper, silver and brass all together! 

Every spring I go ahead and pile on colors in our home with spring accessories, delicate pink here is just blending in effortlessly with all the rest. Especially paired with an equally eye catching vase, these beauties are standing their own with an oriental touch on this setting.

You know me, I drain every last bit of my flowers and they literally go through a process until their survival and that’s why I didn’t have heart to toss away petals also…hence these pretty pink blossom petals are scattered in urli and big brass ice bucket (an impulse buy and a new hunt from an antique craft sale) for Ganeshji and Buddhaji also ;).

Flowers in any season radiate serenity for me. They are naturally welcoming to enhance some freshness in any place. Until my outdoor blooms rest a spell…I am all set indoors to nestle in the company of cherry blossoms after all day’s work. Are you spring ready yet? I do share bite size ideas on Instagram and Facebook, so stay connected peeps and have a wonderful spring time, toodles!

Love of brass

Brass for me, it's classic, always has been and always will be. The love for my brass, plausible and dazzling as it is, fits perfectly to raise and cheer in the month of February where love and passion celebrations are at the peak. Touring you around at each and every cranny of our jazzy living room, which is a gold alloy of brass. Our conscientiously put together brass collection makes our house truly a home with an expression of our individuality. It is my everyday gold that I wouldn’t trade for the world ;)

 

Aj, my globe trotter husband, should be positively acclaimed here for his keen eye for our proud collection. Additions, of any new pieces from his jet setter lifestyle, are pure joy and treat for us being brass aficionados.

Though, my design crush for brass definitely echoes my upbringing, where Aladdin’s cave kind of inherited goodies were over flowing in my home. The fancy of brass was initiated and pushed through as my mom exposed me to the rich decorative possibilities with her alluring brass.
 

Major makeover, of these pieces, works wonder on my coffee table, which allows me to play with unique and causal clustering with a fresh spin when the mood strikes. If there is a crowd or just me at home, looking at these well curated pieces always makes my heart leap.

Flash back of few years, jogs back into my memory of the days when we had the tiniest corner to befit whatever we had in initial stage of life. How the mild obsession kept on growing and when we inadvertently collected all these pieces we didn’t even realize, now any flattering phrase on our heaving treasures makes us full of pride.

Pieces with history

Many pieces of our collection have a colorful bygone era touch and/or story twisted. Such as this brass inherited pot housing white carnations is an antique piece which is over a decade old belonging to my grandfather. Many old memories hark back, each and every time I use it in my decor. The tall Diya in the second picture is my prized possession aged as old as my school years (precisely with me since my early teen years). As I recall the episode, that came home as a presentation of our cultural exchange program for Mizoram along with many other small brass artifacts. Lovingly layering it for my décor dredge up good ol’ school days and the fun time we had on that trip.

Though, cleaning is one herculean task that I tackle with good old tamarind way. Few newly added pieces hardly need any cleaning and shine bright always but old real solid brass with antiquated touch needs once in a while scrubbing.

 

Through our collection, brimful with outstanding pieces, our living room breathes elegance and simplicity. Combined with love and perked with passion, to preserve the traditional bone of us, our collection truly cultivates our personal style. Hoping that the tasteful and generous collector in us will share many more update on the space with the continuity of it.

 

Up  next will be the "Valentine's Day" tablescape. So, until we meet again, stay connected on Facebook or Instagram, toodles!

 

A month of romance...

Catching up after a heck of a busy day, trusting that with February marching in, your truckload of January resolutions are still intact and not drained to pipeline just like mine ;)

Weekends these days are much more perkier when we enjoy temporary joy of being with our older teenager visiting home and content to the fact that she is returning fully charged with love. Our weekend life now mainly evolves storming ourselves with loads of cooking, stuffing and sending off for our university gal. Though, when hubby dear gets busy in circling the globe, this mommy dear juggles to make this grind sound more of a pleasure than chore. Even though, our girl has started to get better shots of university life; I still find myself stitching the thread of unease while dropping her off, though I pretend to ignore the look of displeasure that crosses my face while waving her goodbyes.

Mother Nature in my part of the world is still surprisingly looking green. Massive snow storm in USA, which blanketed parts of USA in a single day, sent off an actual year's supply of snow, but nothing here. "No Snow" is a rarity for Canadian winter and it has started giving chills to all winter park resorts. No matter which side of the weather war I am in but for now no shoveling…yay!

On the blog front, I have got you covered with all necessary shots of love for the month of romance. I have roped in a tablescape made with muchos muchos love, a post drenched in for my love of brass, and a Buddha post probably will find a way out which is still in between edit-write combination. Additionally, I have a tour of the tiniest room in our home – Powder Room, it may be the tiniest but packed with décor punches all around and you don’t want to miss :). So, peek in again for a busy round of posts here on February. Until we meet again, stay connected, toodles!

Summing up the solitude

Here I am, leisurely hitting the ground running after the roller coaster of a sweltering hot weekend. Toronto is sizzling under the heat wave for the rest of the week but might as well enjoy before I enter in my fall nesting mode ;)

Our home, for now, is empty as kids are shipped off for an interesting venture of a whole week camping, leaving just two of us around in the home. Unleashing all the bottled up wishes of being “alone” and enjoying every bit of it. Savouring our freedom by treating ourselves more than often dinner dates with that chilled (all mine) Piña colada ;), long breezy walks and late night movies. Though, it had made us sense how lonely we will be when we get the label of ‘new empty nesters’ with our first child leaving us in couple of days to start new journey of her life. Comforting thought of having the younger one, the recipient of all well needed attention, is still with us and it's enough to restore our souls.

We both have hard time clutching the fact that kids are old enough to face the world on their own. Though, this detachment will expose new ways of thinking and learning for them along with new opportunities waiting to be tackled from the reality of their comfort zone. Quite positive that everything instilled in them until now, will have them ready to face the new world challenges.

 Though, I get much time without having to worry about cooking, feeding, cleaning, this solitude mode of life is now serving us an opportunity to build and find ourselves. Along with the pleasure, much needed task at home front also got taken care for. And as you know, that led me to spend some inordinate amount of time in doing what I love the most. Our Guest Room is shaping up and I can hardly wait to share it with you all.

Extra shopping hours could have led the budget to break its own boundaries, but I tried to stay contained with what I have. Few long forgotten pieces were brought back in to the life by resting on the coffee table. 'Swastika Ganesh' came home as a gift more than a decade ago, which is presently adding the aesthetic beauty and charm. Tried to boost up the appeal by adding few more brass after exploring many different ways. The flickering light contributes stunningly impactful appeal on the vignette. Few pieces of my collection have sentimental attachments and others like the ’Swastik Diya’ was added to the collection from a recent puja ceremony at my friend’s.

 

My collection is growing and going but I don’t ever want it to complete. I cluster my finds in clever ways that allow each item with even great decorative value that it might otherwise have. I hunt for something new and wonderful in something I already have. Eco-friendly decorating is to be able to see the prospective in existing pieces. Of course, the pieces have to be styled and edited instead of covered and cluttered taking up space in your closets or basements.  

Empty moments and mummy thoughts led me to loosen up the emotional apron strings here. For now, this free bird 'mom' is getting back to dreaming of those frequent, tighter, and loving hugs from kids until we bring them home.

 
Until we meet again, stay connected on Facebook, instagram or Pinterest pages of my passion, toodles.

 

Blessings of Pooja!

Don’tcha just love summer? I dearly do. It’s disheartening to be cooped up inside all winter long. Being summer around, we are enjoying as much environmental pluses as we could before the uninvited cold winter days barge in. Summer, here, is all about outdoors. Weekends are jammed in cool natural breeze with picnics radiating whiff of the smokey BBQ parties in the pleasurable company of abundance of friends. A long evening strolls with a warm sun lit on our path of ravine. Few leisurely games of badminton and late night movies on Netflix officially authenticate summer vacation. Routine mornings are bit lazy than regular ones, as I also don’t mind joining my two munchkins by simply dozing off extra hours in the lulls of humming ceiling fans ;) On a long summer vacation day, with tedious routine, taking few breaks won't hurt!

 

You know me, I can burst all day long about my summer tales, but today’s post is about a blessing, a tradition, a celebration we held few weeks back in our home. I had briefed you earlier about a “Pooja” celebration. It has turn out to be a custom we cling to follow every year since last 10 years. But this year, being me on the blog circle, I had countless reasons to share the spirit and the portraits with my readers. 

 

 

Every year, we have long lasting family gatherings, on this particular day, when I apt to infuse every corner with fanciful décor. Revamping the rooms by pumping up enough volume of décor accessories is what I excel in. Massive make overs take place in my home for any special occasion. Though, I usually take a step back and run an eye on what I already own and focus on areas of potential displays.

The entrance was adorned with brass and deep red groupings. Grouping your collections in ingenious ways will qualify each item with even greater decorative value that it might otherwise have. Strive for something new and pleasing in something you already have.

 

As I have briefed earlier, entrance is a winning location. A short stay in foyer to enjoy the interesting display is always an earning point in the decorating game. Add the thrill at the entrance for the atmosphere of the celebrations by decorating with special touches. Antique brass is successfully updated here with contemporary details. A bright bloom of flourishing Dahlia, from my very small garden, adds the pop of colour and beauty.
 
 

 
Diyas are integral part of any Pooja, if not for “Pooja”, well lit candles are essential part of any bash at my home. Nothing beats their gentle twinkle glow for setting the tone for the celebration.

 
Put some unique spins on the familiar pieces by blowing them up. Flowers don't only add freshness in the air but also spruce up the room. They never fail to spread some glorious touches for celebrations in my décor.
 

 
Few of my exquisite pieces chosen solely for their beauty. Sometimes a little enhancement is all that is needed to transform from functions to fantastic. Besides, celebrations are great occasions for collections showcase.

Some soulful “bhajans” expressing sentiments for the love of God filled up the atmosphere. The presence of assembled guests singing prayers and showering blessings always leaves its abiding echo. We look forward to the day profoundly every year. We also happen to welcome an addition of new “Ganesha” to our collection on this day.

Grab beautifying opportunity for any significant, happy event and accomplish it with a great pomp and glory. Let your plenty of “desi” arrangements work the charm of putting the notch above the rest. Ensure to add your allure to any memorable event with spirited theme carried throughout the home. These are the simple pleasures of life we love to live in :)

Until we meet again see you around on facebook page/instagram page, toodles!

 

My Home My Pride ( Home Tour @ CDL)

This May, our glorious little home accomplished stamp of 2 years old and couldn't have asked more than a featured tour,  just to celebrate it.
 
Being one new schooler on the blog sphere, still struggling to graduate with the expertise of "Home Tours". However, with all my gratitude, want to take a moment to thanks Nayana and her blog "Cherish Dream Live" for raising an opportunity to showcase our home on her blog.
 
Our house hunting initiated with the gutsy thought of relocation 2 years back. Respecting builder's original version, in no time, our home was rising on a truly inspiring site from the ground up to achieve our desired perfection.

Living Room

We were keen from the day we endorsed the home. We savoured the entire process from building, planning, and decorating our new home. 

Laundry Room - Front Foyer - Powder Room

Connecting dots of our eclectic research and affirmative thoughts on decorating are still in evolution and continues to be so. We gave our best shots to reward exactness to every corner of the home.

Family Room

As I broach up words for my home:

"A bit of team work, bunch of our own gut feelings and a happy mix of new contemporary and few old classic pieces tot up our dream world. My design mantra is not strict or stuck on any fixed fundas, thus still struggling to compose an exact style of decoration. We both are house proud and, “our home is our pride!” Our home is filled with the layers of our own personalities!"

Leap over directly to the blog here and steal a complete tour. Until we meet again, my passion people, stay connected, toodles!





My Home - My Pride (Tour of Family Room)

I know, I know...today's post is admittedly overdue, but hey,  I was busy trying to tie up loose ends at my end, besides, better late than never. Moreover, I have a special surprise of a complete home tour :) real soon and you know I am good at keeping my promises. For now let's switch off from the world, as I steal you for a moment to take you on a tour of our handsome Family Room. 

As Gore Vidal once coined, " Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn" can be thrown perfectly to term our Family room. Room being our total chill out zone and tops up bearing lots of traffic yet it’s restful and comfortable for our recreational needs. A homely room for our fervent teenager to whisper gossips over the phone or a place for our cheeky cheery pre-teen to play a win –win game of chess with daddy or just for “us” snatching much needed comfort after a long-gone hectic day. Practical and peaceable style is brought to life by maintaining soothing feel in our family room.

Multihued stone accent wall creates a deep, warm envelope in this room. Winter feels whole lot warmer when you melt down and cuddle as close as possible by the warmth of the flames with a hot chocolate. Eye catching and impactful fireplace screen is a gorgeous focal point in the room to give the classy look. The same fire place mantel, where I exuberantly shake off my seasonal décor itch.

I am big on pictures, specially family pictures. Our previous home, the stairs were jazzed up with our memories of the places we have loved and lived. New home is also smartened with the wall of family portraits and is definitely a colorful personal strike in our personal room. 

The strong thought of  adding drama and excitement to the room, by exhibiting these portraits, was deep in my visual before the wall was even up ;) Though, we could actually execute the happening in last October as we waited for a perfect "Fall" season to capture these in our own ravine. 

These amazing clicks were captured by a very talented gentleman, who happens to be a brainchild of E-Motion Photography. Now, they lend added sparkle in the room by being on a primary wall, where you catch a quick glance as soon as you walk in the room. 

Some happy mix of my old signature collection and few new ones (which caught my fancy while new home shopping) overwhelm the abode. 

Though, I often change my perspective by changing and rearranging things we have had for years to take on a different look. I highly stroke on stirring things around the home to make the same place feel fresh and new.

The sectional couches are insanely comfortable with 2 detached ottomans. Numerous clever variations can be persuaded to organize the sofas. With an abundance of friends, ottomans multiplies the sitting ability in the room or they get dragged down by the fireplace or wherever needed. 

Necessity of a coffee table in our family room was never essential as ottoman topped with trays converts a place to serve and when not in service, those tired feet are rested on them. Oh yes, also a same place where all my cheerful desi twists on coffee table nurtures. 

Bank of windows not only frame the outside nature in the room but also manage to direct the perfect flow of sunlight to brighten the room. The one, by the window, is my coziest spot for a hot cuppa to perk me up when I listen to my favorite "saavn" music to quieten my soul. Overlooking the spectacular view, across the distant pond and its watery reflection on sunny days with increasing brood of ducks/geese, demands the focusing attention to suspend working against the clock, pause and love the moment.

New home commands confidence at times and leaps of huge trust while decorating but we didn’t get much trapped in thinking about how the home or room will come together, we assembled the room pieces by pieces like a puzzle and by adding some of our own design punches to fall perfectly in the rhythm we favored. 

Hoping that you could steal some inspirations from our family room to add some zest and spice up your family room! After bits and pieces, a complete home tour is ready for you. If you may please, take the pleasure of visiting the rest of our home here. Stay connected on facebook page until we meet again, toodles!