Modest Size Living (Home Tour of Gayatri Singh)

Mingling countries, cultural art and traditional artefacts live far larger than square footage of the home in our today’s home tour. The pretty pad of Gayatri Singh, nestled against the structural skylines of Singapore, is both inspiring and interesting in equal measure.  

Gayatri, a professionally trained chef and a culinary composer throws the doors of her home open for us today. She titles her personal décor style as very vintage and Asian with a touch of Indian element. Her graceful apartment in Singapore (where she just moved after living in Tokyo for 9 long years) is a proof of the broadening effects of her travel. If I need to, I can vouch on her abiding love of travel because when we started conversing about this home tour she was in Singapore. Our next chat we had in Tokyo and then in Bali and last recent one in India in a short span of weeks. 

It may just take a quick glance around Gayatri’s bright apartment to work out where her passions and interests lie. Her earliest interest was laid in cooking and following that she pursued her education towards that. She may have decided to dedicate herself to the food industry but the interior design enthusiast didn't take long to discover her growing appetite for interiors also.  

Being a seasoned traveller her source of inspiration differs to each of her travel destination. And as we can see, those inspirations are manifested uniquely in each corner of her home. Chinese king statues here are dotted with many other unpredictable mix of objects. An eye catching large smiling Buddha frame is positioned perfectly in the middle to bounce off his calmness all over the room. 

Most of the pieces of her decor allude to the trips Gayatri has taken. Just like this hanging tapestry from Japan called obi (a kimono belt made out of silk) depicts the scenes of a Japanese king and queen sitting under the tree. Keenly aware of the modest size living, she also has some inciting inventions and creative solutions thrown in her decor just like this piece of a ladder where she hung a brass diya. It surely exemplifies interesting yet effortless way to brighten the wall.                          

Carefree mix of style like contemporary art, modern settings, classic travel finds and traditional pieces are keeping the open concept dining and living rooms alive. Large dining space is essential enough for Gayatri who is an avid cook and loves hosting parties.

Gayatri owns quite a collection of some intriguing objects, while her petite brass pieces spark a dressy note in different corners of the home.

The comfort can be sensed in the air as soon as you walk in Gayatri’s living area. Solid fabric and simple patterns are chosen along with few accent pieces that make perfect sense for a young couple’s life. Adjoining balcony is enlarging the visual living space. Whether the occasion is a spontaneous movie night or a restful read of a good book, their living room facilitates lingering and happy times.

Arresting Asian charm, global sensibility and admiration for Indian details makes her home visually appealing. Her home is decorated in her signature and relaxed but refined style where very nook and wall is infused with a story and memory that richly reveal her vibrant creative flair. 

Few more well-edited vignettes around the home keeps the space engaging and alive.

When it comes to hosting, Gayatri is a natural. Evenings with lavish table and teaming it with the finest food is Gayatri's forte. Fond of cooking and hosting Gayatri prepares and serves delicious food without breaking a sweat at any party hosted at home. Images here from her previous gatherings remark how efficiently she composes soiree for every guest to remember.

Food savvy Gayatri also has a loyal following among the other cooking aficionados on her Instagram account. Do check out her visually arresting pictures and soulful recipes here.

As we seal today's home tour, I heartily thank Gayatri for letting us peek in her beautiful apartment. Wishing you and your family all the very best of the world Gayatri. 

And for you my lovely readers, until we meet again, stay connected, toodles! 

Harmoniously Traditional ( Home Tour of Padmaja Rama) - Part 1

I lucked bumping into this lady, who is passionate, talented and just as effervescent all in the same breath. The lady, who lives by her own enthralling interpretation of décor, has created a home that is a perfect blend of style, sensibility and elegance; coupled with a deep rooted respect for culture.  

Meet Padmaja Rama, lovingly known as Paddy, who is professionally a software consultant, a decorator and a creative soul by passion, a wife and mom by love and responsibility. She has effectively composed her motherhood by taking a break from the corporate world to take care of her two beautiful young girls. 

Paddy  and her husband Vinod Rama, bought their first house three years ago, into which she poured her heart and soul to create a breathtakingly ‘ROYAL’ home (yes, that's what their friends describe it as ‘RAMA'S ROYALE ’ )which according to her is still in progress. Their home can be defined as a harmonious symphony of traditional and contemporary styles, well curated with a coveted collection of brass artefacts, Antiques, vintages, colors, textures, DIYs, custom furniture, her own art and some unexpected juxtapositions. 

So pull up a chair, pour a cuppa and get prepared to spend some time ogling with me at this lovely home that is sure to pull every decor lover's heartstrings. I will not be able to do justice if I attempt to cover the beauty of this home in a single post. So there will be a PART TWO & PART THREE of this home tour which I am sure you will eagerly await by the end of this post.

 Yard, Entrance and Porch:

Paddy's decor and styling starts right from her driveway and flowerbeds, where visitors are cheerfully greeted with several kolam painted flower pots blooming with various fragrant, colorful blooms.

There  are no rules set in stone, only kolam designs, including one painted the Indian customary greeting 'Namaste'

According to Paddy, she is a sucker for anything traditional and highly favors preserving and safeguarding her cultural roots.  When it comes to House front, she proclaims her own mantra of classiness:“I strongly believe that Elegance is, when the inside is as beautiful as the outside! Our entryway is the first visible area in our home you would notice and is a clear indication of what one can expect inside. I wanted to create my own distinctive look right from here and make our home a little different from other homes. Hence I orchestrated my own style here by adding something original, creative and true to my culture."

Being an ardent Feng-shui follower the family stained the concrete flooring in Terracotta red

Paddy's fascination for kolam started as a child. She grew up watching her mom and grand mom decorate the entrance dexterously with intricate kolam patterns, which worked as a catalyst in her inclination toward that art. Paddy says: “As inspired as I was with kolam since childhood, I was also completely enamored and profoundly influenced by the ‘alopana’ or ‘kolam’ wall art murals that I used to see in hutments in my maternal Grandparents village. When we bought our home, I wanted to bring to life that fond memory I carried for years in my heart. For me, the hand-etched designs on the pots and rocks added something fresh and original to the overall look I wanted to achieve.” 

The marble fireplace is another estate sale find

A woman who gambles recklessly on yard sales (Estate Yard Sales) and yet always wins with loot has a collection of several vintage cement pedestals and planters. Metal bells (she is obsessively in love with them) are in the corner with a jute rope along with a vintage lantern she got free (along with 2 truckloads of items they bought from the estate sale agent), atta girl….that’s some covetous and excitable goodies you got there. 

Adjacent to the main door is a porch where family gathers the flood of friends but also where they collapse into each other‘s company for their ritual of evening tea. Elegance and expertise are mixed and interpreted here in myriad ways with results diverse enough to please our all senses.

More colors from Paddy’s porch

The lit diyas cast a romantic glare on the porch and the family and friends love to drink in this view alike.

As the evening unfurls, light seems to confer beauty and elegance casting a romantic glare on the porch. Aglow with the amber warmth of lit diyas, the family drinks the pleasant view. I wouldn’t mind a nibble and an ice tinkling drink here to wind down the rough day :). Though, with such beautiful porch, I wonder how she keeps onlookers at the bay.

As we head indoors towards the Entry way/ Foyer:

Her foyer carries forward a further enhanced theme of Indian traditional decor that was set outside her main door. With bold strokes of brass Paddy has invited glamour in her foyer. She does not let herself constrained by any typecast and quotes in a matter-of-fact tone: “In the things we love lie clues to who we are! And our home displays these clues all around! It is a complete reflection of mine and my husband's mutual personalities, love, passion, strengths and weaknesses as well."

Nearly 4 foot vintage Brass elephant that was yet another stroke-of-luck find on Craigslist several years ago

With her tasteful collection, bold use of gold accents, ornate furniture and bright floral arrangements (flowers are must in her décor mantra) she has brilliantly conjured a spell binding arrangement, set deliberately in a traditional tone that always holds her guests captive from the time they set  their foot in..

By now, I am lusting after Paddy’s awe inspiring collection and the stories behind each of these dramatic pieces are equally magical. At display here is one of her prized Teppanom statue: “This original Teppanom Statue in Silver (there are several replicas in the market but real ones are limited) was sold to us by a retired couple who were downsizing and they had actually bid and won this piece at an Antique auction!”

Traditional settings are brilliantly conjured up in each nook and cranny of the home. While juxtaposition of red flowers on gold accents on these vignettes add a lavish touch on her otherwise beautiful collection.

The cabinet at the entrance is a vintage looking, made-in- India piece the couple found in a furniture store

Each and every corner is grounded with dramatic pieces of furniture made out of architectural salvages from vintage Indian homes. Taking pride Paddy coins: "Next to the vintage looking cabinet is another Antique teak pedestal column which is made out of architectural salvages of ornate columns from old south Indian homes. These pieces remind me of my grandparents’ home that I am emotionally connected to and hence will not blink an eye before picking these whenever I happen to find them!"



 The carved Mahogany mirror in the corridor is an Indonesian Import

The main door is painted around the door frame in an royal arch pattern with terracotta-orange shade to add some visual interest as well as to satisfy Paddy's Feng shui color requirements for the direction the door faces. The corner shelves on either side of the door have serene figurines of meditating Buddhist monks. Peeking behind from the figurine is an antique brass lassi glass from India used as small planter.

 

Her fetish for hanging bells is very evident outside and inside. She let her fascination for bells literally hit the roof by customizing her lovely crystal chandelier with mini brass bells from India, totally elevating its look. The visual continuity she maintained with brass hanging diyas and bells through various rooms set tone for a regal continuum.

When sun light hits the crystals in the chandelier at an angle, hundreds of brilliant light bubbles in rainbow hues are strewn around the Foyer. Watching her kids play with these sparkles is her favorite pass time.

Surprising, being a die-hard collector of antiques and vintages, Paddy herself hasn’t visited India more than twice in past 7 years. Apart from Estate and Garage sales, Antique shows and auctions at times, she was able to fetch her amazing collection from India through her best friend. Her inspiring friendship with her friend played a great role in many chapters of her home story: “I was able to get a lot of brass and other stuff from India. THANKS TO MY BESTIE SHOBA. She patiently adopts my eyes and ears, shops for me and sends across everything I want from India”.

A vintage brass vase and an Antique kum kum container is placed on this pedestal

Each and every corner lifts up our senses. A closer look at an intricate details of 'Zarokha" and  a vintage brass vase and an antique Kum-kum container. 

 

And as we end our part-1 here, I am leaving you with a peek of what is in store for you in part-2 . Trust me, even a glimpse of what you saw thus far will not prepare you for the visual dazzle you are in for in the next part!

Me and Paddy, both had been mulling over the possibility of this home tour but the wee-bit long post took good amount of overflowing exchange of emails before we inked the deal.  In the course of our conversation, we have cemented good friendship and the joy and pleasure of bonding with this beautiful lady is precious. I thank her and her family for inviting us virtually in her home and wishing them all the love, luck and happiness today and always!

And you lovely peeps, get connected with this uber talented lady on her Facebook page Paddy's Decomania or follow her Instagram feed Padmaja Rama, where she often belts out her home décor sagas.

Stick around on Facebook page or Instagram  feed of Pinkz Passion for part -2 & 3 of this beautiful home. Until we meet again, toodles!  

(Image Courtesy: Padmaja Rama. The pictures can not be used without a consent  from the home owners, however, you may re-pin them from Pinkz Passion's Pinterest account)    

Bring a zing with talavera tiles

Lately I am trapped in a “too busy” cycle with ongoing work at the home front and when excessive grind and stress come into play, my mind rebels and needs a gentle prod to keep low and patience thinking of new chapters, new possibilities and new spaces of decorating taking shape ;).

 

With my racing mind, catching many thoughts and pinning down for inspirations and today I am gathering my swirling thoughts on talavera tiles that exude the history of craftsmanship and beauty.  In the course of my social scroll, these ornately patterned, hand painted Mexican talavera tiles seem to be leading the crush of my browsing.

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With their historic color scheme and nature motifs any eclectic space can be enliven. Flight of stairs is the perfect place to add an element of drama drawing an eye irresistible to them.



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One can never go wrong by introducing more color in the kitchen with their melodramatic settings. Seemingly unlimited pattern and design potential of these handsome tiles will beg your combinations skills at test before making any final decision on their arrangement.  Perfectly placed here in the kitchen will rivet the eye to highlight the otherwise dull space.

 

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Cranny use of color will be equally effective in washrooms. Most distinctive features of talavera tiles will add the perfect amount of glamour to add rich glow and freshness in small spaces.

 

Though nothing can beat the charm of handmade tiles, their work of art and lavish texture but the wall stickers or decals on Etsy offer endless inspiration if you are eyeing for easy on pocket ideas to brighten any corner.

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Replica of actual tiles is easy peel off decal to add a zing in any décor of the home from fireplace mantels to back splashes in washroom and kitchen, or on any piece of furniture to stairways. Their whimsical style will certainly add the pop of color you always craved in any otherwise unadorned wall.

 

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No need to conform to a certain style or fret over any design, decals can be incorporated in myriad styles in a fun and hassle freeways to a larger or smaller areas.



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With melting pot of styles of talavera designs, trust your instincts and follow the freedom. Don’t stay locked in a particular scheme but embrace the diversity of these cost effective solution to add the soul and personality to your décor.

 

Signing out wishing you a wonderful weekend, until we meet again, stay connected on growing family of Pinkz Passion on Facebook and Instagram, toodles!

Kaleidoscope of colors (Home tour of Mallika Sinha)

With the right amount of chutzpah, our today’s home tour is a giant step away from any ordinary one where; the ability to look at things differently has work in our home owner’s favor. A home where esthetics are defined by its youthful energy and bursting bold colors, that will leave you audibly gasped, just like me. 

I, for being one Buddha fan, fell in love the moment I clapped my eyes on family's brilliant collection of Buddha and decided to kick start the tour with their grand collection curated from around the globe. 

Our today's feature is on the Bengal native “Sinha family” who now calls Abu Dhabi their home with two darling daughters and a grand mom. Mallika Sinha, a bundle of talent, leads the pack of homeowners and takes us through the journey of her home, which is a treasure trove of memories of their distant travel and bringing their adventurous personality to the fore.

The Sinhas are globetrotters, and there is nothing more exciting for them, than to travel and explore. The touch of their well versed travel life is intact and evident in their slice of heaven. Wondering what they bring in their backpacks? Keep an eye on as you start reading to discover what fun little trinkets they have curated from their travel.

Mallika, an art and DIY pro, is also a head honcho at jewelry line “Agomoni” where she has a knack of creating one of a kind jewelry inspired by colors. Similar fervor can be seen throughout her home, where she has debunk all the myths and upped the game concocting her own design fundas. Her own art creations, vividly patterned bright cushions and an African chest from her dear friend greet you upon arrival at her entry way.

The lady who marches to the beat of her own drum revels in colors. Colors absolutely thrill her and her unique and daring décor choices with interplay of color throughout the home, very much dictate her flamboyant personality.

Sinha's art passion overrode home is loaded down with the masterful use of colors, patterns and textures creating a calm, carefree and expressive space that blends arts and souvenirs.  

The bold and brimming living room is willingly given a lick of vivid emerald green accent wall to hang Mallika's art work. She takes hint of pride declaring about that lamp which is a DIY from a tripod stand. 

Mallika, a shopping freak and an avid antique collector, draws inspiration from her travel life and has managed to pull together polished look not only in the corners of her home but also in her personal jewelry collection.

Mallika effortlessly alters the look of this open concept living room by using removable covers for sofas.

Striking color palette and interplay of different tones makes her open concept living room alive and engaging.

The influence of ART has steered her interest in kicking up quite a few projects under her belt as she channels her talent through various art forms.

The jetsetter family latches on the idea of exploring local markets on their every vacation and many memories of their travel life has been scattered around home. Mallika beams that her fetish for collecting is often rewarded with some new and unique pieces by her daughter or husband’s distant travel also.

Mallika comes away enchanted by her travel vibe and has collected pieces from Indonesia, Africa Japan, USA, Thailand, Malaysia, and of course India, which her home truly reflects! 

Art maven lady is poised for success in her home life and often loves to loose herself in a world stitched together in art and DIY. She gives new spin to old bottles by coloring or painting on them. Few of them are given the creative freedom and set as a lamp also.

Mallika opted for the bank of windows that frame the beautiful sea-facing view outside, where nature can be observed in its complete glory throughout the day and breezy evening.

Before we conclude today’s home tour, I have to share few more corners of style savvy Mallika’s previous home. Her husband Sanjiv’s work has made their life evolving at many different countries which permits her plenty of more opportunity to play around with her decor. As you may notice many personal treasures have followed her from her previous home of Kuala Lumpur, displaying her life.

Sinha Family's previous residence in Kuala Lumpur:

 

And as we wrap up this home tour cribbing few notes from her steer clear decor, hope you would also take a leaf from her tasteful and generous collective home. Thank you Sinha’s for graciously allowing us in your home and sharing your personal treasures. Leaving you with an apt quote of Fashion Designer Carlos Miele which fits perfectly for our today's home tour.
"I don't see boundaries between styles, such as modern or contemporary. I've collected each piece from a different experience or period of my life."

Until we meet again stay connected on facebook or Instagram for your more décor inspirations, toodles!

(All images belong to Sinha Family and can not be used without prior permission)