Choc-a-bloc of Treasured Keepsakes (Home Tour of Sunita Polumetla)

When people have a connection with heirlooms or hand me downs, keeping them in their décor is not only a design decision, it’s an emotional one, and that has to be respected.

Beloved-but-dated décor accessories you’ve inherited can't possibly fit into today's style of your home but as a décor stylist, I have learned, where there’s a will, there’s usually a way to incorporate them. 

Instead of going for a perfect finish style, our today's home owner Polumetla Sunita from all the way Hyderabad has won upon mixing and matching looks. Come on in....  

Living with urban necessities does not mean forfeiting the charm of old ones. Sunita has smartly outfitted her living room with heirloom items that have the charisma and character of a classic home. Sharing her deep bond with heirlooms, she has re-created the feel of elegance that is synonymous with homes of the past. Taking the center stage here is the bench from an antique furniture store blended well with heirloom swings flanking on both sides. (The back support of these swings can be shifted to other side and by adding the chains to translate it into a swing).  

No matter how quirky the family heirlooms are, they add warmth and history in any space. Being a dedicated brass lover, Sunita finds out-of-the-way spaces for inherited beauties around the home. Along with rich accents and jewel toned fabrics on the couches, wall is adorned with the grouping of Odhisha paintings done on palm leaves.  

Did your eyes catch the focal point? 'Thinking outside the box' Sunita has grounded an inherited brass urli with dramatic touch on the floor replacing the coffee table. After all, being creative is just a matter of finding the right inspiration. The Goddess Saraswati painting is a hand painted master piece from Bali.  

Sunita's home is a tribute to rich traditions and culture. Translating the cohesive and connected collection into her personal tastes and preferences, she is proving that one can never go wrong with basics. Her collection of brass spoons is not icing on a cake for any brass lover but it's the whole cake shop :). The very famous Balaji Tanjore painting is done by Sunita herself.

Special occasions like Diwali definitely does wonders around Sunita's home. New finds and family jewels mingle well in different corners of Sunita's home. I spy turtles and tortoises. How many can you spot? Being an ardent collector of tortoises and turtles Sunita searches high and low to add a piece for her collection. 

 The horse is a trade fair find while the lamp came home from Kerala.

Minimalistic approach is adopted in the family room while adding some funky and nostalgic vibe. Honoring the connection, a cradle is practically transformed as a coffee table. The table is splashed with juicy colors of Cheriyal masks from Telangana. Made out of paper-mâché these masks add character and interest in this room.  

Confidence is the secret to create a truly unique and personalized space and following the same mantra Sunita has successfully updated corners of her home by combining styles, cultures and eras. The Kerala boat here is a customized piece that is adorning a corner. The bird table is made out of a single wood. The green trunk is a loot from chor-bazar that has been upcycled by Sunita, who spray painted it to fit her need. The big vessel is a heirloom piece that Sunita has used as side table by placing display mish-mash things. 

Sunita's kitchen depicts an art full array of precisely positioned heirlooms and new finds for an interesting spin. Often so called little things give out the most insight into a person's identity and taste. A striking display of everyday objects in Sunita's kitchen does the same. Clever combinations of simple fittings, pretty colors and vintage accessories make the place both - practical and inspirational. 

Few more kitchen scenes from Sunita's home. Blending all the new and timeless pieces (that are easily accessible for ready to use) this place combines function and aesthetic appeal with care and flair. 

Experimentation is the key to all new trends- yes, this adage perfectly fits when it comes to trying out the mix and match philosophy and uncovering what speaks to you. After years for craving these 'pandiri mancham' beds that Sunita's grandparents owned, she also had a desire to have one since her childhood. Her wish got granted few years back when she converted her imagination into a reality with the help of her carpenter. She brilliantly converted two antique beds into these beds for her bedroom and guest room. 

The famous Bapu Bommalu paintings above the bed are replica gifted by Sunita's friend. For those of you who are unaware about this designer, he is an Indian film director who has made a name in Telugu Cinema. Being a creative soul, he introduced a unique painting style of freehand drawing and simple bright colors. 

Sunita's vibrant and layered home is a result of her trust towards her instincts.  She has allowed herself the freedom to bring together the items that she loves – such as these historical dolls. A collection of Kondapalli Dolls (traditional dolls of Andhra Pradesh) & Marapachi dolls (a pair of male and female dolls which forms the most important part of Navratri Golu arrangements) are dotted in various corners of the bedroom.  

With a hint of different prints, this vibrant colors infused bedroom sets a retro vibe.

Few neatly arranged corners in bedrooms. 

Ahhhh...the balcony. We Canadians are inexplicably drawn towards the sight like this....just because we are outdoor deprived souls...yes, April doesn't feel much like spring at my end, but it sure is a prime time to gather some inspo for the season. This little piece of soothing heaven Sunita has nurtured just outside of her bedroom...where the thread of continuity in collection continues outdoors as well. Love the use of Kerala boat along with terra-cotta pots and masks. How lucky you are Sunita to have luxury of these greens surrounded by...I am so 'J'. 

Not only potted plants, but armed with a long list of her own creations, Sunita has also dotted some penny pinching ingenuity in the balcony.  Seen here are just few of them. A ladder is upcycled with parrots, funnels are transformed as pots, a rift wood piece, with the help of stone pendants- embroidery threads and beads, is converted into a wind-chime that chimes away in her balcony. Effortless, convenient and trendy these three words totally resonate with her style, right? 

As we end our home tour today, here is a collage of more greens and rustic appeal of terra-cotta planters.  

With a choc-a-bloc collection of heirlooms, I felt Sunita's home is reminiscent of the past without feeling frozen in time. Heirlooms gives you such confidence to dabble with your creativity and adding an endearing personal style to your home. Don’t let your treasured keepsakes languish in the attics. Instead of stashing these cherished family items, give these sentimental items a second life.

Thank you for the generosity of your time Sunita and get ready to host me in your beautiful home, if I ever land in Hyderabad 🙂. My special gratitude extends to Paddy for bringing this home to my attention, as always, you are a sweetheart Paddy.  

So, that's it for today's home tour folks, until we meet again, see you around on Instagram and Facebook, toodles!