We live in times where we are learning to treasure the sensibilities of
yesterday and catch new ways of adapting with the novelties of today. Staying
connected with its traditional roots while embracing the imprint of western culture, our today’s
home owner has explored something new yet have created a
look that wasn’t too much of a departure from the classic style she loves.
Glistening with sophistication and heavily
infused with the quirkiness of popular
culture, the hidden gem of Kausalya’s home in uber
chic city Chicago awaits discovery. As I delved deeper into the enigma that is Kausalya’s home,
I came back charmed…so thought of taking you along, come on in!
Meet, Kausalya,
timid yet headstrong sari clad lady who always manages to look perfect while
dressing rich and looking classy in her gorgeous collection of Kanjivaram/Banarasi
saris. Just like her home, she follows a desi style statement and carries the six yards elegantly that brings out the complete magic it has (I have secretly stalked and admired her sarees/dressing on profile pictures countless times ;)).
Mamta's Ethnic Collection is Kausalya's all time favorite destination for all her sari needs. Her extensive collection of saris are mostly from there including this royal blue she is adorning.
Mamta's Ethnic Collection is Kausalya's all time favorite destination for all her sari needs. Her extensive collection of saris are mostly from there including this royal blue she is adorning.
Another masterpiece
created by Chandan has become a room defining element in this corner of
Kausalya’s home, which heightens the visual appeal. Love Kausalya’s modern take
on working with classic elements. Saturated colors from the art piece,
intricate patterns from all the brass and tangle of greenery add a splash of
design magic everywhere you look.
At first glance, this living room may look traditional but it isn’t really. While the pichhwai fits that mold, the blend of the furniture and extra tall windows are modern in every sense of the word. An exquisitely beautiful Nathdwara painting that lords over the fire place is another score from Chandan. Kausalya’s husband executed the pichhwai into a frame which is a part of the delight in this room. With an endless amount of lovely small candelabras and brass diyas Kausalya brings her creativity in this eclectic setting furthering "old meets new" mix style. The intentionally mixed up combination makes it a rich corner that’s unpretentious and instantly welcoming.
The modern way to
work with classic elements is to pick and choose your favorite and then layer
them on…all the soft warmth and welcoming comfort you see in this room is the
result of strategically chosen and laid out décor by Kausalya. The room is
cozy, stylish but also tough where everything is placed to be loved, used and
not worried about (when you have two kids, it is very important). Brass pieces in her
home beautifully echoes her South Indian elements. Each
piece is true to its roots and conjures up memories of decades gone by for
Kausalya.
Kausalya’s home is an epitome of gracious living but it is her hospitality which makes her the hostess with the mostess. Hosting allows her an opportunity to nurture other relationships like her friendships. I am sure her family and friends who have had the taste of her parties must have felt like winning a lottery by attending her most stylish, lavish and well-connected parties.
Here is a glimpse of her laid down table that she quickly and affordably assembled for a hosted party.
A lover of all
things beautiful, Kausalya has explored artistic streak in her, while admiring
the same, she takes classes of madhubani art from a very talented lady
Jayashree from Sage & Slingback. Many walls in
her home now applaud Kausalya's art pieces, cementing them as the happiest walls in the
house.
Art and furniture pieces are often added or rearranged but the basic language of the house is always controlled by Kausalya. Re-purposing and restyling are what makes a home personal. The accents of Kausalya’s American home allows her the freedom to incorporate history and her roots in an un-fussy contemporary way.
She loves the art
that tricks you into taking a long second look. They are intriguing and witty
which is exactly the style she wanted in her home for the mask wall.
Considering the cold weather of Chicago, Kausalya has
preserved and well maintained the green touch indoor with some real great indoor
plants.
As we conclude the home tour...taking a leaf from it.....whether something
is on trend or not, true style is just about confidence and following your
heart that will lead you to the most powerful results. Follow your “gut-feeling”
because it is only you, who can take your home to the next level of luxury.
With this positively exploding greenery, we end this home tour here. I would like to
extend my thanks to Vijendran family for opening the doors of their home for us. Wishing
you all love, luck and happiness, today and always!
Until we meet again, stay connected and keep decorating, toodles!
(Images are taken by Kausalya. 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)
