Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Interiors

Paper Wallpaper

Do you want to start with a cost-effective option? If yes, paper wallpaper would be perfect for you. Made from recycled paper and wood fibres, paper-based wallpapers do a great job of protecting the walls from adverse climatic conditions. This wallpaper will also add a natural radiance to the space.

You can get a lot of options in terms of designs and patterns on paper wallpapers. However, they may or may not have an upper coating to seal the design.

Fabric Wallpaper

A contemporary twist on regular wallpaper, fabric-based wallpapers are an excellent DIY décor treatment that has grabbed the limelight lately. But why should you go for this wallpaper when you have so many swanky options?

Since fabric-based wallpapers are cost-effective, they are an excellent option for landlords. Apart from this, they are easy to install and remove cleanly. Last but not least, fabric wallpapers are porous and breathable, allowing air to pass by easily. This makes them a wise pick for homeowners looking for a mould-resistant option.

Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl is a type of lightweight, durable, and water-resistant plastic material. This type of wallpaper is non-woven and pasted to a base. The best part about these wallpapers is that they look great in all weather conditions.

You can also use them in places regularly exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Since there are endless design options in vinyl wallpapers, pick one for your home wisely.

Paper-Backed Vinyl Wallpaper

This type of wallpaper blends the advantages of both paper and vinyl wallpapers. It consists of a paper pulp design laminated to a vinyl sheet. The most striking part about it is that it is super-durable and washable and can be peeled off.

That’s not all: this wallpaper is also stain-resistant and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for larger families. However, please note that installing this wallpaper needs extra care. So, make sure you contact a professional for the best results.

Non-Woven Wallpapers

Non-woven wallpapers are a mix of natural and synthetic fibres. This combination makes the paper remain fixed when wet. Non-woven wallpapers are lightweight, flexible, breathable and easy to install and remove. Since it has a breathable edge, the wall beneath is well-protected against mildew growth.

Moreover, this wallpaper also comes with outstanding sound and heat insulation, making it perfect for all spaces. It is one of the hottest trending wallpaper materials in 2022.

Solid Vinyl Wallpaper

This wallpaper has a solid vinyl sheet pasted on fabric or paper. The design or pattern is then printed on the vinyl sheet. This wallpaper is resistant to scratches and tearing.

Homeowners also love it for its easy-to-maintain feature. A simple splash of water or a wipe with a damp sponge is enough

Sustainability

Environmental issues have changed our thinking. And conscious shoppers are making green choices. Today, going green is much more than a style statement.

This means shopping locally or refurbishing existing furniture. Carrying forward the theme of sustainability, it’s time to put your best foot forward .

Focus on Comfort and Style

The need for an environment that is not only stylish but comfortable has increased. The new year has brought hope of a covid-free world, and home decor is leaning towards a cosy, homely feel. This allows you to play around with subtle colours and textiles with a hint of tradition.

Maximalism Accentuated with Layering

Be it the fashion industry or interior designing, layering is in. It’s all about adding interesting components to your decor. Printed wallpaper, maybe? How about adding trim to your cornice? A perfect way to accentuate your Tanjore painting!

A play of textures and patterns works in this decor. You can mix and match prints and add a bit of drama.

The need for green.

Plants, lots of them. Plants never go out of fashion. And these lush wonders are perfect for adding atmosphere without much effort. Ideas you can work with? Tall imposing greenery in your corner adds character to your room.

A Play of Patterns

You can do a lot with patterns, be they on your cushions, your rugs, or on the wall. The possibilities are endless. The trick is to play it right, as layering different patterns is not easy

A pattern on pattern can work beautifully as long as you have the right colours and designs. Cushions are a safer bet when you want to play with patterns.

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A Fresh Look at Wallpapers

Wallpapers are back on the scene with a bang. Prints, textures, and stripes. 

Wallpapers are a surefire way to enhance your decor in a matter of hours. However, it’s easy to go over the top in your enthusiasm. So, use the print sparingly, preferably on the focus wall. You can use complementary colours on the rest of the walls to strike the perfect balance.

The Traditional Touch

traditional accents and quirky antiques are in vogue.

It’s always better to add a few vintage pieces of furniture to a modern decor than go the whole hog for better impact. It can be a vintage cabinet with glass shutters to showcase your wood.

A Bend Towards Neutrals and Earthy Hues

A popular color trend is a neutral base with pops of earthy colors. You may have light colored walls and furnishings – turn an entire wall into a textured terracotta red or an olive green. Or add a painted desk or a custom-built modular entertainment unit with painted shelving. Add wall niches that are painted in a different hue from the rest of the wall.

Cover a few walls with ethnic or modern patterned wallpaper, especially in corridors or the entryway. 

Modular Kitchens

marine-ply are popular options for kitchen cabinets in homes. Wooden cabinets in a large, open kitchen are a popular requirement. Apart from solid wood, you can also use options Like laminates, veneer, natural stone or ceramic, acrylic, glass or back-painted glass for your modern looking kitchen.

Modular Wardrobes in the Bedrooms

Plush, Vibrant Fabrics are a Continuing Favorite

You’ll now find bolder colored seating arrangements in the living room. You may also see beige sofa sets with colorful cushions and throws, or a striking set of bold blue armchairs to perk things up

Traditional Indian Décor Accents

Hang wooden swings in your living room or balcony to catch the evening breeze or even to doze off on lazy Sunday afternoons. Choose a few pieces of striking vintage furniture to act as the focal point in each room, even if the rest of your space is modern or contemporary. Get a dining table with hand-carved legs, finished with gold leafing, a dinner wagon in solid teak or hand-carved teak wood shutters for your windows. 

Smart Homes – a Growing Requirement

We see an increased interest in smart homes with home automation solutions like gate automation, energy-saving features, security and surveillance cameras, intruder alarms, and access controllers. You can incorporate the conveniences of smart lighting, smart curtains and blinds as well.

TYPES OF TV UNIT

-Full length TV unit with tall units for storage

-wall mounted TV unit, with storage drawers

-small entertainment unit

TYPES OF KITCHEN UNIT

-L shape

-U shape

-STRAIGHT unit

TYPES OF WARDROBE

-hinged wardrobe

-mirror wardrobe

-L shape wardrobe

-Sliding door wardrobe

-traditional wooden wardrobe

1. What is a False Ceiling?

a false ceiling refers to a mock roofing feature that aims at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of an architectural structure. Simply put, in other words, a false ceiling is a secondary ceiling that is constructed below the original ceiling and is held into place by metal or wooden frames- a true fifth wall. this feature has rapidly become an integral part of modern construction and finds incorporation in both residential as well as commercial buildings. Apart from being aesthetically appealing, a false ceiling aids in insulation, acoustics, soundproofing, lighting and casts an illusion of a lower ceiling height. False ceiling can further be referred to as a drop ceiling, suspended.

2. False Ceiling Material:

False ceilings being a popular modern architectural feature encourages numerous variations in terms of materials used for construction which in turn are easily available in the market. One must be made familiar with each variant before one makes a choice

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of False Ceilings:

Like any other construction feature, dropped ceilings too, come with their own advantages and disadvantages. It is only wise to be aware of them before one chooses to incorporate this feature.

Advantages of False ceilings:

Insulation: Adding an extra layer of the ceiling that hangs below the true ceiling traps a layer of air between the two surfaces, which in turn helps regulate the room temperature. The lowering of the ceiling aids air conditioner efficiency since space is considerably reduced.

Acoustics: Trapped air between the surfaces, or the plenum space, and materials used to construct the false ceiling, especially wood and fibre, helps in absorbing sound waves. Installation of false ceilings in living or gaming rooms improves acoustics, allowing a fuller experience.

Illusion: Buildings with elevated ceilings often throws the furniture to room proportions off balance. To restore the semblance, more often than not, a false ceiling is installed, which casts an illusion of a lower ceiling, therefore, making the furniture appear larger and proportionate to the room.

Wiring: A false ceiling, being a mock ceiling that hangs below the true ceiling, allows a large concealed area between the two surfaces which is effectively used for pipelines and wiring.

Ease of modification: The panels used to construct the ceiling are easily removable, allowing easy access to the plenum space. Repair work, plumbing, and electrical wiring can be easily conducted, installed, modified, or replaced.

Disadvantages of False ceilings:

• Reduced head-room: The illusion of a lower ceiling can often turn out to be a disadvantage, limiting the scope of installation in buildings with space crunches or limited headroom.
• Drawbacks with respect to Materials used: Each material used for construction, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, materials like mineral fibre show their age quickly, sagging, delicate, staining easily and permanently. While others like metal, gypsum or POP, are comparatively far more durable.
• Concerns of concealment: Wiring, piping, and the actual ceiling is concealed when a false ceiling is put in place. This helps enhance the aesthetics of the room, but makes the detection of defaults or damage difficult to gauge.
• False Ceiling Cost:

The cost of constructing a false ceiling depends on multiple factors. Here is a list of the ones of paramount importance, to ensure that you are well-armed when it comes to negotiating or reviewing the charges:

• The design: The cost of production is directly proportional to the complexity of the design. Complicated designs cost more since it is time-consuming, requires a lot of effort and precision.
• Availability: The cost is directly proportional to the availability of the required materials. Materials if easily available cut transportation, and logistic costs.
• Size: The cost is inversely proportional to the size or surface area of the ceiling to be covered. Larger the area, lower the price per square metre since the required materials can be bought in bulk at wholesale prices.
• Quality: The price of construction is directly proportional to the quality of materials used. Products of high quality have a higher return on investment (ROI) since the initial cost is higher but the materials are durable and save the cost of maintenance in the long run.
• Additional cost: Additional cost including variables like accent elements, surface finishes, fittings, lighting, gala cutting etc are added to the material and labour cost.

 5. False Ceiling Designs:

• Single-layered: As suggested by the name, this type of false ceiling comes in a single layer that is laid evenly beneath the actual ceiling. It is foolproof, and minimalistic in appeal. You can choose to leave it white or add colours, textures, or patterns to this type of false ceiling designs. Ideal for smaller spaces where decore is kept minimal, such ceiling designs help add an interesting element to the room aesthetics.
• Double layered: A double-layered false ceiling helps break the monotony in the roofing surface, therefore, adding an element of drama to the room aesthetics. This type of design is extremely versatile and can be incorporated almost anywhere. They further allow ample opportunity to experiment with colour, texture, patterns, and lighting.
• Plus-Minus: Heavily on the ornamental side, the plus-minus false ceiling design requires the assistance of experts. A viable design and space available needs to be taken into consideration before the installation of the false ceiling. As suggested by the name, this type of ceilings sports multi-dimensional elements, where a semblance of protruding and tucked-in features are maintained.
• Coffered: Coffers scream drama. They come in square or boxy panels that are subsequently fixed to the ceiling. With proper lighting, especially back-lit ceiling panels, this type of ceiling design can add an extremely attractive vibe to the room. They help in creating an illusion of higher head-space while adding a multi-dimensional aesthetic to the area concerned.

6. False Ceiling Lights:

• LED recessed lights: The most commonly used form of false ceiling light, the LED lights are both easily available and cost-effective. These lights can easily be aligned with the desired design.
• Cove Lights: Most often used to enhance architectural elements, the cove lights are ideal for casting an expensive and luxurious feel to any room aesthetics. They come in concealed crown mouldings, that aid in muting the harshness of light, allowing even distribution of light along the walls.
• Gimbal recessed lights: An attractive alternative to your mundane bulb, the Gimbal recessed lights are flexible and highly efficient. They are most often used as spotlights, or to highlight points of attraction in a room, however, if the intensity of light is regulated, they can serve as effective mood lights.
• Flush Mount lights: Custom curated for spaces with limited head-space, flush lights are excellent alternatives to hanging lights. They are cost-effective and can cover a large area seamlessly, making them the perfect pick for ambient lighting.
• Back-lit ceiling panels: The closest to natural lighting, back-lit ceiling panels are extremely versatile. They are easy to install, made to measure, and compact, making them extremely cost-effective and immensely attractive.

7. False Ceiling for Rooms:

• Bedroom False Ceiling: When looking for the ideal false ceiling design for your bedroom, or any other room in general, one needs to remember the exact purpose served by the room concerned. A bedroom is where you retire post a long day, and hence, the ideal ambience should have a calming effect. Warm lights, simple yet interesting false ceiling designs, are the best options. Sound absorbing materials like wood, gypsum, POP are advised, in order to maintain peace and calmness.
• Kitchen False Ceiling: Adequate lighting is key since cooking and serving involves dealing with a lot of hazardous elements including fire, sharp and fragile objects. A false ceiling installed in the kitchen should foremost be functional.
• Kids Bedroom Ceilings: Kids are perpetually curious, and installing an interesting false ceiling can keep them hooked, and spark their imaginations. Depending on what your kid’s interests are, a theme-based false ceiling can be installed. A false ceiling sporting Glow-inthe0dark elements are extremely effective and popular as well.
• Living Room False Ceiling: This is the room that is designed to awe your guests and leave a lasting impression. Unlike bedrooms, a living room is far less private, and hence, can accommodate lavish and ornamental false ceiling designs. You totally go all out with lights and fancy designs, if that is what you are looking for. Or keep it minimal and at par with the rest of the home interior, the choice always rests with you.
• Home office false Ceiling: We are talking business here- is the vibe that your home-office should ideally give out. However, that does not necessarily mean sombre. You can choose whatever design that suits you the best, improving your concentration and productivity. Proper lighting, here too, is key.
• Bathroom false ceiling: If you judge a person by their shoes, a home is judged by the bathroom. A well-lit bathroom is extremely appealing, the false ceiling design can both be elaborate or minimalist, however, the available space and head-space should be kept in mind.

False Ceiling maintenance and durability:

One of the primary reasons for its popularity is hassle-free maintenance. Dust accumulation and moisture is the main foe when it comes to false ceilings.

Regular dusting is key, and moisture control should be implemented since moisture ruins the surface finish and reduces the longevity of the false ceiling materials. 

When it comes to durability, one needs to consider the materials used to construct the false ceiling, since different materials have different compositions and hence, different longevity.

Given favourable conditions, a well-installed good quality false ceiling can last up to twenty years. However, maintenance is key.

9. False Ceiling Cleaning Tips:

Maintenance when it comes to false ceilings is rather easy. Gypsum board false ceiling, like any other plastered surface, requires no special maintenance. For any dust accumulation, it can be dusted with a regular broom or a smooth rug, similar to the rest of the house. The only thing that one needs to be conscious of is- water. Gypsum plasterboard and water do not get well. Water can damage the finish and durability of false ceilings in general, irrespective of the materials used. It is, therefore, wise to use a final coat of water-resistant paint. False ceilings with oil paint or lustre paint can be cleaned using a dam cloth.

Maintenance when it comes to false ceilings is rather easy. Gypsum board false ceiling, like any other plastered surface, requires no special maintenance. For any dust accumulation, it can be dusted with a regular broom or a smooth rug, similar to the rest of the house. 

What is the Pooja Room? 

The pooja room, also known as the prayer room is a sacred space in most Indian homes. It is a customised space dedicated to conducting spiritual activities in daily prayers, poojas, etc. to worship God. Several new-age constructions have started assigning a specific room to conduct spiritual activities as part of their layout. These rooms are called either pooja ghar or pooja room. Besides offering daily prayers, pooja rooms are also used for daily meditation practices due to space’s sacredness.

Pooja Room Vastu

Vastu plays a crucial role in the success of any placements and directions. Below are some key vastu tips for your pooja room:

• The location of the pooja room should ideally be in the Northeast direction followed by East and North.
• The idol should be placed away from the wall to ensure continuous airflow.
• Portraits of the dead and paintings depicting violence should be avoided from being put in the pooja room.
• Pooja room storage should face south-east to ensure that it doesn’t obstruct sunlight.
• Most of the pooja rooms should be painted in light colours to avoid unnecessary distraction.

Pooja Room in the Kitchen Space 

It is ideal to have a separate room or corner for conducting poojas; however, space can be dedicated to the kitchen if it is not available. If the pooja unit is being kept in the kitchen, pooja room Vastu recommends to keep it to the left or right side of the stove. Keeping it above the hob or the sink needs to be strictly avoided. 

Pooja Room in the Bedroom

n case of unavailability of space, a pooja unit can be a part of a bedroom, but it needs to be given a background which offers positive sacred vibes. It is ideal to go for soothing colours that blend well with the home décor such as yellow, orange, green, and blue. While sleeping in the bedroom, it needs to be ensured that the feet do not face the pooja unit. Pooja room Vastu recommends pooja room to be in the north-east or east directions.

It is essential to avoid keeping the pooja unit under the staircase or around the washroom. 

Based on the space available for conducting your prayers, below are the two designs that you can opt for:

• Small unit pooja room designs: Whether there is a room or a corner devoted for prayers, small units will go well either way. These are the ones that occupy the least space and are easy to maintain. In case of an apartment, it would be ideal to go for compact designs to fit well in the devoted small space.
• Wall-mounted units: It would be ideal to get it mounted on a wall in the living room or your bedroom if it is challenging to find a corner for prayers. This will help you save a lot of floor space and also fulfil the purpose. 

Pooja Room Interior 

More space, the better the options to get creative in your decoration. While opting for pooja room decor, it is important to ensure that the room’s sacredness is maintained. Making too jazzy of blingy will take away the feeling. However, you can go with some subtle backdrops to the pooja unit wall. A wall-sized background can add to the beauty and enhance the décor. There are wall backgrounds available in different sizes and combinations. You need to keep in mind the one that goes well with your home décor and the size of the space available. 

Below are some Quick Tips for your Pooja Room Décor

• Colour combinations: It is crucial to use vibrant colours but not colours that would hurt your eyes and take away your focus. It is best to go with light colours such as white, light yellow, light pink, cream etc. You can mix it along with a bit of pastel to give it an open, airy look and feel.
• Entrance options: The pooja room décor at the entrance need not look like your bedroom entrance and must go well with the home decor. Ensure that it has a different door for one to quickly gauge that it is a pooja room. Some related carvings can be put on the door, or the room can have a transparent door. Another option to be considered would be to get something written on the door to make it look different
• External decoration:  Decorating the few steps outside of the pooja room can be welcoming. You can get creative with the best rangoli designs, stickers, drawings, or put beautiful fresh flower torans on the door.
• Seating arrangements: The seating arrangement is one of the most important bits that need focus. Seating arrangements can be made on the floor with nice cosy carpets and colourful cushions of different sizes. The option of having some chairs or wooden stools around for elderly devotees can also be considered. 
• Brightness: A pooja room needs to be well lit. Different kinds of lights can be added to keep the space vibrant. Different kinds of décor lights can be used, or chandeliers can be installed with another overhead lighting. The room can be decorated with beautiful string lights as well. Brass lamps can be placed on either side of the pooja unit.
•  Magical Fragrance and Freshness: You can create freshness with flowers and plants: Fresh flowers and natural green plants are the best items to keep in a pooja room as they add to the auspiciousness of the space. However, if you are keeping a natural plant, make sure that it gets enough sunlight.
• Pooja Room Color Combinations:

   

• The prayer room needs to be painted in vibrant colours and neutral tones to create a more peaceful atmosphere. The colours you pick should enhance its serenity and create a calm environment. Some basic colours that you consider are:

• Yellow:  Yellow is considered a sacred colour due to its spiritual significance. It adds to the meditative tone in the pooja room, making it peaceful.
• 2. Orange: A muted orange tone signifies energy and is considered as sacred as yellow. The lighter shades of orange give a very airy and fresh feel.
• White: White stands for peace and purity and adds to its functionality of creating a spiritual space

Steps to follow for wall paint

If your home walls are looking dull and outdated, sometimes, all you need to do is pick a few brushes and paint the wall. For those who are taking help from the professionals, there's nothing that you will have to worry about; however, if you are thinking of painting the walls on your own, you need to be cautious. Lucky for you, we have just the right tips. Follow our step-by-step guide to paint your walls efficiently.

Step 1: Fresh walls

Before painting the walls, ensure the wall is clean and fresh. Remove grease spots, dirt, and dust with water. If need be, you may use a mild dishwashing detergent as well. Use a cellulose sponge and start rinsing the walls.

Step 2: Tape the door frames, trims, and windows

Since you don't want wall colour paint to ruin windows, trims, and doorframes, use a painter's blue tape on these areas. You can apply the blue tape a week ahead. Once done, remove the tape immediately. This way, you won't peel off any paint with it.

Step 3: Prime the walls even for repaint

It is a common misconception that walls don't need primer even if you are going for a repaint. A primer will allow homeowners to maximise the coverage of paint and sheen and will give a finish coat, which will appear to be more uniform.

Step 4: Use the w technique

Start by colouring the corner of a wall. Use a three-by-three-foot W pattern. Once you are done with it, fill the wall paint, but ensure not to lift the roller. Keep colouring the section until you are finished. Make sure to paint one wall at a time only.

Step 5: Paint the trim

After you are done colouring the walls, it's time to remove the painter's tape from trims, windows, and doors. Remove the tape immediately after you are finished colouring the walls. Pick the paint for these areas, and use a two-inch angled brush.

Wall paint types, cost, and finishes

1 High gloss

High gloss is easy to clean, and it is the most durable. High gloss paint is light-reflecting, ultra-shiny, and hard. This paint finish is best suitable for areas that sticky fingers touch, such as doors, trim, and cabinets. However, for the interior walls, high-gloss will be too much shine.

Practical application: Window trim, door, and kitchen.

Durability: Extremely high.

Price: Starts from Rs. 200 per litre 

2 Semi-gloss

The semi-gloss paint finish is best for those rooms where grease stains, drips, and moisture challenges walls. These will have a bit more gloss in comparison to satin. However, satin-gloss is not that reflective. The biggest advantage of these paint finishes is that they are resistant to moisture, which is why they become the perfect options for kitchen and bathroom walls.

Practical Application: Chari rails, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Durability: High.

Price: Starts from Rs. 175 per litre

3 Eggshell 

One can’t go wrong with eggshell paint finish. It’s between a flat on the sheen and satin. The name is eggless because it is a flat (no shine) finish; however, it will have a little lustre, just like a chicken’s egg. To cover a wall’s imperfection, eggshell paint is the perfect option.

Practical Application: Living rooms and dining rooms.

Durability: Medium

Price: Rs. 2899 per price (approx)

4 Satin

For those who want a yummy lustre, satin will be an ideal choice. Satin paints are perfect for high-traffic areas as they are easy to clean. However, the biggest drawback of satin paint is that it reveals application flaws, for example, brush strokes and roller. Even touch-ups can become a bit tricky.

Practical Application: Kid’s bedroom, hallways, foyers, and family room.

Durability: Very high

Price: Rs. 250 per litre (approx)

5 Matte

Matte finish is non-reflective. Matte or finish is a friend to the walls that have things to soak up or hide, rather than reflecting light. The matte finish will provide the most coverage and has the most pigments. Matte finishes are commonly used on the ceilings. However, retouch could be required as it attracts grime and dirt.

Practical Application: Adults’ bedrooms

Durability: Medium to low 

Price: Rs. 400 per litre (approx)

Interior colours

The right colour combination plays a significant role in transporting us to a happier mood. That’s why interior colours should be picked carefully. The colour combination that you will pick for each room of your house will be the direct reflection of you and everyone else’s personality.

1 Bedroom colours

• Indigo and white: To create a soothing effect, pick indigo and white. Indigo is warmer than blue and creates a soothing ambience. Rich indigo wall paints paired with white, create a cosy environment.
• Brown and cream: Another popular choice for bedrooms is brown and cream. This combination gives an urbane and elegant look.
• Off White and lavender: The off-white and lavender colour combination is good for those who want their bedrooms to look unique. This one is a rather colour combination, but off-white and the lavender colour combination gives away a comforting and calming aura.

2 Kitchen colours

• Pale grey: When it comes to choosing the most elegant wall colour for the kitchen, nothing can be better than pale grey. To break the monotony of grey, add paisley or geometric patterned back-splash,
•  Olive and light green: Paint the cabinets of a kitchen with olive green colours, and use pistachio or pale green for the walls.
• Deep plum: To create a royal feeling, deep plum will be the perfect colour choice for your kitchen.

3 False ceiling colours

• Lighter colours: To make a room look bigger, go with lighter colour false ceiling colours. You can pick the lighter shade of your wall colour to create the right combination.
• Darker colours: For a dramatic look, our advice would be darker colour false ceilings. Take a look at your wall colour, and pick 2 or 3 darker shades. This option is good for larger spaces.
• White false ceiling: White is always a favourite among homeowners when it comes to false ceiling colours. This is the safest and of course, the best colour for a false ceiling.

4 Bathroom Colours

• Soft grey: To keep things neutral in the bathroom, one can go ahead with a soft grey colour option for the bathroom walls. To create a more vibrant look, add some pops of colours in the accessories.
• Bright white: White is the ultimate colour choice for any bathroom, big or small! It is indeed a relatively simple concept, but white adds sophistication to any space.
• Light blue: Light blue makes you feel relaxed and calm, and once you are surrounded by the dreamy blue colour; you are bound to fall in love with it.
• Other options are charcoal, light green, creamy white, pistachio, and brown.

5 Kids bedroom Colours 

• Softer colours: Softer colours are best for babies because it creates the right environment for your baby to have a good night sleep.
• Orange: For toddlers, orange is the right wall colour.
• Yellow: Whether a boy or a girl, one colour that never goes out of fashion is yellow.

5 Home office Colours 

• Beige: Beige creates the right soothing effect. You can add small pops of white, black, and red too.
• White: If you are going for a neutral look, choose white. It gives a clean appearance.
• Blue: Blue is best for those who need fewer distractions. Blue enhances productivity, as well!
• Grey: Grey looks fantastic in a home office and is one of the most popular choices.

6 Study room Colours 

• Off-white: The study room should have a neutral and calming effect that will let you concentrate on your work properly. Pick off-white.
• Yellow: Create a conducive learning space by applying yellow colour paint on the walls.
• Brown: Brown helps you feel relaxed, and it reduces fatigue as well.

7 Living room

• Blue and white: Blue and white combination is not just a favourite for the bedrooms, but homeowners pick this combination for the living room as well. Blue has the calming effect white always goes well with blue.
• Grey, white and mauve: For those who want a sophisticated look for their living room that won’t make the guests feel out of the plates, mauve with grey and white undertone is the ideal choice.
• Yellow and grey: The yellow and grey colour combination is becoming a popular choice for Indian homes. These colour pallets create a playful yet classy effect.

• Green and red brick Accent wall: Amplify the energy of any room, try adding red brick colours to an accent wall perpendicular to a green wall.
• Navy, brown, and pink: Never feel scared of trying a bold accent wall colour. Pick a rich blue colour for an accent wall, and alongside have some softer as well like baby pink and brown.
• Blue and cream: An accent wall doesn’t mean adding one single solid pop of colour. You can opt for patterns as well to create some personality.

Cost of the paints

When it comes to wall paints, there are four leading brands ruling the Indian market today- Dulux, Berger Paints, Nerolac, and Asian Paints. Each one will offer luxury and premium paints, economy paints, and distemper. The price for each one of them will vary. The paints will generally come in 1, 4, 10, or 20-litre buckets. However, if you want to mix colours to get the desired shade, the cost will be extra. 

Note: 1 litre of paint will cost you more than 20 litres of paint. For example, if someone purchases 1 litre of premium paint, it will cost you around ₹280, whereas, when it comes to 20 litres of paint, it will cost you ₹4,550. 

Surface area

The surface area will be measured in square feet. Multiply the height and width of a wall, and you will get the surface area. Areas, such as windows, doors, and any areas of the wall that don’t require any paints, subtract them from the total surface area. 

Labour charges

Since you will need the help of professionals, you will have to pay the labourers as well. Ask a painter, and they will tell you that the painting process in India consists of cleaning and sanding of walls, one coat of primer along with 1-2 coats of putty work, then comes another coat of primer, and finally two to three coats of paints. Hence, the labour charges will include these services as well. However, if you want repainting to be done, putty work will not be involved, making labour costs much cheaper. 

Location

You might not be aware of this, but location plays a major role in deciding the overall cost of the paint job. Depending on the city you reside, the cost of the painting job will change. Do keep this mind because labour charges will vary in Mumbai, then that of Delhi. 

Furniture paint, types, maintenance

Apart from painting your walls, homeowners can give a fresh look to their furniture as well by painting furniture with beautiful and lovely colours. The only constraint that you will have is considering the right type of paint for the furniture. The paint for furniture details that we are going to share will have their own sets of advantages. By the end of reading it, you should have a good understanding of which type of paint will be best suitable for your furniture. 

Latex paint 

One of the most popular paints for furniture is latex since it is available in every colour. Depending on your need, you can pick a gallon or pint of latex paint. There are no to low volatile organic compounds and are highly recommended for furniture paint jobs. Latex paint will dry fast and will retain its soft finish for a long time. 

Under latex paint, you can with flat, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss paints. If affordability is your top priority, latex paints are definitely the right choices. 

Pros

• Available in a wide range of colours. 
• Easy to clean
• Available in different finishes. 

 Cons

• Not suitable for heavy use.
• Not all paints are washable.

Maintenance

Use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner and warm water to clean latex painted walls. Dip a sponge in the soapy solution, and wring it dry. Rub the wall gently. 

Chalky paint 

Chalky paints are ideal for reclaiming vintage furniture. Chalky paints are water-based and will come along with latex as its base. This one delivers a buildable and thicker texture. You will get chalky paints only from speciality retailers. Those who have never used chalky paints earlier, there can be a steep learning curve. It dries fast. 

Pros

• Fast drying time. 
• Gives a smooth finish.
• Adheres well to every surface. 

Cons

• Can be expensive. 
• Brushstrokes could be visible. 

Maintenance 

To clean chalk paint furniture, simply use a damp cloth, dip it into normal water, rub it gently all over the furniture. 

Milk paint 

Those looking for natural paint that has a thinner texture in comparison to chalky paint, milk paint will be an ideal option. This one is a non-toxic paint. Milk paints are considered to have eco-friendly ingredients and are becoming popular among homeowners. Milk paints are sold in powdered form. You will have to add water, and the amount of paint required accordingly. 

Pros

• Non-toxic. 
• Dries pretty fast. 
• One can use it almost on any surface. 

Cons

• Without sealer may chip or scratch. 
• Bonder might be required. 

Maintenance

Milk paint is vapour permeable. This means that moisture can pass through if left unsealed. Use a sealer to allow the milk paint to maintain its freshly painted look. 

Acrylic paint 

Another water-based paint, which is often used for furniture painting is acrylic paint. One can use acrylic paint on multiple surfaces. For smaller-scale projects, using acrylic paints make sense. Working with acrylic paint is easier too. 

Pros

• Easy to apply. 
• Gives a rich colour.
• Resists stains. 

Cons

• Long curing times. 
• Sold in small containers. 

Maintenance 

Use oil-based soaps to clean acrylic paint furniture. Grime will come off easily without affecting the paint. 

Oil Paint 

Oil-based paint is the final option to paint any furniture piece. It is quite durable, and since they last longer, the cost of oil-based paints will be more. If you are looking for a lesser VOC, oil-based paints might not be the right option. Also, oil paints take more time to dry. 

Pros

• Durable finish.
• Can be applied on most surfaces. 
• Self-levelling. 

Cons

• Contains a high level of VOC. 
• Longer drying time. 
• Expensive. 

Maintenance

 Just like acrylic paint, use oil-based soap and water to clean the dirty spots or the whole wall.

About Lights

Lighting is crucial to interior decoration since it can both make and mar your room aesthetics. Lighting types and intensity should be duly taken into consideration since it can contribute to irritation, tired eyes and lighting fatigue. While picking the right lighting for your home, one should remember that:

• Lighting always works in conjunction. The effectiveness of lighting depends on other interior design factors like colour palettes, room size and layout, headspace availability, fabric choices, and furniture selection. 

• The illusion is an integral part of all design. Space illusion in interior design is defined by reflected light, in simpler terms, lights used for interior decoration creates an illusion of vastness by reflecting on surfaces and further illuminating the concerned room and its elements. 

Types of Light: 

There are, as we already know, numerous types of lights that can be utilised in interior decoration. Each light comes in individual shapes, sizes, uses, prices, and brands. Before we indulge in a detailed discussion regarding the same, let's gloss over the basics first. 

Lights can broadly be divided into two broad categories- natural and artificial, based on their sources. Natural light, that is sunlight or moonlight, is subject to the movement of the earth and other celestial bodies, which is in all its entirety, out of our hands. The artificial, or man-manufactured lights are flexible in terms of design, intensity, colour, and most importantly can be regulated. 

Combustion light, like candles and fireplaces, is a product of an amalgamation of natural and artificial light sources, play a substantial role in home decor. The inclusion of all three types is important in order to attain a harmonic semblance of light in any room.

Lights utilised specifically for interior decoration can, however, be divide into five different types:

2.1 Ambient and general lighting

Ambient and general lighting are best partnered together and are used to brighten up any given space uniformly. Preferably used in the area where we perform our daily activities. Such lighting options are perfect for living areas where we spend time together. A better understanding of both the types is best explained by April Russell, who states rather brilliantly, “General lighting is just that – practical light for every day and night use. Ambience lighting will more times out of none be connected to a dimming system to control the light levels depending on the occasion. Ambience lighting is generally used for entertaining – it creates drama.”

2.2 Task lighting

Task lighting provides desired illuminance for the performance of certain tasks like study, office works, cooking, or baking activities by providing the desired illuminance. Proper task lighting helps us by maximizing visual aid by putting less pressure on eyes along with reduced magnification. The spotlight in your kitchen top or your wardrobe and the table led lamp on the study tables are the best examples of task lighting.

2.3 Accent lighting

Accent lighting is generally used to focus light on a particular area or object to highlight the things that you want to be noticed. It creates dramatic points by highlighting artwork, photo frames, entrance, plants, textured walls. Accent lighting can bring warmth and a cosy feeling if lighting gets done in the right manner.

2.4 Mood lighting

To beautify your favourite corner, mood lighting is used to make the space inviting. Mood lighting can boost your mood after a tiring day by relieving the stress and increasing motivations. Colour changing lights, led strips, fairy lights, etc., can be used to create the mood by circulating good voices through a beautiful pattern of lights.

3. Smart Lighting: The Internet of Things (AIoT) and WiFi/Bluetooth controlled lights

Smart lighting refers to a specific set of lighting technology that is specially designed to increase efficiency and conserve energy. It utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to autoregulate aspects like intensity and colour with respect to its immediate surroundings. 

When combined, AI and IoT result in the AIoT- the artificial intelligence of things. Metaphorically speaking, the internet of things can be referred to as the digital nervous system while artificial intelligence is the brain. Smart lighting is an example of AIoT, which in its advanced form can be regulated remotely via Bluetooth or WiFi. 

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Interior Lights:

Advantages

• It is functional since it allows visibility in darkness. 
• It can be ornamental, since adding lighting can give the concerned room layers and dimension. 
• It is a smaller substitute for the sun and can be regulated. 
• Proper lighting is a mood elevator and can help in destressing. 

Disadvantages:

• Every light source consumes energy, electricity or otherwise.
• Every light comes with a price, both in terms of energy consumed and the actual price of the light fitting.
• Badly done up lights can cause stress, irritation, and eye fatigue. 
• One must be careful about wiring and heat emissions, which can cause shocks and burns. 
• Maintenance is required for consistency and efficiency.

What are the basics of lighting interior designers follow?

Do's of Lighting

• Do keep in mind the functionality aspect of each room. Lighting needs to be chosen with respect to what the room is being used for and also the type of furniture since certain furniture pieces will require specific lighting.
• Do account for a light intensity regulator, or dimmer system, since it allows the light to be mood responsive. 
• Do maintain uniformity in terms of colour and intensity scroll all rooms. Harsh changes can result in irritation, stress, and eye fatigue. 
• Do install lights on shorter walls, since they draw away attention from longer walls, making the area concerned look symmetrical. 
• Do remember that a 60- or 70-watt bulb can be too bright for mood lighting. Sticking to a 40-watt bulb is ideal.
• Do incorporate diffusers to blur out harsh lights, in order to maintain a soothing appearance. 

Don't of Lighting

• Do not Stick to one central light source because it causes unflattering shadows – a layered scheme is essential.
• Do not limit yourself to a single source of light in any given space, since it causes awkward shadows. Layering is key since it adds depth and dimension to any room. 
• Do not ignore concealed wiring systems. An ugly display of bare wires can take away positive attention from the aesthetic appeal.