The City of Joy

I am just back from Kolkata. Though I have grown up in Delhi and spent my married and work life in Mumbai, Kolkata city holds a special place in my heart where I have lots of relatives. We have been visiting Kolkata during holidays since our childhood. And all the mashi-meshos, jytheu-monima, kaka-kakus, mama-mamis and cousins have been pampering us during our brief stay. Probably that is another reason for us to feel so happy and carefree here.


The moment I land in Kolkata city, I somehow get absorbed in its vitality, creative juices and the laid-back character. In addition, the divine sweets, costing several times less than that in Mumbai, increase my craving for Sandesh, Rasogolla, Shar-bhaja, Kheer-kadam, chanar polau.... Oooohhh!!! And I return gaining several kilos!!


The rains had brought down the temperature by several notches and a trip down the Gariahat market really soared my spirits. We were also treated to a grand and delicious breakfast at the famous Flury's restaurant at Park Street. Though the prices were quite high, I loved their Heritage Chicken Patties and Chocolate Brownies!!


A visit to a dear uncle and aunty (Ashok-Moutushi Sur), who had lovingly prepared some delicious sandwiches and fish-chops, was another high point of our trip. Their house in central Kolkata has been done up with a lot of care and details and welcomes guests with open arms.


Due to cloudy weather and my limited 'photography skill', the picture quality is not very high. But I am sure you will get an idea. While uncle, a technical person, has combined his passion for machines with art through his collection of artefacts from all over the globe, aunty has given vent to her creative endeavours through textile designing and sells her stuff from home.


Have a look at their beautiful house:


An aesthetic setting in the living room. The cabinet-top displays an eclectic mix of modern and traditional. Do not miss the mini tree house-- very cute!!!

Uncle's prized collection

An inviting breakfast nook with framed embroideries.

A graceful painting and the asymmetrical coffee table complement the embroidered curtain and the simple decor of the room.

A Tanjore painting painstakingly done by aunty

A Beautiful lady with a lamp

A modest Ganesha collection at the entrance

Designer Duo

Hi! I am back from my holidays and am a bit excited!

          In this post I will feature the house of a designer couple Chaitali and Anando Banerjee and their little son Dhruv.  This Delhi house of my sister-in-law Chaitali,  a textile designer, and brother Anando, a game designer, reflects an understated elegance. The furniture have been deliberately kept minimal to allow a lot of open space. The elevated ceiling, open staircase and low seating add height to the room.

A cozy corner

Lord Ganesha bestowing blessings from atop a hand-painted cabinet with an antique look

Do not miss the beautiful red and gold hand embroidered curtain

The focal point of the room, of course, is the bling staircase!!

An ornate mirror reflects the other corner, adding depth to the room....

The blooming garden on the rooftop...

 

     

            

The charming duo is very popular among friends and this terrace garden often transforms into a party venue in the evenings!!

  

          

           Chaitali's workshop overlooks her colourful garden. The bright flowers in the outdoors inspire her creations on textiles. Her specialities are printing, hand-painting and embroidery on sarees, dresses, t-shirts, jackets, skirts and even furnishings. She mostly retails from home, but one can catch her at exhibitions at the embassies and other such venues.

Fiery red flowers painted on a black and gold sari

Prints and paintings on Tussar saris

An elegant kurti 

 

 

Applique, print,painting, embroidery... you have it all here

Hand-painted skirt

Hand-painted Jacket

A Chiffon Sari

A Hand-painted Scarf/Dupatta

           
You may contact Chaitali to buy any of these  designer stuffs at mobile no: 919818884959.



Chaitali and Anando's artistic sense and an eye for detail could be noticed throughout the house-- whether it is their embroidered curtain, or lamp shades,door knobs or hand-painted cabinets.... 

A floral door knob

A painted shade

A painted cabinet acts as Chaitali's dresser!!!

    

I thank Chaitali and Anando for allowing me to showcase their beautiful house. Do feel free to leave a comment. We all would appreciate it!

      By the way, my fortnight long holiday was quite rejuvenating as I spent time with my parents, my brother and his family-- I specially treasure my time with my nephew. I went on a shopping spree with Chaitali and also bonded with an old school mate and some relatives! So what else do I need? 

Ciao....

Creative Gouri's Abode

I am starting the year 2011 by showcasing Gouri Chatterjee's Kolkata house. 

         Like a true Gemini-an, Gouri is multi-faceted. Be it crochet, acrylic painting, ceramic art, Tanjore painting, glass painting, jewellery making, ... you name any art form and chances are that she dabbles in it.

          A great advocate of recycling things, you will find that many discarded items have been given a new form in her house. Gouri's smiling face and winning ways have earned her many friends. She has a positive attitude towards life and is spiritual in her own way.

Low seating, a durrie and a galloping horse on the floor

A serene look

A graceful figurine in an alcove welcomes the guests

A relaxed look

An attractive corner

Her house reflects her refined taste. And as expected, many artefacts in the house have been painstakingly made by her, adding a very personal touch to her nest of love.

Gouri's glass figures

A Chivas Regal bottle converted into an attractive lamp

While the simple but tastefully done up indoor exudes a lot of warmth, the terrace garden and the balcony are equally inviting with blooming flowers. Even the staircase, leading to the flat, has been decorated with a lot of care.

A pair of singers welcomes the guests

I thank Gouri for letting us peek into her house, where she resides with her husband Sandip, daughter Daisy and son Bir.She has skilfully mixed traditional with modern while doing up her decor.


Gouri is versatile, witty, gregarious and like any creative person, a little moody! Here are a sample of her creative fingers!

A Dahlia in Gouri's garden

A Tanjore painting done by Gouri, her art teacher and her children

A glass painting

A ceramic pot decorated with leaves

A crochet top made by Gouri

 

A freshly baked cake

Ever-smiling Gouri

Feel free to leave a comment. Both Gouri and I would love to hear from you!