Vanity Fair

They are known in different names-- vanity room, powder room or simple bathrooms. In many houses this is the most neglected space while some people, with their imagination and creative skills, create a serene and relaxing space where we spend some private moments with ourselves.

So here are some of the bathrooms that I adore and hope that you will also appreciate. Some are colourful, some muted, some small, some huge....

Vibrant Moroccan style

Green Accents

 

Asian Style

Small Space

Pale Pink

Sharp Lines

Oriental Touch

Storage Savvy

 Vanity Space in Taupe

Space Utilisation

Posters and Pictures Galore

Patterned Wallpaper

 

Chocolate and White

Traditional With a Twist

Photo Credits: Elle Decor, Apartment Therapy, Style at Home, Better Homes and Gardens

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

Shelf Display

While many houses have great display on their showcases, a lot of people do not use the decorating possibilities that the shelves offer. Many shelves look cluttered with books and papers just stuffed in them.But it is really easy to decorate the shelves to make them the focal point of any room, and thereby offering a visual delight. It is important to create a harmony and balance while decorating the shelves.

There are no fixed rules as to what you should keep on your selves. It could be a collection of books, candles, framed pictures and decorating items. Even the bedroom and children's room can get a facelift with an addition of shelves. Take inspiration from these pictures and fly.....

Many shelves look casual, many have a cultivated look, some look academic, some frivolous, some eclectic-- just like the owners!

Show off Collectibles

Mix different heights

Tribal Accents

Colour Blocks

 

Collection of hot wheels

Harmonius with books and hat boxes

Casual

Warm

 

Images courtesy:

Apartment Therapy, New England Homes, Lonny Mag, Espacioliving, Elle Decor, Home Improvement, Living Etc, Realsimple, Get Ocd, HGTv, House Beautiful, The Lennoxx.