Akruti Developers has tied up with Peppermint Hotels to manage the overall operations of Afallon, their recently launched first of its kind project.
Peppermint Hotels is part of the Royal Orchid Group of Hotels. The agreement was recently signed in Bangalore between Peppermint Hotels and Akruti Developers. On completion of the Afallon project, the property would be called ‘Peppermint Hotel and Residence’ once the management is taken over.
Nikhil Jadhav, MD, Akruti Developers, said, “This agreement with Peppermint Hotels, the leaders in operations, should help us strengthen our brand and give the most to our buyers and guests staying in the property.” Echoing the same sentiment, Arjun Baljee said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Akruti Developers to develop and manage the “Peppermint Hotel and Residence” in Whitefield.
Located in the IT corridor of Bangalore, the project Afallon consists of studio apartments, which is a relatively new lifestyle concept. Studio apartments which have been widely accepted in various parts of the world, especially in the extended stay segment of the hospitality sector, are now making their mark in Bangalore. Ranging from 650 to 800sq ft and available in different ownership and tenancy models, the apartments at Afallon are fully furnished and come equipped with custom designed mintbox beds, wardrobes with inbuilt safes, LCD TVs, DVD, iPod Docks, as well as deluxe fittings like rainshowers, LED reading lights and the like.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Quietly elegant
GREAT HOMES Ahead of World Environment Day, Aruna Chandaraju zooms in on an eco-friendly home in Bangalore with walls made of hollow clay blocks, making it a few degrees cooler than it would have been if made with bricks. Earthen pots for water storage, skylights, terracotta tiles make the Nayaks’a fuss-free, green home.
It is a simple, fuss-free, and quietly elegant house dotted with antiques and built with as many eco-friendly features as the budget, size and location would allow. This home of chartered accountant Lalit Nayak and his wife Dr Loramala Nayak is divided into three levels of 900 sq ft each.
Terracotta tiles line the floor of this home designed by architect Edgar De Mello giving it an earthy, ethnic look. The furniture is mostly wooden since “we like its warm, cosy look”, say the Nayak couple. They are almost all in antique teakwood and thus in old-world style. A hundred-year-old rocking chair is placed near the door. It was sourced from Goa and is all in teakwood and a favourite of Loramala where she loves to sit and read.
Inspired by Nrityagram
Next to it is a muneem-desk, also in teakwood and an Australian boomerang––again, a wooden artifact––on the wall alongside. A raised platform acts as a low seating area or divan which is ideal for lounging around, reading magazines or for the children’s study time. These features were inspired by Nrityagram, the classical-dance centre on the outskirts of Bangalore, known for its ethnic Indian architecture and design, and to which the owner was a regular visitor.
The sofa is the sole modern furniture element in the drawing room and is a traditional Gujarati-style ie a Sankhede set in lacquer finish with gold motifs...A Chettinad horse painting adorns the wall on the other side––this one too is an antique and nearly two centuries old! A small woollen rug from France is draped on the floor below.
Like many ecofriendly houses in Bangalore, the walls of this home too are made of hollow clay blocks. These blocks act to trap air and thus have an insulating effect. Hence, a home like this remains a few degrees cooler than it would have been if made with bricks. The natural coolness also means saving on electricity bills.
In fact, we remember that while growing up, we rarely used the fan or even lights for that matter during daytime, say the daughter Maanika and son Mihir.
Two large skylights and an atrium-like feature as well as large windows ensure plenty of natural light and fresh air washing through the house. A mesh covers all windows, enabling them to remain open all day and take further advantage of the outside light and air, while keeping out insects. The outer walls don’t use plaster––another saving that walls made of hollow clay blocks ensure
Minimalist, clutter-free
A few small artefacts objects placed on low tables and a couple of wall-hangings are all that make up the décor objects of the living room.
We have consciously tried to keep our home minimalist and clutter-free, say the Nayak couple. The kitchen and dining room are simple and utilitarian and we noted the use of earthen pots for water-storage since the family prefers this over refrigerator-cooled drinking water.
The bedrooms have antique teakwood beds and the deep, sober colour of the wood is offset by the brightly hued bed-linen and furnishings.
There are several potted plants lining the outside walls and at the entrance to the staircase leading up to the house.
All of them use organic manure and there is a natural compost maker too.
The children love these elements and the terracotta tiles, etc., since they studied at a well-known school which encouraged environment-friendliness and love of nature and where pottery, was actually a subject included in the curriculum.
It is a simple, fuss-free, and quietly elegant house dotted with antiques and built with as many eco-friendly features as the budget, size and location would allow. This home of chartered accountant Lalit Nayak and his wife Dr Loramala Nayak is divided into three levels of 900 sq ft each.Terracotta tiles line the floor of this home designed by architect Edgar De Mello giving it an earthy, ethnic look. The furniture is mostly wooden since “we like its warm, cosy look”, say the Nayak couple. They are almost all in antique teakwood and thus in old-world style. A hundred-year-old rocking chair is placed near the door. It was sourced from Goa and is all in teakwood and a favourite of Loramala where she loves to sit and read.
Inspired by Nrityagram
Next to it is a muneem-desk, also in teakwood and an Australian boomerang––again, a wooden artifact––on the wall alongside. A raised platform acts as a low seating area or divan which is ideal for lounging around, reading magazines or for the children’s study time. These features were inspired by Nrityagram, the classical-dance centre on the outskirts of Bangalore, known for its ethnic Indian architecture and design, and to which the owner was a regular visitor.
The sofa is the sole modern furniture element in the drawing room and is a traditional Gujarati-style ie a Sankhede set in lacquer finish with gold motifs...A Chettinad horse painting adorns the wall on the other side––this one too is an antique and nearly two centuries old! A small woollen rug from France is draped on the floor below.
Like many ecofriendly houses in Bangalore, the walls of this home too are made of hollow clay blocks. These blocks act to trap air and thus have an insulating effect. Hence, a home like this remains a few degrees cooler than it would have been if made with bricks. The natural coolness also means saving on electricity bills.
In fact, we remember that while growing up, we rarely used the fan or even lights for that matter during daytime, say the daughter Maanika and son Mihir.
Two large skylights and an atrium-like feature as well as large windows ensure plenty of natural light and fresh air washing through the house. A mesh covers all windows, enabling them to remain open all day and take further advantage of the outside light and air, while keeping out insects. The outer walls don’t use plaster––another saving that walls made of hollow clay blocks ensure
Minimalist, clutter-free
A few small artefacts objects placed on low tables and a couple of wall-hangings are all that make up the décor objects of the living room.
We have consciously tried to keep our home minimalist and clutter-free, say the Nayak couple. The kitchen and dining room are simple and utilitarian and we noted the use of earthen pots for water-storage since the family prefers this over refrigerator-cooled drinking water.
The bedrooms have antique teakwood beds and the deep, sober colour of the wood is offset by the brightly hued bed-linen and furnishings.
There are several potted plants lining the outside walls and at the entrance to the staircase leading up to the house.
All of them use organic manure and there is a natural compost maker too.
The children love these elements and the terracotta tiles, etc., since they studied at a well-known school which encouraged environment-friendliness and love of nature and where pottery, was actually a subject included in the curriculum.
How about a pool at home?
Love swimming and aquarobics, but haven’t the time to travel to the pool? Relax. Now, you can swim at will, right at home! While the cost of home in-ground pools is intimidating, above-ground swimming pools are an economical alternative.
Portable and easy-to-install, these pools can be accompanied by waterfalls, hot tubs, seating benches or spillover spas.
Aesthetics and entertainment are obvious advantages. But, potential for mishaps, loss of precious yard-space, high cost and effort of regular maintenance and repair besides higher electricity and water bills are deterrents.
Economy or luxury?
Still coveting a home-pool? Then, it’s decision-making-time. Above-ground swimming pool designs range from simple to elaborate. So, choose from an economy or luxury model. Buttressed pools have diagonal bracing along the sides to counter the water’s pressure. Round pools are usually buttress-free and hence ideal for smaller yards. Oval pools can be either buttressed or buttress-free.
Choose from a variety of sizes and shapes. Simple geometric shapes complementing your landscaping (squares, rectangles, circles and ovals) are recommended. Select a free-form, rocky pool for a natural garden and a geometrically-shaped one for a controlled landscape.
Choose a stylish design that your budget permits – say, a beach-like entry space or ornate stairs leading into the water. Adding a straight or curved pool slide provides lots of fun. The space available and your taste determine the optimum elevation. Select a small and secure slide if you’ve little kids.
Above-ground pools are usually installed on a firm sand-bed after clearing and levelling the land. Building an attractive wood/wood-composite deck eases accessibility by raising the surrounding surface upto the pool’s level. Install at a spot that doesn’t have telephone, power lines or trees overhead. A power-source is required in its proximity to run the pump.
Two types of liners – overlap type and the more expensive beaded one – come in different thicknesses, styles and colours. Choose a suitable filter and filter-pump.
Sand filters are the most common. The cartridge filter is an economical, low-maintenance option. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are the finest sieves and the most expensive.
Pool-grade tiles minimise the cracking and staining that exposure to water and chemicals cause.
A textured tile is less slippery than a smooth one when wet. Coordinate the colour of the waterproof tile grout and cement with the tile-colour. Automatic swimming pool cleaners do away with long hours of manual vacuuming. There are models that can be plugged in or simply placed into the water.
Choose a pool cover that’s strong and sturdy with adequate overlap-length for firm anchoring to keep dirt, debris and animals out of your pool. Solar covers warm the water with energy derived from sunlight and help retain the heat once warmed.
Arrange for proper safety measures. Make sure an adult is present when children are near the water.
Remove toys from the pool area when swimming. Build a fence around the pool and secure with gate latches. Always keep lifesaving equipment within easy reach.
Maintenance
Pools need care. Twice a week, check and maintain pH and chlorine levels. Skim leaves,
insects and other debris from the pool surface.
Once a week, ‘shock’ the pool to destroy germs, banish organic contaminants and get rid of algae. Each month, get the water tested for these levels – alkalinity, calcium, hardness and stabiliser. Clean the filter every few months. The ideal water-level is between one-third and half the way up the opening of the swim pool skimmer.
Beautify the area around your pool. Energy-efficient LEDs are recommended for outdoor lighting. Avoid trees, plants that shed leaves, needles, fruits, flowers, seeds excessively, have thorns (roses, bougainvillea, cacti....) or invasive roots or attract bees. Select low-maintenance plants that can withstand your pool’s microclimate.
Portable and easy-to-install, these pools can be accompanied by waterfalls, hot tubs, seating benches or spillover spas.Aesthetics and entertainment are obvious advantages. But, potential for mishaps, loss of precious yard-space, high cost and effort of regular maintenance and repair besides higher electricity and water bills are deterrents.
Economy or luxury?
Still coveting a home-pool? Then, it’s decision-making-time. Above-ground swimming pool designs range from simple to elaborate. So, choose from an economy or luxury model. Buttressed pools have diagonal bracing along the sides to counter the water’s pressure. Round pools are usually buttress-free and hence ideal for smaller yards. Oval pools can be either buttressed or buttress-free.
Choose from a variety of sizes and shapes. Simple geometric shapes complementing your landscaping (squares, rectangles, circles and ovals) are recommended. Select a free-form, rocky pool for a natural garden and a geometrically-shaped one for a controlled landscape.
Choose a stylish design that your budget permits – say, a beach-like entry space or ornate stairs leading into the water. Adding a straight or curved pool slide provides lots of fun. The space available and your taste determine the optimum elevation. Select a small and secure slide if you’ve little kids.
Above-ground pools are usually installed on a firm sand-bed after clearing and levelling the land. Building an attractive wood/wood-composite deck eases accessibility by raising the surrounding surface upto the pool’s level. Install at a spot that doesn’t have telephone, power lines or trees overhead. A power-source is required in its proximity to run the pump.
Two types of liners – overlap type and the more expensive beaded one – come in different thicknesses, styles and colours. Choose a suitable filter and filter-pump.
Sand filters are the most common. The cartridge filter is an economical, low-maintenance option. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are the finest sieves and the most expensive.
Pool-grade tiles minimise the cracking and staining that exposure to water and chemicals cause.
A textured tile is less slippery than a smooth one when wet. Coordinate the colour of the waterproof tile grout and cement with the tile-colour. Automatic swimming pool cleaners do away with long hours of manual vacuuming. There are models that can be plugged in or simply placed into the water.
Choose a pool cover that’s strong and sturdy with adequate overlap-length for firm anchoring to keep dirt, debris and animals out of your pool. Solar covers warm the water with energy derived from sunlight and help retain the heat once warmed.
Arrange for proper safety measures. Make sure an adult is present when children are near the water.
Remove toys from the pool area when swimming. Build a fence around the pool and secure with gate latches. Always keep lifesaving equipment within easy reach.
Maintenance
Pools need care. Twice a week, check and maintain pH and chlorine levels. Skim leaves,
insects and other debris from the pool surface.
Once a week, ‘shock’ the pool to destroy germs, banish organic contaminants and get rid of algae. Each month, get the water tested for these levels – alkalinity, calcium, hardness and stabiliser. Clean the filter every few months. The ideal water-level is between one-third and half the way up the opening of the swim pool skimmer.
Beautify the area around your pool. Energy-efficient LEDs are recommended for outdoor lighting. Avoid trees, plants that shed leaves, needles, fruits, flowers, seeds excessively, have thorns (roses, bougainvillea, cacti....) or invasive roots or attract bees. Select low-maintenance plants that can withstand your pool’s microclimate.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A dose of positive energy
Has your home lost that feel-good factor? Do you feel nurtured when you are at home? Is it lacking vital energy that makes you feel alive and cared for? Maybe it’s time to add a dose of positive energy into your space.
In Fengshui, every physical object around us produces a corresponding effect, either good or bad. The smallest change in the arrangement of these objects can spell the difference between success and failure, between a bustling business and a doomed enterprise, between a happy marriage and one riddled with irritants, between long life and bad health.
Fengshui literally means wind and water. Wind represents the unseen in our lives and water represents the seen. A gentle breeze or a meandering stream symbolises the ideal flow of chi or energy in our environments.
Too little flow and air is stifling and water becomes stagnant. In other words, things are stuck. If chi is moving too fast, a hurricane or flood can result and everything goes rushing by us. In order to be balanced, and be along with the flow and become prosperous, the flow of chi in our surroundings should be in harmony.
The first step toward prosperity is to get the stuck chi (energy) within us and around us flowing again.
The main cause of being stuck is clutter. Clutter includes piling up things you no longer need, use, or love, anything in disrepair, unfinished projects; and dirty stuff. All of these things distract you at the subconscious level as it takes energy to manage all that stuff.
Clear that clutter, look carefully at items given to you by someone who didn’t want them anymore - they carry with them the energy of the previous owner and the circumstances under which the items were given to you (divorce, etc.). Take them away. By donating unwanted items to a worthy cause, you feel good and in the process are starting that flow of prosperity moving. As you clear the clutter, do so with the conscious intention that you are doing so to make room for the new in your life, to make room for desired prosperity.
One of the most important sectors of your home is the ‘prosperity sector’ which can be identified on the basis of your building orientation, main door and living room direction.
A very effective cure to enhance prosperity in Fengshui is the use of moving water. Water and fish are linked to prosperity in Fengshui and therefore, placing an aquarium in the prosperity corner would activate the good Fengshui of your home. The element associated with this sector is wood, so making this a good place for a healthy plant, especially one with rounded (avoid pointed) leaves would be quite good.
You could also use a painting of a prosperous looking scene, or something else that has meaning in your life. When you enhance this area with whatever you choose, do so with the conscious intention that you are doing so to bring more prosperity to your life.
If your house or office is missing out one or more corners, pay attention to those areas and correct them, lest they turn out to be your prosperity or relationship corner.
In Fengshui, every physical object around us produces a corresponding effect, either good or bad. The smallest change in the arrangement of these objects can spell the difference between success and failure, between a bustling business and a doomed enterprise, between a happy marriage and one riddled with irritants, between long life and bad health.
Fengshui literally means wind and water. Wind represents the unseen in our lives and water represents the seen. A gentle breeze or a meandering stream symbolises the ideal flow of chi or energy in our environments.
Too little flow and air is stifling and water becomes stagnant. In other words, things are stuck. If chi is moving too fast, a hurricane or flood can result and everything goes rushing by us. In order to be balanced, and be along with the flow and become prosperous, the flow of chi in our surroundings should be in harmony.
The first step toward prosperity is to get the stuck chi (energy) within us and around us flowing again.
The main cause of being stuck is clutter. Clutter includes piling up things you no longer need, use, or love, anything in disrepair, unfinished projects; and dirty stuff. All of these things distract you at the subconscious level as it takes energy to manage all that stuff.
Clear that clutter, look carefully at items given to you by someone who didn’t want them anymore - they carry with them the energy of the previous owner and the circumstances under which the items were given to you (divorce, etc.). Take them away. By donating unwanted items to a worthy cause, you feel good and in the process are starting that flow of prosperity moving. As you clear the clutter, do so with the conscious intention that you are doing so to make room for the new in your life, to make room for desired prosperity.
One of the most important sectors of your home is the ‘prosperity sector’ which can be identified on the basis of your building orientation, main door and living room direction.
A very effective cure to enhance prosperity in Fengshui is the use of moving water. Water and fish are linked to prosperity in Fengshui and therefore, placing an aquarium in the prosperity corner would activate the good Fengshui of your home. The element associated with this sector is wood, so making this a good place for a healthy plant, especially one with rounded (avoid pointed) leaves would be quite good.
You could also use a painting of a prosperous looking scene, or something else that has meaning in your life. When you enhance this area with whatever you choose, do so with the conscious intention that you are doing so to bring more prosperity to your life.
If your house or office is missing out one or more corners, pay attention to those areas and correct them, lest they turn out to be your prosperity or relationship corner.
Spaces to furnish
A slew of new furniture designs and pieces are now available in the market. With a plethora of homes being launched and bought, customers are becoming discerning as far as furniture choices are concerned.
Whether you are doing up your home for the first time or redoing it as part of a makeover, furniture plays the most important role in decorating a home.
A slew of new furniture designs and pieces are now available in the market. V3 Engineers is launching a new series of standalone wardrobes. The product range starts from a standard wardrobe, sliding wardrobes, corner wardrobes, wardrobe with safes and walk-in wardrobes.
The internals are seeing a lot of change as they are now being planned very sensitively and sensibly and is no more a typical shelf, drawer and hanging space.
Tangent-The Furniture Mall has recently launched its new range called the Neon Leather Recliner Sofa Set, available in a set of 3+1+1 out of which four are recliners.
“A quintessential factor in these leather sofas is not just its colour and look but also its European design and aesthetics,” says Chintan Doshi, Director, Tangent-The Furniture Mall.
Recently, @home has introduced unique products like the laptop pad, relax chairs, couple dining sets, loungers, camping chairs, balcony furniture, living partitions and coat hangers apart from new designs in bedroom, sofas and dining.
Chic spaces
Westwood has also recently launched the ‘Fierro’ collection in India. Designed by experts at their European design studios, Westwood’s Fierro collection is a mix of contemporary
solid fruitwood, German accents and accessories and European designing.
Natuzzi showcases Cambré, Etoile and Metaphora, three new contemporary style models.
Cambré and Metaphora are modular sofas showcased both in linear and angular versions. Cambré offers soft and welcoming shapes with a natural fabric covering in hemp colour and accompanied by stonewashed fabric cushions to provide a shabby chic effect. Metaphora is a more squared sofa with a leather frame that incorporates the seat cushions and is showcased with a periwinkle leather covering. Etoile, with a light design and perfect symmetry is made special thanks to its covering in ultra-thick Cassidy leather.
Old is gold
In fact the past seems to be the inspiration for the future.
Concurs Joe Ranji, Director, HIndian – Furniture & Interior Solutions, “traditional articles like a box chest, half moon table, nest of tables etc have been created to give a feel of the royal bygone era, and have been finished by hand paint in vibrant contemporary colours with a mix of miniature design art on it.”
The products they design are made in sheesham wood, which is not only most durable and heavy, but also one of the varieties of wood available exclusively in India.
They are then trimmed with brass, iron, copper, leather and marble to provide added richness to the solid wood. Adds Joji Xavier, Partner, A C Francis & Sons, Furniture and Interiors, “straight lines and sharp corners have been replaced with a touch of old world warmth. Modern design meets mid-century interior concepts to create spaces that give us the best of both worlds - old and new. One word that best describes this would be ‘Eclecticism’ - this is when an antique piece of furniture can be placed alongside your contemporary straight-line sofas, and not look out of place.”
Bosco D’Mello, Director, Turquoise Handicraft says, “classic wooden furniture design is still the most popular and versatile because it provides flexibility when a look has to be changed or decor in the house is being changed. Very stylised furniture, besides being expensive, does not allow for much flexibility because the rest of the decor has to complement the furniture if it’s making a strong statement.”
Eco-friendly choices
With a plethora of new homes being launched and bought, customers are becoming discerning as far as furniture choices are concerned. Says Shyam Daga, Managing Director, Archidply, “the latest trend is that most house owners are opting for low formaldehyde emission materials conforming to Euro I standards.
“This helps keep the indoor air quality healthy and reduces the pollution within the interiors. The trend of laminates with different textures embossed on them is catching up. Trendy and modern looking furniture with a finish like velvet, glass square, high gloss and veneer finish is in.”
The Bureau of Indian Standards has launched an Eco Mark for all environment friendly products and this is the present requirement of most of the corporate houses and individual house owners along with the BIS standard quality mark.
Guru Prasad, Director –V3 Engineers says, “these days we see a mix of various styles in old and new feel with touch of chic Indian style or eclectic way. We also see some influences of trendy European styles with less of visual clutter.”
Eclectic style
The eclectic style is the latest trend in home furniture. “The furniture today is built for comfort and joy, and one should go for specially designed sofas, chairs, entertainment furniture, coffee tables, centre tables as well as recliners and stuffed chairs that offer the maximum ease of seating. With shape, the latest is simple and understated styling.
“For material, wood and leather are some of the most commonly favoured upholstery because of their good looks, durability and longlasting designs,” says Armaan Siddiqui, Joint Managing Director, Westwood Lifestyle Pvt Ltd.
Leather has always been the most popular choice and is used in collaboration with other material. Animal prints are back in the market, and can be used with antique and contemporary furniture.
Colour palette
Nitin Bahl, Country Manager (India), Natuzzi adds, “metallics are hot this year and it shows – furniture takes on a new finish with metallics.
Bright sofas occupy centrestage in living room furniture – out of the picture are neutral sofas with bright throw pillows, in the picture are bright sofas with neutral throw pillows. Curvy couches in heavier styles are often used in black and white decorated living rooms. Look for a couch that you can still use when colour hits the walls again. Gray is the hot neutral to showcase the bright furniture – a twist on the hot metallics for the year.”
Adds Ketan Gandhalikar, GM - Buying & Merchandising (Furniture), @home, “the latest trend is seen in the usage of new shades of walnut (lighter tones) in wooden products. Also elements of metal and textured panels are added with walnut wood to accentuate the lighter tones. In sofas, usage of fabric upholstery with earthen shades like red, brown, olive is in vogue.”
The classic theme with a modern colour scheme with a mix of classic and contemporary is in.
IN, OUT...
- Most house owners are opting for low formaldehyde emission materials conforming to Euro I standards.
- Leather furniture is not new but comes in new colours, designs and look.
- Another new trend is the usage of new shades of walnut (lighter tones) in wooden products.
- The classic theme with a modern colour scheme in a mix of classic and contemporary styles is in.
- Bright sofas occupy centrestage in living room furniture.
- Out of the picture are bright sofas with bright throw pillows, in the picture are bright sofas with neutral throw pillows.
- Gray is the hot neutral to showcase bright furniture, a twist on the hot metallics for the year.
“Leather furniture is not new but come in new colours, designs and look. This furniture is more comfortable and designed universally. There is plenty of good leather furniture in colours and designs that was never seen before in leather,” says Ketan Sheth, Director, Goldmine Project Consultant Pvt. Ltd.
Along with being small, modern furniture also tends to have folding options for easy keeping. Earlier, rooms were adjusted according to furniture but now furniture is being made according to space available. And that’s saying a lot!
Whether you are doing up your home for the first time or redoing it as part of a makeover, furniture plays the most important role in decorating a home.A slew of new furniture designs and pieces are now available in the market. V3 Engineers is launching a new series of standalone wardrobes. The product range starts from a standard wardrobe, sliding wardrobes, corner wardrobes, wardrobe with safes and walk-in wardrobes.
The internals are seeing a lot of change as they are now being planned very sensitively and sensibly and is no more a typical shelf, drawer and hanging space.
Tangent-The Furniture Mall has recently launched its new range called the Neon Leather Recliner Sofa Set, available in a set of 3+1+1 out of which four are recliners.
“A quintessential factor in these leather sofas is not just its colour and look but also its European design and aesthetics,” says Chintan Doshi, Director, Tangent-The Furniture Mall.
Recently, @home has introduced unique products like the laptop pad, relax chairs, couple dining sets, loungers, camping chairs, balcony furniture, living partitions and coat hangers apart from new designs in bedroom, sofas and dining.
Chic spaces
Westwood has also recently launched the ‘Fierro’ collection in India. Designed by experts at their European design studios, Westwood’s Fierro collection is a mix of contemporary
solid fruitwood, German accents and accessories and European designing.
Natuzzi showcases Cambré, Etoile and Metaphora, three new contemporary style models.
Cambré and Metaphora are modular sofas showcased both in linear and angular versions. Cambré offers soft and welcoming shapes with a natural fabric covering in hemp colour and accompanied by stonewashed fabric cushions to provide a shabby chic effect. Metaphora is a more squared sofa with a leather frame that incorporates the seat cushions and is showcased with a periwinkle leather covering. Etoile, with a light design and perfect symmetry is made special thanks to its covering in ultra-thick Cassidy leather.
Old is gold
In fact the past seems to be the inspiration for the future.
Concurs Joe Ranji, Director, HIndian – Furniture & Interior Solutions, “traditional articles like a box chest, half moon table, nest of tables etc have been created to give a feel of the royal bygone era, and have been finished by hand paint in vibrant contemporary colours with a mix of miniature design art on it.”
The products they design are made in sheesham wood, which is not only most durable and heavy, but also one of the varieties of wood available exclusively in India.
They are then trimmed with brass, iron, copper, leather and marble to provide added richness to the solid wood. Adds Joji Xavier, Partner, A C Francis & Sons, Furniture and Interiors, “straight lines and sharp corners have been replaced with a touch of old world warmth. Modern design meets mid-century interior concepts to create spaces that give us the best of both worlds - old and new. One word that best describes this would be ‘Eclecticism’ - this is when an antique piece of furniture can be placed alongside your contemporary straight-line sofas, and not look out of place.”
Bosco D’Mello, Director, Turquoise Handicraft says, “classic wooden furniture design is still the most popular and versatile because it provides flexibility when a look has to be changed or decor in the house is being changed. Very stylised furniture, besides being expensive, does not allow for much flexibility because the rest of the decor has to complement the furniture if it’s making a strong statement.”
Eco-friendly choices
With a plethora of new homes being launched and bought, customers are becoming discerning as far as furniture choices are concerned. Says Shyam Daga, Managing Director, Archidply, “the latest trend is that most house owners are opting for low formaldehyde emission materials conforming to Euro I standards.
“This helps keep the indoor air quality healthy and reduces the pollution within the interiors. The trend of laminates with different textures embossed on them is catching up. Trendy and modern looking furniture with a finish like velvet, glass square, high gloss and veneer finish is in.”
The Bureau of Indian Standards has launched an Eco Mark for all environment friendly products and this is the present requirement of most of the corporate houses and individual house owners along with the BIS standard quality mark.
Guru Prasad, Director –V3 Engineers says, “these days we see a mix of various styles in old and new feel with touch of chic Indian style or eclectic way. We also see some influences of trendy European styles with less of visual clutter.”
Eclectic style
The eclectic style is the latest trend in home furniture. “The furniture today is built for comfort and joy, and one should go for specially designed sofas, chairs, entertainment furniture, coffee tables, centre tables as well as recliners and stuffed chairs that offer the maximum ease of seating. With shape, the latest is simple and understated styling.
“For material, wood and leather are some of the most commonly favoured upholstery because of their good looks, durability and longlasting designs,” says Armaan Siddiqui, Joint Managing Director, Westwood Lifestyle Pvt Ltd.
Leather has always been the most popular choice and is used in collaboration with other material. Animal prints are back in the market, and can be used with antique and contemporary furniture.
Colour palette
Nitin Bahl, Country Manager (India), Natuzzi adds, “metallics are hot this year and it shows – furniture takes on a new finish with metallics.
Bright sofas occupy centrestage in living room furniture – out of the picture are neutral sofas with bright throw pillows, in the picture are bright sofas with neutral throw pillows. Curvy couches in heavier styles are often used in black and white decorated living rooms. Look for a couch that you can still use when colour hits the walls again. Gray is the hot neutral to showcase the bright furniture – a twist on the hot metallics for the year.”
Adds Ketan Gandhalikar, GM - Buying & Merchandising (Furniture), @home, “the latest trend is seen in the usage of new shades of walnut (lighter tones) in wooden products. Also elements of metal and textured panels are added with walnut wood to accentuate the lighter tones. In sofas, usage of fabric upholstery with earthen shades like red, brown, olive is in vogue.”
The classic theme with a modern colour scheme with a mix of classic and contemporary is in.
IN, OUT...
- Most house owners are opting for low formaldehyde emission materials conforming to Euro I standards.
- Leather furniture is not new but comes in new colours, designs and look.
- Another new trend is the usage of new shades of walnut (lighter tones) in wooden products.
- The classic theme with a modern colour scheme in a mix of classic and contemporary styles is in.
- Bright sofas occupy centrestage in living room furniture.
- Out of the picture are bright sofas with bright throw pillows, in the picture are bright sofas with neutral throw pillows.
- Gray is the hot neutral to showcase bright furniture, a twist on the hot metallics for the year.
“Leather furniture is not new but come in new colours, designs and look. This furniture is more comfortable and designed universally. There is plenty of good leather furniture in colours and designs that was never seen before in leather,” says Ketan Sheth, Director, Goldmine Project Consultant Pvt. Ltd.
Along with being small, modern furniture also tends to have folding options for easy keeping. Earlier, rooms were adjusted according to furniture but now furniture is being made according to space available. And that’s saying a lot!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Fengshui - Career
If you are planning to start your own venture or look for a new opening in an establishment, Feng Shui strongly recommends the support of the earth element and in turn the earth energy.
Career and a secure job are very important and we take that journey every day of our lives. An unfulfilling job may even cause depression which could filter into other aspects of your life setting in a feel of negativity in your family relationship and affect your health too. The fear of pink slips. Appraisals and layoffs create insecurity, scare and make you feel emotionally down and weak.
Feng Shui could help you tide over the situation and support you as life is all about changes and transitions. With a clear intention and a vision, think about that dream job or the career you wish to pursue. Feng Shui is all about change which includes energy, emotions, situations and environment. As nature moves in cycle, things also change around us or else it becomes stagnant. Moving from one career or job to another is opening a new chapter in your life and for sure it takes time to accept such changes.
Feng Shui is all about the five elements in nature and is quite similar to the life cycle of a human being. Water, wood, fire, earth and metal which exist in nature also have a corresponding reference to season, shape, time of the day, colour and the kind of energy it exudes.
If you are planning to start your own venture or look for a new opening in an establishment, Feng Shui strongly recommends the support of the earth element and in turn the earth energy. Earth represents firmness, strength, stability and balance and enables you to tide over the situation when you are in between two careers or planning to restart. Act steadfastly but cautiously and this will make you emerge transformed and filled with passion and drive.
There’s a resting state between transitions hence, rest and seek a quiet centre within you, meditate facing the compass direction West which would inspire you to seek new avenues by letting go the past and the feeling of remorse and hurt due to your previous job. Let go of the feeling of being dumped which will allow you to see more clearly and work on your strengths and weakness.
Look around your place of dwelling, try to bring about small changes and add more earth features around you. It could be in the form of terracotta artifacts, murals or colours especially yellow, peach, beige, terracotta and even ceramic artifacts, crystals could help you strengthen the core energy. In addition, Pictures and paintings of earthen landscapes, stone sculptures would also help.
Wood represents growth and Feng Shui recommends adding wood energy to the right side of your home to bring in new opportunities. Healthy plants, striped fabric, torchs, lamps, and wooden ornaments will all help employers to recognise your true potential. Look around your main door thresholds, if your threshold is obstructed and cluttered in any way, in turn the threshold in your life would be obstructed and cluttered. Finally adding generous splashes of the color green to the right side of your home can also be helpful in finding a new job.
The implementation of the right and effective Feng Shui career guidance is crucial to open up and activate the career of an individual. Therefore go through the process of changes and transformation systematically and stay focused.
Career and a secure job are very important and we take that journey every day of our lives. An unfulfilling job may even cause depression which could filter into other aspects of your life setting in a feel of negativity in your family relationship and affect your health too. The fear of pink slips. Appraisals and layoffs create insecurity, scare and make you feel emotionally down and weak.Feng Shui could help you tide over the situation and support you as life is all about changes and transitions. With a clear intention and a vision, think about that dream job or the career you wish to pursue. Feng Shui is all about change which includes energy, emotions, situations and environment. As nature moves in cycle, things also change around us or else it becomes stagnant. Moving from one career or job to another is opening a new chapter in your life and for sure it takes time to accept such changes.
Feng Shui is all about the five elements in nature and is quite similar to the life cycle of a human being. Water, wood, fire, earth and metal which exist in nature also have a corresponding reference to season, shape, time of the day, colour and the kind of energy it exudes.
If you are planning to start your own venture or look for a new opening in an establishment, Feng Shui strongly recommends the support of the earth element and in turn the earth energy. Earth represents firmness, strength, stability and balance and enables you to tide over the situation when you are in between two careers or planning to restart. Act steadfastly but cautiously and this will make you emerge transformed and filled with passion and drive.
There’s a resting state between transitions hence, rest and seek a quiet centre within you, meditate facing the compass direction West which would inspire you to seek new avenues by letting go the past and the feeling of remorse and hurt due to your previous job. Let go of the feeling of being dumped which will allow you to see more clearly and work on your strengths and weakness.
Look around your place of dwelling, try to bring about small changes and add more earth features around you. It could be in the form of terracotta artifacts, murals or colours especially yellow, peach, beige, terracotta and even ceramic artifacts, crystals could help you strengthen the core energy. In addition, Pictures and paintings of earthen landscapes, stone sculptures would also help.
Wood represents growth and Feng Shui recommends adding wood energy to the right side of your home to bring in new opportunities. Healthy plants, striped fabric, torchs, lamps, and wooden ornaments will all help employers to recognise your true potential. Look around your main door thresholds, if your threshold is obstructed and cluttered in any way, in turn the threshold in your life would be obstructed and cluttered. Finally adding generous splashes of the color green to the right side of your home can also be helpful in finding a new job.
The implementation of the right and effective Feng Shui career guidance is crucial to open up and activate the career of an individual. Therefore go through the process of changes and transformation systematically and stay focused.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Homing in on loans
Are housing loans, repayment and loan transfer issues bothering you? Harsh Roongta answers some frequently asked questions on home loans.
I have been availing income tax benefit on both principle and interest up to Rs 1.3 lakh on a housing loan from the past four years. If I take a fresh loan from the same bank for repair and alteration, will the interest portion of the new loan be eligible for income tax benefit?
If the second loan is used for repair, renewal or reconstruction of the house property, the interest payable on such a loan is eligible for deduction under Section 24.
However, you will not get any deduction for repayment of this loan under Section 80C.
I have purchased a flat for investment purpose on loan and have been paying EMIs regularly. Can I sell the flat while the loan repayment is not over?
Yes, you can. But you will need the bank’s consent for the same. This consent letter will typically provide an amount and on its payment, the outstanding loan will be fully paid off. This amount includes the pre-payment charge (if any) chargeable by your bank and should list the documents held by them, which will be released on payment of the stated amount. This amount mentioned in the certificate is typically calculated as on a future date to lend time to the buyer to arrange for the payment. You will first need to make this payment to the bank before it releases the title deeds of the flat.
Can I take two loans at a time from two different banks?
You can get two loans if your income justifies both the loans but you cannot take two loans from different banks for the same property.
I want to partially pre-pay my home loan. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
If you have surplus funds, you can pre-pay a part of the home loan as it will reduce the monthly EMI burden.
Quite a few banks do not charge pre-payment penalty if the loan is prepaid partially. The definition of what constitutes partial pre-payment varies from bank to bank.
This will ensure savings in pre-payment penalty and at the same time help you to save on high interest costs on a substantial portion of the loan. However, before you decide to pre-pay a home loan, it is in your interest to first clear off all unsecured dues like credit card dues and personal loans.
Also, make sure that you have some money set aside to meet contingency expenses. Tax calculation can change the view on pre-payment.
Can I transfer my existing home loan from one bank to another?
Of course you can. You may have to pay a pre-payment charge to the existing lender and a processing fee to the new lender.
I have been availing income tax benefit on both principle and interest up to Rs 1.3 lakh on a housing loan from the past four years. If I take a fresh loan from the same bank for repair and alteration, will the interest portion of the new loan be eligible for income tax benefit?
If the second loan is used for repair, renewal or reconstruction of the house property, the interest payable on such a loan is eligible for deduction under Section 24.
However, you will not get any deduction for repayment of this loan under Section 80C.
I have purchased a flat for investment purpose on loan and have been paying EMIs regularly. Can I sell the flat while the loan repayment is not over?
Yes, you can. But you will need the bank’s consent for the same. This consent letter will typically provide an amount and on its payment, the outstanding loan will be fully paid off. This amount includes the pre-payment charge (if any) chargeable by your bank and should list the documents held by them, which will be released on payment of the stated amount. This amount mentioned in the certificate is typically calculated as on a future date to lend time to the buyer to arrange for the payment. You will first need to make this payment to the bank before it releases the title deeds of the flat.
Can I take two loans at a time from two different banks?
You can get two loans if your income justifies both the loans but you cannot take two loans from different banks for the same property.
I want to partially pre-pay my home loan. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
If you have surplus funds, you can pre-pay a part of the home loan as it will reduce the monthly EMI burden.
Quite a few banks do not charge pre-payment penalty if the loan is prepaid partially. The definition of what constitutes partial pre-payment varies from bank to bank.
This will ensure savings in pre-payment penalty and at the same time help you to save on high interest costs on a substantial portion of the loan. However, before you decide to pre-pay a home loan, it is in your interest to first clear off all unsecured dues like credit card dues and personal loans.
Also, make sure that you have some money set aside to meet contingency expenses. Tax calculation can change the view on pre-payment.
Can I transfer my existing home loan from one bank to another?
Of course you can. You may have to pay a pre-payment charge to the existing lender and a processing fee to the new lender.
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