Interiors

Vertical Gardening- A Green Oasis for Your Home

Do you crave the tranquillity of nature but lack the square footage for a sprawling garden? Well, fret no more! Vertical gardening has emerged as a revolutionary way to transform your living space into a lush green paradise. Dhanush Kumar writes about the Vertical, a space-saving marvel that allows you to cultivate a vibrant haven, breathing life into your walls and enhancing your overall well-being.

The Benefits of Vertical Gardens

Space Optimization: Living in an urban apartment? No Problem! Vertical gardens thrive in compact spaces, maximizing green potential without sacrificing precious floor area.
Air purification: Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins and pollutants and leaving a fresh atmosphere.
Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that surrounding yourself with greenery can significantly reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation.
Improved Acoustics: Living walls can dampen noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful ambiance in your home.

Planting the seeds of your Vertical Paradise

Choosing the perfect spot: Select a well-lit location with adequate indirect sunlight; south-facing walls are ideal for most indoor plants.
Selecting your Green companions: Opt for low-maintenance, shade-loving varieties like ferns, pothos, and air plants. Consider a mix of textures and colours to create a visually stunning display.
Picking the Right System: Various pre-made vertical garden systems are available, or you can craft your own using recycled materials. Ensure proper drainage and irrigation to keep your plants thriving.

How to Maintain Your Vertical Garden?

Regular Watering: The frequency will depend on your chosen plants and the climate. Aim for consistent, moderate watering and avoiding oversaturation.
Providing Nutrients: Feed your plants a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Trimming and Pruning: Regular trimming encourages growth and maintains a neat appearance.

Conclusion

Vertical gardens are more than just a trendy decor element; they are a testament to green living. Incorporating this innovative concept into your home will create a breath taking visual masterpiece and haven that promotes well-being and fosters a connection with nature.

March 30, 2024

Gardening

Embracing Organic Interior Trends in India: A Return to Nature at Home

In an age of hyperconnectivity and urban chaos, Indian homeowners are increasingly turning inward — quite literally — to create organic, nature-inspired interiors that soothe the senses and connect with tradition. Whether it’s the rustic charm of mud-plastered walls, the calming presence of indoor plants, or the earthy textures of jute and cane, the shift towards organic design in India is both aesthetic and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This movement isn’t just about trends — it’s about sustainability, well-being, and reconnecting with indigenous materials. What Are Organic Interiors? Organic interior design is about incorporating natural elements, textures, colours, and materials into your living space. It emphasises sustainability, biophilic design, and the use of locally-sourced, eco-friendly materials. In India, this translates beautifully through the use of: Why Organic Design Makes Sense in the Indian Context India’s rich heritage in vernacular architecture and handcrafted decor makes it a fertile ground for the organic trend. From the thatched roofs of Kerala to mud homes of Gujarat, Indian living has long embraced natural design, long before it became a global trend. Top Organic Interior Trends in India and How to Incorporate Them 1. Earthy Colour Palettes Use shades like terracotta, olive green, sand, ochre, and clay to evoke a grounded, warm feel. Tip: Use lime-washed walls or clay-based paints for an authentic and toxin-free finish. 2. Sustainable Furniture Choose reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, or handcrafted cane furniture. Tip: Brands like Baro Design (Mumbai) and Phool Patti (Lucknow) offer handcrafted, eco-conscious furniture made by Indian artisans. 3. Indoor Plants as Living Décor Biophilic design is central to organic interiors. Plants improve air quality and aesthetics. Tip: Try low-maintenance plants like snake plant, money plant, or areca palm. Place them in terracotta pots or brass planters for a traditional touch. 4. Handmade and Textured Fabrics

Interiors

The Rise of Earth Tones and Organic Textures in India: Where Nature Meets Design

Across Indian homes, wardrobes, and stores, there’s a noticeable shift away from synthetic gloss and mass production toward something deeper, calmer, and more rooted. Earth tones and organic textures have emerged as the leading design trend of the moment. But in India, this isn’t just a passing aesthetic, it’s a return to heritage. Whether it’s the handwoven texture of khadi, the terracotta of rural homes, or the ochre walls of Rajasthan’s palaces, India has always had a strong connection to natural materials and earthy palettes. Today’s movement is a modern reimagining of that age-old wisdom. Hashtag Magazine captures the trend. Why Are Earth Tones and Organic Textures Trending in India? Cultural familiarity: India’s architecture, crafts, and textiles have always drawn from nature — red earth, turmeric yellow, indigo, stone, jute, and clay. In Indian Interior Design Natural materials and earthy palettes are finding their way into urban homes, boutique resorts, and even co-working spaces. Indian Brands Leading the Way: Freedom Tree (Mumbai): Known for its bold yet earthy colour palettes, Freedom Tree combines handcrafted Indian sensibilities with contemporary design — think teak wood furniture, hand-printed textiles, and terracotta accents. In Indian Fashion India’s fashion scene is embracing natural fabrics and subdued colours — a counter to the once-dominant trend of bling and embellishment. Top Indian Brands Embracing Earthy Aesthetics: · Anavila: Known for her linen saris in muted tones, Anavila is synonymous with earthy elegance. Her palette includes pale greys, olive greens, and natural browns — woven with stories of craft revival.· Nicobar: This contemporary lifestyle brand offers earthy wardrobe basics, travel gear, and home décor with Indian soul. Their use of khadi, cotton, and bamboo blends modern cuts with a grounded colour scheme.· Okhai: Backed by Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, Okhai supports rural artisans and offers naturally

Interiors

Elevate Your Space: Top Living Room Design Ideas

The living room is the heart of any home in interior design—a space where aesthetics meet functionality and comfort coexist with style. As a leading design studio committed to redefining modern luxury, Suren D’souza, Principal Architect of Deksha Design Studio, is delighted to share cutting-edge living room design ideas that encapsulate our commitment to innovation, comfort, and visual allure. 1. Seamless Open Concept: Breaking down barriers between spaces is a hallmark of contemporary design. Consider an open-concept living room that seamlessly integrates with the dining area and kitchen. This design fosters an airy, expansive feel, promoting fluidity and enhancing the overall sense of space. 2. Nature-Inspired Interiors: The ongoing trend of bringing the outdoors inside continues to captivate. Embrace biophilic design by incorporating natural elements. Think organic textures, indoor plants, and large windows that invite ample natural light. This connects your living space to nature and creates a serene and calming atmosphere. 3. Multifunctional Furniture: In a world where adaptability is key, opt for multifunctional furniture. Invest in stylish pieces for multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with hidden storage or a sofa that transforms into a sleeper. This not only maximizes space but also adds an element of practical luxury to your living room. 4. Statement Lighting: Illuminate your living space with statement lighting fixtures. Pendant lights, chandeliers, or even uniquely designed floor lamps can be functional and aesthetic focal points. Lighting is a powerful tool that helps set and enhance the overall ambiance of your living room. 5. Artistic Wall Treatments: Move beyond traditional paint and explore artistic wall treatments. Textured wallpapers, accent walls with bold patterns, or even curated gallery walls can add visual interest and make a striking statement. Let your walls become a canvas for personal expression. 6. Tech-Integrated Comfort: Modern luxury embraces technology

Interiors

Enchanting Floral Trends for Modern Weddings

The world of wedding aesthetics is ever-evolving, and one aspect that continues to steal the spotlight is the use of floral arrangements. Beyond the traditional bouquets and centerpieces, contemporary weddings are witnessing a surge in innovative floral trends that add a touch of enchantment to the celebration. In this article, Nirav Thaleshwar, Founder and Director of Allegiant Events, shares the latest wedding floral trends, captivating couples and guests alike. 1. Floral Displays Everywhere: Flowers are no longer confined to tables and bouquets. The latest trend involves attaching flowers to ceilings, adorning walls, and creating grand entrances with elaborate floral arches. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the venue but also fills the air with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, setting a romantic ambiance. 2. Floral Frames for Photo Booths: Photo booths have become a staple at wedding receptions, and couples now opt for floral frames to add a whimsical touch to the pictures. Often made entirely of flowers, these frames serve as backdrops and structures for the photo booths, creating a picturesque setting for capturing memories. 3. Best of Both Worlds with Dry and Fresh Florals: An increasingly popular trend involves seamlessly combining dry and fresh flowers. Whether incorporated into seating arrangements or utilized as centerpieces, this fusion imparts a whimsical touch to wedding decorations. The interplay of textures and colors results in a visually striking, contemporary, and enduring ambiance. 4. Intimate Floral Canopies: With the rise of intimate weddings, couples opt for floral canopies to create cozy and ethereal seating arrangements. These canopies provide a sense of intimacy and a breathtaking focal point, transforming the ceremony into a magical experience. 5. Colour-Blocking or Mono-Floral Arrangements: A sophisticated approach to floral arrangements involves colour-blocking or using mono-floral designs. This trend focuses on constructing arrangements with a