Mumbai is a city of closed doors. Knock and they might be opened to you. And that’s when you see, behind that door is a house, rented, shared or owned. A dream that everyone yearns to fulfill. Home sweet home. ‘And it takes years to build a home’, my dad used to say. Why? Because you take time to adorn every wall with a memory and every corner with a smile. It takes years for the rooms to be filled with laughter and tears of good times and bad. This is where you will always be yourself, for there is no place like home.
My parents took great pride in making our humble home a welcome one. There was no extravagance but loads of thrifty solutions. We learnt to reuse almost everything after it got a new lease of life with a fresh coat of paint or new fabric. I learnt that a well-kept home surely painted a pretty picture. Colours, I realized had the power to transform anything, and EVERYTHING. They could brighten a nook, hide an architectural flaw and emphasize the focal point in a room.
And so it came to pass, when we picked our own little nest, a cosy little two BHK apartment. For a family of three it seemed perfect. This was just before the price per square feet went all the way to Jupiter and its moons. It was only recently when we renovated the place and we are very house proud, if I may add. We did not hire an interior designer. Right from the faucets to the tiles, electrical fittings to the furniture, everything was sourced by yours truly. Let me tell you how.
When I started out, I knew I wanted to create a space that reflected us. My husband is the calm, I am the storm and my daughter is the rainbow. In between this mayhem, our cat (now two) is our stress buster. So, no mundane pastels for us. Our house was going to be eclectic.
The living room always sees the maximum activity. It also is the cover of your book of life. I knew I wanted a showstopper there. Nothing in the market appealed to my crazy, creative side. That’s when I decided I wanted a mural, a handmade one at that. I designed a tree out of POP, accented it with tea lights and readymade flowers. It took me 15 days, but it was worth the masterpiece. Till date, my friends love coming over and taking a picture by the ‘Tree of Life’ as they call it. Every time they do, I sprout a shoot of happiness.
Since the mural occupied a whole wall, the rest of the room is easy on the eye. Asian Paints was the undisputed choice for colours. You simply choose a shade from its extensive shade card and get your computerized, eco friendly colour box ready for use. And so green adorns the hall walls, (Fresh Leaf #9309) , ably offset by White (Satin #L119). A sofa cum bed, which is a must have in every Mumbai home, occupies the other half of the room. A gap created by an out of place pillar has been used effectively for a CD cabinet. The pillar is home to the TV with a simple glass table for the add-ons. A false ceiling border with mood lighting, a delightful lamp and azure blue curtains add the perfect finishing touch.
My Merrie Pink kitchen (Shade #0418, yes, why restrict yourself?) begins with a long passage. So we used a portion for a cutlery cabinet. A trellis segregates the dining area from the kitchen. A dear friend painted a gazebo overlooking the sea, and we had our Vastu element of water in the North. I found a wall hanging made of capiz shells, added a fairy light and voila, we had a centerpiece.
The princess’s room makeover was special. She was growing and so we needed a room that would accommodate all those needs. We pulled down the bunk bed into a singular pull out with storage. Hot pink, grey and white were the colours chosen. The furniture was spray painted. The largest wall was done in Pink Silk #9413, along with all the niches in the room. Butterflies stick on and wall stickers, completed the tween look. A pink damask partition added the glamour. Picked a birdcage, spray painted it white, added the fairy lights and she had her own little chandelier. A grey carpet and pretty pink curtains added to the chic and urbane feel.
The master bedroom was a challenge since it did not get enough sunlight compared to the other rooms. So we went with Blue Twilight Sea #7439 and white satin with gold accents. A mirrored panel slide in wardrobe gave the illusion of space. The balcony was pulled in to add room. A bookcase was a must while an antique mirror graced the dressing table. Crystal curtains with LED lights made for the bed backdrop. Throw in the right set of cushions and we were done.
The house took about 2 months to become our home, but it was worth it. It wasn’t easy, but nothing that is worthwhile ever is. This home makeover taught me 5 things when you undertake a mammoth task such as this.
a) Budget
Be smart. Always work within specifics. Once you have set an upper limit, remember to keep a 20% buffer. Try multiple stores for a product. Compare notes and keep a diary. Look for wholesale deals or street bargains. You will be amazed at how random stuff can make a room come alive.
b) Space
Be aware about the restrictions you are working within. A bathtub is a luxury in most middle class Mumbai homes. Don’t try to fit in a style that won’t complement your home. Use wall space effectively. Remember, even an ordinary wall can be soothing to the eye in a heavy room. Work the spaces to your benefit.
c) Back-up plan
Be prepared. Things might not go all according to the plan. There will be delays. There might be unforeseen contingencies. Always have a plan B. If ‘mera wala blue’ does not fit in the scheme of things, what is the next option?
d) Labour
Be involved. They are providing a service. You don’t own them. Don’t expect them to put your dream house together with a set of instructions. A cup of tea, or two won’t hurt. Treat them well. The chances are they will repay it with their skill. Be polite, but firm in what you need. They will learn to follow instructions.
e) Rules
Be responsible. Know that breaking of beams is illegal and hazardous to life, yours and your neighbours. Grills around the house are for protection, but they require a BMC permission. More importantly, they need an opening in case of fire. Renovation in a home needs to be carried out during certain hours in the day, else it is a nuisance to others. Your home may be the your Taj , but you are not the Emperor.
Take your time. Work the logistics and the math. And when you are done, you will be house proud just like we are. Your home will be an extension of you, a symphony that speaks ……………..Kyunki har ghar kuch kehta hai.
Written for The Beautiful Home Blogger Contest in association with Asian Paints and Ripple Links.
Comments
Wow Vinita! You have a beautiful house. Hats off to your creativity. 🙂
Thanks so much, Priya. Yes, I think so too, that it is a beautiful one 🙂
A lovely looking home, Vini! Chai pe kab bula rahi ho?
I loved how lights play a role in each room…a dramatic role I mean. Its beautiful!
Arre, Kajal, anytime. Whenever you are in the vicinity, just drop by 🙂
Loved the tree mural sooo much…waiting to take a pic there 😀
And awesome play of colors Vinita. Totally loved the center piece hanging above your dining !! So beautifully done home !!
Thanks, Uma. You are welcome, anytime. Yes, I am very house proud, as I have mentioned a zillion times already 😀
How beautiful and innovative is that!
Such welcoming shades of warmth. Loved the bird cage and pink curtains.
Next time I am in Mumbai, I am coming home Vinita. 🙂
Alka, you better come home. Yes, the bird cage is my fav too! Thank you for noticing the little things 🙂
The best thing abut your home is that its totally innovative and creative.At the same time its a house that feels warm and welcoming.Such a delightful change from the “tastefully decorated” but soul -less homes that one visits !
Ah, thank you Ruch. What more could I ask for? If it radiates everything you just said, then I guess I am the Queen of my Castle, indeed. 🙂
So beautifully written Vini dear, I felt like I had gone on a Tour of your lovely Home already! Our home is our Haven. So true that the home is an extension of oneself, a symphony that speaks !! Such beautiful words, no one could describe it any better.
P.S: love reading all your blogs. Xx
Thanks Lydia. Glad you like this and the others. Much love.
Another feather on your cap. Take up interior designing. Thru your blog you will get many clients. Dont forget I did mention about it (you can come home any time when you decide to start 😉
Ah, Lolita, I remember. 🙂 I promise, you will be my first client, whenver I take that plunge. Mwah!
Such a lovely home. I just loved your Tree Of Life ! The tips you shared are really important and would surely be helpful to many. ATB for the contest 🙂
Thanks Maniparna. Yes, the tree of life is quite the show stopper at my place 🙂
Your home is as full of love and life as you are. The colours are reflective of you in so many ways. I might just ask you to make a tree for me on my wall the next time you are in Delhi. Yes, I will make the plane wait, by God I can. 😀
Done deal, Sakshi. Bolo kab?
Yup, I totally love my house. It is us in so many ways and my fav place in the whole world 🙂
What a beautiful home! I won’t call it a house cos it’s truly a home of your individuality, your love and your creativity. I am sure you will win the contest! And I love the trellis in your dining room, looks like a cozy shack in goa! 🙂
Thanks so much, Swapna. Yes, a home it truly is, ours. I don’t know about winning the contest, but yes, I was super house proud to showcase it here. The Trellis is another of my fave spots. I love the fact that I am in a gazebo somewhere overlooking the sea 🙂
So I am here again. Wanted to read the post Araam se. And there is no rule to say that you can’t comment twice, is there? This time I also noticed your cat posing on the sofa alongwith your rainbow. If you are house proud, you deserve to be.
Alka, you made my day, week and month. Two heartfelt comments on a post is the best appreciation one blogger can expect. <3
And oh yes, that poser is Tinkle. The other one, Cutlet has yet to be framed this elegantly.
Yes, house proud is my middle name 🙂
Lovely home, Vini! Completely reflects who you are. Do love your innovative touches around the house. And you have inspired me to talk about my home :).
Thanks so much, Rachna. I am glad my house is a reflection of me. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Can’t wait to see your reflection, now. Good luck!
Love your tree of life…I move homes every two years. ..being an army wife..I have a blank canvas each time…but every time I do up my new house. ..the passion is the same…
How exciting for you to be able to paint a new picture every two years, Shalinin. Being an Army Wife does have its perks. 🙂 Thank you for dropping by.
I am bowled over by that tree. It looks beautiful. And you love string lights 🙂 I have those in my living room for the boys and they totally love it! Plan to get one for their bedroom now.
Pratibha, I LOVE FAIRY LIGHTS! You so guessed that 😀 They instantly brighten any room or corner. And I am glad you like the Tree of Life, too.
Its so beautiful must say..I loved the tree for sure and yeah the bird cage and this and that Oh my I loved loved your home . Touchwood 🙂
Awwwww Sangeetha, thank you so much. Yes, the bird cage was inspired by Wake Up Sid 😀
Vinita your home looks stunning. I am floored by your creativity. That tree of life is just superb!! Fairy lights and vibrant colors….oh so beautiful 🙂
Thank you so much, Disha. I am glad that you liked is so much. It makes me so happy to read all the wonderful comments out here.
Whatta a beautiful house is this!!! I can see a clear winner in this post.
Humbly asking you to read mine:
http://paramaghosh.blogspot.in/2014/01/the-nest.html
Wonderfully written. All my best wishes for the contest.
Oh that is such a sweet thing to say Parama. I’m overwhelmed. I promise to reach your home, soon. Good luck to you too!
Indeed your house has turned very lively n cozy …. Remarkable skills !!!! And thank you so much for sharing those tips for renovating our homes … They are really useful …
Thanks for visiting Lopa. Glad you liked it.
beautiful space you have got.. ‘Mr. Right & Mrs. Always Right’ brought a big smile on my face. 😀
all the best 🙂
Thanks Rat. Yup, gotta love those cushions! 😀
I love anything & everything that is written well… yeah you got some good content going on there for sure.