Bolder, brighter look for spring homes

Everyone talks about Indian summers, but spring is really where the magic is. For a short time, one gets to enjoy the best of winter breeze and summer warmth before the balmy summer sets in. To celebrate the change in season and prepare for the hotter days ahead, this is the time to retouch your home and surroundings for a smooth transition.

Bold Details

With summer around the corner, it is time to clean your space and make it ready for next season without spending a bomb. The easiest way to decorate your home is with textiles, according to interior designer Sanjyt Syngh, who recommends neutrals with bold tones of pinks and reds for a beautiful Spring-Summer 2020 home.

“As cliche as it sounds, floral prints are always refreshing. A good way to break the norm would be to use floral rugs in happy spring colours. One can also combine bold shapes and colours via cushions and accessories to balance the space and pattern. We always underestimate the power of sheer curtains and linen curtains, but for summers they are visually light and let a lot of natural light filter through. This year is the year to be bold, and one can add loads of layers through different colours, textiles, and patterns to match the mood,” she shares

Natural Efficiency

While some experts wish to go bold, others suggest letting fresh air into your home and adding colourful accents. Adding bright elements in small sizes like cushions, throws, accessories, and artwork, or incorporating greenery and flowers, are the simplest way to add a touch of freshness to your decor without burning a hole in the pocket.

Architect Aparna Kaushik suggests: “Embrace linens and cotton for furnishings and get rid of heavy curtains of winter. Opt for sheer, billowy linen or cotton curtains to create an airy environment. Alternatively use appropriate curtains and blinds to keep the heat at bay. Remove the rich carpets and spread colourful, patterned dhuries and rugs. Throw in some bright cushions with peppy patterns and pretty florals. Add potted plants in all shapes and sizes, fill the vases with vivid spring flowers. Teal is a very soothing summer colour, ivory also works brilliantly combined with it or independently. Use them for furnishings or accessories. Ikats, graphic patterns make summers fun. You could also try small DIY projects where you can create giant paper flowers, or fun origami shapes, or paint glass bottles to decorate your home. Focus on including efficient and high tech windows that provide complete insulation from sun and help save on electricity.”

Metallic highlights

While metallic details in your décor can create a warming or cooling effect, experts suggest using silver-plated objects in daily life to beat the heat.

Interior expert Ravi Chawla, owner of Ravissant, advises: “Silver is a great metal to incorporate for summers as it has cooling properties and can also brighten up space by adding a subtle sheen. It can be paired with all kinds of dark and light colours in the backdrop and looks very elegant with jewel tones such as wine red, classic blue and emerald green. One can add candle stands, table wear, photo frames, jugs and vases in sliver to add a soothing effect to the room. Due to its reflective properties, silver can also be used in darker corners of the room as artifacts or sculptures to give a brightening effect without looking garish. Use interesting silver objects and pair them with regular summer fabrics to give a sophisticated finish for your living space.”