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Business News/ Mint-lounge / “Enjoy the new room at minimal expense!”
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“Enjoy the new room at minimal expense!”

Enjoy the new room at minimal expense!

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I decorated my home about three years ago. Now I want to inject a new look, but not totally redo it. What can I add to give it an update?

The easiest way to change the way your home looks is to redo the soft furnishings. New blinds, a new cover or some interesting cushions can change the entire persona of your room. You can go in for an entire textile change, from the curtains to the furniture covers, or simply change the fabric on some pillows and throws to alter the look slightly.

The other interesting makeover route is to bring in one element that can become the highlight of the room. If you find a piece of furniture you love, place it pat in the centre of the room, and you will feel the energy and aura change immediately.

Tuck the artifacts away and, instead, bring in large vases, faux floral arrangements and some interesting murals to refresh the feel of the interiors. You can also shuffle the art on the walls so your eye sees a new arrangement and feels refreshed. Or paint a corner in dark tones to complement the colours of the soft furnishings. Of course, the easiest route is to simply bring in a floral installation and enjoy the new room at minimal expense.

I’ve recently moved my parents into my home. They have a lot of classic Indian furniture that clashes with my more contemporary look. How can I integrate the pieces into my home, so they feel it is their home as well?

No matter how contemporary the look of your home, a piece of classic Indian furniture always adds an element of mystique to a room. A carved chaise lounge, a camphor chest or an Oriental table can liven up the row of straight-lined furniture that usually sets the tone of a contemporary home. I don’t prefer the minimal feel, but even if you love it, one classic piece of furniture will add to the richness of a room without adding too much distraction.

If you don’t like the dark wood finish that usually denotes classical Indian furniture, change the sheen by adding a pewter finish, or use a stark white deco paint instead of the boring walnut finish. Or simply change the hardware on the cabinets for an updated look.

Tables can get a new look with marble tops inlaid in geometric motifs. Try to source a mother-of-pearl inlay for your parents’ old table. Highlight a love settee with a very contemporary throw in leather or wool. Add an experimental studio pottery piece to highlight a cornice or a sideboard. There are a multitude of ways to integrate their furniture into your home without sacrificing your personal style.

(Raseel Gujral is an interior decorator and the founder of Casa Paradox, her home decor line. Email your feedback/questions to decordilemma@livemint.com)

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Published: 05 May 2007, 12:54 AM IST
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