Colourful India

AS Hindus prepare for the Festival of Light on Saturday, there are various easy and affordable ways to jazz up the home with colours inspired by India.

Celebrated by Hindus around the world, Deepavali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil. To prepare for the celebrations, it is tradition to ensure that your home is spick and span to welcome friends and family, through either minor renovations or with new furniture to add a fresh look. 

Take a quick journey across India and you will find ideas that are sure to bring light into your home.

Known for its forts and palaces, Rajasthan is the land ruled by Maharajas and is often seen as the backdrop for many big-budget Bollywood movies set in the Mogul era.

Draw inspiration from the ancient Mogul palaces and select warm neutral colours for the living or dining area, as rich earth tones will ensure that your guests feel calm and cosy.

The colour palette is also a great cost-saver as it can easily be matched with existing furniture, allowing you to add colourful accessories around the room that stand out against a light brown or tan wall. 

The ivory marble mausoleum of the Taj Mahal in Agra, completed in 1653, continues to attract as well as inspire visitors from around the world.

As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it sits on the banks of the Yamuna River and symbolises love. You can add a touch of romance to your home this Deepavali by incorporating off-white or blue tones.

These classic shades work perfectly for nooks and smaller spaces as they reflect up to twice as much light, making rooms look brighter and more spacious.

When it comes to picking patterns and colours for accessories such as photo frames and throw pillows, here’s your chance to explore and go wild.

Bold designs and strong hues allow you the freedom to go beyond your comfort zone.

On a day-to-day basis, women of all ages across India adorn themselves with jewellery, especially gold chains and necklaces, and even more so during cultural festivals and weddings.

While gold — AkzoNobel’s Colour of the Year 2016 — may seem like an intimidating colour for interior design, it can be easily integrated when used strategically. Monach Gold is the perfect hue for your feature wall as it breathes positive vibes, making your room cheerful and cosy.  

This article first appeared in the “live it!” segment of The Edge Financial Daily, on Oct 25, 2016. Subscribe to The Edge Financial Daily here.