the design source 04-05-2012

April - May 2012 The Design Source 101

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The Design Source April - May 2012102


VOL.XIII ISSUE 3

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

TASNEEMA RANALVI

EDTORIAL TEAM

AR. PARUL KUMTHA

AR. JOANNA GOMES

CHETHANA BANGERA

MASOOMA JHA

HEMANT A.

DESIGN TEAM

R. A. RAIKAR

SUJIT CHIKHALKAR

ARCHANA CHITRE

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

SHAJU JOSEPH

MERAJ KHAN

FALGUNI CHHEDA

Cover Photo:DGA Architects & Interior Designer

My daughter wrote in an essay for design school, “… in art there is no right and wrong, there is subjectivity not objectivity; it can be obscure yet beautiful. In fact, the very definition of beautiful can vary. Andy Warhol, the iconic American artist, used to say, “Art is what you can get away with”.

Anything that works is beautiful. There is and there can be no formula for right or wrong. Each designer creates as per his or her consciousness. Each individual consumer or client assesses it accordingly. We have gone way past the need zone, the functional paradigm. We now create designs in homes and home products for art, for funkiness, for uniqueness, for its luxury quotient and many more.

The more homes we see, the more similar they appear. Yet each has a defining element. Yet each is distinct and not uniform. It is the difference in form and content of each home that defines it. Just as each human being is different so is each design of the home.

In this issue we cascade from a Mega home to a relatively small apartment. We look at the Vaastu arraigned home and a home with black as its unique beauty quotient.

2012 Source Publishers Private Limited.All right reserved. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise, without he prior written permission of the publishers and copyright owners Compiled & published by Source Publishers Pvt Ltd. Printed and published by Tasneema Ranalvi: on behalf of the owners:Source Publishers Pvt Ltd Tara Mahal, Plot 756, 5th Road, Khar (W), Mumbai 400052. Editor: Tasneema Ranalvi Printed at Printek Graphix (I) Pvt. Ltd. Mobile: 9811504808 Source Publishers Pvt. Ltd. does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited material. The editors do their best to verify and give accurate information published, but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information.

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Apr-May 2012 Vol.13 Issue 3

the

contentsFine Shop

The perfect en-suite Bathroom

Mega Dream HouseA holiday home with an open plan with areas that

communicate with each other.

The House where Gandhi lived -The Satyagraha House

Art of Positive LivingThe designer uses her expertise in Vaastu to create

the requisite positive vibes for the clients.

Black BeautyThe design team set to blend the desire for the

unique with an element of functionality.

Green Designs for the Future

Product Showcase

Bringing in the Garden

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Sophisticated and sensational range of bathware products to suit every individual needs all in one place at theTurquoise. The idea behind this store is to change the dynamics of the bathware industry with its range of products. Modern designs and concepts, contemporary styles ranging from opulent to basic, creating a bathroom ambience that are a delight.

Turquoise houses a collection of basins made in ceramic, corian, wood, murrano glass, alumix, resin, etc. Showers and accessories, wcs fittings with futuristic appeal are on display. Brands like Plavisdesign, Palazzani, Visentin, Zucchetti, Neroceramica, Vitra, Esedra, Bongio, Gedy etc..

Turquoise seeks to cater to the high end customers as well as designers and architects.

TURQUOISE-THE BATH COUTURE2O5,B-Wing ,Prathamesh Towers,Above Hyundai Showroom, Raguvanshi Mills compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai-13. Tel- 24923332.

An ensemble of bathroom products merge under the banner of

Turquoise - the bath couture

fineshop


Marshalls brings in the array of eco-friendly wallpapers!

Navi Mumbai gets a new destination for Home décor!

Marshalls - India's No.1 Wallpaper, in continuation of its expansion plans has launched an enormous showroom with impeccable interiors in Navi Mumbai at A-73, MIDC, Kopar Khairane, Thane-Belapur Road.

The 3 storey Marshall’s showroom is a destination for complete home interior solutions. Elite Furnishings, an arm of Marshalls Wallpaper, offers best design solutions for any high end modern interiors. Upholstery Fabrics, Curtains, Window Blinds, Vinyl and Wooden Laminate Floorings, Rugs, Bath Accessories, Cushions, Quilts, Pillows & Bed Sheets are all available under one roof here.

Marshalls at Navi Mumbai, also brings in the finest collection of European and Italian furniture by Camel with Living in Style standing proudly on the 2nd floor of the iconic showroom. The new showroom is a destination for home makers and decorators alike!

Marshalls provides not just value for money but a wallpaper collection of the finest quality from the house of the Marshalls. Its courteous staff, warm ambience and ample of choices provide the ultimate shopping experience.

Marshalls' success is the result of four key values, that is, speed, discipline, goodness and ethics, instituted by Mr. Baldev Krishan Sharma who started the company with the

firm belief that Wallpaper was the product of the future.

product showcase

Marshalls - the pioneer in the wallpaper business in India, brings in the array of Eco-friendly wallpapers with zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) varieties. VOC’s are the chemicals we smell when wallpaper is applied. But there is more to eco-friendly wallpaper than just a reduction in VOC’s. The entire manufacturing process of these wallpapers has a minimal impact to the Earth as possible. Marshalls wallpaper is manufactured from PVF. It emits no aerosols like paints; and mandates no cutting of trees and the backing is non-woven. Thus, there is no paper in wallpaper.

Environment friendly wallpaper is ecological, easy to install compared traditional methods and adds a spectacular design element to complement every aspect of lifestyle. These new natural fiber wallpapers are anti microbial and mold resistant. Keeping current international trends in mind, Marshalls Wallpaper also assures quick and trouble-free renovation and is easy to install, washable, fire resistant, energy saving, recyclable, hygienic and apt for any residential, hospitality and corporate interiors. Marshalls offers customers commitment and value for money, products and services. So why wait, let’s preserve the earth for generations...let’s go green!

HO: – Marshalls House, Gandhi Nagar, Worli, Mumbai-400 018. website: www.marshallswallpaper.com


This year saw many revolutionary changes in the way we shop, with a growing trend to buy online. However, the European outdoor retailer Globetrotter Ausrüstung has created a shopper’s adventure land with unique real-life experiences.

The new Globetrotter Ausrüstung branch in Munich stands 32 levels tall and cost more than eight million Euros to redesign. This outdoor and adventure retailer offers both the experienced and amateur explorer a wide range of products and services. The new store was completed this year and Hamburg architect Prof. Holger Moths (who also designed other Globetrotter branches in Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt and Cologne) did an excellent job of converting the 65 000 square metre space.

This backpacker’s playground hosts a complete set of scenario simulations including rain chambers, canoe pools, climbing tunnels and also a cold chamber. You can brave the arctic temperatures in the high-altitude chamber, protected by Globetrotter’s gear.

The cold chamber is 125 square metres and is made of a natural acryllic stone product known as HI-MACS®. Made of 70% natural stone powder derived from bauxite, 25% high quality acrylic resin and 5% natural pigments, the material is versatile, non-porous and highly suitable for demanding design and architectural needs.

If you prefer to stay away from the icy cold, you can test the water activity area, complete with a counter-flow system. To

stay high and dry, you can opt to rather explore the climbing tunnel with its boulder surface. Or you can go all out; Globetrotter must have a lot of faith in its products, as you can even enter a rain chamber fitted with an unforgiving wind machine.

Once you’re outfitted with gear and equipment, you can visit an in store travel agency or get the travel doctor to sort out your immunisations on the spot. If you seem hesitant to take part in the real-life experience, you’ll surely stop to admire the thoughtful design behind the space. Besides, the 25 design works by the Dachau artist Till Julian Huss, that are on display will perhaps inspire you to become an avid adventurer.

More information: http://www.globetrotter.de/

All-in-one adventure

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) held annually in New York City is the definitive expression of current predominant trends in the international design industry.

The show is held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre on 11th Avenue, Manhattan. Likened to the Victorian Crystal Palace, the expansive glass building holds treasures from around the globe, featuring the work of 500 designers from over 25 countries in the confines of its 13 500 square metre space.

The trade show takes place from the 19th to the 22nd of May. Out of these four days, only the final one offers the public an opportunity to view the fruit of global design’s labour.

Although South Africa is absent from the league of exhibitors at the fair, this is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in contemporary design. For more information go to www.icff.com

international news


The perfect en-suite bathroom

When looking at adding an en Suite bathroom to your home, carefully think about what you desire both in terms of functionality and comfort. It can be a place where one can unwind and relax.

An en-suite bathroom is styled keeping the attached bedroom decor in mind. Wallpaper might be considered and the bedroom carpet can be extended into the bathroom (with mats to safeguard potentially wet areas). Pictures might be hung and more objects of furniture incorporated.

bathrooms


Wood is a main feature in this simple en-suite bathroom. The tall cupboard, sink unit, wooden Venetian blinds and framed pictures

complement the wooden flooring, while the white painted walls make the room feel fresh and clean.

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Drapes around the bath might also be considered. In that case make sure there is additional vetillation. For internal bathrooms (without a window) it is mandatory they be vented and better still if operated automatically with the light switch.

If the bathroom and bedroom are to work successfully together, their schemes have to blend at the same time maintaining their own individual functions.

One way of achieving this is by reversing the bedroom plot in the bathroom - that is, the bedroom accent tint can be the main colour in the bathroom, and the major bedroom tint can be an accent in the bathroom.

As more and more husbands and wives both work, ‘collisions’ in the bathroom become increasingly common. To prevent this it is a good idea, where space is a not a En-suite bathrooms from Milagro

bathrooms


constraint, for facilities to be doubled up. A double sink arrangement, a bath and a shower and two WCs will all help to make preparations for the day or for sleep a speedier and more convenient. For luxury, include a dressing room in your suite, it will allow for one partner to dress without waking the other.

Limestone flooring complements the

timber beams in this bathroom, part of a

converted 17th century former grain store.

Contemporary fittings lend a relaxed modern

feel to the simple space whilst white walls

make the most of the natural light.

Matching wall and floor tiles create a touch of hotel-chic in this en-suite shower room. Plants and accessories are stored on built-in shelves. A glass shower door gives the illusion of more space.

bathrooms


Since most ensuite bathrooms have limited users, individual prefernces can be incorporated like a music sysytem or a television. The bathroom is your sancturay always keep it smelling good. keep your favourite soaps and perfumes around. Create a spa like feel by add flower petals and candles. Plants that grow well in moisture and humidity can help bring in nature.

Neutrals, from plain wood floors and metallic accent together really shine.

Cut with lots of bright white, the appearance is cheerful and romantic.

bathrooms


When space is at a premium, the en-suite bathroom is often where compromises are made, turning what should

be a luxurious space into a cramped, functional room. Avoid falling into this trap by following these tips:

No boundariesConsider doing away with doors and dividing walls between bathrooms and bedrooms. Integrated spaces create a more generous, spacious effect.

Good definitionMake sure that spaces are well defined with strategically placed room dividers and/or different floor finishes: for instance, carpet for the bedrooms and Quartz Carpet for the bathrooms.

The right fittingsA choice of beautiful fittings means these functional items add to the aesthetic of the rooms.

En-suite bathrooms from Milagro

bathrooms


Open showersConsider designing bathrooms as wetrooms. This means showers don’t have to be enclosed separately, which would require additional space.

Use the viewBy integrating bedrooms with bathrooms, views (if there are any) are maximised for both spaces.

Use mirrorsAn entire bathroom wall can be covered with mirror, this will visually double the space and make it feel open.

En-suite bathrooms from Milagro

bathroomsEn-suite bathroom with marble and mosaic walls and floors. Purpose-made curved-fronted unit below sink.


This is a three bedroom weekend house for leisure activities. The client had acquired this plot of land for some project. For some reason this never took off and the project got mired in some land clearance issues. Finally when the legalities got cleared they had a new brief. This time they wanted to build a residence for permanent living.

Situated at the outskirts of Baroda, this 65,000 s.ft. land is surrounded with a lot of greenery. The brief was to create an open plan which could communicate well with all areas.

After some major brainstorming of ideas for the house, the one finalised was most interactive. A structure which consisted of only the ground level was created, Later on the requirement of the client increased and they wanted to go for a five-bedroom place, therefore one room was added on the first floor.

Dynamic view of the front elevation of the house where a series of floating steps over a beautiful water body form the entry walk way. It is flanked by a straight line wooden canopy which gives warm welcome to the house.

Mega Dream House

Ar. Dipen Gada

designing


designing


Dynamic night view of the front elevation of the house where a series of floating steps over a beautiful water

body form the entry walk way. It is flanked by straight line wooden canopy which gives warm welcome to the house.

An antique traditional Indian wooden chest with three statues

awaits one at the entry foyer renders a warm welcome. The

tree motif on rough wall creates a wonderful backdrop of this area.

designing


Wooden pool deck with bar area and poolside lounge chairs forms a perfect space to rejuvinate.

The architecture mainly translates the house into three different blocks. One being a white block, which serves as an entrance into the house. Second being the wooden block clad with sesame wood pattis and the third is the double-heighted skewed block. Together these three create an interesting skewed façade with straight lines.

The ideology is mainly based on a minimalistic approach where less is more. The layout is also quite organized and at the same time interactive. The layout is such that each area is well connected with outdoors and there is perfect communication between public and private areas of the house. The bridge between public and

private areas is the dining room which is very well connected with living room, home theatre, kitchen one side and all bedrooms the other side. It also flows into the outdoor areas consisting of swimming pool and Zen garden.

The huge and shallow water body creates a nice mirroring effect of the front façade and also doubles up as a soft water feature. The beautiful walk way of the house, which floats on this water body, leads one to the entry foyer where an antique wooden chest with three welcoming statues awaits one.

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The wooden pool deck with teakwood sealing forms a perfect bar space to spruce up.


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The tree motif on rough wall creates a wonderful backdrop of this area. The skylight enhances this rough wall with natural daylight during daytime. The foyer is placed such that it connects to the living as well as the home theatre.

As one enters into the living room, one can sense the huge scale of this 16 ft high room. One corner of the living room has a full length glass façade overlooking the water body and garden in front. On another side it is connected to the swimming pool and open deck. There is a slit window on one of the walls with flower motif cutout which creates a beautiful syography in the main hall during day time. The living then leads to the dining area and kitchen.

The formal dining space with huge opening connects to the wooden back deck which further blends with landscape of the surrounding.

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The home theatre on the other side of the foyer is designed such that guests can directly enter into this room without creating any disturbance to the regular activities of the house. It is also connected to the dining room. Special attention has been given to this 18’x25’ room as far as the acoustics and comfort are concerned.

Powder toilet is well placed between the home-theatre and dining and also has connectivity with all public areas. It has a cutout in the slab which provides natural sunlight.

Kitchen, which is on the other end of the dining, is connected with the internal functional areas and external utility areas. One of the walls here has a hanging working platform placed in a tall window. This wall falls in the Zen garden and provides for a nice view. The kitchen is well equipped with all modern amenities and functionalities.

The main hub of the house is the dining where all the public and private areas converge. The twelve seater dining table here has an antique finish with a similar looking divider and

The 16’high living room with huge openings connects to the entry water body and landscaped garden on one side and pool on the other. Italian marble flooring, teak wood centre table and the color palette render a very subtle, elegant and warm feel to the space.

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Staircase is a combination of exposed R.C.C, wooden treads and glass railing, forms the central area of the house .A 19’ long metal and cloth lamp which acts more as a sculpture is tailor made to enhance the beauty of this space. A circular skylight floods the space with ample natural light.

The beauty of the central space of the house is enhanced by a custom made lamp designed by us. The 19’ long metal and cloth lamp is more of a sculpture it depicts the journey of humans towards a specific goal.

A 19’ long metal and cloth lamp which acts more as a sculpture is tailor made to enhance the beauty of the central space of the house. Traditional Indian seating and artifacts with a vibrant colour palette adds life to the area. Circular skylight floods the space with ample natural light.

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The beautiful walk way of the house, which floats on a water body, leads one to the entry foyer where an antique traditional Indian wooden chest with three welcoming statues awaits

one. The tree motif on rough wall creates a wonderful backdrop of this area.

Tailor made wooden and stainless steel sitting add flavour to the wooden deck that serves as an extension of the dining area and visual relief to the surrounding bedrooms.

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crockery unit. Two large openings on both sides of the dining connect it to the swimming pool on one side and Zen garden on the other. This area further flows into the central foyer of the house which is connected to the four bedrooms on ground floor and a staircase which leads to another bedroom on first floor.

A beautiful puja room is very well placed in this central foyer. A custom designed art lamp with the theme ‘Journey’ is hung from the double height in the center of the staircase.

Zen garden creates an extremely tranquil and serene ambience as it subtly merges with the surrounding landscape. Minimal sitting and landscape increase the austerity of the space.

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Master bedroom with wooden laminated flooring is done in a subtle color palette.

The bed is free standing with moulded bed legs and wooden patta bed back .Collage and painting that adorns the

wall and the diffused lighting completes the ambience of the room.

The guest room with wooden laminated flooring is done in monochromatic tones. The bed back is tiled with laser cut motif

and is divided longitudinally by wooden patta.

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This lamp is designed and conceptualized by Mr. Dipen Gada and executed by Mr. Manish Maheshwari. This is one of the unique features of the house. An interesting painting and a colourful sit-out also form a part of this central foyer. Sunlight coming through a slab cutout washes the foyer with ample amount of natural daylight.

All bedrooms are well ventilated as well as connected to the outdoor greens. Dark toned wooden flooring has been used for these areas; also they are quite airy. The large master bedroom has a custom made wooden bed. A family collage on one wall adds to the warmth of the room. This room is internally connected to a spacious

Master bathroom has traditional Indian jharokha style niches with putty finish for candles. German metal mirror frame with dented effect adds grace to the bathroom. The dado is done in plush Silver Travetine marble and the open to sky bath tub area is

embedded in wooden counter with pebbled flooring makes the bathroom an exclusive space.

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Kitchen is subtle with Italian marble flooring and a long cutting counter that overlooks the wooden back deck. It has Corian counter top and PU finish storage shutters.

study room which leads to the outdoor garden and gazebo. The master’s bathroom is a huge 15’x18’ space with a skylight above the bath tub. The main feature of this area is the four niches in a wall which exemplify the theme and are beautified by candles done by CEREEI CANDLES. The dented silver mirror

frame highlights the wall with basin. All bathrooms are quite roomy, have a neat arrangement and are done in Italian marble.

Accessories for this project were sourced from Ahmedabad and Bombay. Some of them were custom made for the

project, such as the wooden artifact with glass flowers in the living room.

The final creation has been described by the design team as “A manor that is an illustration of fusion between modern composition architecture wise and a semi-classical approach in the interior spaces with minimalism.”

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DGAArchitects and Interior Designers3, White House, 44-Vishwas Colony Alkapuri,Vadodara -390007, Gujarat India.Tel: + 91 265 2311136 [email protected]

Project Fact file• Built up Area: 8240 sq.ft.• Duration: 24 months• Principal designer: Dipen Gada• Design Team: Rinkesh Panchal, Shruti Patel, Shalini Pereira, Dolly Pari.• Site Coordinator: Vikas Patel• Photography: Tejas Shah• Text: Shilpa Bhagchandani


“To spend a night in a museum”. This is the concept of the Satyagraha House. Particular attention has been paid to

the decor in order to faithfully restore the atmosphere of sobriety in which lived Gandhi and Kallenbach. A harmonious

compromise between asceticism and comfort is reached using furniture, objects, fabric and bedding found in India,

in Gandhi’s native state of Gudjarat.

This house, in the residential neighbourhood of Orchards in Johannesburg, was the home of Mohandas Gandhi from 1908 to 1909. Within these walls, the future Mahatma created and developed his philosophy of passive resistance: Satyagraha in sanskrit. A pacifist method of protest that he employed in India to lead the country to independence.

history


The house was built in 1907 by Gandhi’s close friend, the German architect Hermann Kallenbach, and today it begins a new life.

Voyaqeurs du Monde bought the Orchards property two years ago, and with the guidance of local historians have re-created an authentic Edwardian home and developed an on-site museum complete with Gandhi

In the front of the house, on either side of the door, two rondavels (circular rooms typical of african

architecture) are dedicated to the exhibit that continues in the living room, comfortably laid out

around a large chimney.

history


memorabilia and period pieces from India that reflect the development of Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-colonial and anti-racism philosophy and his commitment to non-violence.

Renovations overseen by a team comprising a historian, a curator, an architect, two interior designers, and their respective teams, have restored the original spirit of the house, bringing back an important page in the history of both South Africa and Mohandas Gandhi.

history


The Satyagraha House is now a registered part of the country’s historical heritage and presents an innovative accommodation concept linking guesthouse to museum.

Heritage architect Rocco Bosman, who aimed to make changes true to Gandhi’s story, did the renovations of the building.

The house, which has known some transformations under its different

owners, has been put back to its original state. The dining room,

convivial and opening onto the back of the garden, is under a reading

room of strong symbolic importance: the mezzanine on which Gandhi had

chosen to live.


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April - May 2012 The Design Source 59April - May 2012 The Design Source 59

vegetarian fare in accordance with Gandhi’s own dietary preference.

A museum retracing Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa and particularly those that he shared here with his friend Kallenbach is installed in the very heart of the house. Exhibits, curated by museum designer Lauren Segal, celebrate Gandhi while reflecting the minimalism and

Interior designers Amit Zadok and Christine Pulch took care of the decor. They kept the space light and white, because although Gandhi’s birthplace, India, is known for its bright colours, Gandhi himself is associated worldwide with the colour white.

The guesthouse component of Satyagraha House comprises nine rooms and a restaurant offering strictly


history


simplicity that characterised his life. A trip to Satyagraha will certainly help visitors understand the life and practice of this worldwide icon of peace.

Inputs from http://www.satyagrahahouse.com, http://www.visi.co.za

A spiritual library, with a collection of works of various philosophical currents is available. The garden invites guests to pursue their meditation. It gathers centennial trees (Prides of India), rough stones, earthen pots and an organic vegetable garden

PHOTOS: Manuel Zublena

history


Shweta Gupta, a young interior designer from Delhi has a flair for design and has created a niche for herself in designing Vaastu compliant interiors.

She has studied Vaastu from Dr. Khusdeep Bansal, a renowned Vaastu expert and consultant. Her

inspiration for designing comes from anything and everything. She works on creating unique and elegant

interiors. While her work is her passion she works best when she enjoys the full trust of her clients.

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In her design work which we display below, Shweta has used her knowledge of Vaastu to create positive energies and vibes for her client’s home.

This home belongs to the Ahujas. A family of 5, a couple, two children and a grandfather. The daughter is 16 and son 11 years old. The Ahujas are an elegant couple. They are very gentle with a clear idea of their likes and dislikes for their home. This helped in creating the right synergies while designing their spaces.

This home is located in posh colony of Shalimar Bagh in New Delhi. As the house is on a main road, window size is maximized in front rooms to bring in natural light as much as possible to the house.

The design reflects the personality and taste of the client. The walls, ceiling and furniture, all these speak of the people living within those spaces. Elements of Vaastu are built in to provide peaceful, happy and healthy life.

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LIVING ROOM - The color scheme of the room is black, grey, white and wine. All deep colors to gives it an unusual and dramatic effect. The wall on the right is designed with abstractly placed black lacquer glass interspersed with a white rectangular niches. The wine colored cushions, contrasting with printed sofa upholstery, the background wall and the lights all add drama to the setting.

The bar is tucked in the corner of living room. The countertop is Onyx with glass placed to give it a proper bar look. Bottle storage is added to complete the look. Wall niches with hidden lights and the floral wallpaper all give the corner an identity.

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Right from the beginning an effort was made to focus on designing a modern house with simplicity. All the spaces are well conceived. The master bedroom, kids room, father’s room all fulfill the desire and needs of the users. The children’s room gives them space to keep their stuff like books and toys, easily approachable almirah shelves.

The lobby has retained a double height ceiling to give more open space and light.

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MASTER BEDROOM - Highlight of the room is floral motif on the bedhead. White acrylic sheet is fitted at the back of cutted floral pattern and light given at the back. The color scheme of room is shades of black and white, all the furniture including doors have black finish. One wall has a steel grey checkered wallpaper which contrasts well with the other 3 white walls. The sliding wardrobe shutters has a finish of printed design on laquer glass. White Corian handles are customized for the wardrobe. At the foot of the platform bed are niches with pebble stones and lights. Black veneer and wallpaper are also used on the ceiling. Onyx washbasin is used in the attached toilet.

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LOBBY - is designed very beautifully where double height ceiling is very eye catching. Albastor stone is used to ebb that stone look on ceiling with the light effect. Use of lightning glass pillars makes the puja room stand out even better with Ganesha motifs choosen for glass designs. Niche designs have been designed to match the entrance of puja room. Pantry entrance creates illusion of space and is designed to match rest of interiors of lobby with different size of rings on glass.

The flooring is mainly Botochino all over which was sourced from local vendor. The variety of materials used in the house include, wooden flooring in sons bedroom, the different veneers for different rooms, Corian for bedroom, mandir and kitchen counter top, coconut panel for sons bedroom , mother of pearl in guest bedroom, Albastor stone at double height ceiling, Lacquer glasses, wallpapers and so on.

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SON’S BEDROOM : A interestingly lit bedhead of a combination of Corian and

coconut panel draws attention to this otherwise simply bedroom.

Another highlight in the room is a step up in the bedroom with wooden flooring demarcating

the area. Neutral tones dominate the bedroom contrasting with dark wooden shades. The

sliding wardrobe shutters have a white laquer glass finish. The coconut panel is also used on

the back of the LCD.

Over all the color scheme is neutral with specs of bold colors to enhance the decor. All furniture is custom made to suit the client’s requirement and taste. Black veneer and laquer glass dominate the finish. The furniture is contemporary streamlined giving a clean clutter free look.

A unique selection of material is also a part of the approach towards design. The dynamic team of carpenters, painters

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Shweta GuptaInterior Designer & Vaastu Expert,Ph: +91 9871067900Website: www.dshweta.com

GUEST BEDROOM - is very elegant and simple with a large amount of storage. Mother of pearl with smoked wenge kept as a combination for this room. Larger sized mother of pearl handles for the wardrobe add interest to the black veneer finished wardrobe shutters. LCD panel is kept simple with use of ivory and brown designer laquer glass. Leatherite has been used on the bedhead with little wood work on ceiling.

helped in timely execution of real designs with smooth and clean texture. All in all this is a beautifully designed modern house that the Ahujas enjoy living in.

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“Nothing makes you feel more pampered than possessing something unique and of an exclusive range.” These words of the designers K L Talreja perhaps sum up the desire of any client.

Blending the desire for the unique with an element of functionality is what the design team set to do. The house belongs to a family of four members. Rakesh Shah, his wife, his son and his mother. The brief was to keep it simple and organized with clean lines.

An open house such that you can view all the varied spaces from any place you sit. Elegantly casual sitting area with soothing colors.

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An adjoining zen like dining area well defined yet part of the living. Space

management at its best.


A cove defined in

the wall for viewing

of movies, television

or just listening to

music.

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The spaces have been designed with a beauty that you can sit at any place and look around the entire house. And still be one with nature. The house has been balanced out with the casual; the serious complemented with doses of playfulness;and the structured offset by some unexpected accents.

Neat and straight lines right from the entrance set the tone and tenor for the mood of the house

Accentuating spaces with interesting backdrops helps define and demarcate their functions and breaks the monotony of the whole.

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April - May 2012 The Design Source 73April - May 2012 The Design Source 73

Subdued lights for emoting the moods play with the themes of functionality and elegance

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The effort was started off by bringing in hefty doses of classic graphic forms, which imbued the rooms with levity without detracting from their structured flair. The outcome is bold designs with a strong focus on quality.

Muted colors like browns beiges and grey add an element of grandeur to the house. Most of the color choices were according to the furniture selection. The colors chosen were not very dark. All the furniture here is tailor made.

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The theme of black pervades this house. It is grand and yet it is mysterious.

Graphic style bedroom

with empty spaces to

be filled in with the

users with their distinct

entities


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A child’s room. A fun futon with creative posters and accessories of cars and the like nudge an instinct for funky and fab.

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The living room is made warm and cosy with soft furnishing in pastel colors. Dining room has this exquisite dining table in classic brown wood creates a dramatic focal point in the room. The kitchen is compact in as much as it has everything from storage space to a cosy worktable. The wood theme continues through this room with a conscious shift in colors. The crimson lamps and decorative spice bottles a top the window sill are apt representations of piquant cooking.

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The kitchen is compact in as much as it has everything from storage space to a cosy worktable.

Amitabh TalrejaK L Talreja Associates

Interior Designers & ConsultantsB-6, Manoj Indl. Premises Ltd.40-A, G. D Ambedkar Road,

Wadala (W), Mumbai - 400 031.Tel: 24116572/24161077

[email protected]

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Green designs the future

designs for

Can you imagine a modern house without a refrigerator.Impossible. The idea itself does not exist in the imagination. In fact many or rather most will think this idea itself is ludicrous. Yet not too much into the past, homes existed without the gadget called fridge in short.Such dependence was not always there.

In a book titled Fresh, Susanne Freidberg describes the inauspicious origins of the artificial cold chain, from ice plant infernos to frigoriphobie (the French refrigeration industry’s term for widespread public antipathy to cold storage).

She traces the history of the refrigerator and how it came to become not just become ubiquitous but essential. Freidberg quotes a 1931 article from Golden Book Magazine, called

Two women present a seminal understanding of the basis of refrigeration in our lives and a possible future without it.

Susan Friedberg, author of book Fresh, and that designer Jihyun Ryou through her thesis project at Design Academy Eindhoven, Save Food From The Refrigerator.

“The New Ice Age,” which speculates on what the world would look like without it:

If the stupendous system of food preservation [...] which supports us were interfered with, even for a short time, our present daily existence would become unworkable. Cities with thousands of inhabitants would fade away. We would probably turn into beasts in our frantic struggles to reach the source of supply. It is not extravagant to say that our present form of civilization is dependent upon refrigeration.

Perhaps to an even greater extent than the car, the refrigerator didn’t just become ubiquitous – it became essential.

Freidberg’s book, however, concentrates on another, equally

green design


fascinating, impact of artificial refrigeration and food preservation: the ways in which they blurred “the known physics of freshness,” and undermined “traditional understandings of food quality related to time, season, and place,” creating a widespread mistrust, misrepresentation, and misunderstanding of “fresh” food that persists today.

It is that lost knowledge about fresh food – what it should look like, how long it should last, how we should treat it – that designer Jihyun Ryou wanted to reintroduce in her thesis project at Design Academy Eindhoven, Save Food From The Refrigerator.

Ryou’s initial research brought her to the same starting point as Susanne Freidberg: artificial refrigeration has radically redefined our relationship with fresh food, and not necessarily for the better. Her solution is a set of ingenious, wall-mounted storage units that draw on traditional, pre-refrigeration food

Holes for apples allow them go down into the space for potatoes

Lower space behind a wooden door is keeping potatoes in the dark

Small glass funnel for adding water needed for replacing the water lost daily due to evaporation

Water tray for humidifying the vegetables

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preservation techniquesRyou’s designs rely on information that used to be common knowledge: for example, that root vegetables such as carrots and leeks last longer when buried upright in slightly damp sand, mimicking their growing conditions. Meanwhile, fruit vegetables (peppers, courgettes, and aubergines, for example) benefit from moist storage, rather than the cold and dry environment in the fridge

Before refrigeration and permanently lit hen houses, eggs were a seasonal phenomenon: hens laid their eggs in spring, and they lasted for a few weeks in barns or pantries. Since most people buy and use eggs within that window, and since eggs stored in the refrigerator easily absorb the odour of neighbouring items, Ryou proposes a separate egg shelf complete with freshness tester (a fresh egg sinks in water). Meanwhile, her apple and potato storage unit takes advantage of the ethylene gas emitted by apples in order to control sprouting in potatoes.

Leaving aside the potential food preservation benefits and possible energy savings, perhaps the most important aspect of Ryou’s food shelves is their visibility. By putting fresh fruit and vegetables on the wall, Ryou’s design would force us to actually look at our food. The result of this daily confrontation, she hopes, is that we would eat more healthily, waste less, and – intangibly but importantly – rebuild our relationship with these equally biological and perishable, if slightly less animate, fellow organisms:

In the current food preservation situation [...], we hand over the responsibility of taking care of food to the technology. We don’t observe the food any more and don’t understand how to treat it. My design looks at re-introducing and re-evaluating traditional oral knowledge of food. Furthermore, it aims to bring back the connection between us as human beings and food ingredients as other living beings.

I believe that once people are given a tool that triggers their minds and requires a mental effort to use it, new traditions and new rituals can be introduced in our culture.

Ryou doesn’t call for the complete elimination of the refrigerator, but her idea of redesigning domestic space to suit food (as opposed to redesigning food to suit our appliances) is pretty exciting. Unfortunately, her elegant designs are not commercially available, although they don’t look impossible to recreate with quite a basic set of carpentry skills. source: http://www.visi.co.za

green design


Technopineis a product of innovation and the choice of innovators. As the name suggests the product is technologically advanced and is the material of the future. Technopine is brought to you by CenturyPly, one of the leading providers of wooden building and decorative materials in India.

The choicest wood is used to create Technopine. This is done in a completely automated facility where there is no room

for error. The result is a 100% precision engineered wooden medium that has strength, flexibility and a variety of applications. The Technopine range includes Technopine Doors & Technopine Wood panels.

Technopine Doors: The Door re-inventedDoors are an integral part of the modern interior. They have to conform to the most stringent quality norms and heightened aesthetic sensibilities. Technopine Doors have a single piece core of

tubular particle board made using highend German technology. These doors are 100%

machine made with precision calibration ensuring uniform thickness and a smooth surface finsih unlike normal flush doors that undergo various manual processes.

USPs of Technopine Doors100% machine made, precise doors • Strong screw holding capacity • Termite and borer resistant • High mechanical strength • High impact resistant • Fire safe properties • Lightweight • Climate stable • Sound insulation • Warp resistant • Phenol Formaldehyde for better core veneer bonding

HSIL Limited rolled out its new range of versatile and eco-friendly showers under its premium bath fittings brand Benelave.

Benelave showers are available in 3 series- ‘Ultra Thin rain shower’, ‘ABS massage shower’ and ‘3-Flow hand shower’ in both square and

round shapes.

The Ultra Thin rain shower is made of stainless steel, has a larger surface area than normal showers and stimulates a rainfall like

bathing experience. The water droplets are larger unlike a sprinkle which soothes the body and the cutting edge technology makes

the shower components thinner without compromising on water pressure and flow. The ABS massage shower comprise a ‘Mist flow’

function which combines water and air bubbles to soothe the senses with a frothy massaging effect. ABS or [Acrylonitrile butadiene

styrene] is a form of plastic which, is durable, lightweight, non-toxic, 100% recyclable and performs the above function. And, lastly the 3-flow hand shower is ideal for small bathrooms as it economises

space but ensures all the luxury of a refreshing bath with the smooth flow of pulsating water.

This range of showers are equipped with ‘Anti lime rub it’ technology that ensures no lime scale accumulation within the

nozzles, prevents any kind of microbial and algal growth and the soft rubber used, helps in easy cleaning and maintenance. The

air-injection and water- injection technology controls the flow of water for proper distribution and offer better bathing sensation by

consuming less water (roughly 60%).

The Benelave new age showers are priced between Rs. 1240 to 7150.

For detailed information visit www.benelave.com

Benelave, a tech-smart range of showers

Technopine - Doors and Wood panels

product showcase


Foodshelf by Ora-ïto for Scavolini

Plastocraft Sanitary India Pvt. Ltd. a 6 decade old company specializes in the design, manufacturing and marketing of elegantly and skillfully designed C.P. Bath & Kitchen Faucets / Single Lever Faucets with their brand “KINGSTON”.

‘KINGSTON’S ARTEFACTS’ Collection personifies style and elegance. Just a glance on this mesmerizing collection and your heart is filled with true happiness. The finish, the cuts, the charm…..

It is the result of high quality material, latest technology and a very systematic R & D facility that constantly innovate products to suit customers needs Pre-equipped with technically and technologically sound mechanism, this collection with its bouquet of 19 distinct and

innovative ranges is sure to be an integral part of every household. Aptly named, ‘KINGSTON’S ARTEFACTS’ Collection has a bouquet of 19 distinct and innovative ranges. The look. The feel. The relaxation. Everything about it is so good and fascinating...

KINGSTON’s gracefully designed Single Lever Faucets are optimally designed to facilitate

water conservation, by saving upto 25% on water consumption as compared to traditional faucets. They offer after

sales service all over India.

Please feel free to contact us on [email protected] or to have a look at our products, you may visit our Company website at www.kingstonbathfittings.in

‘KINGSTON’ – The King of Luxury Bath Fittings

Foodshelf designed by Ora-Ito for Scavolini will be presented during the EUROCUCINA 2012. Somewhere between the living and the traditional fireplace, Foodshelf is a simple but brilliant idea: why the kitchen the heart of the home need not be confined in an enclosed, separate area with a type of furniture very detached from the rest, but must be developed within the home, becoming the source of a functional and aesthetic continuity.

With a view to greater internationalisation, Scavolini has in recent years chosen to collaborate with famous names on the design scene including Ora-ïto, Michael Young, Karim Rashid, King&Miranda Design and Giugiaro Design, giving rise to unprecedented “Made in Italy” projects, adding a surprise through their exclusive aesthetic, practical and technological value.

Highly customisable, Foodshelf by Ora-ïto is inspired by a review of the relationship between the kitchen and the living area. The living area enters the kitchen, influencing it with its compositions, with its play on closed and open spaces and, above all, with the dynamic approach so typical of new iconographic living, striving to assure a one-of-a-kind type convergence.

This occurs through the breakdown of the doors, above all those of the wall units - the system is mainly designed for “low” wall units, measuring 18, 30 and 36 cm. - but it does not end here, floor units are also involved by the dimensional review. Thus the “standard” is surpassed, breaking down these elements and abandoning the typical vertical approach usually featured in the kitchen.

Foodshelf has thus given rise to a “new horizontal linearity”, broken up by a series of wood-effect shelves that cross through the length of the kitchen, serving different purposes as needs be: in addition to the worktop, the strip positioned below the floor units and those included in the wall units act as open units and/or shelves.

And indeed it is the choice of wood that makes this perfect blend of evolved practicality

and minimalist aesthetics so warm; this unprecedented architecture is ideal for contemporary interiors, where kitchen and living room increasingly forfeit their single identities, becoming more “liquid” and multipurpose, thereby confirming Scavolini’s desire to make kitchen and living room as one.

An exclusive hood completes the sophisticated proposal. For the new collection, both gloss and matt finished doors are available, in a range of different colours to match perfectly with the stain of the horizontal strips.

A specifically designed handle opens the units, again coloured to match the door, as an alternative to a groove inserted beneath the worktop.

For this project, Scavolini and Ora-ïto decided to also involve a famous brand of home design objects, working in synergy to develop a coordinated kitchen accessory collection.

Ora-ïto therefore collaborated with Guzzini to prepare a wide range of kitchen equipment that can integrate with the Scavolini project, coordinated by a shared design philosophy with a strong sense of the French designer’s style.

product showcase


Hewlett Packard, the leaders in printing and imaging industry, launched an application service - HP Wall Art. You can now liven up your walls with this custom wallpaper printing ser-vice. Selected print providers will offer HP Wall Art service.

Speaking at the launch event, Puneet Chadha, Director - Graphics Solutions Business, HP Imaging and Printing Group India said, “HP Wall Art is a revolutionary service that lever-ages HP’s advanced printing technology to offer a uniquely customizable home decor option for the home. The sheer ease of choosing wallpaper from diverse designs; spanning a wide range of themes, colours and moods; makes HP Wall Art a compelling proposition for home owners who wish their walls to make an aesthetic statement.”

CreateYourWalls.com is an introductory service that lets home owners create bespoke wallpapers with an easy online design tool, as easy as drag and drop. Choose from dozens of design templates available in the Wall Art gallery, grouped by themes like Abstracts, Passion, Kids, Nature and Spiritual.

The wall decor is printed at a state-of-the-art factory set up by Arun & Rajive a HP Print Service Provider and delivered and installed.

Bring Your Walls To Life with HP Wall Art

Speaking at the launch, Sidharth Malhotra, Owner at Arun & Rajive said, “We are excited to bring this service to home owners in Delhi along with HP, and have a strong infrastruc-ture ready to support our customers with designing, ordering and installing their personalized wallpapers in their homes.”

HP is expecting many such interfaces to be created and launched over a period of time.

Durable, maintenance-free and environment friendly, HP Wall Art decor is extremely durable and is tested to resist fading for 20 years. The material used in these wallpapers has been spe-cially engineered with Indian climatic conditions in mind and is 100% safe wallpaper media and is a certified green product by GREENGAURD and Intertrek.

Veneeza Cucine Stylish Kitchen MakersThe kitchen is the hearth of the home and modern day lifestyle needs much more from the kitchen than just a place to cook. Veneeza Cucine offers the modern houseowner a choice of well designed sleek contemporary kitchens that not only offer great functionality but also add value to the space. Veneeza Cucine are manufacturers of modular kitchens, based in Bangalore. They can create custom kitchens that will suit your needs and also blend with the decor of your home.

Laminate, Glass, Pullout drawers, Designer handles, Builtin appliances ... everything you would aspire for in your kitchen. Kitchens are high utility areas therefore Veneeza modular kitchens are made using high quality material ensuring long life and durability.

product showcase


product showcase

Grease FREE Kitchens with KAFF Cooker HoodsAs leaders in Kitchen Appliance, KAFF offers one of the most powerful, high capacity Aluminium (PDCA Motor- 4 Point Suction) / Metallic Motors, available today.

Where deep frying and smoke-laden cooking is done, KAFF’s Aluminium (PDCA Motor- 4 Point Suction) / Metallic Motors work wonders. They come with a High Suction capacity upto 1180m3/hr and a high Static Pressure, which significantly reduces all smell, smoke and grease.

The Silent Performer: KAFF cooker hood has the lowest noise levels measured according to IEC Standard

Offers greater Fire Resistance, greater Safety

KAFF’s Aluminium (PDCA Motor- 4 Point Suction)/ Metallic Motor comes with dual torque centrifugal fans with a high air outlet of 150mm for powerful Ventilation and has an aluminium die cast squirrel cage housing for smooth working. Its motor has the Highest Resistance to fire, thereby ensuring your safety at all times

Contact: 0124: 40117270 / 71 / [email protected] / www.kaff.in


product showcase

Swanky Sanitary ware from RAK CeramicsRAK Ceramics, for the first time launches its luxury and swanky range of sanitary ware in India.

Experience utmost sophistication with RAK’s water closets, bowls & counters, suites and watch the place come alive with RAK Sanitary ware. The collection includes elegant range of washbasins, Bathroom sets – comprising of wash basins , bidets, water closets, Kitchen sinks.

The ultra modern range from RAK includes – Venice, Rosa, Orchid, Gloria, Washington and many more. Their rich design will add a new dimension to the bathroom and give it a fabulous contemporary and a very stylish look.

The RAK, ELEGNACE sanitary ware collection is for those who are looking for something more than style. This imported Italian designer sanitaryware collection is a delight to the eye and comfortable to touch. It strikes the perfect chord that echoes the word “Intelligent designs” through all it’s facets.

Every piece in each of these ranges is crafted to fit and be in sync with bathroom in all formats.

So, brighten up your home with RAK’s unique style exclusively available at RAK Ceramics Stores and in other leading outlets across the country.

Available at: All the leading multi brand outlets across the country.Price Range : Rs. 500/- onwards [email protected] Contact: 022-26605704

AIS, ‘Glasxperts’ Experience Centre in GurgaonAsahi Glass India Ltd. (AIS) launched its first Glasxperts Experience Centre at Vipul Agora on M.G. Road, Gurgaon. Spread across 3700 sf., it is a one-stop solution designed to give customers complete, customised and innovative glass solutions for homes, offices and commercial spaces.

Glasxperts is a full-service glass solutions brand which offers an entire spectrum of world-class and some never-seen-before, high-quality branded glass products, fittings and systems with assured safety and hassle-free services. Experience Centre boasts an outstanding collection of innovative glass designs like glass rooms and walkways, glass door sliding systems, and glass shower enclosures. The Centre has been designed to give the customer a complete experience on how glass

can give a different outlook to the interiors and exteriors, thus providing innovative home design ideas.

Customers are assured of the absolute best quality products and hardware, in addition to the skilled team that executes the customised requirements.

At the occasion, Mr Aditya Bhutani, COO, GX, said, “The launch of our first experiential centre from Glasxperts – a full-service glass solutions brand is a great occasion for

all of us. We have brought out innovative concepts and found newer applications to simple products, especially traditional products like mirror and frosted glass. We at Glasxperts have a team of experts that ensures customers explore even more possibilities with glass – enabling individuals to design their space exactly as they dreamt it.”

Visit: www.glasxperts.com email: [email protected]


ESTILO a one stop interior design store located at Ghatkopar in Mumbai, provides a comprehensive range of exquisitely designed furniture. These products are selected by a professionally skilled in-house design team and adhere to international benchmarks in excellence and price.ESTILO is not just a known name in the retail world of furniture by they are also executing large turnkey projects for companies like Johnson & Johnson, Diversey, Ora Spa, Global visa, Makers maxcity, Naval Armament, Central railway ministry, Sai Baba International, Hotel Yogi Midtown....

ESTILO: Billi Bunglow, Opp Sindhu Wadi Near Somaiya College, Near Rajawadi Signal, M G Road, Ghatkopar East, Mumbai - 400075 Tel: +(91)-(22)-65765991, 21026674

Edition Fly; ALNO unveils a new dimension in kitchen planning With a new dimension in kitchen planning, ALNO has made possible for individual kitchen design what was until now impossible: ALNO has visually moved the kitchen into a suspended state – and that’s in its door option.

Suspended kitchen sets a new design trendNewly developed bracket technology allows base units in all kitchen programmes to be mounted directly onto the wall. The drawers seemingly float above the floor. And so the new floating system allows an easy, purist kitchen architecture, characterised by its structured linear form. Flexible kitchen elements create an appealing transition from the cooking area to the living area.

With Edition Fly, every ALNO kitchen programme becomes a designer kitchen. The handle less ALNO STAR series appears particularly stylish in the new suspended form. And the splendid ALNOART PRO and ALNO ART WOODGLASS family of doors also add a timeless elegance to the programme.

ESTILO - Showcasing a fine range of furniture

product showcase


Saby is India’s Best Chef, Miele throws a bashChef Sabyasachi Gorai was recently honoured with the award for ‘Best Chef 2011’ by the Indian National Tourism board at an award ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The award was presented to him by the Honourable President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil. The function was presided over by Minister of Tourism Mr. Subodh Kant Sahay.

Miele, the German luxury home appliance brand, which has recently partnered with Chef Saby as its ‘Gourmet Specialist’ for its Live Experiential Kitchen, organized the event to commemorate his achievement.

Chef Sabyasachi Gorai said “Cooking is an art, the ultimate form of expression, my association with the world’s most revered appliance brand will further help to create something natural, unique and exotic.”

Miele India looks forward to synergize the culinary skills of Saby and the acclaimed cooking prowess of Miele cooking appliances. Chef Saby has been closely involved in the development of new recipes & presentations at the Miele Experience centre. He has also been involved in organizing cookery classes, providing training programs on food and beverage selection to Miele’s expert staff, which enables the brand to increase, its repertoire of quality service extended to their consumers in India.

I Saloni 2012Dates : 17-22 April 2012, 9.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.

Trade only. Open to the general public only on Saturday, April 21-22

Venue: Milan Fairgrounds, Rho (Milan)

Pavilions : Salone Internazionale del Mobile and International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-10-12-14-16-18-20

Eurocucina 9-11-13-15

International Bathroom Exhibition 22-24

SaloneSatellite 22-24

Glass World ExhibitonDates: 3 - 5 May 2012

Venue: Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre (CICC), Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt

BACE EXPO (Building Architectural Construction & Engineering)Dates: 11-13 May 2012Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium Cochin, Kerala, India

news & events

Interiors UAEDates: 7- 9-May 2012

Venue: Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Inside Outside MegashowDates: 10-13 May 2012

Venue: MMRDA Exhibition Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Organiser: Business India Exhibitions


Indoor plants help create a pleasant home environment. Small plants add color and scenery to windows or tables, while larger ones soften and blend with groups of furniture. As a part of the “indoor landscape,” plants create a cool, spacious feeling, even in the warmest weather. Most of the foliage plants known as house plants are native to tropical areas. Most indoor plants prefer a humid atmosphere and indirect light. Keep in mind that sound cultural methods, preventive care, knowing your plant’s requirements, and careful attention are the best substitutes for a green thumb.

Even if you don’t have a garden, there is nothing to stop you from bringing the garden indoors. Hardy and tender Outdoor plants can be used in any room of the house at any time of the year. The cooler, the brighter the airier are the conditions indoor, the longer the plants will last. If you have no gardens, select plants that are small, that propagate slowly and that require very less light. If you have a garden, you can enjoy bigger plants indoors to start with, then move them out to a permanent position.

Most people depend on natural window light for the growth of their plants. Natural light may be adequate if plants are close to windows. However, the amount of natural light a plant receives, decreases dramatically the farther it is placed from the window or its source of light. Usually, plants must be located close to windows to receive enough light for them to grow and flourish. If they don’t receive light indoors, the leaves start yellowing and then they die. Light from reading lamps is also beneficial, but the new “broad spectrum” fluorescent lights are usually better. Generally, artificial,

fluorescent light 10 to 14 inches above the plants will provide sufficient light for plants requiring medium light intensity, such as the pothos. A combination of one warm white to one cool white light is best. If your plants appear spindly, they need more light and should be closer to artificial light. For even growth, turn the plants once a week so they receive light on all sides.

In either case, keep the compost moist, remove dried flowers and leaves and mist the plants in higher temperatures. These small containers with the plants could equally well grace a formal dining table or a corner of a large work surface in the kitchen. Buy a few boxes or containers for indoor display. For narrow shelves or window sills, transfer the plants into rectangular containers. Buy three or four of one sort and display them as they are on a low table, or remove the supports of a plant trained up on canes and wires and place them on a high book case or on a pile of books so that they can tumble and trail down.

The plants that you find in the images are succulents like Sedum, Aloe, Agave, Sansevieria and Haworthias. All types of Phillodendron sp like Pothos (Money plant) in soilless culture (in water) in spice jars along with some ornamental leaves of Aralia in it, Cactus sp in a broken cup, Chlorophytum in pots.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance water-savers, consider planting succulents. “All Cacti are succulents, but all succulents are not Cacti”.

Dr. Lakshmi Unnithan

gardening


They enjoy the sun and feature impressive built-in water storage, making them drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. The hardy plants can take root anywhere, from a pot in a container garden to cracks in a stone wall.

Succulents and cacti come in many varieties, providing the visual interest of striking shapes and textures, along with colorful summer blooms. Porous terra cotta containers filled with a quick draining soil mix (half organic matter, half sandy, gritty stuff) create the best growing conditions. The first thing we need is coarse sand and cinder. Both these materials have to be washed and both have to be sieved to remove the fine dust. This coarse sand is mixed with fine manure. Manure items must be well rotted. A slow release fertilizer like bone meal can also be added in very small quantities. The important thing is that when such a mixture is watered, the water should not stand in the pot. Any extra water in the pot should drain out of the pot. Experience and experimentation helps arrive at reasonable degree of porosity. Succulents do not like having wet feet because most of them have evolved in areas of low rainfall or poor availability of water. Thus their requirement for a porous potting mixture. This soil porosity does not vary from one grower to another depending on experience. A very porous soil has the advantage of not causing root rot but it can lend to root tip drying out. It also tends to washing off nutrients from the mix and more frequent watering.

The basic food of the plant Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) and it has to be supplemented with trace elements. All succulents must be regularly fed. It is now believed that weak solutions of NPK should be given regularly to all plants in their growth period. For beginners a good commercial rose fertilizer used in 1/4 th the recommended concentration once a month works perfectly fine.

In cultivation, if using a porous mix our plants might need to be watered every third day in summer. This interval might increase to 10-15 days in winters. One important thing is to water succulents only when they are in the growth. When they are in dormant condition you will not need to water them. The dormancy starts when they start shedding the leaves and then watering should be tapered off. The least fussy plants are cacti and can be watered throughout the year.

The only real demands these slow-growers have is that you shield them from extreme cold and don’t over water. Controlled water and uncontrolled ventilation is what these plants require are areas where you can give care to these plants.

Small bottles are the best for Money plants (Pothos) or any aquarium plants. The roots need to submerge under water and some amount of morning and evening light would be good. Change the water once in two days

gardening


and keep them in a well lit and well ventilated area. Add water soluble fertilizers for their optimum growth. These groups of plants require lower intensity of light.

As the summer is on its way, there are a few plants which does well in dry and hot conditions and they are Kalanchoe, Sedum, Echeveria, Aloe, Zebra plant, some Caudiciform cacti sp and Aoenium sp. In summers as you get sunlight filtered through the curtain, plants like Sansevieria (Birds Nest), Pothos,Heart leaf Philodendron, Pleomile, Snake plant some Agalonema sp. should thrive beautifully.

Many house plants can be invigorated by growing them outside during the summer. Remove all dead leaves and prune where necessary. Place the plants in a location suitable for their light requirement, e.g., low light requiring Mulch with peat moss, and water. Usually these plants need watering more often than when indoors. During the summer, lift or twist the pot at least every month to prevent roots from growing through the drainage hole in the pots.

Choose those plants that suit your sense of style, available space, and budget or use them as creative as you can in the corners of your home. Create a magic with plants and flowers in your home. Display small plants because you have room and time here to stop and absorb their beauty. Let them provide a permanent background for more fleeting displays.

Text and Photo courtesyDr. Lakshmi Unnithanhttp://celebrationsdecor.blogspot.in/ email: [email protected].

gardening

the design source 04-05-2012

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