Here’s how you can dress up your rooms the Indian way this summer.
PATTERNED PAISLEY One cannot miss the global rise of paisley in home decor prints. It gives a classic yet contemporary look to the rooms. From vintage paisley rugs to buti on curtains the motif provides a soothing effect to the room. From Symphony Moussighi’s green paisley tablecloth and Robert Allen’s paisley bedcovers to William Sonoma’s paisley rug, the motif is also being spotted on cutlery these days.The paisley has many cultural impressions. Says textile designer Neeru Kumar, “The modern interpretation of the paisley is fascinating, as it’s used in h o mare fresh, modern and unexpected in home decor from West Elm’s ikat sofa to Maison Boutique’s ikat curtains.
Says designer Raghavendra Rathore, “Tie-dyes have a unique recall value similar to Madras checks. Its ability to adapt itself with the changing trends -from geometrical to colour blocking -makes it unique and successful.
Keep a lampshade in tiedye in any room and see it reflect colourful light for a warm ambience.“
ZARI FOR HOME The Indian zari is inspiring everyone in the world who wants to give a royal edge to their interiors. From a zari photo frame and golden zari wall hangings, to zari cushions and curtains, zari is defining the new luxury in home decor. It is being used in `luxe’ home fur nishings with a mod ern twist. Says Rathore, “The biggest trend we are seeing is the localisation of hand embroidery techniques for home decor. Zari embroidery in an antique A paisley lamp in blue way is the rage of the new collections, and it is reviving the fortunes of local craftsmen. This trend is finding a big footprint globally.“
PARSI GARA Textile designer Peter D’Ascoli has revived Parsi gara embroidery and brought it to the living room, by dressing couches, curtains etc. Says D’Ascoli, “These are the threads of continuity. The popular historical patterns in g Parsi gara are chakla-chakli (sparrows), margha-marghi a (rooster), china-chini (Chinese man and woman) and kanda papeta (onions and potatoes).
I’ve used Parsi gara, paisley i and kantha work for curtains, couches, to drape the walls e and ceilings for g shamianas/tents. The s draperies that use Indian moe tifs look extremely elegant e and royal.“ REVIVAL OF PHULKARI This traditional work from Punjab is making it to international decor through cushions and bedcovers. To name a few, Noir has a range of phulkari table mats with roosters; John Robshaw’s phulkari lotus pillows are a rage; Chevron has phulkari iPad covers.
nona.walia@timesgroup.com
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