Design Blogger's Fab Five for the Home - Installment II

I promised you more soon, and here it is! The 2nd installment of the new series, Design Blogger's Fab Five, on All Things Nice. I have another treat for you today with Deepa, one half of the amazing duo that are behind another one of my favorite blogs, Aalayam. Today Deepa is sharing her top five must have things in her home(in this case six, since she cheated and managed to sneak in an extra one).  

I'll let Deepa elaborate in her own words...Enjoy!

And I mean the right kind! Lighting can truly make or break a room. I am a huge sucker for soft, diffuse lighting that sets the perfect stage for soulful music and quiet conversations. Subtlety breeds coziness. Nothing compares to the timeless appeal of the warm glow of a well-lit room!

Our home is bathed in many vivid shades and we like to believe that’s what makes our home unforgettable! We were not always committed to color but now it’s a décor must -have. It is an easy and affordable way to breathe life into what you already own. A few brush strokes and a painted wall can do wonders to a room and one’s mood and so we have colored it crazy!

My little one’s first teddy bear, a variegated pen stand made by an artisan in   Chennapatna – little accessories of colossal emotional worth are sprinkled throughout our home for a personalized connotation. 

Nothing is more pertinent than artwork when it comes to adding the finishing touches to home décor. Our collection has been creatively curated over many years. Friends who are aware of our love for art have contributed treasured pieces to our assemblage and we cherish these one-of-a kind handmade pieces profoundly.

And I am talking furniture! You can never go wrong by investing in furniture pieces that are enduring, functionally sound and aesthetically appealing.

We live by this tenet. We often share our home with friends and family and strive to create a memorable experience through a harmonious medley of ingredients –food, flowers, music, lights but fundamentally through love and laughter!

I want to say a huge thanks to Deepa for agreeing to be a part of this series- for sharing her thoughts and for the totally fab visual inspiration! THANK YOU!!!

[All Images courtesy Deepa & Aalayam]

Boho Styled Bedrooms

Winter, it seems, is here to stay. It's come early this year, but there's no mistaking its presence. The days are getting shorter and colder, winter clothes are slowly making their way out of storage and its just so difficult to climb out of bed- out from under the reassuring warmth of those warm, snug covers. And it's even worse on Mondays, when you know you have the week ahead and the weekend is 5 days away! So here's a post to help you look forward to the weekend, to sleeping in & lazing around in your warm, cozy bed.  

I love this set of bedroom images. The rooms are so warm and inviting and give you a real sense of comfort. I also love the Boho style of the rooms, which whisper of a gypsy's life- of far away lands, mysterious strangers and travel. All this is so easily achieved with clever layering, old/traditional fabrics and a trip to the local flea/craft market. 

Love the ethnic touches in the textiles, bed linen and accessories like rugs and baskets. I think this style is perfect for bedrooms because you can really go crazy with things like cushion covers, throws, old quilts, traditional art, wall hangings and traditional crafts. Only drawback is, with a bedroom like this, you may never want to get out of bed!

What do you think of this look? Are you inspired? I'm a fan. I think its inspired me to do up the tiny spare room in our flat. 

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Irresistible Bedrooms

And if tonight my soul may find her peace

in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,

and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower

then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.

~D.H. Lawrence

Here's a collection of some contemporary bedrooms that are simply irresistible! With bedrooms like these, you would never want to get out of bed! 

Enjoy!

[From Houzz]

[From AD]

[From Elle Decor]

[From Zsazsa Bellagio]

[Via Tumblr]

[From Design Therapy]

[From Vogue]

Inspiration for Bedrooms

We all think of the bedroom as a quiet place to escape to at the end of a hard day. Here are a few ways in which to convert this often neglected space into an oasis of tranquility.

The biggest thing that can make a difference to any space is color. I prefer lighter colors like neutrals or pastels for bedrooms since they provide the ideal backdrop for other elements like furniture and accessories. Create a feature wall in your bedroom by highlighting it- either by painting it in a bolder color, covering it with wallpaper, or using texture.

This indulgent four poster bed is a stark contrast to the industrial look of the exposed brick wall which forms an interesting feature for this bedroom

This Indian inspired bedroom in a minimal style is still luxurious and decadent with white metal framed artwork that makes a fabulous focal point in the room

Here, in this almost Zen-like bedroom designed by Rajiv Saini,
exposed brick work is painted white and makes an austere backdrop for the bed

Get rid of the clutter! Nothing ruins an ambience more than clutter. So it’s really important to ensure there is enough storage in terms of a wardrobe and dresser to stash away any clutter. If your laundry piles up, invest in a nice laundry basket that will tie in with the décor of the room.

Lighting is another great element through which one can create a mood. Bedside lamps can be a stunning bedroom accessory for your bedside tables and their soft lighting is a fantastic way to create a mellow atmosphere which is so important for relaxation. Focus lights can be used to highlight artwork, family photographs or even a particular texture or finish that has been given to a surface. Make a style statement by placing a pedestal lamp in an empty corner of your bedroom- also a great way to bring in additional mood lighting.

Bedside lamps bathe this room in a warm yellow glow creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation

Remember that in a bedroom it’s all about the bed! The bed should be the focal point of the room- it should look soft, cozy and inviting. Select linen and a comforter that tie in with the theme of your bedroom. Soft cushions piled on the bed give it a luxurious look. If the room has the space, it is a great idea to have a comfy arm chair that you can curl into. Remember to dress the chair with cushions and even a warm throw for those cold winter nights.

An inter play of fabrics and textures on this bed make it indulgently inviting

A constrained use of rich fabrics gives this room an understated elegance

Bring into play your sense of touch. Fabrics like silk, fine linen, satin and velvet are a great choice for the bedroom. Invest in a good comforter and coordinate it with the color of your linens for a sense of class and sophistication. Use different kinds of fabrics and textures for soft furnishings like drapes and upholstery or in accessories like cushions or throws. A rug is another great addition to a bedroom- something warm to sink your feet into when you get out of bed.  

The simple and elegant use of fine cotton gives this room an almost dreamy quality

This room makes a bold statement with its use of bright colors

Your bedroom should be a very personal reflection of who you are- it is such an intimate space. So surround yourself with things that you love like family pictures, your favorite paintings, your favorite flowers, etc. Bring into play your sense of smell by placing scented candles on your dresser or bedside tables. Nothing says romance better that the glow of gently flickering candles.

Whatever style you choose for your bedroom remember to create a sense of comfort, indulgence and relaxation for what should be your very own escape and retreat.

(Image Sources: I have collected these inspirational images through web searches over a period of time. Unfortunately, I don't have the links to them. So thanks to all the sources and if anyone can place the sources, please let me know and I will be happy to put them up.)