Monday, November 28, 2011

Be Coloricious

As they say, colour is the spice of life. And when a room is splashed in vibrant and cheerful hues, the effect is eclectic. But when you want a serious and elegant look for your room, neutral and pearl shades will do the trick.


Red,orange,yellow,green,orange,turquoise....Image:Better Homes and Gardens

Image:Better Homes and Gardens

Cheerful Turquoise. Image:Femalenetwork.com


Navy and Turquoise. Image: Elle Decor

A cozy room. Image:ivillage.com

A happy room in brown,yellow,fuchsia. Image:idesignarch
Bright Wallpaper. Image:styleathome

Green and Orange. Image:ivillage.com
Sober in Lilac and Pearl. Image:Better Homes and Gardens

Lavender bedroom. Image:House Beautiful
Image:Eileen Cathryn Boyd Interiors
Cheerful living in Sunshine Yellow. Image:BHG

Soothing in White and Sage Green. Image:BHG

Cool in Pastel and Flowers

Add colour with bright accents.Image:housedesignarchitecture

Magenta in Kitchen. Image:ivillage.com

Dressing room splendour. Image:styleathome

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

August and Elegant New England Homes

Here are three New England homes that are grand in their scales, views and luxuries; opulent in their styles and amount of available garden spaces and perfectly mix  grandoise architecture with dignified interior designs. Do you know that New England is a term used by US Conservatives to describe countries in European post-Communist era? The 'newness' refers not to their independent status but re-acquired status of capitalist democracies. Another aspect that binds them together is their governments' support to the 2003 Iraq war.

However, these houses will bring in a breadth of fresh air with their soothing or at times bold colours, interesting textures and accents to brighten up your day.

Hungarian oil painting, bold colours on sofa makes an elegant contrast against curtain prints

A cozy corner

Rich colours in library


Curved foyer wall showcasing a scene from North America

A welcoming entrance

Comfy sofas

Vast green expanse

The stone wall lends texture to the space
Girls' room in purple and lavender


A view from the house




Courtesy: New England Homes

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Bring in Peace and Tranquility with Buddha



Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue at Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara Hall, Singapore

My earlier post Buddha at Home has become so popular that it has prompted me to do another post on decorating with Buddha statues.Buddha is associated with peace,tranquility, harmony, wisdom and balance.Do you know that Buddha statues are found in sitting, dancing, standing or reclining postures and each has a special significance?

Buddha under Bodhi tree

Also referred to as an asana, there are over 100 poses illustrating the life of the Buddha. And each posture has a specific hand gesture, called a mudra. In that sense, Buddhism and Hinduism share a common Indian heritage as mudras of  Hindu Gods and Goddesses also have significant meanings.




The five most common mudras are the Abhaya Mudra or no-fear mudra (right hand raised and palm facing out, with the left hand down toward the hips and also facing out) an assurance of safety or protection, peace, benevolence and dispelling of fear; the Bhumisparsha mudra (all five fingers of the right hand reaching to touch the ground) symbolizing the enlightenment of the Buddha under the Bodhi tree and represents the central moment in the life of Buddha when he preached his first sermon after his Enlightenment; the Dhyana mudra (one or both hands in the lap) symbolizing meditating;  the Dharmachakra mudra (the thumb and index finger of both hands touch at their tips to form a circle) symbolizing the Wheel of Dharma and the Varada mudra (making a fist with the right hand, index extending upward, and the left hand also making a fist and enclosing the index) signifies offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity.

Reclining Buddha
The reclining Buddha signifies tranquility and absolute detachment from the desires of the world, a state obtained on the attainment of Nirvana. This serene and composed posture signifies his last hours before leaving this world and also represents complete peace and detachment from the worldly things.
On a side table in the living room

Buddha on side table: femalenetwork.com

Five matching Buddhas


Buddha bust

Lladro: Wisdom of Buddha






An ornamental Buddha in a hotel
 
Buddha amidst lamps and flowers

Buddha in a corner

Paris meets Asian chic

Buddha on Vignette
Buddha in Study Room



All three above: sabaidesigngallery

Make a bold statement with an oversized Buddha

Standing Buddha
Buddha in courtyard
Amidst foliage


Buddha wall hanging

Buddha in nursery

Serene bedroom

Eclectic arrangement

In a meditating pose

Feng Shui Bedroom

Life-size

Silkscreen Buddha images


Buddha statues with other figurines

Buddha in a Himalayan Resort

Silver Buddha statue
Wall Mural

Buddha on a round table

Buddha on console
Buddha Incense stick holder    
An eclectic mix


Buddha in a living room

Buddha in a black-n-white room

Buddha in bedroom: styleathome

Courtesy: examiner.com


Buddha in bathroom: blueporch.com


Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

So bring a buddha statue home. Whatever is your decor style, the benevolent Buddha will look at home in any space. Be it an oversized piece or an intricately carved small one, Buddha statues will bring in peace, happiness and wisdom into your home. Decorate your coffee table, side table, consoles, vignettes, garden, foyer, study-- wherever you want. There is a Buddha statue waiting to grace your home right now.

Buddha is venerated in many countries, so follow some rules while decorating:
  • Buddha statues should be placed on a raised platform so that it does not come contact with your feet  and should be set in a respectful manner.
  • Do not associate the Buddha statue with anything unclean. If you are looking to place a Buddha statue in the garden, find a clean and beautiful place to rest it.
  • Buddha should not be placed under any other tree other than the Bodhi tree. That’s where Gautama Buddha had attained Nirvana or enlightenment.
  • If broken or damaged, do not throw off your Buddha statue carelessly; leave it under a Bodhi tree.