Doing up a house, also a family abode, is not an easy task as it involves all the challenges of bringing together the distinct characters of each of its inhabitants to reflect in one or way or another while still retaining its thematic integrity. And a fitting example of this challenge surmounted well is the Manchanda mansion in New Delhi. A house which has housed generations of the same family, it is alive with stories and shared history, a sense of which is what greets you as you look up to its green-fringed stone façade. This time around in #DextraLoves, we have a third generation inhabitant of the house, Kunal, show us around the space he calls home and which he so lovingly redecorated in the very recent past. An expansive, spacious, wood and marble floored house, we will be taking a closer look at the living room with its cosy sitting area and dinning space, which is not only done tastefully but is a study in curated contrasts, the pale walls and dark furnitures set off with bold colourful accents.
When Kunal, a fashion enthusiast with considerable luxury retail experience and presently teaching, suggested revamping the living room area and other parts of the house, it was met with a yes from his family of four. And he took it on, in a phased manner, bringing together the look of each area, to fit in. His liking for things old world and classic is interspersed by a dramatic and contemporary streak, and it shows in his choice of furniture which in some instances is good old solid wood, juxtaposed with some bold, statement furniture in vibrant hues. So, there is the bright hued turquoise blue sofa with ethnic cushions and an aztec print rug to make the sitting area come out warm and inviting, while also being eye-catching. The coffee table in shisham wood block remains neat but for cute accents such as a glass cloche and dainty turquoise ceramic bowls. Topping it off, on the wall behind the sofa, is an impressionist-style painting of bold red florals on a pale background, which is done on aluminium and was picked by him after visiting quite a few galleries looking for some ‘happy’ art.
Tip: Do think about art when doing up your home, as it not only adds up colour but also gives character to your space. You can always use some colour therapy as well.
As one enters the the house, the left leads to a vestibule, flanked by doors on both sides. It is interesting to note how even smaller spaces such as these, if designed with attention, can add so much to the look of the whole house. So, for this vestibule, Kunal chose a more anitque-inspired look with a marble topped, dark wood, ornamentally carved console/table and brass framed tribal figurines above it. The artistically framed Madhubani brass art looks perfectly in place on the pale walls with the dark veneered bedroom doors on the sides.
Tip: The devil is in the details. If you happen to choose brass accents and dark veneered furniture, then try and keep the theme consistent. From something as small as knobs and handles on the door to the frame of the artwork, make sure it’s all in the same metal, which in this case is brass as it looks good against the wood.
The dining area has lots of natural light coming in through the glass windows but, in the evenings, also it has ambient lighting coming through the vintage Moroccan lanterns in burnished brass, suspended from the ceiling. To match the intricate work on the lanterns, there’s a jaali-work door facing the table which adds an intriguing touch to the scheme. The idea is to make it all comfortable and not overwhelming as the dining area is one of most frequented, which them makes it one that needs constant upkeep. Which is why the non-cluttered décor, as the solid sheesham wood dining table has only a bright colour mat in muted yellow on which sit some pretty knick-knacks, like a turquoise ceramic vase, a wooden bowl with ornamental flowers and such. Pretty and elegant.
Tip: Like to play with patterns, try getting a CNC cut jalli in somewhere, and you can even choose your own graphic to be cut out for a more thematic vision. If on a budget, then pick one of the ready-made ones to be then fitted onto a wall or door or such surface.
As we focused on the living-dining hall of the Manchanda household, we have managed to see balance and beauty work hand in hand with practicality and prettiness brought in together to create a space which is welcoming just as home should be.
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