While most beautiful homes tend to be decorated in a contemporary style, there are a number of homes done up in an ethnic fashion which stand out for their rustic charm and simplicity. One such abode is that of Raana and Shamim. Made of mud walls, it transports one to the village.
With the front of an antique cupboard artfully utilized to serve as an entrance doorway, the rustic theme is carried through to the rest of the house; the modern touches subtly blending in to provide added security and comfort. The living room, for instance, is tastefully done up with old carved furniture, bought from second-hand furniture stores and refurbished; the contrasting colour schemes of rust, green and beige adding to the earthy look of the room. In one corner, a low seating arrangement, comprising a pair of Swati and Sindhi chairs and an unusual low table, overlooks the front garden, the latticed woodwork serving as protective, yet attractive, grills. Another window overlooks a small atrium, opening to the skies and home to a number of urn plants and creepers.
The entire living room, as indeed the lounge, dining area and foyer, are decorated with indigenous crafts � hand-blown glass or ceramic pieces � most of which are gifts from friends, says Raana, but have jelled in perfectly with her decor. Thus the divider between the foyer and the dining area, also of latticed woodwork, is decorated with attractive ceramic pieces, as are the shelving on the traditional looking cabinets in the dining room and foyer. The simple round dining table is in full view of the small courtyard beyond, giving one a feeling of being ensconced in nature. As there are no curtains, the house is bright, open and cheerful, and surrounded by greenery.
The lounge is yet another area that transports one to a rural scene. A massive jhoola faces a seating area, the cushions on it adorned in all the bright traditional village colours � yellows, reds and rusts � the corner window exposing the potted plants outside. A traditional settee and an old rocking chair offer seating options besides the hand-woven floor cushions placed against one wall. A low table with a glass top through which one can see small square clay pieces arranged artistically, and an old wall chime clock accentuate the traditional touches to the room. Raana claims that while she mostly does the selecting of the furniture pieces, Shamim helps in their placement within the house. Homes like Raana�s dispel the view that only modern residences can look chic. One can decorate their home in the most ethnic of styles and still give it a unique and attractive character. |
