Friday 5 October 2007

New Feature* - International Pick.

Yes, Rang-Decor is still the blog where you'll find 'Interior Ideas predominantly Indian'.

...it's just that there is a treasure trove of beautiful designs in the world that need to be explored. I am starting a new feature* where I'll be sharing exotic design ideas from outside India.

The Luangwa Safari House, all the way from Zambia, Africa. Luangwa Safari House is designed by Neil Rocher, not a trained architect but a much sought after camp designer. His designs blend in with nature and also are very comfortable & private.
Situated on Robin Pope’s Nkwali land. The main structure is made of ancient leadwood trees.
The open front of the room with large plunge pool is to die for... Stunning view of the wilderness from the deck and white peacocks join in for dinner. Large living room with giant sofas and stairs leading to the bedrooms on top.
The living room also houses a huge marble dining table. King-sized beds with mosquito net canopies...
Another room with a view and what a view it is* Sigh*Close up of stairs leading to the next level.
An evening shot of the living room with orange glow of sunlight painting the room.Sunlight pouring in through the huge windows onto comfy beds in one of the four bedrooms.

So why not plan an African Safari for your next international holiday and stay in one of these amazing houses and become one with nature...
My heart is already set on this one:-)

Thursday 4 October 2007

Fab(ulous) India...

Most of us know about Fabindia and their colourful & vibrant range of clothes and home decor accessories.

Today let me take you inside one of their outlets in Chennai where the floor manager was kind enough to let me take some pictures inside. The entrance is in traditional Chettinad style with wooden pillars and tiled terracotta roof.
A rainbow of colours greet you when you enter. Colours, Patterns, Textures is all your mind can think. Shades of orange bed linen displayed along the stairs leading to the next level. Beautiful Athangudi Tiles & Wood form the stairs.
I completely love this 'Trial Room' door on which this woven fabric is mounted, there is a tiny mirror on the side.You'll find all the colours in the colour-wheel here. Now for some interesting finds from Fabindia...
Embroidered Booti Organdy Curtain motif.
Three Flowers Organdy Curtain motif on light-weight sheer cotton organdy.Chanderi Prakash Curtain motifs.
Kalam Jharokha Bedspreads in beautiful vegetable dyes.

Applique Organdy Phoolwari Bedspreads

Loads and loads of crafts from India used in Fabindia products. Explore Fabindia. You can buy their amazing products online.


( images from fabindia.com, interiors by Arch)

Tuesday 2 October 2007

Enjoy the beauty...

...of various flowers in form of exotic rooms named Champa, Crossandra, Marigold, Hibiscus, Lotus, Jasmine & Ixora in Presa di Goa a beautiful country house located in Nagoa decorated in an Indo-Portuguese colonial style.Amazing decor in 'Champa' Check out the antique four-poster bed in 'Crossandra' 'Marigold' has to be my favourite room, especially love the Victorian style settee or is it 'Lotus'??
or 'Hibiscus' with it's rust walls...
or Jasmine...
or Ixora...I really can't make up my mind. Can you?

Monday 1 October 2007

Arts & Crafts of India # 6: Pipli Applique Work


Pipli Applique & Patchwork from Orissa is a traditional handicraft in which colourful patches of fabric cut in the form of decorative motifs and animals are super imposed on other contrasting fabrics and sewn in.Absolutely love these vibrant giant umbrellas which are usually made during the festive occasion of the 'Rath Jatra' or Festival of Chariot in Puri.
These can be used as beach umbrellas or parasols in your balconies & gardens.

Love the interesting patchwork with mirrors.Bring in some Pipli Work into your homes in the form of wall hangings, cushion covers and these amazing lampshades.

Can almost visualised these lampshades brightening up an outdoor party with their colourful hues...

( images from kraftmenz.com, dristeehaat.com)

Wednesday 26 September 2007

Sunday 23 September 2007

A Palace for Ayurveda.

Kalari Kovilakom or the Palace for Ayurveda is located in the old princely capital town of Kollengode in the foothills of the Annamalai range, Kerala, India.

Kalari Kovilakom was built in the 19th century and the name 'Kalari', comes from the fact that it was built on a site that contained a ritual space for 'Kalaripayattu', Kerala's ancient martial art.Hand painted wooden fresco in the 'mandapam'

Today it has been restored by the CGH Earth Group into an unique experience of wellness. The palace has two main wings the Old Guest Wing with old colonial western styled rooms & Palace Wing which has traditional Kerala architecture.
A typical room in the Old Guest wing, a section of the palace built specially for visiting European visitors and see the lovely four poster beds and 30's style floor tiles.Amazing carved wooden panels on the ceiling with vegetable dyes. Kalari Kovilakom with beautiful hills in the background.
Kalari Kovilakom's breezy dining area with plenty of light and fresh air. Look at the red oxide flooring:-)
The empty spaces have been converted into beautiful bedrooms retaining the charm of carved doorways.Go in for the ayurvedic experience, learn yoga or Kalaripayattu, de-stress with many herbal massages, eat simple & healthy food prepared in the ayurvedic kitchen.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your next 'Ayurvedic Holiday' soon.
De-stress, rejuvenate, relax and forget about your worldly worries while you are treated like royalties in the Palace of Ayurveda.

( images from http://kalarikovilakom.com/)