Someone recently asked me if Feng Shui or Vaastu can be taken seriously by any ‘rational’ person. I presume that all subscribers to ‘rational’ thought would accept Darwin’s theory of evolution. And wasn’t it he who first brought to us the theory of the survival of the fittest?. Whether that applies to a species that survives and adapts to its surroundings or a theory that has withstood the vicissitudes of time and has remained virtually unchanged in principle, the reasoning behind them is essentially the same. And both theories can be explained scientifically and metaphysically. And they would not have survived if humans had no practical use for them. They are not the by-products of either religion or philosophy. Their sole aim is to achieve a harmony between man and his environment; an alignment with cosmic principles and a respect for nature and its laws.

Both these ancient theories are based primarily on the theory of elements and their effects on life with respect to the magnetic axis of Earth. Everything is related to space and time and does not exist in a vacuum. Coordinates on this x-y axis are essential for any activity and it is not surprising that they form the core of these two approaches. Just like the body needs nutrition and the proper environment; a premises, commercial or residential, requires the necessary factors essential for its health. Its health, or the lack of it, has a direct impact on those who inhabit its space. And since living space is always treated as one entity just like the human body, it is essential that one ensures that all its parts are functioning at optimal levels. Vaastu and Feng Shui help us create spaces that are more conducive to our well being and in tune with cosmic order. And just as doctors cannot prevent the existence of disease or change a man’s destiny, one cannot expect these disciplines to miraculously cure all the malaises that affect a particular space. It seeks to improve with the limited tools and knowledge at its disposal.

The keywords here are tools and knowledge. Smart packaging and successful PR has led people to DIY Feng Shui and Quack Vaastu which are not only ineffective but can considerably worsen an already difficult situation. And if doing-it-yourself-home-remedies were so effective or simple one would imagine that a theory that has been around for thousands of years would have made us all ‘experts’ by now!. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. There are a lot of so called Feng Shui practitioners and Vaastu professionals who offer their ‘expert’ advice applied en masse!!!!.

The principles of Vaastu are predominantly based on the rays of the sun and the energies of five elements. And when one follows its application as a whole rather than ‘hijack’ parts to suit a specific requirement, only then will its effects be realized. And just like a peace accord signed under tenuous (and questionable) circumstances falls through at even the hint of discord, if your application of Vaastu lacks conviction and respect for its laws, your ‘remedies’ will not withstand the slightest tremor of reality.

Astrology, Vedic and Chinese, is inextricably linked to both these theories, because space and time are not mutually exclusive. In Vaastu, the significations are based on compass directions. Horoscopes are made for houses based on their ‘year of birth’ so to speak. Feng Shui asserts that significations vary with time and astrological calculations for the house are essential in determining the ‘qi’ of the house and analyzing the shortcomings. Although there are a great deal of similarities between the two theories and both are based on the elements and the flow of energy it is not advisable to follow the instructions of a practitioner who combines both disciplines to provide solutions. You can always have a second opinion before you decide on surgery but you should only have one doctor and one prescribed treatment.

Vaastu consultants are still a far more affordable option for the reasonably well-off Indian. I doubt it will be long before American consumerist ideology shall top it with pepperoni and oregano and home deliver it riding on smart packaging and global advertising budgets. So make the most of it while you can! DIY Feng Shui is already here at ‘discounted’ rates!!!. But beware, advice that is light on your pockets may not necessarily be effective for solving your problems just as consultants that charge your weight in gold need not be experienced.

And for those that balk at its authenticity in the name of defending science it would be interesting to note that the scientific principles of these theories were established and practiced long before science staked its claim upon those very principles. There is nothing mystical about them and if a practitioner has some scientific grounding he/she will be able to explain it in those terms. Yes, there have been distortions and unnecessary commercialization, but that does not detract from its primary objective. And if over the years fact cannot be separated from mythology, that is an unavoidable fallout of attempting to capture the imagination of the layman (as any student of advertising will tell you). Give computers a couple of thousand years of exposure to the masses and Bill Gates may be deified! (Certain politicians have managed that within their own lifetime so why should we be surprised). If you are willing to look, fact can always be separated from fiction and mythology seen as a language not method.

Regardless of how much time you spend in your kitchen, you would probably agree that while the decor of a kitchen has no bearing on the kind of food that comes out of there; you would like it to look good. You consider it to be as much a part of the home, in terms of its requirement for basic visual appeal, as a bathroom or a study. If you were the one cooking, it would be even more wonderful to have a kitchen that keeps you cheerful while you cook.

However, redecorating a kitchen poses not only a practical problem but also a financial one. The mere thought of giving it a new look sends the bank balance on a spin. But there are ways and means of achieving a spanking new, designer kitchen without actually tearing it down and starting afresh. The best part is, you do not really have to do it all in one go. The kitchen makeover in EMI is a real option. The choices are yours.

I am outlining below some basic tips which can be achieved at a fairly low cost. If your budget permits you could even splurge on some aspects and budget on the rest. Whichever way works for you. The point to remember is to conceive a look which would be significantly different from the existing one. Where everything fits into a storyboard and you forget the jigsaw puzzle that was.

Cabinets
Paint your cabinets in a different colour or finish, to give the kitchen a completely different look. You can use a combination of two colours to liven up that space, or even get some borders and colourful motifs on the panels.

Adding an interesting moulding on the cabinetry would transform the entire kitchen as would changing the handles and knobs. It is fairly simple to do and achieves the change at a low cost. You could choose from a wide variety of options available at the sanitaryware store, which range from colourful accents to ornate handles. Turn one cabinet into a display by replacing the door with a glass one, installing a light fixture inside and displaying some nice crockery or a decorative jar. Do not forget to paint the walls in the kitchen in a completely different colour as well, to complement your new cabinets and complete the picture.

Light
Bring in the light. Get a whole new set of light fixtures from overhead lights, to task lighting and perhaps even an accent light to give your kitchen a spanking new look. It takes one trip to a lights store and a few hours job for an electrician. Remove every tubelight in sight that does not have a proper fixture. A lot of fairly nice looking yet inexpensive options are available in the market. You may also want to put a panel of lights on the ceiling rather than focusing all the fixtures on walls. If you use white light in the kitchen try out a complete new look in yellow light. It is much softer and if you want more light use more fixtures, not necessarily white light. Especially in a kitchen where there isn’t enough natural light.

Regardless of how much time you spend in your kitchen, you would probably agree that while the decor of a kitchen has no bearing on the kind of food that comes out of there; you would like it to look good. You consider it to be as much a part of the home, in terms of its requirement for basic visual appeal, as a bathroom or a study. If you were the one cooking, it would be even more wonderful to have a kitchen that keeps you cheerful while you cook.

However, redecorating a kitchen poses not only a practical problem but also a financial one. The mere thought of giving it a new look sends the bank balance on a spin. But there are ways and means of achieving a spanking new, designer kitchen without actually tearing it down and starting afresh. The best part is, you do not really have to do it all in one go. The kitchen makeover in EMI is a real option. The choices are yours.

I am outlining below some basic tips which can be achieved at a fairly low cost. If your budget permits you could even splurge on some aspects and budget on the rest. Whichever way works for you. The point to remember is to conceive a look which would be significantly different from the existing one. Where everything fits into a storyboard and you forget the jigsaw puzzle that was.

Cabinets
Paint your cabinets in a different colour or finish, to give the kitchen a completely different look. You can use a combination of two colours to liven up that space, or even get some borders and colourful motifs on the panels.

Adding an interesting moulding on the cabinetry would transform the entire kitchen as would changing the handles and knobs. It is fairly simple to do and achieves the change at a low cost. You could choose from a wide variety of options available at the sanitaryware store, which range from colourful accents to ornate handles. Turn one cabinet into a display by replacing the door with a glass one, installing a light fixture inside and displaying some nice crockery or a decorative jar. Do not forget to paint the walls in the kitchen in a completely different colour as well, to complement your new cabinets and complete the picture.

Light
Bring in the light. Get a whole new set of light fixtures from overhead lights, to task lighting and perhaps even an accent light to give your kitchen a spanking new look. It takes one trip to a lights store and a few hours job for an electrician. Remove every tubelight in sight that does not have a proper fixture. A lot of fairly nice looking yet inexpensive options are available in the market. You may also want to put a panel of lights on the ceiling rather than focusing all the fixtures on walls. If you use white light in the kitchen try out a complete new look in yellow light. It is much softer and if you want more light use more fixtures, not necessarily white light. Especially in a kitchen where there isn’t enough natural light.

Give a more spacious feel to your apartment with these innovative ideas…

Effectively Use The Height. Most apartments do not put the benefits of wall heights to optimal use. Make the storage ceiling-height. Do not make cabinets with open shelves. Keep the paint finish on the cabinets close to the wall colour.

Avoid Clutter. In a small living space, the one thing you cannot afford is clutter. Keep things stacked away in storage areas. Keep the lines clean and the décor simple. Arrange books, mails and magazines in one place.

Add Colour With Accessories. Use cushions, lamps, paintings, rugs and artifacts, which will not only look creative but will focus attention on anything but the size of your room. One wall in a bright paint finish will make a place look large if everything else is in a monotone. A bright carpet of reasonable size also works best. Use multiple photo-frames on a single wall with a focus light, instead of having them lying all over the place.

Curtains and Drapes. Use sheers for drapes wherever possible, and blinds instead of curtains. Go in for cheap fabrics if you must save on cost, but stick to ivory and use a bright border to create warmth. Use plain linen in white or pastels with a plain bedcover in a bright colour, for your bedroom. For kids’ room get cardboard boxes in different colours and stack them one on top of the other, at angles. Looks funky and keeps their stuff stored.

TV Room Essentials. Get a cabinet that fits all the gadgets in. Use a long straight-line sofa in a bright colour and remove every other colour from the room. Keep a folding table, or a center table, but no other furniture.

Walls And Windows. The ceiling can offer lots of possibilities. Mould detailing on POP and corners will pull up the line of vision, and make a room look a lot larger than it actually is. Varying ceiling heights in different areas is an effective way of breaking space visually. Full-length windows with lots of light streaming in will flood a small apartment with the illusion of space. An open kitchen makes a place look bigger and if you have a chimney fitted you won’t have to worry about the smell floating around the house.

So work up your way to design your own interiors for a more spacious look.

Published in Tips 4 Me

When decorating a room, the windows occupy an important place in the scheme of things for two reasons. One, they occupy a large area, and will direct visual focus in a room. Most homes in India have reasonably large window areas, so windows become a dominant feature in the room. Two, the fabrics and colours need to be well co-ordinated with other things in the room such as furniture, paintings, artifacts, wall paint, carpets/flooring etc.

When deciding what kind of window treatment would be suitable for a room/area the following things need to be kept in mind.

• What is the overall theme of the room? Western, Indian or Oriental— Classic, Contemporary or an eclectic mix. This would help determine the ultimate look of your windows.
• What kind of furniture is in the room, and what would be the best way to complement that furniture and accentuate it further?
• What is the wall colour and wood finish …this goes a long way in determining the usability of colour in the room? Most Indian homes have white/off-white walls, so they are fairly neutral. However, in modern day interiors a lot more colour is being used and window treatments should complement the colours of the room. Complement does not mean blending into the same family. Sometimes, a contrast is the best way to bring life and drama into a room–even if it is a subtle contrast.
• What kind of flooring is in the room …marble, wooden, stone or mosaic? Pay attention to the rugs/carpets in the room? Sometimes, rugs/carpets can be a constraining factor in being able to play around with different concepts.
• How much natural light is coming into the room? This is a very important factor, as the filtration of light into an interior space greatly determines flexibility with colour.
• Do you want the room to have a formal or informal look? Again, this would have a bearing on the kind of designs one would opt for.
• Is the window close to any large piece of furniture, such as a sofa or a bed?

With growing population, limited space and property prices soaring high, lavish houses with ample space have become a luxury only a few can afford. However, you can always make the most of the space available to you and make your dwelling appear roomier.

Tips4me Home Care scout Rekha Nambiar brings you ten amazing tips to give a more spacey look to your apartments…

Furnish Your Apartment. Buy furniture that fits into spaces neatly, or get custom made furniture. Use multi-function furniture like a chest that can be used as a coffee table, sofa beds, chest of drawers, and beds with drawers for storage. Use an extendable dining table, folding tables and nest of tables, which can be tucked away when you don’t need them.

Light up Your House. If you have access to natural light, make full use of it. Bring it into your home through windows. Full height glass panes work best. If the view is bad use hanging plants and potted flowers near windows. Use lighting fixtures to add drama into a small space. Lamps will bring in colour and focus attention. A false ceiling with overhead lighting will also flood a small space with light while remaining unobtrusive.

Colour Code. In a small space the first thing to do is to forget colour. Go in for white, ivory or beige on whatever you can. Do not use dark wood finishes. Be it the walls, ceiling, woodwork, doors, window-frames, floors or furniture. Duco paint on woodwork works wonders for small spaces.

Use Mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of space. Make sure whatever is reflected in the mirror is pleasing to the eye. Use them on wardrobes, walls and partitions. Use glass blocks and etched panes instead of brick walls to separate rooms.

Looking for a manufacturer or supplier of home furnishings in India ?

Don’t know where to begin? Want to find a source but at a loss for resources? Want to do business in India, but unsure what is the best way to go about it?

This article attempts to answer some of these questions.

Firstly,unless you have a link in India, you will find it a difficult task to sift through the information available on the Internet. There are various sites that provide a directory of manufacturers and exporters in India. These sites have a database of exporters, manufacturers, suppliers and agents dealing in home furnishings. Not exhaustive and certainly not comprehensive, but it’s a good place to start.

One disadvantage is going through all the databases. Largely, in the directories of manufacturers and exporters in India, the paid listings are not the bigger companies, because the latter do not feel the need to have a paid listing. If the site with the database also offers website design and hosting services, then the listings that come on top are usually the ones they got business from. Many of the resource sites are similar and even have the same information base.

So, what would be the best way to find someone a source?

I have tried to outline below some of the methods you could use to get more information.

1. Find a consultant based in India. You would need to pay such a consultant for their services, but it would be well worth your while. They would also do market research for you at a nominal cost. They need not be your buying agents, you could still deal with manufacturers in India directly, but they would be a useful link to have.

2. Ask for specific information, giving details of products you are interested in. No matter how small your quantities, you will find a supplier in India, who is willing to deal with you. In fact, if you have a niche market, the chances of finding someone reliable to do business with in India are even better. If you are just generally looking for suppliers of home furnishings based in India, you will get absolutely nowhere.

3. Send a few pictures of the kind of products that would be of interest to you. Without a visual, it is difficult to communicate. Posting trade leads with pictures is useful, although it is doubtful how many of those companies have an employee regularly visit the sites that carry their listing. My guess is, it would probably be ones based in remote towns where there is no other way to access information.

4. Once you have found a few suppliers for what you need, assess if they are willing to come and meet you personally. If the manufacturer finds you to be a potential client (and this is important), they will not hesitate to travel across the world to meet you. The kind of manufacturer you will find is likely to be determined by the volume/quality of business you are likely to give.

5. Assuming you are uncomfortable dealing with faceless companies based in India, consider the fact that most manufacturers and suppliers in India are equally uncomfortable dealing with someone they do not know or understand. If you make the effort to communicate with them, they will usually respond with the same enthusiasm. The ones that are more likely to be useful will not send you an email that looks like a mass-marketing mailer.

6. If you need samples, and you want to deal with a good company, you would need to pay them for it. A better way would be to ask for digital pictures or a CD. At any given point of time, a fabricator based in India has at least five requests a day for samples. Every single potential client promises big business.

7. The best way to assess the credibility of a potential supplier is to start small. That way you will know what their limitations are, and they will also be able to assess if they can do business with you. Even a cursory glance at the communications that keep going back and forth will give you an idea of what kind of a company you are dealing with.

8. Try to exchange information that would be useful to your supplier in India. If you can help them with information that you have access to in your country, they will go out of their way to help you find someone even if they do not manufacture the products you want. It builds trust, helps business, does not cost anything and does no one any harm. It could however, prove to be extremely beneficial. In pure commercial terms. To both parties.

9. To understand a fragmented market, the first step is to work in fragments that will create the whole. Keywords commonly used to find manufacturers from India—that will probably get you absolutely nowhere in terms of relevance and drag you into a cyber jungle that will leave you more confused than anything else….
“furnishings India, exporters home furnishings India, manufacturers bedspreads India, decorative pillows India, table linen manufacturers India, suppliers fabrics India, wholesale distributors, handicraft, embroidered textiles,”

The list goes on and on. The reason is simple. It is an organized chaos. But chaos nevertheless.

10. If you have the time and the resources, you could perhaps find what you want in one of these databases. If not, and you are still looking to do business in India, find a link in India. A link you can build a relationship with. Business is all about relationships. Especially small business. The home furnishings industry in India is still relatively small business.

Given that the monsoon season lasts for a few months in India, there are many aspects that need to be looked into while considering home care needs. In fact, it is a good idea to get a professional to do an inspection of your home, old or new, prior to the monsoon and ensure that you find and fix the problems that keep recurring. Once they have been fixed, after the monsoon, you can plunge into the decoration aspect.

1. Seepage in foundation walls can be due to a leaking downspout. These problems should be corrected before the monsoon. The causes can be many, so corrective action can only be taken when you have determined the cause of the problem. Stop gap measures do not really help, as the problem is likely to recur the next year.

2. Termites are a major problem wherever water leakage or high humidity levels are a feature. They would require professionals to do a really complete job, but you would need to check the whole house for any signs of termite infestation, which tend to increase during the rainy season.

3. Some easy do-it-yourself remedies for woodwork. Put Camphor in your cupboards, it takes away the moisture and protects your clothes. Neem leaves are also effective against silver fish, which are a common problem in the rainy season. Cloves are an equally effective remedy.

4. Hardwood floors need maintenance during the rainy season. Make sure they are free from moisture and wax them to protect them. Moisture content in hardwood floors tends to make them warp.

5. Carpets, especially wall-to-wall carpets need to be vacuumed regularly with cleaners that will take away not only the dirt but also the moisture that seeps into the fibers. A good carpet cleaner will also keep them from getting a musty smell. Rugs should be rolled up during the rainy season, as they just get dirty if you use them. Ideally if you can wrap them properly in polyethylene sheets they are saved from water damage and insect infestation as well.

6. Waterproofing of the roof is essential before the onset of monsoon. Check that the drains are not blocked with leaves. Ensure that water is directed away from the foundation. Check the underside of roofs for leakage or water condensation.

7. Walls need to be checked for breakages and seepage. The exterior masonry should be repaired well before the onset of the rains. Paint on the interior walls should be checked for flaking.

8. Ventilation is an important aspect of home care during monsoons. Make sure there is enough cross-ventilation and fresh air coming into your home, otherwise the humidity levels will cause a general feeling of dampness.

9. Tile joints in bathrooms should be checked and kept sealed, especially in apartment complexes.

10. Keeping areas clean can prevent mildew and by ensuring that the moisture content in the air is kept as low as possible. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are a good way to reduce the humidity levels inside a home, but the best way to protect upholstery and rugs is sunlight. A good sunning is the best way to keep moisture from creating problems.

11. An investment you can make this year is a tumble dryer. In a country with such an extended monsoon, we should use tumble dryers, not only to ensure that our clothes do not smell because of moisture trapped in the fibres, but hanging clothes inside the house to dry is one of the reasons why the moisture content in so many homes is so many homes is so high. While its wet outside, you must think of every conceivable way to keep the inside of your home DRY. That solves half the problems that are associated with a prolonged rainy season.

12. Any major work in the home should be done either before the monsoon or after. That is the first basic rule of home décor.

Read my article in India Today Home

Copper is one of the oldest metals used by mankind. In one form or another, its use dates back 10000 years. It has a very long life cycle and its malleability has given us the opportunity to use it in different ways. While its biggest use has been in electricity, power transmission and telecommunications given that is a great conductor and ductile, copper has been used effectively in architecture and interiors over the ages, apart from decorative and artistic applications. It is an integral part of sustainable design because it can be recycled. In fact, all the copper around you has probably been used at one time or another in some form!! Less than fifteen percent of the world reserves have been mined and more than two thirds of the metal that has ever been mined is still used in one form or another today. No other metal is perhaps more environment friendly

Although it has been used for solar heating for water, the most eco-friendly use of copper that would change the face of architecture and construction is perhaps its use in solar panels. Photovoltaic cells made of copper could convert sunlight into electricity and power homes across the globe. In the near future, this is likely to become more prevalent as will be the introduction of smart wiring in homes.

Its rust resistant properties and ability to be joined easily allowed for application in pipes for plumbing, while its heat conducting properties led to its use in radiators, refrigerators, air conditioners and even cooking pans. In bronze and brass it found artistic expression. Architects have used copper for roofing sheets, tiles,gutters,downspouts and a multitude of other applications not only because of its longevity ( over a hundred years ) but also for its malleability, resistance to fire and water and its appearance—the patina being its most enduring visual feature. Shingles were used extensively for roofing in many parts of the world, not only for its practical properties, but its aesthetic attributes as well.

In modern textiles it has been used innovatively by weaving it with other yarns and creating fabrics that have a luster and interesting detail. Another modern application is using it for wall claddings, panels and furniture. Interior wall cladding is fast becoming a distinctive feature in contemporary interiors, with architects and interior designers using this metal in interesting and innovative ways. In furniture strips and decorative inlays of this metal are being used as design elements. It is also being used in decorative tiles for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms and panels. Its use in the kitchen has gone far beyond pots and pans and now from the backsplash to the kitchen sink all the way to the hood, copper is becoming a trend .Cooker hoods which were primarily in stainless steel have now made way for their copper brethren, by making a style statement. Copper countertops are attracting a lot of attention in kitchen design as an alternative to corian, marble, granite and stainless steel. Because of its oxidation properties, scratches disappear over time and the colour has its own individuality that is constantly changing. Because of its anti bacterial properties it gets full score on hygiene.

In the world of window treatment hardware, copper has again created a niche in terms of its applications for finials and poles, decorative accessories and tiebacks. Copper leaf is increasingly used in gilding. Gilding itself is making a comeback in the world of interiors and furniture. This beautiful metal is also being used for fountains and waterfalls because of its patinated look. For those that want the copper to retain its original colour and shine, the clear coated option is also available. 

Copper as a colour tone has also become a rage; primarily because of the metal mania raging in the world of design– a dash of copper/bronze is a recurring theme in modern palettes. The copper finish and verdigris treatment is finding it way into faux finish walls, lighting fixtures and decorative accessories for the home. Light fixtures are available in copper from extremely contemporary designs to the more traditional variants reminiscent of country cottages. Hammered copper is being used extensively for photo-frames and decorative lamp bases. Copper insets are being used in flooring design as well. It is absolutely everywhere in some form. In all likelihood, the use of metal in interiors will shift from steel and nickel to copper and bronze in the next few years.

An accessory that has become a fashionable trend in recent times is the decorative rain chain in copper, which acquires a patinated finish over time and becomes even more beautiful. It could not perhaps replace downspouts and gutters in areas which have heavy rainfall, but its usage in rainwater harvesting is perhaps not as effective as its appeal for garden enthusiasts. The Japanese combined practical use and inherent beauty to create something that is quite a charming addition to any home. Fireplace screens in copper and bronze are also popular but their use in India is limited.

Because of its excellent properties, this unique metal is an artist’s delight. Coppersmiths use it for interesting light fixtures, furniture and interiors—apart from sculpture and garden accessories which have always been the mainstay of Cu in the arts. In landscape lighting, copper is an ideal choice as a material, because nothing else will give such a range of dimensions and respond so well to climatic conditions over a period of time, in a manner that only serves to accentuate its beauty. Its resistance to corrosion and sunlight couple with a long life cycle are major factors making it suitable for extensive outdoor use. Our increasing ecological awareness and a desire to move towards sustainable design will see copper being used extensively in the architecture and design industry in years to come.
 

As Holi, the festival of colour, is around the corner, I thought I would discuss the use of colour in living spaces.

 Have you ever wondered why you never find people using blue in a kitchen? Did you notice that generally people gravitate towards certain colours according to the mood they are in, or would like to be in? We choose the colours in our home based on our notions of the mood that a particular colour combination will create in a room. The more open we are about out own preferences, the more defined the choice of colours in our homes will tend to be.

Colours can affect your mood from the moment you step into your home, so if you attempt to create different spaces you could always find some part of your home that would perfectly complement your mood on any given day.

 Lori Desormeaux

Getting back to why we rarely see blue in kitchens, especially in India,I think perhaps one of the reasons could be that it is a cold colour and by consequence reduces the appetite. Interestingly, we do not food that is blue—-blue and black are more signs of decay or toxicity in food, which is perhaps why we do not associate this colour with kitchens. But blue is an ideal colour for bedrooms. Especially is you are looking for peace and tranquillity and there is a lot of natural light coming into the room. The colour is believed to increase a person’s level of productivity and perhaps that is why boys tend to be more active in rooms that are blue!!! To keep a room cool and contemporary offset the blue with pale grey, metallic silver and white. To make it warmer bring in tones of gold and beige. The particular shade of blue would affect your mood differently. An aqua is quite a different mood setter from a midnight blue.

 Elsie Cake

Warm colours that suggest cosiness, abundance and comfort and commonly used in dining rooms, kitchens and entrances. Red, the colour of vitality and passion is a great accent and creates an element of drama wherever you find it. Used in the right proportion it brings a surge of energy into a space. It may be too overpowering for a bedroom, but the deeper tones of claret or the softer ones in rose and peach work well for sleeping areas. Pink the colour of femininity and romance is often used in girl’s bedrooms and works well with in all its tones.

Orange,an equally strong colour that requires selective use, is a great pep-up colour and gets you cheerful just by virtue of its psychological effect. In a small area where you could curl up on an armchair and unwind, it can give you that space that recharges your batteries.

Yellows and tones of orange and green work well in almost any space and the only variation that comes in is in terms of tone. Often used in kitchens greens, earth tones and yellows suggest the abundance of earth, and create an inviting atmosphere. Since yellow tends to speed your metabolism and can be overpowering, it is rarely used in bedrooms. In dining, kitchen or even living areas it works beautifully and brings in all the optimism it is associated with. Purple, is the colour of opulence and also peace, depending on how you use it. It heightens your creativity and smoothens frayed nerves if used in a setting appropriately. In depth and liberal use, it creates an aura of luxury and sometimes just the sheer luxurious abandon helps a person relax.

 Kim has 5 cats

Neutral tones often dominate contemporary living spaces, in stark contrasts or subtle blends and make any space look more open and elegant. They work best in modern settings and complement with glass and steel. In more traditional décor, neutral tones tend to make a living space look bland if the right amount of colour is not introduced in accents.

 TeunvandenDries

Pastels are a favourite with most people, especially in tropical climates as they are not overpowering and the statement they make is very subtle. While they are easy on the eye, the warmth of the deeper hues is a far more effective stress buster.

Metallic tones are being increasingly used in homes to create an element of splendour and drama, and used in the right places, they serve as beautiful accents. They work best in ceilings, niches and bathrooms.

Deciding what colour to use in which space will also determine your own psychological response to that space and your comfort levels while being there. So, if you tend to have long lazy baths, make the bathroom and point of focus for colour. If the bedroom is where you spend time to relax, choose a palette that will comfort your senses. Perhaps, you may want to pay attention to the study or entertainment area if that is the place you go to at the end of a long tiring day, seeking to renew your energy. Whatever, the case may be, if you use colour effectively to suit your own temperament, you will find that your home replenishes every molecule of energy the outside world drains out of you. Without you even realising its therapeutic properties.

While colours are used extensively for design purposes and for the visual effects they generate, you need to decide which colours will create an ambience that will help you unwind and then take it forward from there. Find your colour quotient and use that to evolve the mathematics of a living space.