purplehomes

Sara's Art Gallery.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:17:00 +0000

When lil S came into our lives four years back we brought home a cot bed. What is a cot bed you ask? Well a cot that is a little bigger than a normal cot and can turn into a bed once your little girl leaves the title of an infant far behind (Basically the cot railings come off and the height can be decreased to make it into a low level bed that is perfect for a kid).

So all this time she had been using it with the cot railings on because I wasn't sure if the time had come to turn it into a bed. But when we moved here we thought of doing away with the cot railings and giving her a "new" bed. She has been loving her bed and since its really close to the ground I am not really scared of her falling down in the middle of her sleep and hurting herself (Having said that one side of the bed is right against the wall and other side has a soft carpet).

But this is not what the post is about.It is about the sleepless nights that the cot railings had been giving me. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away or keep them hiding in the store. It had to be reused. Every little thing in the house has to be reused and upcycled. It is a sickness I tell you:)

And so in exactly five minutes we turned it into her art gallery. Like this.

We made them stand together vertically (at an angle so that they don't fall).

Adorned them with mini lanterns. So that her room sparkled at night.

And sometimes during the day. You can't refuse such a teeny tiny artist can you?

Added some twine and adorable clips to hang her artwork. As you can see the ballet obsession continues. She has been experimenting with dry pastels these days.

And ofcourse every gallery NEEDS to have the artist's name. Right there at the top:)

A lovely gift from her aunt.

We also pulled out some baby toys.They have been living in a basket for a long time now because she tells me "I am not a baby anymore"

And we were done.

What do you think about our little art gallery?

Images : Personal Album

May Fetish.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:38:00 +0000

Driftwood. Yes, that is my fetish of the month. Its been a while that we've had any fetish posts around here. I have in the past enjoyed putting it together and plan to go back to sharing it with all of you.

So here goes. I love the natural look and the interesting rough texture it has. It is like bringing a little bit of the outdoors into your home.

You could just bundle a lot of these in a vase or a pretty basket.

Or show off a single piece.

Thread them together to make a picture holder or a hang your sparkly baubles or a bag or two.

Why only baubles? How about creating a wreath, a Christmas tree and a star or two.

On string them all together and pair them with beads or wall pendants.

My favorite has to be the one here...for scribbling words that will inspire me.

For those who want to challenge their creativity how about making a lamp or using it as base for a table. Drool.

Or use it for your tea lights and your greens. Genius.

Want to make something quick and simple. Introduce some shells.

Mono is boring, is it? How about painting it?

Just look at these driftwood houses. Instant Love.

Or turn into a pretty boat.

Will always remind you of the beach from where you picked it.

So which of these is your favorite?

Do share how you brought driftwood into your homes.

Hope you are having a lovely week.

Get inspired by going through tons of other Fetish posts here.

Images:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21 and 22

Indian art in modern settings.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:42:00 +0000

Its very rare that you across such a perfect harmony of Indian inspired art in a modern setting. I love how the artwork is in shades of one colour and how that pink lamp and the little pink detailing on the stool complements it.

Have fun mixing and matching this week!

Image: here

And when I dance my feet are dreaming.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:32:00 +0000

Sara has been obsessed with ballet for over two years now. It all started with these really pretty and cute pink ballet shoes that her aunt got for her. It has been over two years and the girl has not taken them off her feet.They are coming apart but there is no way I can convince her to adorn her feet with anything but them. Day and Night.Inside the home and outside too.

When at home she is doing ballet (or cooking; her other love).When in the garden out to play, she chooses to practice ballet instead. We ONLY watch ballet dvds and she has to show ballet to her grandparents over skype too. Sometimes the ballet performances over skype are good fifteen minutes long:)

And now that we are doing up her new room here at Dubai I have been thinking of adding some ballet artwork to the artwork we have already have on her walls.

And these illustrations are the ones that are inspiring me. At the moment I can't decide which ones do I like more for a little girl's room. Vintage or a modern take. Water colour or a pencil sketch in colour. Detailed or simple graphics. I like them all. But one thing is for sure the last one is totally cracking me up.

Each time I look at this one it makes me smile. Infact Sara has a book which has an illustration very similar to this. How cute is that elephant! And don't miss there pointe shoes:)

A cute pink pig giving a ballet performance will be adorable & fun in a little girl's room. What do you think? Oink Oink!

Sources for art : 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 9and 10

Springtime tablescapes

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:53:00 +0000

Morning. We complete a month here at Dubai and the weather is still beautiful,so my heart is doing a happy dance. Since the house is nearly set and the weather is currently being my best friend, it looks like a good time to have some friends over.

With tablescapes like these.

Fresh flowers, rustic table, sparkling cutlery, white china and pretty bottles...these pictures are shouting spring!

Images: Seem to have lost the links. But if you do know the source please do let me know,I'd be happy to update it here.

Paisley Love.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:51:00 +0000

I love the paisley. Paisley is the English term what we call "butehi or ambi" in India. It resembles a rain drop actually more like a mango. I like to have them on my clothes,curtains, bedspreads, table linen, bags...well practically everywhere. One of these days I going to share my paisley love with all of you.

But I don't have them on my wall.

Like this.

Or like this.

I love them both. One so understated and one bright and loud.Swoon.

I am more of let's go safe with white on the walls and let the artwork, cushions, trinkets, et al add color to my room type of person. Also I get bored easily so I like to constantly rotate things around the home. And committing my wall to any colour other than white stresses me out.

What about you? Do you like to splash your walls with bold colours or like me you are the "let's go safe with white" types?

Images : here & here

Hello April.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:11:00 +0000

Some day when I have a garden with a wooden staircase thrown in I will paint it blue and paint the bricks just like this.Yes, people these are bricks painted to look like books. Look closer. So awesome. Love the detailing.

And till then I am happy standing in cute little balcony.

Will this count as an April Fool's day prank:)

Wishing you a wonderful and full of inspiration April.

Image : here

GoodHomes bloggers bonding session.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:13:00 +0000

My association with GoodHomes started in November 2011 when they talked about purplehomes in their magazine. And ever since the entire team of GoodHomes has been really really kind to me. .

Last month when they got in touch with me and asked if I was up for a Design bloggers bonding session and meeting their editor Ronitaa and her team, my answer was a big YES. How could I not be there? It was such a great opportunity to finally meet the people behind the much loved magazine and my fellow blogger friends.

The meet was organized at Shiros and it was so inspiring to just listen to everyone. Why each one entered the world of blogging and how they balance it with the hundred of other things they did each day:)

I met Bhavna & Rajee almost after two years. My absolute favorite photographer and fellow blogger Lakshmi was there too. And ofcourse I got the chance to meet and make some new friends ( Hi...Priti, Shalini, Misha)

Meeting Ronitaa and her wonderful team was awesome. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know them and connecting the dots between the print and the blogging world. Big thanks to all of you for having us over and spoiling us silly.

Here are some snapshots from that afternoon. A big thanks also goes out to the team at Shiros for making our afternoon both yummy and memorable.

Images : GoodHomes & dodecals

Eight years in 102 cartons.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 05:39:00 +0000

Hello everyone. Where did you vanish you ask? And why?

Well...for that you need to read the long story I am about to tell.

So exactly three months back DH called me from one of those obscure places he keeps visiting for his projects and asked me if we would be okay with relocating.

“Relocating as in packing up our bags and moving to a new city?” I asked.

“Ahem...a new city, yes but in a new country is more like what I had in mind”, he said.

And just like that we decided it was time to take a giant leap of courage and faith to say bye to our home and our life here and start a new life somewhere else...in an unfamiliar country.

It is a big move for us considering we have stayed in the same house since the day we got married. There are lovely memories associated with every little thing and every little corner. We have shared so many of our special moments with our families and friends here. There are so many “firsts” we have celebrated here. I am definitely going to miss all that.

Not being able to walk across the road to say hi to mum and dad, I am going to miss it all.

We also became proud parents here.

And after three months of continuous sorting, disposing, donating and packing we finally said goodbye to our home yesterday.

Eight years packed in 102 cartons.

I could do with resting for a lifetime now, really :) And that is what had kept me away from the blog all this while.

But now with all hardwork of packing behind me I am really really looking forward to this whole new adventure. A new home (a clean slate to decorate...yay!), new people to meet and make lifelong friendships with and new places to explore.

Making a new city our home.

I am curious about how our lives are about to change and what in our lives will remain the same. I am excited about learning and adapting to a new culture. And I am happy that as a family we will get more time to be with each other since DH’s last job entailed continuous travel.

There, so that’s my story. Wish us luck. Your wishes mean the world to me, you know that right? :)

And be ready to join me in this new journey. I am looking forward to talking a lot more here at purplehomes about wrapping up our life here, our new life and experiences there, doing up the new house to make it our new home, new work opportunities, my design and culinary inspirations in a new city and more.

Much love,

Image : here & here

Stay Happy. Stay Safe. Happy New Year.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Image : here

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Lots of wishes for a sparkling Christmas and a wonderful, safe and a Happy New Year.

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank.We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Years Day".

By Edith Pierce

p.s. I have lots of lovely Chrismassy things we did this year at home. Will put it all together for all of you soon:)

Image : Personal Album

One issue. Three Covers.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 04:01:00 +0000

This post is long due. December has almost come to an end and I have been wanting to share the very interesting initiative from Good Homes with all of you.

To commemorate their special art issue, they asked artists Aarohi Singh, Nilofer Suleman and Viveek Sharma to render their “homeward” thoughts on canvas for their cover. The result—three stunning, hand-painted covers for the December issue. 3 different covers for a single issue. Pretty interesting! These exclusive paintings have been created by these artists for GoodHomes.

I have to admit I am partial when it comes to Aarohi. Not only is she a wonderful person but ofcourse a great artist. I had the pleasure of interacting with her some years back for an article that I was working on and have been following her awesome work through her blog. I love her cover?

Which one do you heart? They are all outstanding...aren't they?

Enjoy going through the magazine and admiring the three covers:)

Oh and continuing with spreading the holiday cheer Good Homes is also running a handmade Christmas card contest.Find all the deets here

Wishing everyone a safe holiday season. I will be back soon.

Images : Good Homes

And the winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:35:00 +0000

And the winner of the Zansaar and purplehomes giveaway is Charul (I used random.org to pick the winner).

"Charul @ Tadka Masala said...

I am so confused as to what would I give from the vast spread at Zansaar, but i think I can zero down on the candles that you have shown above. And also, wonderful giveaway! :)"

Congratulations Charul. Please email me your address so that we can send you your gift.

A big thanks to everyone for participating and to Zansaar for being so generous:)

Image : Zansaar

Purplehomes turns five.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:44:00 +0000

A big thank you and a warm hug to each and everyone of you for being with me and giving purplehomes so much love and support. Its been five beautiful years and I feel so blessed.

Image : here

Potter's Bazaar 2012

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:14:00 +0000

For all of you in and around Delhi, the Potter's Bazaar 2012 is coming to town.

Block your calendars.

p.s. The purplehomes & Zansaar giveaway is on till the 7th of Dec'12.

Don't forget to participate:)

Image : Delhi Blue Pottery Trust

Winter meetups at home.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:12:00 +0000

I love Delhi winters. It is green all around and the beautiful weather is perfect for having friends and family over for both noontime brunches and late night barbecue parties in our balcony garden. Not to forget the picnics at home for the little one and her friends. They love the idea of having a picnic right here at home..tent, picnic mat, doughnuts...you get the idea:)

The tablescapes ofcourse need to compliment the gorgeous weather and the lovely company. Here are some that I am loving.

Which one do you like the most?

p.s. The purplehomes & Zansaar giveaway is on till the 7th of Dec'12. Don't forget to participate:)

Image: 1,2,3, 4 & 5

Rooms I heart.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 04:28:00 +0000

Loving this space.

The distressed wood. That comforter. The artwork and the empty frame on the wall. The twin tables. And the vase.

p.s. The purplehomes & Zansaar giveaway is on till the 7th of Dec'12. Don't forget to participate:)

Image : here

Recovering from my sister's wedding and more

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:28:00 +0000

How are you doing? Ahem...I have been vanishing every now and then and I have my reasons people:))

I am still recovering from my wonderful little sister's wedding. Oh yes! Lil sis got married a couple of weeks back and If I am allowed to say...it was the most beautiful wedding, really. We had such a great time planning every little bit of it and went crazy making sure it was all perfect right down to the last detail. And that was really exhausting:)

The week she got married was such a lovely week. We were surrounded by all our loved ones;family and friends. We were not only celebrating and laughing and in general being happy but that week gave each one of us an opportunity to spend time with cousins and aunts and uncles we hadn't had the chance to meet and connect with in years. Late night coffee and gossip sessions, playing dress up all day and night, eating together...our smiles just wouldn't go away.

It was the first time that Sara got to meet all of our extended family and be with her uncles and aunts. All of that week I had no idea who she was with, who was feeding her and who was playing with her...all of them were busy pampering her and were constantly around her that she barely had any time for her mum and dad. I feel so blessed and overwhelmed. Really.

Post wedding clean up and reorganizing the home and my sister's relocation kept us busy as well and then there was Diwali and the usual office work.

And I have to be honest even with all this excitement I missed being here and talking to all of you. Really sorry for being away for so long and making a little promise to be here with you.

Hope all of you are getting to spend time with your loved ones this festive season as well and are doing well.

I will see you on the other side of this week. Keep smiling and say hi to those cousins and uncles and aunts you grew up with and haven't spoken to in years:)

Love,

p.s. Don't forget to participate in the purplehomes & Zansaar giveaway:)

Image : Personal

Welcoming Zansaar and more.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:02:00 +0000

Hello people. I know I've been away…bad bad blogger. But now I am back and I promise a detailed explanation of why I vanished like this in my next post. But for now I’d like to welcome a new sponsor at purplehomes, Zansaar.

Zansaar is an online market place where you can find an amazing range of carefully and lovingly curated home & food products. There couldn't have been a better time to introduce them to you than in the middle of the really crazy and colourful festive season. So for all those who want to avoid the madness of going to a market and buying gifts for your loved ones this Diwali, do check out their Diwali countdown collection.

Rustic lanterns, diya rangolis, colourful coasters, sparkling metal candle holders,classy brass trays...they have it all.

What had my heart beating were the thoughtfully put together Diwali hampers. Afternoon infusions for my tea lover girl friend, Roast and Relish for the barbecue crazy husband, Wine and Cheese for my lovely neighbor and vintage labels for ahem…me…is it allowed to self gift on Diwali:)

Keeping in with the festive spirit, the folks at Zansaar are offering a discount for all you lovely readers and a giveaway! Yes you read it right!

Here are the deets.

You can use the following discount code when shopping at Zansaar. The code entitles you to 10% discount on any items that are not on sale or in specials and is case sensitive.

PURPLE10

And now for the giveaway: The team at Zansaar and we have picked this gorgeous and very country, Lily Pattern Watering Can and a Green narrow bamboo planter. Do you like it? I do! I can see the watering can being used both for watering and as a vase. And the bamboo planter, it is truly green...its completely bio-degradable. A pity that I can’t participate:)

And all you need to do to make it yours is to leave us a comment telling us what would you like to gift your loved ones this festive season from the gorgeous collection at Zansaar.

You can increase your chances of winning it if you “Like” the Zansaar and purplehomes facebook page or follow the Zansaar and purplehomes blog. Leave us a comment for each like/ follow to make sure we know about it :) If you are already a follower on both or "like" both just let me know and I will put in another entry for you.

Since Zansaar currently ships only in India the giveaway is valid only for Indian Residents. But the rest of you need not be disappointed you can always participate for your loved one staying here and we promise to mail it to them:)

The last date to participate is 7th December'12 midnight IST. The winner will be announced on the 8^th December’12.

Good luck and Enjoy your festival shopping and make people smile :) Head over to Zansaar, right here.

Images : Courtesy Zansaar

Colour Crush: All things glittery

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 06:11:00 +0000

That I am partial to the second half of the year is a known fact. How can I not be? Festivals, birthdays, anniversaries, picnics, awesome weather and this year...my sister's wedding. I am over the moon. All of the above comes with loads of sparkly and glittery thing. The women in the house i.e my mum, my sis, my little one and me are loving it...so much so that Sara has decided to get married! That girl sure loves bling:)

The men...well...they just don't seem to understand what is so exciting about glitter.

Clutches, ribbons and clothes pegs!

Now those will definitely take out of the boring from laundry..won't they?

That shower curtain is a must:)

How can food not be a part of the glittery fest this winter...

cupcakes and macaroons....lovely.

I read somewhere "Glitter is for life not just for celebrations". How true is that?

Make glitter a part of your life and keep sparkling and smiling:) I know, I will.

Images : 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 and 11

Rooms I heart

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:12:00 +0000

Lurving this room. Love the contrast between the brick exposed wall and all the colour in the room.Have a great weekend people.

Image : here

This or that?

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:56:00 +0000

Riot of bright colours or soothing pastels?

Image : 1 and 2

Loving the contrast.

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:44:00 +0000

I am loving the contrast.
Antiseptic laboratory equipment meets living and pretty greens.
Funnels, beakers, test tubes and centrifuge tubes have never looked better:)

Image : 1,2 and 3

Color Crush : Marigold

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:37:00 +0000

With my little sister's wedding just around the corner I am having a huge Marigold color crush.

Indian weddings are incomplete without Marigolds and we are having a great time creating colorful moodboards for each of the events. Think...marigold, fuchsia, rani pink, deep green, copper...drool.

Get ready for some marigold love... some for the exteriors and some for the interiors of your home.

Oh and a little word of caution, starting now there might be many a post centered around the oh-so- colorful Indian Wedding..ahem...

Images : 1,2,3,4,5 & 6

Clever or creative?

noreply@blogger.com (purplehomes) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 04:41:00 +0000

Came across this cracker of an idea to hide those ugly water pipes/rain spouts.

Creative and clever.

Image: here