Indian Minimalism – is soon to become a candid design trend. In a country where less is less and more is never enough – minimalism is a demanding inclination to simply tip-toe in homes. Although tired of frenzied feasting, many Indians are taking on minimalism to declutter their spaces, and well, thoughts too.Image Credits: PinterestWhat is Minimalism? More than just an interior design ‘style’, minimalism is a principle – that of removing all unnecessary decor or features from an object and leaving only those that serve the purpose of the object. To quote Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, “Less is More”.Minimalism for a country that’s emotional, and expressive; where our natural milieu is riotous, and there’s so much pigment and robustness everywhere that the built environment must really echo that. The framework of traditional Indian architecture provides an ideal base for minimalist decor and with the current sustainable movement; have been effortlessly quick to fuse the two. Image Credits: Pinterest | PinterestIndia is well known for its decadent design and its inclination for kaleidoscopic colors but recently the design world has begun to cautiously dip in the minimalistic pool. Indian minimalism tends to indulge in warmer, more rustic wood. This return to natural material plus the addition of stone accents means that while the minimalist theory is still in place, the design takes on a more comforting, familiar aesthetic that is missing from the sleek forms elsewhere. Image Credits: PinterestMinimalism promises to deliver chic, uncomplicated style that while unassuming will convey grandeur far beyond the boundaries of its simplicity. Image Credits: Pinterest | PinterestA mix of the colors, grey and beige, offers in its spectrum an assortment of insignias that are neutral enough to stay minimalist, yet have the warmth that charms to the Indian consumer’s thoughtfulness. With this approach, textiles and patterns can still be incorporated, as can an array of beautiful natural materials like various natural stones and fabric and handcraftsmanship that India is so well known for. The allures of Indian Minimalism can seep right through your home and adept with the geometry, tradition, simplicity, and lively coloring yet coexist in the realms of minimalism....
Continue ReadingIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The temperatures are dropping, everyone’s shopping, the Santa is eavesdropping and the reds are popping. And you know what makes the best time of year even better? Decking up your home and getting every inch of your house into the holiday spirit with creative and festive decorating ideas that set the mood just right....
Continue ReadingMYTHS & BELIEFSThe Babylonian god Marduk plaited a wicker hurdle on the surface of the waters. He created dust and spread it on the hurdle. Thus, this ancient Mesopotamian myth describesthe creation of the earth using a reed mat. And not only this, many other ancient myths and stories believe that basketry was the first of the arts given to mankind....
Continue ReadingCelebrations, fun get-togethers and endless smiles await you as we come closer to a new year and some new beginnings. Our culture, our history, our mythical tales and our varied seasons, all come together to gift India prolonged days of festivities and celebrations, creating stronger social and emotional bonds that tie us together and bring us closer.Image Credits: Unsplash | TripsavvyFrom toddlers to grown ups, from small villages to developed towns, the whole of India contributes in this grand celebration on the onset of Indian Summer (or Autumn) or the well known Indian Festive months. These months bring to light and spread around the glorious culture and ethnicity of India but what really binds them together is the unwavering enthusiasm and pomp of each and every element of our surroundings.Image Credits: Tripsavvy | UnsplashWith bling adorning us, sweets and pakwaans loaded in our mouths and spirituality in the air, these festivals create a positive aura and fill us with a feeling of happiness. Sometimes we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna or welcome Ganesha and Lord Ram in our homes, the other times, we celebrate the harvest of a crop or dance the night away with the Holy Goddess; all of which reflect to live each day as it comes and share happiness with the entire community....
Continue ReadingBoring, flat, outdated? Definitely not! Chic, comfortable, characterful - the browns and muddy hues on the colour wheel juxtapose modern and classic aesthetics to spin nuanced narratives in homes. The minutiae of the marvelous, interiors that revel in contrasting colours, a drama of textures and a play of patterns and carvings decorated against the backdrop of timeless browns can craft a space that possesses a wealth of details....
Continue ReadingA swarm of people in chaotic streets, the hustle of life like ones never known calm.... Yet, I once heard an ‘outsider’ friend say “I am finally home” .... here in India. And the local folks know that the essence of this country is much more that it appears to be....
Continue ReadingJust in time for the sunny summers melting into the moody monsoons, it’s finally time to talk about our favourite home décor idea, Prints! Prints and patterns can add dimension and infuse personality in a space; they have an exotic and travelled feel that’s also a bit playful, making them a great tool for layering. These wonders can take your living room or your personal space away from a monochromatic eyesore and can make them pop effortlessly. But how can a minimalist use prints?...
Continue ReadingAfter the World War II many Bauhaus architects and designers migrated to America as a result of changes in Germany. Desperate for creativity after the war, these famed designers took war materials and molded them into iconic chairs, tables and lights, thus coining the term ‘Mid- Century Modern Style’. Mid-century modern refers to pieces from the 40s, 50s and 60s, which pushed the limits of engineering. A Mid-Century modern style is based on many factors, it gives us clean lines, gentle organic curves and love for different materials.Today we dive into the world of Mid-Century, decoding its many facets while helping you create this look!THE MOOD BOARD Image Credits: westelm | bestfriendsforfrosting | allmodernImage Credits: Instagarm#omysadesign | Overstock | mydomaineCOLOUR CHOICESThe traditional mid-century palette ranged from bright hues in the 1950s to earthy colours in the 1960s, so the style works with many different shades....
Continue ReadingFrom appearing in the Oxford English Dictionary during the year 1787 to helping president John F. Kennedy with his chronic back pain (thus also ending up in nearly every room of the White House), the journey of rocking chairs, has been an iconic and the most celebrated one! Though Benjamin Franklin is sometimes credited with inventing it, it is more likely that this relaxing chair first appeared in America during the 18th century. Continue reading to uncover the full story.Rocking Chairs - What’s their story?AN URBAN LEGENDWhile they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs established their place in American history long ago....
Continue ReadingOnce restricted to bars & pubs and now a must-have in every home, here is the story of the high and mighty bar chairs.The Story of the High and Mighty Bar Stools/ ChairCHAPTER 1: THE DEBUTIt is difficult to determine exactly when and where the bar stool was invented; however the most plausible explanation is it evolved from bench. Examples of seating have been found as far back as the Stone Age, where bench style seating was discovered in abundance. By using elevated seating, humans distinguished themselves from the animal kingdom.CHAPTER 2: THE RISEEvidences of bar stools were then found in ancient Chinese tombs and later in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used both chairs and bar stools; the use of chairs was usually reserved for those with superior social status....
Continue ReadingIndia - A land of abundance, a land of 300 gods & goddesses, a land of 9 major religions & a land of heritage! In this mystical land lies another gem, the Indian Handloom industry, preserving & rendering a beautiful picture of our age-old heritage. Known worldwide for the richness & purity of its textiles, each handcrafted piece is adorned with lively colours & prints, specific to different cultures blooming across India. Inspired from nature, ancient architecture of temples & forts, rural lifestyle and abstract patterns, these prints speak a thousand words to the beholder.Native Printing Styles that Make Indian Textiles Desirable, Worldwide!...
Continue ReadingInspired by the very roots and aimed at fusing the past with the present, the real with the imaginary, traditional craft and modern craftsmanship is a celebration of recollections from the past and of stories meandering amidst memories. One of the best ways to keep the magic of traditional designs alive along with the convenience of modern craftsmanship, amalgamation of the two brings to life a marvel that is treasured by all. Following are the fruits of this unique combination, What Happens when Traditional Craft meets Modern Craftsmanship? CREATIVE INDIVIDUALITY The designs that are results of this traditional & modern synthesis stand out for their contrasting textural complexity and project a sense of individualism, in both form and style....
Continue ReadingThe crafts industry is slowing dying and with it the valuable heritage of various cultures...In a world absorbed with fast fashion and changing trends, growing industrialization and dependency on technology, we are losing touch with the whimsical art of handmade; moving towards innovation is inevitable and a vital part of our evolution, however being in touch with our roots has helped us cherish our journey so far. Creating with our hands is not only connected with aesthetic beauty, it shapes us spiritually, in the same way when we eat with our hands instead of a spoon. THE FADING ART & SOME HANDS OF HOPE...We at Gulmohar Lane love handmade, we think handmade, we make handmade but what is it that makes handmade so special to us? As unique as each person in the world, each handmade piece is an art made with love and there is never a need for an upgrade as it is born perfect! An indigenous expression of faith, supplemented by the transitory and dynamic patterns of life, hand made crafts are deeply rooted in a communal diction and speak volumes of India’s cultural ancestry. It’s the minute imperfections that make it so desirable....
Continue ReadingUpcycling is a longstanding ethos of Indian homes but how often do we consider the importance of rediscovering new life in our old things? In recent years, we have created enough stuff, wasted it and threw it away. We have wasted food, while in some parts of our own country people starved. We have also dumped our old pair of clothes, which could have been put to good use, but instead ended up in landfills....
Continue ReadingWe spend hours looking for that perfect piece because they not only make a statement, but they also have to do with ergonomics and fit well with the rest of the décor. You can never get enough of this versatile, resourceful and all time favourite furniture piece - Chair. But did you know how these once elaborate, opulent and bulky designs became apartment friendly and modern? Read below to find out.History Behind the Stylish Seating - Evolution to Present Day StylingDuring most of the human evolution, we did not do as much sitting as we do today....
Continue ReadingThe style began simply - prior to the Four Poster design, beds were no more than a hard board covered in fur or quilts. In the 13th century, a canopy was introduced, suspended by cords from the beams above, on which curtains were hung. This developed into a bedchamber which was becoming a trend by the 14th century.Picture Courtesy: Wikimedia | WikipediaThen came an elegant bedstead, called the Arabian, with bed curtains, hung from wooden or metal rails. The four poster was probably originated from Austria before migrating to England during the 14th or early 15th centuries. Picture Courtesy: Thornbury CastleThough the design is now revered for its style and historical charm, the furnishing developed for more practical reasons than just beautification. Bedrooms in those times were often chilly and cold, and the curtains were drawn to help keep the sleeper warm inside, in addition to providing a great degree of privacy as the attendants often slept in the same room as the lord or lady.Announcing the Launch of ourKINGSTON FOUR POSTER BEDA Traditional Luxury with Timeless Elegance Mixing bold proportions and clean, straight silhouette in a style that is both timeless and modern; we bring to you, for the first time, Kingston Four Poster Bed. Offering a global traveller look, this 1970s postmodern inspired design features a beautiful upholstered and hand-tufted headboard while using a solid hardwood frame that highlights the warmth and natural rich grains of wood....
Continue ReadingThis vintage material is like a daydream come to life, a dream woven into durable patterns and textures.GULMOHAR LANE RATTAN COLLECTIONSPaying Homage to Traditions & CraftsPredominant during the 70s, Rattan continues to be the most loved and trendsetting material for creating tropical-like and colonial inspired furniture. A perfect neutral, its appealing wooden color can be dressed up or down while intertwining a tale about the ancient Kerela homes illustrating their colonial culture.Striving each day to keep handicrafts alive, our Rattan collection not only pays homage to this intricate and beautiful craft but also highlights our love for contemporising and reviving this dying craft with our timeless aesthetics and global appeal.Most often, Rattan is seen adorning your patio or porches Rattan collection at Gulmohar Lane is all about the interior beauty and elegance which adds texture and richness to rooms and can suit many styles, from rustic to shabby-chic, from coastal to tropical.Bring home the charm of this vintage craft discovered during 2nd Century A.D with Gulmohar Lane.EXPLORE ALL THE DESIGNS HERE
Continue Reading- MERRY CHRISTMAS -There’s a dear old tree–an evergreen treeAnd it blossoms once a year‘Tis loaded with fruit from top to rootAnd brings to all good cheer. Look at the gifts small and largeEach gift will share in partThe message of true Christmas joyIf given from the heart!
Continue ReadingMETAL BEDSA reminiscenceIt all dates back to the 19th century when iron beds were handmade by craftsmen and artisans who would hand-pour the iron, polish detailed castings and then hand-apply finishes. The beds were made one at a time - crafted by hand, and it could take days to complete a single bed.All good things come to an end and so did the iron bed heyday as everyone faced World War I. The iron that was used to create the beds was now required to sustain in the war. With the end of the war, the meticulous handmade craftsmanship that produced unique individual beds in the past was replaced by the assembly line where more beds could be made in the same amount of time.For their beauty, strength and value, iron beds have remained a staple piece of furniture passed from generation to generation and will continue to be so for years to come...Taking inspiration from the era before industrial revolution, where hand craftsmanship was the prime reason behind the innate beauty of the metal beds, we are bringing to you our modern and sleek Metal Beds Collection.Make sure to get a hold on the design that is antique in its roots but modern in its application!Stay tuned for the unveiling of our Metal Bed Collection!
Continue ReadingLeather, being one of the most versatile additions in upholstery, is just not a material but a part of the history. It is believed that leather was first used as cladding to cover dining chairs as early as 5th century A.D., because of its easy maintenance and cleaning properties. A few centuries later, ancient Romans started using leather in various forms. Roman soldiers used to carry leather armour and leather shields in battles to protect themselves from their enemies....
Continue ReadingLeather tanning process in the early 90s | Picture Credit - americanbisonleather.comThe history of leather is closely merged with the development of mankind. Long before man invented communicating through alphabets, he communicated using simple sign language and drawing on skins of animals. Later he used this skin to shelter and clothe himself. These were known as rawhides....
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