This post won a Google Nexus tab in the “Asian Paints Blogger Contest!“
When we moved to Bangalore, little did we know that our nomadic days were firmly behind us. Having been married for 3 years then, we had moved 4 houses and 2 continents and had a toddler son. In Bangalore itself, we moved two houses till the bug to own our own consumed us. Then started the house hunting. I remember falling in love with the design of this villa as soon as I saw it for the first time. Having always lived in apartments, I loved the idea of a gated community and our own spot under the sun with a little patch of lawn in front of it. We saw it come up in front of our eyes from a few bricks in the foundation to a home we love and cherish. I remember the frenzied months, when all our waking moments were spent in just running from store to store, choosing the tiles, designs, wood work, sanitary fittings, chasing carpenters and running after builder’s men with a toddler in tow who got sick of our boring weekends. Yes, we had budget constraints and so we went with the staid paints that the builder provided. This home saw the birth of my younger son and home coming of Coco. In a way the boring walls worked out well as the kids got ample opportunity to draw and dirty the walls.
Then 3 years ago, we decided to repaint the house. Now, we were wiser, knew exactly what we wanted from our wall paint. So, we choose Asian Paints Royale. Just like the Saif advertisement, I wanted a paint that was no fuss, looked great and yet was kid friendly (cleaning friendly). It had Teflon that promised sheen on the walls. Yes, it was more expensive but then we don’t paint our homes regularly, do we? I can vouch for its excellent features. The paint has seen multiple spills and other accidents and wiping and cleaning with soap and water removes all stains. The sheen is delectable on the walls.
The pictures speak for themselves.
As soon as you enter my house, you will instantly notice the lived in feel. Two crazy kids giggling and running around with a very confused Labrador in tow is a common sight. My husband in all probability will be up on the terrace tinkering with his beloved plants. And, I am either in the kitchen or seated in my cozy corner hammering things on the keyboard just like I am doing now. Things will be strewn around!
I should actually put a disclaimer saying, “Caution: Things Out of Place!”
Kitchen and Dining Area: This is my domain. I have spent hours here churning out delicacies. My kids when younger would plop up on the platform or sit on the table chatting while I cooked! The woodwork has stayed great due to the use of water proof plywood. The tiles were handpicked by me. I love sunshine hence loads of yellow, oranges, brick reds in my home. Remember to get good sink, fittings, the platform customized to your height. These minor touches make cooking more ergonomic.
Living Room: My living room sofa was transformed into plush fabric only recently. Initially we had faux leather to indulge both my kids who loved playing water games with utensils on the sofa. I love the orange and cream walls that complement the brown theme of every thing else. Yes, each room has one dark wall as a signature wall. I don’t like too many many elements. Besides I can easily modify the look of the wall by changing the paint or going for a decal.
This staircase now glittering in mustard has seen tiny tots crawl up the steps and look down in alarm. We had fixed detachable doors at the top and bottom and safety nets to take into account naughty kids. The up and down the steps through the day keeps us in good shape.
Master bedroom: Our bedroom has maroon and peach walls and loads of storage. The wardrobes and bed were custom built. The room was spacious enough to accommodate a nice crib and co-sleeper when the babies were young. Plan long term because your home and its space is there to stay.
Children’s bedroom: Children’s room is done in blue. I love the matching Godrej wardrobes that are sturdy and spacious. The boys chose the color scheme for their room. I personally love blue as well. And the walls look so good even after all the abuse they have taken. And that book case belongs to my bookworm son.
Guest cum work room: This is the guest bedroom and also my work area! With Natraj for inspiration and my favorite lavender and magenta on the walls, I love spending time in quietude here.
Lounge: Our lounge is our rest area. You see our Television ensconced next to a large book case. My books jostle for space with those of the husband. The dressers come in very handy for segregating and storing knick knacks.
Terrace Garden: The terrace has been converted into a roof top organic garden by my passionate gardener husband. We also do our own composting here. It is a delight having your very own green patch. We also have a solar heater for the house here. Yep, we are green folks.
Sitout: Our sitout is the area that lets in adequate light and sunshine. The kids hang out here sometimes loafing and at other times reading or playing with Coco.
Tips on creating your dream home:
Budget: There is a mind boggling array of choices when it comes to fittings, tiles, wood work, and paints. Carefully budget and then compare costs and features. Prioritize.
Functionality: Insist on skid proof tiles for your bathroom. Always invest in good waterproofing and good quality paint. It lasts you longer and stays fresh too. Plan your furniture according to the space available, and build in a lot of storage.
Labor: Hiring external contractors is cheaper. But poor quality job and inadvertent delays take a huge toll too. The Asian Paints professionals give you time bound painting. Their other services like taping wardrobes and switchboards, and leaving your floor spic and span after painting help take away the sweat of painting. Also you can be assured that they are using original paints else you must buy your own paints from authorized stores. Draw up a proper contract before embarking on the work.
Research: Seek professional guidance and browse the net to understand the various options and décor choices available to you. Try Asian Paints Inspiration Wall for some excellent inputs and ideas for your home.
Above all, let your home reflect you! Have your little touches all over the home. And let your home ring with laughter and joy!
My motto is simple: I don’t go around chasing every bit of dirt. I chase happiness!
Hope to have you over soon. Remember I cook quite well!
This is my entry for The Beautiful Home Blogger Contest in association with Asian Paints and Ripple Links.
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