Thursday, November 26, 2015

House of the Month: Residence of Kaho from Mumbai

I am back after a small break from blogging and it's time for some home tour treat, my favorite segment!! I stumbled across this beautiful expat blog called Chuzai Living and Kaho the author, has made me see my home country in a new way. Kaho, born and raised in Japan, is based in Mumbai, loves to share her cultural experience through her blog and beautiful pictures. One of the best things about Kaho’s blog is that it doesn’t just revolve around her travel and cultural experiences and her life abroad, but also gives inspirations to design enthusiasts, fashion and food. And moreover her photographs attached to all her posts are beautiful, giving a gorgeous visual appeal to the blog and to the readers.

 And I particularly loved her home because her home is so inviting, warm with a lot of natural elements with a modern touch and minimal… I love the feel of that perfect balance of comfort, neutral tones and the rustic feel in Kaho’s home.
 
Here is what Kaho had to say about her inspiration to start a blog and decorate her home
What inspired you to start a blog?
Kaho: "Being an expat encounters a lot of challenges. Getting acclimated to a new country is a daunting task not to mention managing to survive in a city where people speak a different language from your is intimidating. Thus, I thought that I wanted my blog to be a place where people can come and grab the information that they need in order to make their lives easier.
With this blog, I want to become that person, a friend, who can refer places to people who are looking for recommendations because I knew that I could achieve it by using my passion for photography, interior design and food. I take pictures of the interior of a restaurant or store which I enjoy and take photos of the food or items that the restaurant or store offers which I find very intriguing."
What is your inspiration for decorating your home?
Kaho: "Scandinavian design… I love have a lot of natural light, white and natural woods in my home.  I am a fan of simple and modern interior design with a bit of rustic or industrial flare.  Since we are an expat family, we don't get to use our own furniture except for a few pieces we were able to bring with us.  It's been a challenge to show my style using the fixed furniture, but I try to be creative."

a living room that's highlighted with neutral tones and filled with comfort


a nice rustic table that goes well with grey and beige

Dining area that has a huge wooden cabinet with Kaho's collection that's arranged beautifully

my personal favorite - a huge chalkboard to write that has a happy quote


the dining area


a relaxing foyer

the girls room with blue pompoms and blue frames

a minimalistic living room style


Click here to visit Kaho’s blog, Chuzai Living for more inspirations. Thanks Kaho for sharing your beautiful space with me and my readers. I hope to meet you when I visit Mumbai!!!

Images copyright Kaho from Chuzai Living

 

Monday, November 2, 2015

Hallway Decor

Hallways are generally the most neglected area of a home with no design love. But actually, it deserves all the design love it needs because it’s considered as transitional space for the guest before reaching the other rooms of the house. One needs to set the mood right to welcome the guests as it gives the first impression of your home. The style and design of hallways must fit into the overall décor of your home.

If you have not given the required love and attention for your hallway, here are some ways to do so…

Light up
Hallways generally lack windows and the only way to enhance light is through large mirrors, wall lamps or hanging lamps.  And preferably a light paint scheme that matched the overall paint of your home.

Image via Vogue


Art
There are different ways to hang art in your hallway. One is to hang a single piece that is captivating against the wall. Or hang a collage of art work or photos from ceiling to bottom by creating your own gallery display with bold frames to create a pattern.

Image via Lonny



Furniture
If you have space constrain make sure you chose a console table that is narrow that fits in your hallway and place your favorite sculpture or a vase full of flowers to give a fabulous display to your guests. And if you have enough space you can add a book shelf or a small cupboard for storage solutions or a coat stand. But keep in mind it’s not heavily trafficked and cluttered. And make it as cozy as possible.

Image via Pinterest


Plants

Use potted plants with beautiful textured planters to uplift the tone of the house. And its also a great decorating potential. Moreover a little bit of green always livens up a space.


Image via Lonny


Rug and Tiles

Place a nice funky and colorful rug with beautiful patterns to give an extra impact. Or create patterns with colorful floor tiles.

Image via Lonny


Hope these tips have been useful for you. I think I am ready to redo my hallway at the earliest.... time for a change!!!... after all first impression counts. And I hope I can share the before and after pictures. Have a good day!