Tea Time with Meenakshi Kapoor

Hi everyone… I know I have not been consistent with my blog as I got sidetracked with a few projects in hand and pursuing my passion and learning in food photography. Please click here to see my work and to know more. I am back now with a new series called “Tea Time Series” where I will feature and introduce a creative whose work I follow and admire and I am super excited about this.

Kick starting the Tea Time series with Meenakshi Kapoor, a Mumbai based interior designer, who is the creative force behind the inspirational blog, called “Behind that House”, who took Instagram by storm with her mind blowing reels, beautiful posts and styling videos. I have been following her work for a long time and I have seen her grow consistently and taking up new challenges when it comes to home décor styling. Her Insta blog is truly a visual décor therapy.

The most striking aspect about her work is her unique, beautiful and elegant styling tips which always have a pop of gorgeous seasonal blooms and plants. Her easy to do DIYs and her simple tips on décor are another striking feature of her work, which gives wings to your imagination when it comes to home décor. She always aims to provide a fresh perspective to her audience when it comes to styling and DIY projects.

So grab a cup of tea and let’s get to know more about Meenakshi

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I studied Chemistry and computer networking and worked at The Taj for few years before I realized my inclination and fascination for furnishing fabrics and interiors. So after a long hiatus in my career while I raised two beautiful children and designed 4 different homes.... I joined DA designs as an interior designer and started blogging about my passion for styling and decor simultaneously

Where do you get inspiration to do up your home?
I find inspiration in the everyday, when I take a walk or when i travel. It could be a leaf a flower a pretty window a medieval arch or even a tiny coconut fallen from a tree or just about anything.

What's your favorite décor style?
I don’t have a favorite style. There’s always something to learn and explore about every style that is defined in books and there’s so much to experiment with and evolve from. I feel it’s an ongoing process and mixing styles along with adding unique pieces of art to create something new each time is what keeps me ticking.

What's your favorite décor element or accent in your home?
I love my plants the most as they always add life to any corner or space.

Do you have a favorite corner or space in your home? And why is it your favorite?
Yes, my balcony. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and switch off.

Do you have any tips or advice for décor lovers out there?
Don’t go overboard when you go shopping for furniture or decor. You will definitely be tempted to buy furniture from one store as it’s the most convenient thing to do but allow yourself to explore and play with different styles. Also with decor accents have fewer but unique pieces of accessories that speak to you. Creating vignettes is a great way to start styling corners of your home.

 Thank you so much for sharing your journey and tips with me and my readers! We look forward to more design and home décor styling tips from you!

Please click here if you wish to get in touch with her and follow her amazing work.

Stay tuned to the Tea Time Series!!! Stay safe!

The above pictures are copyrighted. Please do not reuse.

Home Tour - Residence of Rushika from California

Hey everyone… I hope this finds you all in good health and happiness, especially during this crazy COVID phase. And I hope we all continue to be safe. I am back with my favorite segment, Home Tour and today’s home tour gives all the good feels of a zen home.

Rushika Veerareddy, based in California, has graciously opened up her beautiful home for us to have a tour. She has created a beautiful oasis that exudes warmth, serenity and coziness. There is a beautiful mix and balance of ethnicity and boho chic in her décor style. I always believe that your home is an extension of your personality and here Rushika has reflected her personal style through the things she has collected over the years and displaying it in beautiful vignettes and wall décor. And what I loved about her home is that there is a good amount of pop of green in her space as she loves nature.

Let’s hear more from Rushika herself and gear up for a beautiful tour of her home.

• Tell us a bit about yourself.

 

I am born and raised in Hyderabad. I met my husband, Dikpal in 2014 and moved to California shortly after. I am a bioengineer by day and a decor enthusiast at heart. We love to read and explore, be it places, food or ideas and are always chasing new experiences.  This is our first home together. It is a small 700 sq. ft. apartment in the heart of Palo Alto and is over 50 years old. It does have a bit of a vintage charm to it. We have lived here for a little over five years now. 

 

• Where do you get inspiration to do up your home?

 

 A big part of my inspiration comes from nostalgia and history. I have always been a person who has kept pieces that have been a part of my life as memorabilia. Objects that remind me of my ancestors and loved ones. I’ve felt a need to treasure them. Through these pieces I wanted to keep their stories and memories alive. Eventually, I started collecting some vintage and antique curios, intrigued about their make, time in history, location, artwork and the interesting hands they might have passed on through. 

Hence, my inspiration also comes from traveling and looking at historical grandeur. 

And also Pinterest, Instagram. 

 

• 
  
• 
  
• What's your favorite décor style?

 

My decor style is evolving. Currently, it is a mix of eclectic and modern bohemian. This is largely because I’ve had to work with my husband’s already existing pieces of decor. Pieces from our travels have been picked up without hesitation and have blended so beautifully across the house adding to the eclectic vintage charm.  

However, the aesthetic that appeals to me the most is a blend between the French chateau and Parisian chic style. I would eventually love living in a space like that, with high ceilings, lots of light and neutral backgrounds with pops of gold and color. 

• What's your favorite décor element or accent in your home?

 

I am particularly obsessed with my brassware. Especially the brass candle stands. Absolutely love them and feel like I never have enough.

 

• Do you have a favorite corner or space in your home? And why is it your favorite?

 

The year 2020 has been a year of a lot of introspection and zero travel. Not being able to escape outdoors, my current favourite space is the balcony area. It is my slice of green paradise and a chance to catch a bit of sun and breeze and have a lazy summer afternoon reading my favorite books. 

 

• Any tips or advice for décor lovers out there?

 

• Experiment with caution. I love the idea of an evolving decor style. However, decor is expensive. Think about what works for you and start slowly.
• If you rent like me, visualize your space and think about what you like: art, books, pottery, pillows, rugs, etc. Start from there. Take your time to make it your home and add elements to it that you might keep. 
• Living in small spaces has made me creative with storage. Find functional pieces of decor that can double as great storage to keep the “things that must not be visible” out of sight.
• In the end, enjoy the process! Happy decorating. 

  

Thank you so much Rushika for opening your doors for me and my readers. There were so many inspirations to take away from your beautiful home!!

I hope you all enjoyed this home tour as much as i did... Stay tuned for more inspirations coming your way. Stay safe and take good care!

A Glimpse of Lyla John’s Gorgeous Apartment

This is my first official blog post for 2020 and the best way to start the year is with my favorite segment, home tours and today’s is more of snippets of a cozy home. Lyla John, an interior designer by profession based in Kochi, has created a tidy, serene oasis for herself. It is a beautiful apartment that has a view… There is a striking mix of simplicity and beauty, topped with a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics.  I just love the serene, uncluttered vibes of minimalism, ethnicity and eclectic. To save space she has converted the alcove into a smart storage unit which serves as a bar as well. Her collection of gorgeous classic wooden furniture speaks volume when it comes to style. And what struck my attention is her collection of beautiful illustrations and décor accents.


Here is a snippet of her beautiful home and let’s hear more from Lyla herself.

Tell us a bit yourself.

I am Lyla John and I have been an interior designer for 30 years. I predominantly work on interiors for homes and small hotels. I find that my passion revolves around working on small projects where I have a close relationship with the people who will end up inhabiting the space I create. Talking with them, understanding their quirks, likes and dislikes and designing a space with them is deeply satisfying. 

 What is your décor Inspiration for your home?

I have inherited a lot of the big pieces of furniture in my home from my husband’s family as well as mine. So while they are big, traditional and wooden, I try to offset those by using classic colours combinations for my upholstery and curtains, accents are a mix traditional knick knacks and quirky of off pieces.

Tell us a bit about your Décor style

I would say my decor style would be eclectic at its best. 

What is your Favorite Space or part of your home?

The favourite space of my home is my balcony. After spending many decades living in an individual house with a large garden around it, it was an adjustment for me to fit all my favourite plants into a tiny balcony. But having my green oasis when I sit for my morning coffee or evening tea is one of the best ways to unwind and gather my thoughts. 

Any décor tips for my readers?

I would suggest - invest in your home- all the time. Don’t think to do up your home in one shot and assume you are done. Be slow, be deliberate in the furniture and accessories you pick for your home. It should reflect you and not just the latest trends. When you sit in your home, it should make you feel warm and comfy.

"Thank you so much Lyla John for opening up your doors to me and my readers and sharing your décor inspirations with us all!! You home is just beautiful"

If you would like to share your home space or favorite space with me and my readers, please write to me at tbinspirations@gmail.com . Meanwhile stay tuned for more!!!




Above pictures are via Lyla John

Home Tour: Deepshikha Mammen's beautiful beach home

It is so good to get back to working on my blog after my long summer break! My break this time was good, lots of family time, pampering and un-winded with absolutely no routine…

Though it took me some time to get back into the routine after coming back… I felt so good to get back to my desk to continue with what I love doing the most… and today I’d like to start with a gorgeous home tour – my favorite segment. If you have been following my blog for the past few years, you would’ve come across an interview with one of my favorite artist – Deepshikha Mammen ( and her loved ones call her Naina) If you have not please click here to read the interview. I’ve always loved her distinctive sense of style and her taste of colours when it comes to art.

Her beautiful beach home, called Villa Naina, is an extension of her art, her personality and a true reflection of her taste. It is located on the Marari beach, close to Cochin. And this absolutely gorgeous relaxing retreat is designed by Deepshikha herself. Therefore there is a personal touch and deeper meaning in every corner of this beach pad. Her home is mainly ethnic in style and lots of elements of wood, therefore giving it an earthy tone to the space. There is a lot of traditional Kerala style and charm infused in her décor and everything is blended gracefully with her gorgeous paintings. 

So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or chai, and imagine listening to the waves of the ocean and browse through this beautiful beach home…

One section of the living room is pure Kerala style décor that is filled with beautiful wooden benches with embossed Japanese tiles and planters chairs facing the sea where her husband Adith sits and works and does his reading as well. The second section of living room is style with modern chesterfield in cloth couches paired with the traditional wooden chest. And both these areas have their walls adorned with Deepshikha's paintings. 

Between the drawing rooms there is a lot of natural light and ventilation and that area is decorated with a beautiful Ganesh statue, a five part granite kerala lamp and a traditional Urli with large palms kept at the tiny open courtyard. And from this courtyard you can hear the rains and feel the raindrops and also get a good amount of sunshine to the space. 

All the bedrooms have beautiful dreamy looking four poster wooden beds with embossed Japanese tiles, a dressing table and study table with embossed Japanese tiles and a stunning 1930 Pichwani art .

I love the tones used here... they balance with the furniture and that my eyes are glued on that cupboard.

The outdoor areas have beach beds facing the tip of the Arabian sea. And the highlight of this home is the sculpted Nandi(bull) made out of granite rock that is kept at the entrance of the house. And the entrance is framed beautifully with the traditional Kerala style wooden pillars. Imagine soaking in the sunset view everyday as part of your routine.... I call it luxury.

Thank you Deepshikha for opening up your beautiful beautiful beach home to me and my readers and for transporting us to a different world filled with culture and ethnicity.

Readers, I hope you had a great experience viewing this gorgeous retreat and inspired by décor style.
 Stay tuned for more home tours and other inspirations!



Above pictures are copyrighted

Home Tour: Residence of Priyanka from North Carolina

Let’s start the new season of home tours for the New Year with a gorgeous home all the way from

North Carolina, USA. Priyanka Simgekar, a décor enthusiast, experiments her home with a mix of contemporary and rustic décor that gives a warm and peaceful vibe. There is pops of white, neutrals, colours, wooden textures, beautiful textiles and pops of green. Her décor is mostly functional and yet stylish. She has used storage boxes in the form of books, a wicker basket in the foyer to store gloves, scarves and hats to avoid clutter. Priyanka loves nature and she has displayed her indoor plants and flowers from her garden and created her Zen corner. And her home gets a good amount of sunlight streaming in which is such a wonderful mood booster for any home!!

Grab a cup of tea and get ready for the virtual home and lets her more from Priyanka about her décor inspiration and style.

Foyer - Love the rustic charm but at the same time functional

Tell us something about yourself. 

I am a Marathi girl born and raised in Hyderabad. I came to the US for studies and have been residing here for past 13 years. I am married to a Marwari from Delhi, so we both are exposed to different environments and we thoroughly enjoy the diversity in cultures and food. I have a four year old who is super energetic and curious, and keeps my hands full all the time. We have been living in apartments until we got our current home little over an year ago. Our home is a new construction builder grade and hence has a very modern look, so I am always trying to add some character and charm to it. I would say it is still a work in progress with the room for constant improvement, in fact there are many corners that haven’t been touched yet. 

What is your Décor Inspiration?

I had no idea that home décor could even be a hobby or passion until I ventured out on Pinterest and Instagram for décor ideas when we moved into our home. I thought it was only for the magazines to sell their stuff !!  So my décor obsession started recently and the inspiration came from all the beautiful images I saw online. You know how it is when you happen to see breathtakingly beautiful pictures of some landscape, rivers or mountains and you really want to be in them and feel the moment; that’s how exactly I felt looking at some pictures. That inspired me to try creating my own sanctuary at the comfort of my home. A place that I would want to get back, enjoy and relax at the end of the day, and that according to me is the ultimate luxury.

Living Room: Love the pops of blue against the white

 

the grey tone has set the mood for the dinning area

What is your Decor Style?

I would say it is an eclectic mix, as I do not fall into any one category of style. I fear the monotony of sticking to one style. However I do like rustic style the most as it imbibes raw, organic and natural elements and you would see that rustiness in my decor pieces and furniture. With eclectic style it is tricky to combine different elements and bring them into harmony. Hence one rule I try to follow is to strike a balance between the colors and textures as it is easy to fall to one side and get overboard. There is one other thing I try to achieve whenever possible is to use every day regular items in my decor. These could be books, plants, storage hooks/racks, decorative storage boxes baskets, textiles, crockery and so on. These not only makes spaces look beautiful but also functional without having to deal with clutter and the burden of accumulating stuff over time. In that way I also consider myself a minimalist trying to create, simple, bright, crisp and airy spaces with clean lines. 

Family lounge area: the rustic centre table and that wooden ladder shelf has stolen my heart!

Your Favorite Space.

As I am a nature lover, I like the green corner of my home which is the bay window by the dining table. It is the most sun lit area of the home and perfect spot for my green babies during winter. I do enjoy my summers in the backyard gardening, but for now it is my happy place.

Priyanka's zen corner with her beautiful indoor plants

Beautiful styled Kitchen sink.. note how she used her rolling pin board as a stand and her pretty cut labels

Ethnic Desi corner with bold colours

Can you provide some décor tips for my readers?

Be practical - go for a style that works for you best, rather than going for something just because it is a trend. I am a huge fan of modern farmhouse style which mostly means neutral/white theme. But with a four year old, I cannot go for a neutral furniture not does Indian cooking goes well with white cabinets (unless I have a cleaning squad or I commit to cleaning every day).

Less is more when it comes to styling - with clean lines even simple things pop out beautifully bringing up the much needed points of interest

Be content with what you have in hand and make most of it. All you need is little creativity and sometimes out of box thinking to make beautiful and interesting spaces

Diligently follow the process of re-purposing and restyling, and curb your urge to buy new stuff often. And do not forget Purging once in a while. 

Her gorgeous outdoor space

Thank you so much Priyanka for opening up your beautiful home to me and my readers. Just viewing your home gave us so much comfort and ease! And tons of inspiration to take away!

Stay tuned for more home tours!



Above pictures are via Priyanka