Go organic this festive season

Sharmila Chand

It’s that time of the year when you want to refurbish your home, give it a fresh and festive look. A few tips from professional would go a long way in giving your home the desired look. So let’s hear what they have to offer. Ekta Khialani, founder, Casa Novo, says sustainable options and organic solutions are trending this festive season. “This festive season, the hottest trends are the ones with organic solutions and less-waste production. Sustainable options that don't impact the environment too adversely, such as beautiful clay diyas with ghee as an option over plastic fairy lights are the better options,” says Khialani. “Modern brass and copper-based lanterns are the in thing this season. Kansa crockery, too, is attracting a lot interest. It adds a stunningly ethnic charm to homes during Diwali, and blends in effortlessly in a modern space. Being an expensive metal, this crockery can be passed down the generations. Organic fabrics for cushions and drapes for the festive season are also in vogue. These drapes can make any space look stylish.” 

Mugdha Bhagchandka, creative head, Hèrmosa Design Studio, says, “This year is all about minimalistic impact. It's about using smaller, statement elements to make the difference. For example, one can highlight monochrome space with bright-coloured sofas, like a hot pink or a bright red sofa to create significant change in your space,” says Bhagchandka.

Nisha Mehta, founder, Muse The Store, says, “Exquisite table and serving ware in hues of gold, beiges and nudes is trending. Another evergreen trend for festive home decor is the utilisation of sweet-scented candle stand, and flower jars. Bold, gold hues work well for these; however, if one wishes to give her home a contemporary twist, one can opt for colourful candle stands in diverse bohemian prints or patterns,” says Mehta. 

Elements and accents 

Khialani is expecting many interactive elements that elevate one’s experience with space. “These elements can be festive home fragrances that make you feel wonderful as soon as you walk in, or beautiful lighting in soothing yellows that accentuate the décor,” says Khialani. Mugdha Bhagchandka wants to see minimal elements like rose quartz diyas in your temple, metal wooden trays for centre tables, or beautiful scented candles on the dining table. “One can also expect to see classic handcrafted cushion covers with intricate embroidery for a festive feel,” she says.  

Ankita Chand, senior designer, Portico New York, says, “Festivals are the perfect time to add rich colours and traditional motifs to your homes. It is especially easy to experiment with bed and bath linen without making major structural changes. All you need to do is pick out the kind of traditional bed linen and cushions that you most resonate with for the festive season and then accessorise rest of the house with lights, gold vases and flowers to add the perfect amount of elegance to your home,” says Chand. “The easiest and most organic way to give your house a festive look is by using some printed throw cushions on your couches."

Interiors: What’s hot, what’s not

IN

• Crockery and cutlery in beautiful ceramics and colors complementing the spaces are trending at the moment
• Older techniques of crafts and styles of decor are coming back this festive season 
• Real flower décor, like marigold, is a huge a 'yes' during Diwali for torans and front home décor
• Metal and glass accents like lamps and lanterns in glass can be placed in your home space to blend into the festive decor

OUT 

• Plastic and synthetic ornamentation needs to be avoided at all costs. Shine and shimmer, along with loud and maximalist decor elements, are no more in fashion. They have given way to subtle decor elements that blend in with the decor story of your spaces

Key Tips

• Festive decor should blend in with the design of your home or spaces. The style of the elements you use should complement the idea of your space 
• Sustainable decor elements that can be reused for the coming seasons should be on the priority list
• Remember to use traditional elements that support age-old techniques or art and crafts while decorating your homes for the festive season
• Build your collection of vintage decor items you can use through the years for the festive season
• Fresh flowers sourced from morning markets are the loveliest way to transform your space for the festive time.

— Ekta Khialani

IN 

• Quirky, contemporary accents and sculpted artefacts 
• Macrame Lights/Lanterns: These not only look beautiful but also are eco-friendly. 
• Customised crockery pieces in Devanagari: There is nothing better than having the authentic script of Devanagari engraved into crockery pieces. These are huge trendsetters, and unique. 

OUT 

• Fairy lights
• Industrial chic vibe: Festive season is a time for colours and celebrations. The trend of introducing an industrial chic vibe into homes is long gone. Monochromatic colour palettes also tend to lose their charm when the festive season kicks in. 

— Nisha Mehta