With Diwali around the corner, it’s again that time of the year when most people think about re-doing the decor of their houses — not only to add a festive feel but also to impress friends and neighbours. If you are running out of ideas to do up your space in a quick, easy yet thoughtful way, here are some tips from three young and creative people in the city, who tell us how they are doing up their homes this Diwali.
Traditional twist
Makeup artist Komal Gulati loves that traditional touch, but with a modern twist on auspicious occasions like Diwali. At her Tagore Garden house, she plans to install a lot of flickering lights. "We have the Ganesha and Laxmi pooja, and I create their footprints at the doorstep, to let good luck and positivity flow in during the auspicious Diwali," says Gulati. She adds, "My mother-in-law makes sure to light 250 diyas as a custom being followed since ages, wherein I bring a fresh twist by making rangoli with exotic flowers and colours, I use flowers like lilies and fresh daffodil petals to decorate the house. Diwali is a complete celebration, so we make sure to celebrate it with lots of sweets, especially chocolates which are a must for every happy occasion."
Floral fantasy
Designer Nikhita Tandon plans to do up her house with lots of flowers this Diwali. The designer, who stays in a farm house at Mandi Village says, “I, along with my brother, clean up all the silver of the house, and do up the home with exclusive flowers and scented candles. The garden of my house has beautiful gainde ke phool and exotic roses, as my father is into landscaping, which will add a lot of freshness to my home this Diwali. For the outside decor of the house we will be doing fairy lights, in my room I will put up lots of scented candles as it gives a very welcoming ambience for the guests.” While some customs and traditions are followed by everyone, lighting one candle/diya is a custom each family member at her place follows.
Ramlila live
Founder of New India Bioscope co artist Raul Chandra has got a creative and whacky idea to do up his space this Diwali. At his studio in Shahpur Jat that he shares with designer Nida Mahmood, the artist plans to set up a Ramlila like decor and feel. “All the members of my family plan to wear the raavan mukuts (crown) and play cards this Diwali with the décor of my home inspired from the Ramlila. It would be fun to see people play cards wearing the ravan mukuts,” says Raul. He further adds, “I am inspired by street plays in India and the rich theatre culture, and I want to replicate the same feel. We will be using a lot of LED lights to do up the house that will add that kitsch flavour to the whole space.”
Floral fantasy
Designer Nikhita Tandon plans to do up her house with lots of flowers this Diwali. The designer, who stays in a farm house at Mandi Village says, “I, along with my brother, clean up all the silver of the house, and do up the home with exclusive flowers and scented candles. The garden of my house has beautiful gainde ke phool and exotic roses, as my father is into landscaping, which will add a lot of freshness to my home this Diwali. For the outside decor of the house we will be doing fairy lights, in my room I will put up lots of scented candles as it gives a very welcoming ambience for the guests.” While some customs and traditions are followed by everyone, lighting one candle/diya is a custom each family member at her place follows.
Ramlila live
Founder of New India Bioscope co artist Raul Chandra has got a creative and whacky idea to do up his space this Diwali. At his studio in Shahpur Jat that he shares with designer Nida Mahmood, the artist plans to set up a Ramlila like decor and feel. “All the members of my family plan to wear the raavan mukuts (crown) and play cards this Diwali with the décor of my home inspired from the Ramlila. It would be fun to see people play cards wearing the ravan mukuts,” says Raul. He further adds, “I am inspired by street plays in India and the rich theatre culture, and I want to replicate the same feel. We will be using a lot of LED lights to do up the house that will add that kitsch flavour to the whole space.”