“Unless the sun inside you is burning your gut,don't do it".
Charles Bukowski
So you want to be a writer? by Charles Bukowski is one of my favourite.
I tried to schedule my writing, but I struggled. Not that I intend to be a serious one. No that’s not me! The last post took me two months and this one coming in barely 3 weeks later…..you get my drift!
Two weeks back I was prompted to document my work, so here I am writing sooner than I intended.
I want to express my gratitude to all those who helped me realise my destiny.
Simran & Amer for trusting me. Rohit Sethi of Seclude for the opportunity, total free hand and the universe for bringing this project to me at the same time making me evolve & learn some fabulous lessons.
Ok Namrata…..lets roll, you are not on the stage! Lets get to the project.
"All the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow" Leo Tolstoy
The beginning
A bare shell, a structure with good bones had been vacant for over 8 years. The architectural design and supervision was done by a very dear and talented friend Sonali Purewal.
Eight years it saw the fury of monsoon rain, the harsh sun, the wind passing through and the waxing waning moon.
Finally in December 2018 it saw light! It was taken over by Seclude - a rental vacation company.
I was asked to style and do the interiors. The journey unfolded.
Not many know, but I was supposed to do this home long ago.
One afternoon, years back my father in law invited me to his office & asked me to finish this home. My personal circumstances at that time prevented me to fulfill his wish.
It saddened me to say No.
Truth is I wasn’t ready.
This time things were different. I really wanted to put in all I had in me to realise his dream.
This is how cosmos works, as my dear friend Imran would say it.
Winter sun, early morning I walked across, took pictures and sent to Mr.Sethi of Seclude. The play of light, the shadows it formed with the shifting sun through the day was our first peak into what was meant to be. Hence the name Light and Shadows.
Transformation
We took the theme; felt it in our very core to create continuity, even when the sun was no longer ready to play!There was no mood board, no set parameters, no inspiration. There was flow,from the very start. We let it evolve organically.
To allow the artificial light filter through the gaps,we left the edges of pine wood boards covering the steps just short of the wall.
Black and white photography fill this expanse of wall.
Foyer
"There is no night without stars"
Starlit
An attic, perched right on top where the first rays of sunlight or moonlight filter through, for this room we wanted to capture the first light. The golden glow!.The only room that breaks free from the neutral palette. The room with a stunning linen fabric headboard. Soft linen fabrics used for blinds with a touch of border complimented the the grand luxurious bed. I like to give special attention to attics....for me they are the closest to the stars. they bring out a childlike quality in all of us. This is a room to play, whatever your games maybe!!
"An awake heart is like a sky that pours light" - Hafiz
Heart Light
With these stunning wooden beams as design feature,it started of being called the girder room! The tiles were carefully chosen to give a feeling of a tuscan villa. The Durrie was sourced from the local Kasauli market. Keeping the colour tone to cream, neutrals and for walls asian paints -snowflake, it accentuated the rest of the design features.The stunning Naga baskets converted as bedside hanging lights, live edge wood headboard and black and white photography give this room the edge it needed.
Voila!!!
The first picture after installing these stunning baskets as side lamps.The play of light and shadow.
"life is too short to chase anything that doesn't light a fire inside you"
Fire Glow
This room came gifted with a contemporary fireplace. Framed with louvered shutters all we needed was a dramatic accent piece.
Keeping the continuity of the adjoining room the drapes, the drama of the bed and a large hanging basket converted into a light hanging from the ceiling above the fireplace,brought to light harmony and perfect design elements in this space.
Every interior space must speak the language of exteriors,client’s preference, their journey and in this case the guests who want to be one with nature.
Next on the blog the transformation of a living room into a luxury suite and the most stunning dining room.
For me no room is complete if it isn't staged or styled beautifully. Art, fine design details and the process, all this and more coming up soon.
Stay tuned!
Feel free to leave a comment.....and light up my day!
Cheers.
Love your work Namrata
Esctatic, mind-blowing beautiful stuff. I can see the blessings of the Universe flow through and through.
Congratulations Namu for opening up your channels to receive all the divinity.
Again I would say lucky clients.
Just loved the opening line. Sunlight in the gut.
Really yummy. Way to go dear.
Namo dearest, i’m In awe not just of your skill & talent to beautify any place to its optimum best but of your penning to paper so articulately! Kudos to you, so so proud of youuu 😘
Nams you’re inspiring! This is such a treat :)