Home Tour - Eclectic Splendor!

Remember our first home tour where we took you through the stunning Zen Den of Roopa and Abhi?
Well, today we will take you on another charming home expedition!

Hand painted candle holder stands tall in front of an art wall

Join me as we tour the Dallas home of my dear friends Kiran and Divya. I love their home.  I have had the privilege of enjoying their hospitality and can you tell first hand that their home - a visual stunner, is painstakingly put together! And if you have a little girl, then definitely stay tuned - you will fall in love with the whimsical flair of their daughter's room!

Their home is a loving example of  how one can mix many eclectic elements and still create a warm and welcoming tapestry.

Different shapes, colors, textures and patterns all come together in this vignette!

Here is what Divya wrote as she sent me the pictures of her home… "Kiran and I like our space to be both functional and inspirational. We strongly believe that picking the right decorative items can brighten up your living space and your life. With busy schedules, like most working couples, decorating together is an activity we bond over in addition to family time with our little daughter."

From the ethnic Ravi Varma print  on the fireplace to the multicolored candle stand on the dining table to the brightly colored embroidered pillows on the sofa, this home has several tiers of color, texture and pattern all coming together to create a seamless visual palette. Divya and Kiran find as much joy in the process of ornamenting as they do in the end-product - an aesthetically appealing abode!


Referring to her accessories, Divya writes,  "Most of the items we buy are simple, inexpensive pieces that we love. Sometimes, we envision a look and scout for pieces that will fit in. The inspiration for  the decorative dark toned wood frames with the intricate scroll design in our living room came from a high end store.  When we eventually found similar frames hidden behind a mirror at the local Home Goods, without the high end price tag,  we were ecstatic! We knew it would fit right in with our vision! We painted the orange boxes to offset the dark wood and to add some color."

Easy ways to add some drama

What a clever and simple way to add some drama to an otherwise plain wall! The wall anchors the sofa and the fabric pillows nicely and the whole orchestration makes a great decor statement in their family room.

If there is one thing I have learnt about decorating over the years - it is patience! It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to create a home of your dreams. Divya agrees and adds, "We spend more time planning and positioning things, than we do buying. The mantel décor was envisaged around some of our cherished pieces. The Ravi Varma Print, the serene Buddha we had picked up from a zen store in Vegas and the ethnic brass hairpins from India were all collected over the years. Instead of sprinkling them around the house we decided to order them in a vignette above the mantel. We loved the end result!" I did too!

The fireplace vignette- group 'em together!

Home decorating is all about creating a beautiful and enjoyable space that tells a story about who you are. Divya and Kiran's mantel vignette does just that. It speaks to their patience, perseverance and sense of style!  

Next up, one of their guest rooms that doubles as a study.

Colors work!

In her role as mom, IT professional and Master's student Divya's day is definitely busy! At the end of a packed working day, attending to her daughter and her graduate course-work is no easy task and she needs all the inspiration and motivation  to keep her going. She writes , "We kept the colors in this room bright -greens , yellows and blues so I'm inspired to use the room more!" Don't you  love this work-space? This room has plenty of natural light streaming in - great for a work area. 
My favorite feature has to be the galvanized tin buckets that serve as pen holders!  

It's all in the details

What a clever way to  free up some acreage on the table and move things to the wall!  She is also very  hands-on when it comes to home decor and  in her own words, she writes .. "Lately I’ve found it very relaxing and rewarding to take up some DIY projects. Some of them adorn the walls of my study. A framed magnetic inspiration board and a framed fabric board to hold reminders and pictures. They are both functional and decorative!"
DIY projects are a fun way to add a personal stamp to your home! It is also a great way to cut some decorating cents!

The other guest room is done up in yet another fresh color giving the room an airy feel. She writes, "The peach room is the smallest room in the house - we tried to keep the colors light again and used a metal headboard to avoid overwhelming the room with a solid wood headboard.  It is a small yet functional space.The bed lamps were bargain finds at an auction and the bedding was procured at Christmas sales" Smart, don't you think? 

Smal space, big style

A perfect example of a mixed configuration of accessories working wonderfully to create a vibrant home! 

And, I saved the best for the last. Their adorable daughter's beautiful room! The lilac paint and all the little details sets this room apart from any other generic room - truly, a little girl's delight!  Whimsical is what comes to mind when I think of this room.

Lilac dream

  Divya writes , "Aanya’s room has been decorated in a whimsical butterfly theme. Some of the décor I used for her birthday party has been repurposed as wall art or table decor - the paper lanterns and the bird cages.  Her first pair of shoes are lovingly displayed at the entrance"  Wow! This room is truly a labor of love.

A labor of love

So, that dear readers was Aalayam's second home tour. This home exudes eclectic elegance and is perfect for this young family! Hope you are inspired by Divya and Kiran's design philosophy - of mixing elements, being patient, working with a budget and telling a story ? I am!

Many thanks to my friends and homeowners for sharing their beautiful home with all of us.
Leave us a comment and we will share them with the homeowners.

Cheers!
Deepa

p.s: All images are copyrighted by the homeowners. Please ask before use.

My Favorite Andhra Delicacies!

Andhra Pradesh, India's fourth largest state, is located in the south eastern coast of India and is the leading producer of red chilies and rice. Not surprising that Andhra cuisine is heavily influenced by these ingredients. Crushed Red Pepper forms a staple cash-crop of Andhra Pradesh, grown in the lush green fields and sprawling acres, exported all over the world to add a hot and spicy taste that is a wonderful accent to stir fries, pizzas and pasta dishes.

Red Chilies and Rice are the staple exports of Andhra Pradesh. Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

Notice the artistic curvature of the design below? The symmetry and the sanguine melody of the script? Wondering if this is part of the new-age symbolism representing an abstract concept? Well, it's not. This is the beautiful script, the written "lipi" of the Telugu language - the official language of  Andhra Pradesh. 

Andhra cuisine is known for its tangy, spicy and flavorful medley of coriander, chilli, fenugreek, cumin, tamarind, jaggery and sesame. The cuisine varieties change because of the diverse topology of native Andhra Pradhesh, ranging from Hyderabadi Nawabi Biryanis, Uttarandhra or Kalinga region coastal delicacies to Rayalaseema or Telangana meat and jowar specialties. 

I grew up in a Andhra vegetarian household where pappu (dal/lentil based soup) and kurralu (curries), spiced pickles like avakai, maagai, gongura and dosavakai, pachadi (chutney/raita like saucy condiments) and podi (lentil based powdered condiment) served with a large scoop of biyam (plain white rice) were the norm at mealtimes. 

Tomato Pappu and Mixed Vegetable Pulusu - Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

The order of a meal is to start with modati mudda (first bite) with an appetizer of an ooragaya (spiced pickle) followed by a pappu, which is prepared with "soft" vegetables like tomato, gourds, raw mango or cucumber squash,  eaten plain, or with a pickle accompanying it. Lentil forms the main source of protein for vegetarians and my twin daughters swear by "Pappanna" or rice and lentil pappu to make a satisfying meal.  This is followed by a couple of kuras (curry/main dishes) and pulusu (stew) or sambar (thick or runny (based on your preference) lentil and vegetable soup with heavy tamarind and jaggery flavors) which add flourish to a proper sit-down Andhra meal.

Featured below are two of my favorite kuras - Gutthivankai Kura (Stuffed Eggplant Curry) and Kakarakai Kura (Stuffed Bitter Gourd Curry). Ah! The culinary journeys our families (my maternal, paternal and my married ones) have been through to enjoy these kuras!  

Gutthivankai Kura or Stuffed Eggplant Curry - Photography credits "Sripriya Murthy Photography - Facebook"

Small amounts of Neyi ghee add a hyperbolic grounding to steaming rice accompanying these pappus and kuras. 

Kakarkai Kura  or Stuffed Bitter Gourd Curry- Photography credits: Vijay Jagannath

In case you were wondering about the chef whose signature dishes the ones featured are - its my Dad! I am still living in the finger-licking reminiscence of my parents' recent visit to our home...

Mirchi Bajji or Chilli Fritters topped with Ginger Chutney

Mirchi Bajji is another Andhra dish to write home about. I remember our Tirupati visits being peppered by Mirchi Bajji stops. Bajjis made out of onions, gourds (especially beerakai) and Anaheim peppers punctuate the palette of Andhra cuisine with tangy, crispy, melty deliciousness. 

Perugu (yogurt) or Majjiga (buttermilk) for the final course where Perugu (yogurt) is added to rice and consumed as a satisfying palette cleanser. 

Peruganna with Avakai - Yogurt Rice with Pickle

This is making me hungry for my own weekend special feast - an elaborate Andhra meal, an ode to my childhood, an excuse to call my Dad and Mom to discuss recipes and share pictures of gorgeous looking comfort food. But, before I go! The final rendition of the traditional vegetarian Andhra meal - paan (Areca nut on Betel Leaf). A colorful (don't worry, the stains fade in about an hour!), breath freshening digestive curtain call to a splendid gastronomic show!

Betel and Arecanut "Paan" arrangement - Photography credits: Vijay Jagannath

I hope this feature post has given you as much joy as the well-loved dishes it features have to me, my friends, cousins, husband and kids over the years! 

In case you are interested in the generational recipes for these favorite dishes, please write to me at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com.

I promise, I will consult with my Dad before I make the recipe official!! And, here's a song for all the Telugu cuisine and movie fans from the movie "Mithunam". This song describes the apt and foodie way to enjoy the various Andhra delicacies!! Enjoy!!

Love,

Supriya

Aalayam celebrates Sankranthi!

Sankranthi - The first Hindu festival of the year!

After the festive jubilation of the holiday season and all the giddy excitement dies down, the New Year always begins with a lull and a sense of abeyance that lingers until Sankranthi rolls around. And then, the calm begins to dissipate and the New Year is slowly set into motion, or at least that’s how I perceive things to be.

As with every other Indian festival, Sankranthi has deep-rooted astrological, religious and cultural significance and many regional variations that provide a fascinating look at our heritage. Despite the myriad geographical adaptations, the spirit behind the celebrations is the same – spreading good-will and harmony. I am sure we all have our own festive nostalgia tied to our unique celebrations and exclusive family customs.

 Today, let us recollect some of those gleeful childhood memories associated with Sankranthi.

In my native state of Karnataka, cultural symbolism is centered around “Ellu –beero shastra” or the “practice of distributing a mixture of sesame and jaggery” as a mark of good will. I am remniscent of friends coming over with colorful trays loaded with Sankranthi treats, particularly a piece of sugar cane, a sugary treat moulded into a fun shape (sakkare acchu) and the sesame/jaggery mixture(in a fancy container!). Waiting with eager anticipation for the goody bag seems to be my fondest Sankranthi memory!

For those of you who are not familiar with the sugar syrup treats, here is a great post at justhomemade complete with a photo essay on Sakkare acchu (moulded sugar treats)! 

Image via

 I did try my hand at making the traditional Ellu-bella (sesame–jaggery) mixture two years ago and was rather pleased with how simple it really was to create Ellu which carried Bazaar authenticity! A little victory in itself!  I even found small sugar cane stems at the local store that my guests took home along with little packets of Ellu-bella mixture for a complete ritualistic celebration of Sankranthi that year. 

Sankranthi Ellu (sesame mixture)!

 Whether I make Ellu or not, I almost always make Pongal and that is my simplified way of marking the harvest festival. 

Decorating is a big part of celebrating any festival for me even though it is not a cultural or a religious mandate. I do it anyway! It helps me get in to the spirit of things. This year, I made a rangoli with various daals (pulses) - after all, the festival ascribes to a bountiful harvest and I wanted to assimilate that in my own depiction. 

Harvest pot rangoli made with pulses - fun and easy!

Sankranthi, also marks the cosmic passage of the Sun and I decided to include a brass Sun – a tiny symbol of divinity, into my festive décor! Again, the idea is to use objects around the house and creatively generate a festive decorscape!

Deepada Malli (lamp bearers) paired with a brass Sun for a festive rendering!

In the Indian context, this festival marks the end of the cold winter months and heralds the onset of the harvest season. It is still very cold in my neck of the woods and the days are still very short and in no way, will Makar Sankranthi change this anytime soon here in North America  - I do believe, however, that it is never irrelevant to pay tribute to Mother Nature and spread some good cheer and teach my little one something about our culture. As I grow older, I have a deeper understanding of who I am. I make an earnest effort to preserve some of what is known to us and pass it along to my little one and it is in this spirit that I celebrate Sankranthi!  

How about yourself? Do you celebrate Sankranthi  or Lohri or Bihu or Pongal or Maghi ? If so, we wish you much Joy and Happiness and would love to hear about your unique traditions and observances. Write to us at aalayaminspiration@gmail.com

 

Cheers!

Deepa

p.s: Thank you Radhika of justhomemade for letting me use your lovely sakkare acchu picture as well as allowing me to link to your post.  Justhomemade is a great read!

The other images for this post were taken at our home by my patient husband!

Spotlight on Kanjeevaram

Welcome to our feature on Kanjeevaram sarees!

2013. Feliz Ano Nuevo! 

Hope you enjoyed the holiday season as much as we did. Aalayam has an interesting line-up of posts for the New Year and we are excited to have you back!
And today, we will kick-off  of our 2013 series with a post from Incredible India. We are a few days away from Sankranthi, India's harvest festival and Supriya and I want to enable our readers to  transition from Christmas to Sankranthi smoothly. Let's talk attire, food and festivities!

 

India is known for its fabulous fabrics and undoubtedly, the finest of them all is the Kanjeevaram pattu (pure silk). I love Kanjeevaram saris! The sheen, the richness, the texture, the grandeur, the motifs and the luscious colors – really, what’s not to like about it? 

The slate grey kanchi saree makes a beautiful backdrop for the  scattered letters!

The kanjeevaram sari is a piece of art and I have remained a diehard Kanjeevaram loyalist till date. Every South Indian girl holds the Kanchi pattu close to her heart. After all, it is a part of her bridal trousseau! And for me, the kanjeevaram sari has been de rigueur at every other celebration as well! My fondness for the sari is well known!

A gorgeous aubergine kanchi pattu as I pay obeisance!

  Rightly so, the Kanjeevaram sari is referred to as the  “Queen of silks.” It’s timeless distinction makes it an attractive buy even in this day and age where the sartorial elegance of the sari has seen a paradigm shift thanks to the fashion industry. The kanchi pattu is unparalleled in traditional splendor with the gold zari borders and the exquisite brocaded pallus . A product of skilled craftsmanship, the kanjeevaram sari is a masterpiece of hand-woven heritage! And the silken grace the sari lends truly makes you feel like a queen!

Lustrous appeal of the kanjeevaram saree is to die for!

The fashion possibilities are endless too! I can ingeniously dress it up to suit the need of the hour. A piece of statement jewelry, a kundan accented blouse or a bejeweled potli/batua are easy ways to add to the ceremonial look.  Don’t you love how yesteryear divas like Rekha, Hema Malini and Kirron Kher (she deserves a post of her own) wear their kanchi saris with panache? These ladies have stayed loyal to the Kanjeevaram sari for years. It is a safe yet striking choice! 

Dress it up!

OR

Tone it down with metal bangles for folksy affability!

 There was an article in the Hindu a few months ago highlighting the issues surrounding the weaving industry in Kanchipuram. 

Here is an excerpt from the article on the Korvai weaving technique and the history of the saris

“A korvai sari’s border and pallu are the same color, he says. They are in bright contrast to the “body” which is in a single or a family (shades) of colors with tonal contrasts. Weavers use the ancient craft of three-shuttle weaving and interlocking weft to get this effect. The sari is ornamented with pure gold zari. The motifs are from temple sculptures — religion, architecture or nature-based. The Petni technique changes colors, extracted from leaves, barks and seeds. The sari weighs 500g to1kg, 2/3-ply threads help increase the weight. Weaving a “Kanjeevaram” is tedious but korvai stamps it with splendor and durability.

“These were being woven during the time of Pallava kings,” Panneerselvam says, touching the sari’s history. “Artisans from Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra and Karnataka, possibly invited by the king, congregated here to pursue their art.” The pattu-nool (thread) came from Karnataka, zari from Surat. Families wove together, as several hands were needed to wind the thread in the beam. Temples bought saris to drape goddesses, and kings for the boudoir. Temple tourists bought them as blessed memento. The saris later went to Madras, the wealthy trading centre close by. Production and marketing combined seamlessly.”

A fiery maroon! Art work by my friend Sahana.

  So, there you go… that explains the sense of aristocracy that the kanjeevaram sari brings with it. Next time you want to add some regal chic to your appearance effortlessly  - grab a kanjeevaram sari and let it work for you! And if you already own a pattu sari or two – pat yourself on the back for your chic sari fashion sense!

Aqua blue paired with a malli mottu (jasmine bud haaram) - wedding chic!

 

Hope you enjoyed this set of pictures and our feature on the kanjeevaram sari?

As you put away those holiday dresses and ponder over your atttire for Sankranthi - I hope you have your answer!

Cheers!

Deepa

 All images for this post were taken by my husband and as always, our images are copyrighted!