Home tour - Part Global, Part Wabi Sabi, Part barefoot living (Part 1)

One little corner and a million little details- Kamini Raghavan's home!

"Fill your house with stacks of books in all the crannies and all the nooks" - Dr. Seuss
and that's exactly what our home owner today has done! But then again her home is an envious mix of treasures (not just books) - treasures that stimulate one's senses - warm colors, exotic textiles,  interesting knick knacks, one of a kind vintage accents and art work at every turn!

 Welcome to Kamini and Raghavan's sun drenched Seattle home!  
She lives by the quote-“Unless a home becomes a love affair, it is not a success. You have to love every single little thing—if it doesn’t have a memory, a story, it doesn’t count." I agree!

going back to your roots - textiles are a great option.

 Ask her about her style and she remarks"Maybe Global? Maybe Wabi Sabi? Or maybe Barefoot Living? Or hopefully a combination of all three!" 
Piqued? Read on! Gawking at the jaw-droppingly beautiful pictures of her home has become a nightly ritual these past few days and you will soon see why I am so hooked! With so many gorgeous images to chose from, I decided to do a 2 part feature. I had to . This home is beautiful. I could move into her home tomorrow and live there happily ever after. There is nothing cookie cutter about the inside of Kamini's home! 

stairwell rails to display handcrafted textiles - now there's an idea! also look at all her gorgeous rugs!

 Many of you may already know Kamini through her decor blog Saffron and Silk. In fact, that's how I got to know her too. Her seemingly kind, friendly and warm-hearted online personality encouraged me to reach out to her. I was spot on with my instincts! I loved working with her and had the most fun collaborating on this long distance project. 

Create greater impact through custom art work - in this case Kamini's own artistry is meaningfully displayed!

An interesting conversationalist, she enlivened what would have otherwise been a mundane online Q and A exchange. Her anecdotal responses about all the favorite pieces in her home was a treat to read after a long day at work! 
Her previous homes, also peppered with treasured family heirlooms and striking artifacts, have been featured before on several blogs and Apartment Therapy (!)

Intricately woven rugs, heirloom furniture and soul stirring colors- all mixed in perfect proportions!

 
But here is an up, close and personal look at Kamini Raghavan's life and home- Aalayam style!

Layer by layer a living room comes to life!

 
In her own words, here is an introduction -

"The love for moving furniture around, arranging things and decorating my room was evident even during my younger days. I hoped to study design or the Arts after school, but my parents and grandparents refused to send me to JJ School of arts in the big bad city of Mumbai. Instead, I settled for BA in Economics from St Francis College in Hyderabad.  Born in Chennai, but raised in Lucknow and Hyderabad, I consider myself to be more fluent in Hindi and Telugu, than my native Tamil. I met my husband when I was 16, ignored him, he pursued me, we got engaged when I was 18 and was married at 19!! I became a mother at 21! 
She is now a mother-in-law too. Meet her adorable family - her husband, son and son-in-law.

As an immigrant to the US in 1984, I stayed home till my son started school. Through my various stints as an employee at my son’s school, the post office  etc, I realized my unwavering passion for design.  Finally in 1994, with much support and insistence from Raghavan, I went back to school in Seattle to study Interior Design. 3 years later and armed with a degree in ID, I started working at a marine design company. It was very interesting work, designing and furnishing boat interiors. Seattle has a big maritime community being right on the water and I got to really see some amazing boats, some even bigger than houses. I held several other work assignments in retail design including Nordstroms, Polo Ralph Lauren and J crew. I learned very early on that residential design was not my cup of tea -too many temperaments and personalities to deal with!
My final stint at retail design was Starbucks stores in Southern California. If any of you are ever in a Sbux store in SW California - Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Oxnard, Simi Valley - there is a good chance I had a hand in the design :-)
Besides design, I love painting and my interest in it began with an oil painting class I took back in 1981. In fact, I am happier and more at peace when I am painting than when I am designing!  For many years, painting remained a dormant interest and I finally revived it again when we relocated temporarily to India in 2006. 

an interesting concoction of color and greenery enlivens a sunny corner -inspired yet?

Pottery fascinates me too. I tried my hand at hand building and wheel throwing and loved it enough to bookmark as an activity to pursue. My other hobbies include cooking, yoga, hiking, biking, reading and music. I am passionate about vegan-ism and wish I had turned vegan a lot earlier in my life. I love animals and children maybe because they are both so vulnerable and defenseless, but all my charitable causes are towards these two groups. I am also a bit of a fitness/health freak but if you asked my friends to describe me- the words  “impulsive, hot-headed, irreverent, slightly OCD” would all be fair game…"

Her home has many amazing layers and brilliantly put together compositions and yet it doesn't overwhelm the viewer. It also manages to retain it's sense of clarity about the overall style. I asked her to tell me what makes her home "her home" and here is her response -

cherished handy downs are proudly displayed.

"I love love love old things, the beauty of tradition, and the stories that make an object more than what it is.Things that have been handed down from generation to generation.....furniture, kitchen items, my grandmother’s silver comb, my father-in-law’s rocking chair, the copper water boiler we used as kids to make hot water in the cold Lucknow winters. They have so much history behind them. I scrounge around my mother’s attic looking for things no one uses. Chips, cracks don’t bother me, they in fact add to the value and make an object more interesting. I surround myself with things I love to see. People often ask me what the “ consistent theme” behind the decor in my house is and I always say “they are all things I love”. So it must go without saying that they all work together"

More treasures! I love the use of colorful textiles to anchor compositions throughout the home.

Personally, I favor a home where every room evokes an emotion, carries a worn feel and bears a personal stamp. I asked her to tell me what HOME means to her and in her own words.. 

"Home is a place where I am surrounded by things and people I love. People are important but things really do matter 'coz they are what I see and  touch every single day. I love to travel  but after every vacation, no matter how much I have enjoyed it, I long to come home. Its my sanctuary. My travel finds ( small inexpensive memorabilia) - instantly remind me of my vacation and my journeys and the people I care about and love. Most of all I want my home to feel comfortable. Not a place where people are afraid to touch and feel things. I want people to walk in and feel like “Ahhhhh”. Once a friend from Norway came home and told me my house was “koselig”. I looked it up later and it meant “cozy”. Now, that makes me happy!"

Rooms that evoke an emotion - sculpted coffee table, kilim cushions and kamini's painting. Happiness is in the details!

Free spirited, colorful and bohemian, I think Kamini's home is an extension of her personality and her interests. I asked kamini to elaborate on her personal decor philosophy and here is what she had to say..

pretty patterened pots call for an open display - add more color to your decor in novel ways!

 
"I am drawn to earthy colors, I love global artifacts that have an Indian or Eastern vibe, I love colorful textiles, I hate clutter, I like colorful artwork....so I think by default my home falls into the eclectic category. I am particularly attracted to Moroccan influences and would love to make my house look like a Moroccan Riad :-), but like everything else, I think a balanced mix is best.

sigh!

 I appreciate modern minimalist design, but it is not for me. I need more warmth and color around me. I have old old things and new things; I have modern clean lined furniture alongside an old teak “easy chair”; I have South Indian brass coffee filters next to Turkish pottery; I have Indian prayer books and design books on my coffee table. But they are all things I love so I suppose that must be the consistent theme running through them. 

block printed bar stool covers, hand painted fruit bowls and a bright hued table cover - Kamini works her magic on an industrial kitchen!

I think my style sort of evolved. I experimented a lot with different styles when I was younger. I’d see pictures in magazines that looked lovely and would try to recreate those rooms not giving any thought to whether I would feel comfortable and at ease in those spaces. I did the all-white clean monochromatic Dania look, the checked sofa farmhouse look, and the all Indian look with brass urlis and wall hangings...and then finally found my niche. My home reflects me. I hope when someone walks into my house they get a good idea of what kind of person I am just be looking around" 

Move over rattan baskets - copper container + cheery cushions = trendy!

Given her keen eye for aesthetics, Kamini's collection of art work is to die for. From original Jamini Roy paintings (I know!!!!) to personal creations, her walls host a gorgeous array of artwork that infuse her space with vibrance! I asked her about her thoughts on curating art work and incorporating amateur art work into one's personal space and here is what she shared..

This is where I am staying when I go to Seattle - to sleep blissfully under original Jamini Roy paintings - there's a treat!

"No, absolutely not - you don't have to own expensive art work. You just brought up a pet peeve of mine. My house is full of amateur artwork (some of it mine).  I cannot justify buying expensive art work. The most I ever paid was Rs 4,500 for 3 original oil paintings at a craft bazaar in Hyderabad. I browse paintings by famous artists and try to reproduce them for myself. Not only is it a fraction of the cost, but it is so much fun. OK, so they are not anything like the original, but when I look at them, it is satisfying to know I did them. If you want to fill your house with art, buy prints from museum stores and gift shops and get them framed. I mean,  if the artwork - meaning the subject and the colors and composition - appealed to you, why does it have to be an original? A print is exactly the same! Getting stuff framed in India is not expensive, but in the US it can cost a bomb. Places like IKEA and Michaels sell inexpensive frames." 

A kalamkari runner brings depth to this console vignette - brilliant once again!

Dear Aalayam family, I am in conversation with Kamini Raghavan- mom, interior designer, vegan lover, book collector, home decor enthusiast, ex-blogger and a woman of substance! Hope you've enjoyed our dialogue so far. Stay tuned for part two of our conversation as I bring you more of her thoughts on "home", on embracing individuality as well as more gorgeous images of her intimate 
home!

to be continued.......

 
 
Cheers!
~Deepa

P.S: All images in this post belong to Kamini Raghavan and may not be used without permission.

Weaves of India - Exploring the Sari landscape of India!

Today, we are going to explore the textile heritage of India through a showcase of gorgeous weaves from across the country. Most online articles trace the origins of our textile traditions back to the Indus Valley civilization. Textiles were extensively traded much like our spices back then and today our rich textiles are immensely favored by world- designers! 

I am a fashion purist! A big believer of time-tested classic styles, if you will. Transient trends such as the net saris and sequined petticoats do not cut it for me.  And therefore, I am on a personal fashion mission to collect saris from all over India simply for the love of varied textures, fine weaves, striking hues and intricate motifs.
I have only begun and it  has already been a  fascinating exercise! I believe the sari is the greatest ode to our fabulous textile heritage and perhaps the longest fashion trend known to man! It is a forceful ideogram of my cultural identity and a resilient symbol of our sundry textile industry. So, dear Aalayam readers, sit back and take delight as I whisk you away on an aesthetic journey to discover the fabric landscape of India.

ILKAL:

 The lesser known Ilkal sari which originated in the Bagalkot region of North Karnataka features the unique Tope Teni weaving and the Kasuti (hand) embroidery (via wiki).  The distinctive red/maroon border on these saris adds a tribal flair and  makes the ilkal refreshing in its modesty and rustic appeal. The Ikal sari holds a dear place in my heart as this was the first sari that my husband bought for me many moons ago and exemplifies the loving bond we share.  Over the years, I have added two more exquisite Ilkals to my stock, handpicked by my mother-in-law.  And for this cherished association, the Ilkal is highlighted first on this list!

KANJEEVARAM:

     What can I say! Some of you probably remember that I did an entire post on the kanjeevaram sari  and here is an excerpt  "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!"
On a recent trip to India, I crumbled (miserably) under pressure - the pressure of having to walk away from breath takingly beautiful kanchi saris. I had resolved to buy just one since I was intent on buying other saris from across the country. But my resolve melted the minute I stood in front of a beautiful row of neatly stacked  opulent kanchi saris and eventually I walked out of the store with 4 gorgeous kanchis, a happy camper! Ageless in quality and timeless in style, the kanjeevaram silk  reigns supreme

KERALA KASAVU:

I don't know of any other sari  that can match the enduring elegance of the Kerala Kasavu. No, really! The tranquil ivory tone complimented by the luxe gold border of the kasavu sari has been a cultural trademark of the gorgeous women of Kerala from times immemorial and holds its appeal even today. If you are a sari aficionado, then your bank would be incomplete without the Kasavu.

MYSORE SILK:

The art of draping a sari is as interesting as the diverse textile heritage itself. If there is one sari that allows for a perfect drape then it is the Mysore Silk. I love the way it makes me feel!  Emanating from the land of the Maharajahs, the Mysore silk is indeed aristocratic in its appearance. Known for its texture and luster, the resplendent Mysore silk is a seemly tribute to legendary Mysore.  As you get ready to display your Jambu Savari for this year's Golu, why not celebrate in a traditional Mysore silk sari ? Displayed in the picture is another personal favorite - a gift that is a token of my pregnancy and a reminder of many treasured emotions!

PATOLA:

  Patola is a splendid example of hand-woven artistry. The weaver implements a double ikkat weave to turn  the Patola sari into an impressive piece of art replete with geometric designs and intense hues. Did you happen to catch the stills from Lakme fashion week this year.Designer Gaurang Shah's repertoire was jaw droppingly gorgeous. He worked with Patan patola as his medium and chose to don his show stopper kirron kher (yes, the ultimate sari diva herself) in a stunning Navrathan Patola.
I love the handwoven texture on mine- I think it makes the sari exotic!

BATIK:

Another sari, another dyeing technique! The Javanese wax-resistant dyeing technique or the Batik dye adds splashes of color and a boho-chic vibe to the Indian six yards. This bold Batik in complimentary colors is from my 8o year old grandmother's closet which is now a precious addition to my sari collection. Fashion trends are cyclical and so the Batik is back! I can always upcycle my grandmother's conventional sari with an edgy accessory for an updated look!

POCHAMPALLY:

So, what is the connection between a global design trend and a tiny village in Andhra Pradesh, India? A dyeing and weaving style known as Ikat. The pochampally sari is fashioned in the Ikat style and could very well be the Patola's twin. However, regional influences separate the two. This too belongs to my grandmother. This was my way of bringing a part of her here to my home. I regret that I never brought her here to visit us. She is frail now and cannot make a trans-atlantic trip. The saris will always serve as a reminder of my grandmom's simple yet impeccable sense of style that I am grateful to have inherited. Her tenacious spirit belies her frail health much like the Pochampally itself whose vibrant colors and striking patterns mask the signs of wear.

ZARDOSI:

If you are looking for an avant garde fashion statement then the zardosi embroidery is it! Sported by most Indian runway models and bollywood heroines, elaborate zardosi embroidery gives the sari an opulent up-do! Zardosi=haute couture! Zardosi work involves embroidering with metallic threads to add a generous dose of sparkle and we love that in our wedding and festive finery, don't we?

KANTHA:

Out next stop on the textile tour is Bengal. The intricate Kantha embroidery, a hot favorite world over, is from Bengal. Fashion for me is about being true to who you are.  I believe in details and nothing beats the sophisticated detailing of the kantha embroidery. A silk Kantha is subtle and classy and adds a refined elegance no matter what the occasion. I can see myself wearing a Kantha sari to a western gala, a soiree, a banquet or a cocktail hour!

TUSSAR SILK: 

A weaver somewhere in Bihar/ West Bengal weaves his magic into a Tussar silk and breathes life into it.  The tussar silk is magical! Light weight and linen like, the sari is an easy drape! I love the versatile utility of these saris. This hot pink Tussar silk paired with a geometric border and a contrast pallu was my absolute favorite. Subsequently, a serendipitous shopping find in the form of this elaborate silver necklace  became the perfect accessory that this Tussar silk demands! With this gorgeous outfit, I am ready to paint the town pink, don't you think?

BLOCK PRINT:

We featured a little spotlight piece on the art of block printing in a previous post and here is an excerpt "There is nothing more simple and sophisticated than block print fabrics. An ancient textile imprinting technique, block printing is done by artisans in rural India and these handmade fabrics are perfect inspite of their imperfections!" The delicate beauty of the symmetric block prints makes the sari a visually appealing piece of art. My persimmon and black sari was a thoughtful gift from my dear aunt who knew of my sari -mission. The block prints on this beautiful cotton sari paired with a causal embroidered fabric bag creates an eye-catching ethnic extravaganza!

BENARES:

And I am going to wrap up this edition of weaves of India with what I fondly refer to as the princess of silks (remember, the kanjeevaram  has already won the title of the Queen!) The stunning brocade from Varanasi, the Benares sari, is an exquisite production. A collector's item, if you will. So much goes into weaving the delicate gold and silk threads together to create this silken tapestry of unmatched beauty.  On a religious tour last year, my mom picked up this beautiful plum Benares with white silk threadwork for me. Maybe, someday, I could even convert this into some kind of a wall art?

Did you know? Many of India's saris have a GI right (Geographical Indication)- an intellectual property right, mapping them to the region of origin (source:wiki)

It was a great pleasure to do this feature on a topic so close to my heart -India's unparalleled textile heritage! I would be remiss if I did not thank my mom, grandmom, mother-in-law and aunts for enabling my indulgence!

Sanganeri, bomkai, tanchoi, chanderi, paithini, venkatgiri….so much more to talk about!
Cheers!
Deepa

All images are the copyrighted property of Aalayam. Credits: My husband!