We wanted to tell the world that to have a fabulous home, you don’t need to have a lot of money.
Some clever investments and a little bit of shuffling {things that you already have at hand} can dramatically change your space around.
And we wanted to tell this for a long time. That wealth and style are not really related to each other and you can have a home that’s drop dead gorgeous without breaking your bank.
But telling is one thing, and doing another.
So we did it.
We changed Urvashi’s Mumbai home with things she already had at home and a little love from Urban Ladder {a lamp, a accent chair and a rug} and the change is dramatic alright.
Wanna see? Hop on in!
Thoughts From The Before Home
Honestly, I lucked out because I had a clean slate and not clutter. In my stint with home makeovers I have had a few very depressing homes to start with which included one of my own rentals too. When I first stepped in that home I thought I’ll cry. I don’t think there was a cranny to spare in that home which I later renovated. Thankfully, Urvashi’s home- though simple- was not cluttered at all and it took away atleast 4 steps from our home makeover journey.
Oh, I have to give you all a little context about this home makeover: In September Urban Ladder and I ran a contest on my instagram page. If you had an urban ladder furniture in your home, you ccould share your room’s photograph and one lucky winner could get a makeover for their space- designed by yours truly and sponsored by Urban Ladder. We thought Urvashi’s home was perfect to showcase the change and we began there of.
I Love the Beach. And I’d want a Beach House Feel
The most challenging bit in a home makeover is probably bringing out the personality of the home owner in a way that brings a smile on their face. Your home is not just a jumble of good looking things but a space that reflects you truly. One step inside and you’ll know who lives in there- what they like, love and adore. So before bringing it all in, we took a look at her existing upholstery and asked her, how would she want to feel when she stepped in her home?
Thankfully {Yet again} Urvashi loves beach hues and she said, “I would love a coastal feel in this space and something that allows me to sit and look out of the window”. You know, honestly, I might have clapped a little {in my mind} because those two things- my God, God knows that those two things- are right up my alley! I can create nooks for nothingness in about anywhere and beach hues are certainly my “thang”. But it was not that easy as it sounds.
7 things needed to be done
1. Though her room enjoys plenty of natural light in the day, in the evening she relied on one single source of lighting- which is not very helpful in setting the mood. So I wanted to get in some mood lighting for her apartment.
2. Secondly, apart from the sofa there were no other seating option or accent furniture wall in her room. And because the sofa was pushed to the wall, it made her room look large but scarce. I would also use the word wanting. Given the conditions, I wanted to create a section and break the living room into two smaller areas- the seating section and the TV section. Plus, because from the door one walks straight into the living room, I also wanted her seating area to be the focal point of her living room. Basically breaking a large room into individual areas.
3. Thirdly, because her sofa is teal and her existing cushions were colourful- and because she wanted no greys- we had to rely on different shades of blue to get the coastal decor effect. We also interrupted it with warm colours- like mustard and touches of magenta because it complements blue and wood tones all at the same time along with getting in a bit of freshness without being too demanding.
4. I wanted to use her table. Bring it to the forefront which was hiding below a certain wall and turn it to the center of a fun hang out place.
5. She wanted to look out of the window and a comfortable accent chair – which will also compliment the existing decor structure- was the need of the hour.
6. Her plants dotted the window sill which could totally highlight her decor. So we had to use the plants differently. I also wanted to cheer up the dull corner at the head of her sofa.
7. The room overall needed cheer too.
So yeah, roughly 7 things!
The final touch
So we broke the area with the Urban Ladder Sayan Dhurrie which instantly freshened the space up with its ivory and yellow. Next, we got in her table in the center of her Sofa and added the Urban Ladder Reden Lounge chair to complete the setup. Note: We placed the chair in a way where she could talk to guests as well as look out of the window- which is one of her favourite things to do! Plus, the chair at the head of the sofa completed the demarcated area and gave it a closed area feel.
We grouped her cushion on the head of the sofa and added the Camellia Floor lamp {also from urban Ladder} so it helps in mood lighting as well as be a reading nook for her or her husband. Right above the lamp, we hung an air plant to cheer the corner even further. We also added a throw on the sofa and a mustard shawl on the Reden chair- for you know- comfort!
As for her center table- we decorated it with a reversed runner in Jute {natural fabrics and coastal decor go hand in hand}, a few books, a lamp in blue, a votive in sea green and a bonsai plant in turquoise- all of which she already had in different corners of the house. We loved how the cool colours and natural elements just set the table top off!
We also turned her super cool vintage watering can to a center piece and which is a beauty! Seriously- turn to everyday objects that define you as a person for decor. She loves this watering can and we thought its a lovely addition to her cozy table!
3 hours and a few minutes- and a wonderful coffee after- Urvashi had a place she couldn’t believe was hers. And it was amazing to see her place open up with its full potential. And I have to give it to you that Urvashi was a sport, and I loved working around her. But I might just be biased because she made some amazing coffee for me and gave me my first diwali gift- which I am yet to show you all! Seriously- what a fabulous experience.
My Debut interior decorating project was a success and thank you Urban Ladder for giving me this fab opportunity. But coming to think of it, Urban Ladder has been many of my life’s firsts. The first decor award for example and I couldn’t be thankful enough!
Hope you all enjoyed this little home makeover and we are so ready for more! Need a home makeover? Write to me.
Off XO
Your work is amazing