A little bit of caution

For this home issue, we have a slew of articles on how to go about
finding a house, and turning it into a home for you. We have information on kitchens, bedrooms, tiles, appropriate fittings, construction materials etc. But what about what not do when setting up a home. This article is about the little things that one should keep in mind when decorating your dream home.

First and foremost avoid hoarding and do not carry the old accumulated baggage to your new home. Believe me, the new house will soon have its own set of discardables. So Let Alone.What you have not used or looked for in the last one year will not ever be needed.

Oil and polish old furniture before taking it to the new house. Old cupboards can be resized into children’s tallboys or cupboards. They can be used as bathroom cabinets too.

For flats, smaller sized seating always makes sense. Avoid huge cushiony upholstered three-seaters. The market offers a wide variety of two seaters. Everything does not have to match, blend and mix. And see the results. A cushioned stool. A small recliner by the window, a cushioned bench, all makes it more homey if not coordinated.

If you are single and furnishing a flat, go all out and buy anything that takes your fancy but newlyweds hear the word of caution. That glass center table might look cute but with a baby it is a health hazard.

Carpets are plush but the biggest health hazard for the little ones. The Indian environment and climate is not conducive to woolen or synthetic carpets. They retain dust and mites.Cotton durries or throwaways are better options .

The latest rage of wrought iron reminds me of garden furniture, if you change your décor frequently go for it, but on a permanent basis, a big no-no.

Cane furniture, though it has evolved and comes in mindblowing designs, is difficult to maintain. It attracts insects and is difficult to clean. In the monsoons it is a nightmare. It gets mouldy if not aired properly. It needs regular oiling or paint if you want to keep it.

One big Indian failing is that we generally fail to make a distinction between lounge furniture and a family room furniture. Traditionally Indians do not have a great furniture history. The floor was used for sitting , eating and sleeping. Maybe the socially well off used spreads. It was only with the advent of the conquerors that India learnt the use of chairs as ‘thrones’. Furniture slowly crept into our social milieu.

Maybe that is why we Indians tend to get it wrong more times than others.

Issue BG28 July03