When Nature becomes the Muse

Anavila Misra

Designer Anavila Misra showcased her spring summer collection, ‘A Summer Stroll’ at the Lakme Fashion Week at Mumbai recently. Humanity has traded in a real jungle for a concrete, mechanical one. Devoid of green space to claim, we have resigned ourselves to the nostalgia of winding summer strolls in the evening. The rustling trees and wafting breeze have now been replaced by relentless drilling machines & swirling smog.

Anavila Misra

It is this feeling of being bereft of verdant vegetation that inspired the idea behind ‘A Summer Stroll’ collection. Derived from a strong love for nature, this fashion line merges geometric designs with botanical motifs, irregular shapes and marks to juxtapose the urban and natural environs. It’s an expression of the balance we are seeking in our modern lives.

Anavila Misra

So embrace the bracing sensation of wearing nature in its natural and fabricated glory as you stake to reclaim the last of metropolis’ foliage cover. After all, it was Khalil Gibran who said—“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long.”

Anavila Misra

In sync with the changing landscape, the colour palette of the collection integrates elements like greenery, cement, stone, wood, and earth. Being an ardent enthusiast of organic textiles and rustic art, the elegant and very stylish Dia Mirza was the showstopper for the designer.

Bedroom guide for a newlywed couple by H5 Design

Brain Thompson (H5 Design)

Space solutions:

The most common problem faced is: ‘There is not enough space!’ Multiple requirements such as bed, lounge, study, storage, dressing and bathroom have to be accommodated in the same space. With proper planning, maximizing space utilization, dedicated function allotment and using modular fittings to your advantage, one can create enough space. For instance, use a queen size bed instead of a king size. Opt for wider side tables for better storage and circulation space. Accommodate a chest of drawers in the room. It can go a long way on saving storage space for shoes and bed linens. Take advantage of wall height and accommodate shelving systems. They can take load of books, decorative artworks and trinkets. Combine the wardrobe and bathroom. Excessive walls take on space and create more hassle than utility in small spaces. Use sliding shutters for wardrobes as they reduce circulation space required and provide more spacious wardrobes that can be wider than usual. Glass shower enclosures are more practical, space and water saving than bath tubs. They can be as small as 30 square inches in size. Large mirrors in the bathroom can give the illusion of space and be highly utilitarian.

Jan Showers (H5 Design)

Colour therapy:

Often, new couples find it hard to agree on a colour as women naturally tend to opt for warmer, earthen colours and men prefer cool colours on a palette of grey-black. Choose a neutral base palette to later add colour with accessories of your choice. Use light pastel shades of any colour. They are not too dominating yet add warmth and cool feeling at the same time. Avoid blaring loud colours like red or shocking pink. These can be added in moderation with accessories or furnishings on a neutral colour palette as well. Beiges, browns and wood shade teamed with white or cream is the most popular and subtle colour combination for master bedrooms of all ages. Pale blue, aqua, peach, lavender, ocean green, corn yellow can be a few good colours for a newlywed’s room.

Kelly Wearstler (H5 Design)

Lighting affair:

Lighting is the most crucial yet often a neglected aspect of design. With the right layers, function and mood lighting can be achieved easily. Nothing beats natural light. Sunlight helps refresh the room and is also good for mental well being of the individuals. Invest in a dimmer for setting light at the right intensity for every mood. It also helps with energy saving. Decorative lighting in the form of lamps, wall lights and chandeliers can add an unexpected texture in the ambience.