Be ready for rain

Sharmila Chand 

Overcast skies shouldn’t cast a spell of gloom in your house. Make the interiors of your house cheerful by adding some colour to your décor. Here’s how you could go about it.

Play with vibrant colours

Vibrant hues make a great impact. Perk up your home with bright reds, sunny orange, coral, mint, yellow and see how they act as instant energizers. These colours can be used in the form of wall paints, cushion covers, curtains, bedsheets, etc. Each colour brings in a different feel and look. Green, for example, is highly desirable in monsoons. Also being the colour of the year, it is the popular choice of many. Green, ranging from emerald to lime green, generally works well in home decor. Shades of blue such as aqua and turquoise help in creating a soothing feel. Purple is for elegance and pink accentuates the character of the space. Lovers of grey and white can go ahead with dashes of bright colours so as to enhance the look of the space. 

Perk up your furnishings

It is time to change your furnishings from neutrals to bright shades of yellows, oranges, reds, blues and greens. Let your cushion covers and throws create a cheerful aura with happy colours that complement each other. It is important to go for a complete makeover in window dressing. Let your curtains be light, airy and translucent. Heavy curtains during this time are not advisable. The lighter ones in sheers are preferred to get ample sunlight inside home.

Go tropical 

Tropical prints are hugely popular in monsoons. Leafy plants motifs and butterfly prints make your décor peppy. They are seen in wallpapers, textiles, etc. Textured furniture, walls, light fixtures and drapes are a the rage this season. Textured wallpapers add life and character to the mundane plain walls.

Accessorise well

Bright interior accents are what you need. Colourful pottery, bright rugs and striking candles are pretty ways to inject colour pops into your space. Wind chimes are a great way to integrate tranquil vibes. You can even design and select wind chimes according to the theme of your home décor.

Aromatic candles and mild fragrances work wonders to evade the moist smell away from your home besides adding a touch of soft lighting. You can place them in the corners or on your coffee tables or side tables, so that you can light them up in the evenings. Citrus, lemongrass and lavender are great choices to keep your home fragrant and refreshing.

For a fungus-free home

• Place a door mat outside all the entrances to your home, preferably in neutral coloured coir mats.
• Place a basket or a big terracotta vase in the foyer for umbrellas. 
• Roll up your woollen and Persian carpets in protective plastic to protect them from dampness. 
• Bamboo, jute and moisture-resistant acrylic carpets are ideal for your home in the monsoons.
• Place camphor in your cupboards; it takes away the moisture and protects your clothes from stinking during the rains. Neem leaves and cloves are an equally effective remedy.
• Make sure every room has enough cross ventilation.

Real beauty

Monsoon is the best time to bring those plants inside. Let greens be a part of the décor and create a balance and harmony in your space. Collect pretty pots and containers for your indoor plants. Your own sanctuary will not only add beauty in a natural way but also create a healthier environment. Additionally, go eco-friendly in the décor elements you opt for. Try to find artefacts made of recycled materials as they lend a meaningful message.