What does your home say about you?

One’s home is the reflection of their personality, their likes, their tastes, their heritage and the culture of their family. A bit of personal touch is what makes a house a home. And a well thought out theme can transform a simple white-washed house to a beautiful and comforting dream home.

One can opt to go tribal, ethnic, vintage, contemporary or even use nature as the theme for their homes.

Art Deco is one of the unique themes used by artists who work on abstract house décor and design. Here, decorators use wall art in fabulous ways to add drama to the walls, even as they complement the rest of the furniture in the room.

Artist Yusuf Arakkal’s home, an extension of his love for life and art, is a classic example. “I never really had a set theme in mind, but I knew I wanted something that could bring my art to life,” says Yusuf about his current home. “I have always been used to living in big houses with courtyards back in Kerala. So when I moved to Bangalore, I looked for a home that was functional, and also had a lot of light,” points out Yusuf.

For his studio, which is also a part of his house, Yusuf created an open space. The artist believes that it was his art that drove his thoughts when it came to designing his house. “I have collected art for about 25 years now and they are my most valued possession. I want these precious pieces to be seen and to be appreciated. So when I designed my house, I ensured that there was enough light that fell in at the right places at all times. I did not want to have anything to do with artificial lighting as that would just not justify my collection. As for the furniture, they are very simple pieces that I have designed myself. They are made out of pinewood, which is quite rare in India,” he adds.

Opting for antique as the theme may prove to be a bit more heavy on the budget, but one could also consider it to be an investment of sorts.

Image consultant Manjusha Mahewari’s home is an example of one that represents an eclectic mix of antique and modern.

“I have designed my home to highlight all the little things that I have cherished and loved for many years. My home is more like a garden home, planned in a way that it overlooks the garden. It brings both nature and design together. You will also find a lot of colour and a heady mix of both contemporary and vintage designs. I love collecting antiques and I also enjoy mixing them with modern pieces. All the items in my home have a story to tell and I can proudly say that my home reflects who I am too,” says Manjusha.

Sticking to a theme is easier said than done. Interior designer Ambica Motupalli advises, “Functionality plays a key role in deciding the theme of the house. The idea is to create a space that is comfortable as well as efficient. So eliminating things that don’t fit into the theme can create harmony as well as space. Accessories and furnishings play a huge role in bringing a theme to life.”