A Colourful Caribbean Delight! For April 2020

Colour Stories

Are you ready for this month’s colour story? We sure are! This time, we intend to take you all on a virtual vacation. Now, who doesn’t love a vacation, and that to one of the most colourful places on the planet? Hop on; fasten your seatbelts as we take you on a tour of the vibrant island of Trinidad in Cuba

Trinidad, a 500-year old town attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is considered to be one of the most well-preserved colonial towns in the Caribbean, thanks to its historical centre and colourful architecture.

Look around Trinidad and you can see colours everywhere. An array of vibrant colours has been used throughout the town to give life to its buildings. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the nearby Valle de los Ingenios since 1988.

Step into Trinidad and you are welcomed by colourful and iconic avenues. You can hop on a horse and explore the town. You are bound to come across bakers selling their bread from street to street, making it a true sensory delight! Trinidad is so colourful, picturesque and interesting that you can create Instagram photos for a year, just by walking around the town. Now, isn’t that amazing?

If you like walking on foot, exploring new places, then don’t forget to walk down the cobblestoned paths that are heritage from the times that slaves were being brought here in ships. In fact, it is like being in a time warp. There are classic cars on the streets and also relatively modern vehicles.

You will also see street performers sitting around, randomly singing Cuban songs to their heart’s content so you are sure to experience the Cuban street music when in town.

Today, Holi is played with great enthusiasm in the two Northern cities of India, Vrindavan and Mathura that is associated with Lord Krishna.

You can also look at the sunset from the top of Convento San Francisco de Asis with a view over the town and a wonderful view of the sea. At night, you can enjoy the live music scene which is believed to be really good.

A trip to Trinidad is incomplete without visiting Plaza Mayor. Its iconic bell tower is the most photographed spot in Trinidad and features on many postcards as well.

And since you are visiting colourful Cuba, you cannot miss the vibrant Havana, a slightly chaotic city packed with dilapidated yet beautiful buildings, historic forts, lively music and magnificent palaces.

Hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of one of the most colourful places in the world. Until next time!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For April 2020

1. The luxury French shoemaker, Christian Louboutin is known for his signature footwear incorporating a colour combination of shiny black and red-lacquered soles. The red sole has been an iconic signature for these designer shoes for over 20 years now and is a red-carpet favourite for celebrities and fashion stars alike. The company won exclusive rights to use the red sole on the bottom of the shoes a few years ago in a dispute with Yves Saint Laurent, much like Tiffany’s blue box or Cadbury’s purple packaging.
2. If you have ever watched a movie or documentary in which night vision was used or if you have used a device that helps people see in the dark, you would have probably noticed that the image shown through such devices is usually green. Ever wondered why? Night vision goggles use the colour green because the human eye can distinguish more shades of green than any other colour. Different shades that make up the monochromatic night vision image are most accurately perceived and distinguished when they are green, according to researchers. The green night vision device goes way back to World War II when Germany developed a primitive version of the goggles.
3. The most interesting eyes in the animal kingdom definitely belong to the mantis shrimp- an animal that is neither a mantis or a shrimp, but a close relative of crabs and lobsters. It has a compound eye that is made up of thousands of small units that each detects light independently. They have 16 colour receptors, compared to a human’s three. However, they are not that good at distinguishing colours but can detect another property of light invisible to the humans: polarization.

Colour Quotes For April 2020

• "Let me, O let me bathe my soul in colours; let me swallow the sunset and drink the rainbow."

  - Khalil Gibran

• "Salt and sugar have the same colour, but not the taste!"

  - Aakanksha Das

• "Painting something that defies the law of the land is good. Painting something that defies the law of the land and the law of gravity at the same time is ideal."

  - Banksy

Colour Tips For April 2020

1. A calming palette, atmospheric colour story includes hues of pastels like light pink and lilac in a combination with neutrals like white, grey and charcoal for a contrasting look. This palette can be used in multiple rooms in the house to artfully bring the entire home together. The natural and soothing atmosphere created by this colour combination makes it suitable for both modern and traditional environments. You can also achieve this look with paint, use pastel hues on your walls and contrasting neutral accessories and décor or achieve a similar effect by keeping the walls neutral and decorating with pastel accessories and décor.
2. Painting a house is a daunting task. To save you from such glitches, we have you covered with some basic painting tips if you are thinking of giving your walls a makeover using interior paint any time soon. When you are painting your entire home, it is bound to take you several days. Our experts suggest that instead of washing your paintbrush at the end of the day, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it. Thaw the brush out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before painting again and you are ready to go! This not only saves up a lot of cleaning time but also saves water and paint.
3. To create a feeling of harmony in the bedroom, use different shades of the same colour for a monochrome palette or opt for light and calm tones. If you use too many contrasting colours, the end result might make the room seem distracting and unpleasant, definitely not a mood you want to create in the room you catch some zzz’s at the end of the day. While deciding on the colours for paint for home, keep the colour wheel in mind to understand which shades pair well together. Pick soothing tones of butter yellow, sage green or millennial pink to create a light and soothing atmosphere.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For April 2020

1. We all are aware that the colour purple has been associated with royalty since ages now. However, did you know that there are some fascinating psychological associations attached to this colour? In Christianity, purple is considered a symbol of pride and in the U. S. military, a Purple Heart award is symbolic of bravery. In stark contrast to the west, purple is worn by widows in Thailand to mourn their husband’s death. In Iran, according to tradition, it is believed that a purple sun or moon is an omen and could be an indication of bloodshed in that particular year.
2. Studies have revealed that colours can successfully help in therapy. In fact, it is widely used by therapists. Colours are believed to help individuals with brain disorders because of their power to cause psychological reactions and influence moods. Therapists use colours like blue which can calm and lower respiration and blood pressure. Green is considered a soothing colour and is used to relax emotionally disturbed people who suffer from depression and anxiety. Yellow is a colour used in the cure of depression while violet, a colour combination of blue and red is believed to help those with migraine.

Colours & Fashion For April 2020

Did you know that the most pigmented in the dark-lipstick spectrum is black? If you thought that rebellious black lips were a new trend, you are completely mistaken. The first-ever mention of black lipstick can be traced back to ancient Egypt! That too around 4000 BC. Isn’t that incredible? Egyptians were extremely bold and experimental when it came to their makeup and colour choices. During the black and white era of Hollywood in the 1920s, the starlets applied black lipstick for drama and intensity. In the late 1960s, David Bowie, the famous singer sported it and it was embraced with open arms by the fashion world. Be it scary or stunning, this lipstick shade has the ability to turn heads. What say? Ever tried black paint on your walls? It can have the same effect!

Colours & Gems For April 2020

1. What you are looking at are the most precious gemstones known as Navratna. It is a Sanskrit term for ‘nine gems’ and navratna jewellery pieces include these nine gems in their setting. The combination of these nine gems namely Ruby, Pearl, Coral, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gomedagam and Cat’s Eye are considered to be not only powerful but also auspicious in not just Hinduism but also Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is revered in many other countries too such as Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
2. What you can see in the photograph are beautiful gemstones known as Zircon. Did you know that the earliest mention of Zircon was in the Bible? In fact, it was one of the first twelve gems worn by the high priests from Israel. In 1789, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist discovered the element zirconium in it while studying a sample of Zircon from Ceylon that is present day Sri Lanka. It is believed that Zircon gems are beneficial for the wearer in terms of wisdom, wealth and also believed to bring love and happiness. This gem is great for maintaining the overall well-being of the wearer. Zircon gemstone has an intense energy that is highly spiritual. And the best part is that Zircon comes in shades of colours that you can choose from.

Colours & Nature For April 2020

1. These wonders you are looking at are known as Tetras. They are the true rainbow fish of the freshwater species. There are about 150 species of Tetras that exhibit a lot of variation and range from spotted to striped to multi-coloured to neon. They are quite the swimmers and prefer to do so in the middle of the fish tank. If you are interested in fish keeping, make sure to have a school of them in your tank. Some species are more aggressive than others and are known to bite long-finned fish mates, so choose the species with care.
2. If all you fashionistas out there think you can become showstoppers by wearing metallic and grab the spotlight, wait until you see nature’s very own showstopper – Presenting the jewel beetle. This fascinating creature sports iridescent colours and is highly prized by insect collectors. The colours are due to its structural colouration in which microscopic texture in its cuticle reflects specific frequencies of light in particular directions. This is the same effect that makes a compact disc reflect multiple colours. Isn’t that amazing? You will be surprised to know that there are about 15,000 species of jewel beetles throughout the world, making the family Buprestidae one of the largest beetle groups. In fact, they tend to be active on sunny days, especially in the heat of the noon, so you may happen to see them on a summer afternoon!

Décor

These Are The Best Interior Wall Colours For 2020

Looking for colour inspiration? From dark monochromatic to organic tones, explore the best wall colours

Any interior designer will confirm the power colour has in transforming a room. But deciding on a colour for your home walls can be quite tricky sometimes. So, we’ve consulted our colour experts to give us a lowdown of trending wall paint colours for 2020. From dark monochromatic to organic tones, there is something for everyone.

Warm pastels

Pastels have a soothing, understated appeal to them that is perfect for gender neutral and common rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. For overall colour palettes, mix spring and summer colours with pastels that have warm and earthy undertones.

Earth inspired

Shades of chocolate brown, olive green and yellow ochre are taking over in homes. Warm neutrals that are inspired by earth tones have a unique ability to make the space more relaxing and comforting. With a range of shades and tints to make a room feel more cohesive, this colour scheme extends beyond wall painting to furnishings and décor.

Organic tones

We are seeing a shift from the cool colour palette that defined the trending colour trend of last decade towards warmer, more organic tones. Warm neutrals will be much more popular in place of cool greys and beige in the coming years.

Punchy colours

Perfect for an accent wall, punchy colours will instantly brighten up even the most dull wall in the room. Pair it with ikat print fabrics and copper and gold accents for a punchy colour combination.

Dark monochromatic

Monochromatic does not mean plain old black and white. Dark monochromatic colour schemes give a room a trendy and energised look. Use monochromatic colours as inspiration for creating a single-hued space that feels personalised. Just ensure you test before you buy.

Home Design Trends For 2020

Explore home décor trends that are here to stay!

Every year, we see new interior designs and fads. While giving our homes a trendy look, it is important to distinguish between classic trends to fading styles.

To help you out, our experts at Berger Paints are bringing you 2020’s hottest home trends- that will stay around awhile so that you can consider updating your home with confidence and ease.

Nature-inspired

Moving away from tech-obsessed décor trends we saw over the last few years, natural materials such as stone, copper, concrete as well as jute, cane and cotton are going to dominate the home décor world. These elements add an organic and serene atmosphere to the room.

Bold monochromatic

Monochromatic does not have to be pale and boring. For paint colours, cobalt blue, jade green and aubergine are full of pizzazz and personality in a way that is daring and at the same time elegant.

Unique rugs

Last year, we saw a trend of unexpected designs and materials being used in rugs and this year, we are expecting to see many more interior designers embrace this trend. Rugs instantly increase the cosiness of the space and they are a great addition to any room.

Painted doors

This trend has been showing up on Instagram and Pinterest and recently more homeowners and designers are painting their front doors in a daring colour. It is a sure-shot way to bring character to a space, with less risk and commitment. Door paint can be in a bright uplifting colour like yellow or orange or a pastel hue for a calming effect as soon as the guests enter the house.

Timeless looks that can evolve

There has been an emphasis on incorporating personal style into your interior décor. So, whether it is a renovation or a new addition to the room, consumers are thinking more long-term than they have in the past. This also reflects being more ecologically conscious with the purchases.

5 Ways To Make Your Home More Interesting

From boring to fun, with 5 easy home décor tips

Changing the look of your home or a particular room doesn’t mean you redo the entire space. Sometimes, even the smallest touches like switching up the bedding or changing the colour of one wall can have a huge impact in setting a new atmosphere or vibe. If you are ready for a change, here are five ways to make your house way more interesting.

1. Upgrade your bedding

You spend about 8-10 hours every day on your bed, probably additional 2-3 hours over the weekends. And yet, most people are hesitant on splurging on a comfy mattress. It is about time to give your bed an upgrade, not only great for your posture and sleep but also will help create a cosy space. Invest in a comfortable mattress, increase the thread-count on your sheets, get some ergonomic pillows and pick out a quality comforter. When you sleep well at night, it will directly affect your mood and increase your productivity.

2. Install an indoor swing

Is there a better place to spend a Sunday afternoon lounging or reading a book? If you do not have a space for a garden, bring the outdoors in, literally. Indoors swings have been gaining popularity, for all the good reasons. They are easy to install and come in a variety of options to choose from. Indoor swings are the perfect excuse to bring out the kid in you- only this time it is in the most chic, trendy way possible.

3. Get a bookshelf

Always fancied having a reading nook but think it requires too much space and investment? Well, you are mistaken. You can create a bookshelf using spare wooden pieces and install it on a blank wall in the house. For wooden paint options, explore designer finishes by Berger Paints. Personalise your bookshelf using mementos you picked up while travelling or interesting bits and bobs you can find at a flea market- anything that is likely to be a great conversation starter with friends and family.

4. Add some rattan and jute furnishings

Sustainable material in furnishings and décor has been all the rage in the world of interior design lately. To give your home a boho vibe, add in some statement pieces in rattan and jute, whether it is a lampshade, chair or plant stand. The light coloured furnishings will make your space feel airier and brighten things up.

5. Accent walls

Instead of revamping the whole room, adding a pop of colour to one wall will give your space an entirely new look. For ideas for paint for living room, explore an accent wall in royal blue, jade green or sunshine yellow for that perfect pop of colour that will have maximum impact. Keep rest of the walls neutral and light.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For April 2020

Working as a freelancer or running a business from home? Follow these top Feng Shui tips to be both productive and successful.

Feng Shui Your Home Office!

Choose the best place in your home to set up your office

Firstly, find yourself a good place to set up your office. Two places you must avoid is your basement (if you have one!) and your bedroom.

Most basements have low ceilings and damp air with Yin energy which is not conducive for work. Your bedroom needs to be solely dedicated for self care and catching on your sleep.

Put yourself in charge

Make use of the Feng Shui Command Position to set up your work desk. The Command Position is known to reduce stress and helps put you in charge of your professional life, encouraging you to look at opportunities and challenges that are coming your way.

If you like to work sitting on your couch or at your dining table, you can still be in command. Position yourself in a way that you can see people come and go from your home.

If you are looking for some home interior ideas, you can use bells. Bells on the front door of your house can help reduce the possibility of surprises so that you can hear people coming and going, especially if you can’t see the door from where you sit while working.

Establish boundaries and reduce interruptions

It is important to set strong boundaries when you are working from home. Everyone around you needs to know when you are working and that it is important not to interrupt you.

If there’s a door you can close to establish a boundary, make use of it.

If you have no door, set up clear signs that indicate when you are not to be interrupted. You can put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign or other visual cue that says “Stop”, or also play soft music that creates a sound barrier.

Make use of the Earth element to symbolically stabilise and direct energy in the direction you prefer. Objects that are blocky or square, or are in shades of gold or yellow, made of ceramic material all bring Earth’s boundary-making energy into your workspace.

Hope these Feng Shui tips help you get the most out of working from home.

Reiki For April 2020

Are you or someone you know suffering from chronic pain since months? Apart from regular medication, you can also try Reiki at home. Read on to know all about it.

Reiki for Chronic Pain!

Some people think of chronic pain as acute pain that does not subside. This definition, however, isn’t accurate. Chronic pain is a blanket term and not all those who suffer from it will have comparable signs.

Chronic pain may be mild or excruciating. It could also occur continuously or sporadically. While the pain may cause inconvenience to some individuals, others may be completely incapacitated by the pain and won’t be able to perform their daily activities at all.

Reiki is believed to help those with chronic pain. Reiki is characterised as a complementary therapy which involves the laying on of hands on individuals with the intention to re-establish the physical, mental and spiritual balance.

For Reiki at the home, you will need to either sit in a chair or lie down on a treatment table. You won't need to take off any clothes. The practitioner will place her hands lightly on or just above your head and torso.

If you have any scar or injury on one of your arms or legs, she may touch that too. Do not feel any pressure or discomfort.

While each practitioner is different and practices their own unique method, the premise of facilitating stress reduction and inner peace holds true across the world.

During a session, some individuals often feel relaxed and tend to dose off. Some individuals may feel gentle pulsing where the practitioner places her hands while some may feel nothing at all.

It is common to be very tired after the session. Practitioners believe that this is part of your body's healing process. Individuals usually need more than one session to feel any benefits. A course of four is often recommended.

Reiki may potentially bring about the highest level of pain relief for people. Always remember that it is used to complement and never as a substitute for patients’ regular medical treatment and medications. Reiki supports the body’s natural healing abilities.

Hope you found this article on Reiki useful.

Vaastu For April 2020

We have a few easy paint colour ideas to energise your home using Vaastu. Read on to know about it.

Vaastu-Approved Wall Colours!

Colours chosen for the walls should be aesthetically appealing as they influence the mood, style and appearance of the house. There are colours which enhance your mood and sometimes put you to sleep so it is important to choose colours wisely and do home painting according to Vaastu.

According to Vaastu, white, yellow and blue are the best options for living room as they tend to create a calming atmosphere. You can even use these colours as a combination to maximise positive energy. However, make sure to avoid red and black for the walls of your living room. Ideally, the living room should be in north-east or north-west direction.

For the master bedroom, the ideal direction is south-west. The colour blue brings relaxation, tranquillity and induces sleep.

For the kitchen, the walls are best painted orange or red and should be situated in the south-east direction.

For the dining room, you can opt for colours like pink, green and blue as these colours bring peace and help relax the mind and body. The dining room can either be a separate room or in continuation with the kitchen in the west, east or the south.

North-west is the best place for rooms of kids. Since the north-west is governed by the moon, it is a good idea to paint the kids’ room in white. Avoid red as it is an aggressive colour and could cause stress.

Brown is a colour of comfort. It makes a good choice for study rooms or library in the house. If the study table of the children is in their bedroom, then use colours like lavender, blue or green in their room. These colours are believed to improve concentration and create a pleasing environment.

For a guest room, you can go for walls with purple as it denotes luxury, making your guests feel pampered. Construct the guest room in the southern direction for peace.

If you have small rooms, avoid blue as it is not an ideal colour.

Hope you find this article helpful and use these Vaastu-compliant colours to your advantage!