India And Her Love Affair With Red

Colour Stories

India and her Love Affair with Red

The colour red needs no introduction. It is the most powerful colour in Indian culture. It is the shade of love and war, of passion and power and of desire and danger. In India, it also stands for happiness and prosperity and is considered pure and auspicious.

For centuries now, red has also been the colour of marriage in India. The bridal trousseau is mostly red or some shade of it. In fact, a married woman can be identified by red vermillion, which is known as sindoor, worn along the hairline.

Red is a dominating shade in Hindu weddings and even Indian movies show the bride in red bangles and saris. In weddings amongst Hindus, the entry of the bride into her new home after marriage is by the ritual of dipping her feet in red water and walking bare feet on the floor of the house to symbolise the beginning of a new life.

In Indian mythology, Lord Shiva, the destroyer has a third eye between two eyebrows which is known as the Shiv-Netra. Many Hindus in India wear a tilak to represent this third eye. Its customary significance is that of the all-seeing power that protects the inner wisdom of those to whom it is applied.

If you observe, even wedding invitations are mostly red. In most places in India, a guest is welcomed into the house with red vermillion. It is also a colour used for auspicious occasions like marriages and festivals involving the birth of a child. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a red thread known as Rakhi on the right wrist of brothers. Though now more colourful versions of the Rakhis are tied, the original Rakhi was a simple red thread used in every single Hindu religious ceremony.

During prayers, red powder is also thrown on statues of deities and phallic symbols. It is considered the colour of Shakti (prowess). A red-coloured dress is put on deities who are brave, charitable and protective and who are believed to destroy evil.

Red is a dynamic colour and incites fear. It is also the colour associated with one of the most revered goddesses in Hindu mythology – Durga. Her fiery image is enhanced by her red tongue and her almost-red eyes.

If you are thinking of a trendy wall paint for house, you can opt for the colour red. It is a popular wall paint colour, preferred by many people.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For December 2019

1. Every major holiday has its own colour schemes. Like for example, if you see a lot of red and green combinations, you know Christmas is around the corner! The world has long associated Christmas with this classic colour combination. This tradition actually started centuries ago, when the colour combination was used to commemorate the holiday. Evergreen plants like ivy and mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up houses in the winters. And that’s how the shade green became a classic Christmas colour. The origin of red for the holidays goes back to the early use of Holly berries, which is also said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. So, the next time you see this colour combination during Christmas, you will know the significance of it!
2. People tend to associate colours and scents. According to a study conducted by researches in 2014, people are likely to associate fruity, floral scents with colours such as light pink, green and purple. Whereas musty and woody scents are associated with colours like brown and orange. Earlier, this tendency to correlate scents and colours was considered as a condition known as Synesthesia. But after the study, it was proven that this tendency is actually a global one and prevalent across different cultures and countries across the world.
3. Do colour combinations impact the old and young differently? Interestingly, some researches indicated that achromatic colour pairs (like shades of grey) were less liked by older observers than by young observers. Single colours, dark and achromatic colours and whites were also less liked by older observers than by younger observers. In another study on the role of colour combinations, people generally prefer colour pairs with similar hues when the two colours are both in the foreground. However, a bigger contrast between the figure and the background is preferred. For companies that produce multi coloured merchandise, to appeal to customer preferences, they should consider minimizing the number of colours visible and use similar hues in one product.

Colour Quotes For December 2019

• The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.

  - Marcus Aurelius

• Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.

  - Wassily Kandinsky

• If everyone would look for that uniqueness then we would
  have a very colourful world.

  - Michael Schenker

Colour Tips For December 2019

1. Choosing the right interior paint colours can be tricky. The shade we choose to adorn our walls plays an important role in setting the right mood. So, how can you arrive at the best colour choices for your home walls? Looking at the overall colour scheme of the space, including aesthetics and décor elements, fabrics and flooring is a good place to start. Think about how a particular shade will look with the existing elements. For interior wall painting ideas, the colours should work in harmony and complement each other well. For comfortable and energising rooms, paint with warm colours like yellow, red and orange. However, ensure you use these colours in limited doses. Use cool colours like blue and green to make a room relaxing. And select neutral colours to balance out other colours. Always remember to test out the colours in different lighting since the way a room is lit can have a huge impact on how the colour looks on your home walls.
2. In the context of colour theory, neutral means without colour. But neutrals such as ivory, beige, grey, black and some shades of white when used in some applications can actually have an undertone that can create an understated and classy look. For neutral walls, choose paint colours based on how much natural light the room receives. Darker walls seem to close the room up and make it smaller, so if your room is large and light, you can consider dark neutrals. If the room is small, a light neutral is likely to be a better choice. Or just opt for the classic, timeless white if you can’t deal with trends anymore.
3. Understanding colour theory and how colour schemes work together is important in creating a successful home décor design. Think beyond beige and white for a lasting colour scheme you’ll love to incorporate in your home. High contrast combinations can be dramatic and sophisticated. You can use different elements in the room to create a unique colour scheme. Create different combinations using colours and hues for wall paints, flooring, ceiling, furnishings, décor pieces and fabrics to breathe life and personality into any room. Just make sure that you limit yourself to colours in the same temperature family. For example, warm colour palette that includes reds, oranges and yellows and cool colour palette that includes grays, greens and blues.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For December 2019

1. Psychologists have theories about how colours and emotions are linked. And so do marketers. We all know that there is nothing more staid than shades such as black and white, and all of those greys in between. These colours stand for conservatism, traditionalism and neutrality and are mostly used in the advertising and marketing of those organisations who want to portray themselves as completely serious and trustworthy. Mostly legal firms usually pick shades like black and white designs in their marketing materials to communicate effectively and it actually works!
2. Did you know that while the colour purple isn’t really so different to dark blue, it sends out a whole new subconscious message to the viewer? It has a daring edge and is associated with royalty, dreams, luxury, mystery and elegance. Light shades of purple are soothing and work well in the field of beauty so you are bound to see a lot of cosmetic brands use this colour often in their marketing. Isn’t it fascinating how colours have such a powerful impact on people?

Colours & Fashion For December 2019

Can you see the motifs that are present on the fabric in the photo? This print is known as Ajrakh. The popular story that local printers believe is that Ajrakh means “keep it today.” It is also linked to azrakh, which is the Arabic word for indigo, a blue plant which flourished in the arid ecology of Kachchh until the earthquake in 1956. Ajrakh uses complex geometry to create starry constellations in colour shades of indigo, black and white across lengths of cloth. The shapes and motifs of Ajrakh reflect the Islamic architectural design involving intricate jali windows and trefoil arches. Isn’t it fascinating?

Colours & Gems For December 2019

1. Take a look at this beautiful gemstone. Known as Sugilite, it is a “love stone for this age.” It comes in rare shades of colours but the most popular ones are seen in purple, lavender, dark rose red, pale lilac pink, reddish violet and brown yellow. This gemstone helps one to understand that truth is the highest form of love and living in one’s own truth is not just healing but empowering. It encourages forgiveness, of oneself and others and brings confidence and a sense of freedom. This gemstone imparts a sense of calm, reduces tension and fear that can otherwise cause a harmful impact on one’s physical and mental well-being.

2. Pietersite

   The gemstone you are looking at is known as Pietersite. This gemstone was first found in Namibia and later found in China. The meaning of its name relates to the one who discovered it named Sid Pieters, and it was named after his father, Louis Pieters. It is also known as the tempest stone as it is a stone that carries a charge, a lot like a storm raging within it. It is believed to bring cleansing energy to help you create change.

Colours & Nature For December 2019

1. Northern Cardinal
   We bet you wouldn’t be able to take your eyes off this fiery little bird if it happened to be right in front of you! Known as the Northern Cardinal, it is the state bird of Illinois. In fact, it is also the State Bird of North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. The male bird is known for its reddish colour while the female bird is brown with warm red accents. Isn’t that such a lovely colour combination? In summers, this bird is known for its sweet whistles early in the morning. Who wouldn’t like waking up to the melodious chirping from birds like these?
2. Boesemani Rainbow
   What you are looking at is a fish – a real fish. Known as Boesemani rainbow, it is a bright fish, known for its unreal coloration. If you look at the mature male breed, you will understand where it gets its name from. It has a beautiful blue-grey on the front half of the body and a vibrant orange-red on the back half. This species looks most at home in a planted aquarium that has dense vegetation, along with some open space for it to swim. It is a good idea to look for plants that reflect the slightly hard, alkaline conditions preferred by the fish. Tank maintenance and filtration is imperative to encourage the male fish to develop its spectacular colouration.

Decor

Christmas Living Room Décor Ideas For The Festive Season

Bring in festive vibes and create a cosy space with these ideas.

Transform your living room- the heart of the home with these festive Christmas living room decorating ideas. From living room paint ideas to creating the perfect centrepiece, we have found ways to make every corner in the living room fun and festive.

Add warm textiles

You can add woolen throws and cushions on the sofa, armchairs and window seats for cosy days and nights. Keep additional throws close to hand in baskets for your guests to get warm and snuggly. For textiles, look for tones and designs to match your furniture and Christmas tree in the room for a well co-ordinated décor.

Create a festive wall

Metallic wall paint is beautiful at any time of the year but teamed with Christmas décor, it’s a stunning backdrop for your living room. This wall colour blends beautifully with painted and light tined wooden furniture, woven textures and a tall green tree.

Set a simple centrepiece

You don’t need a big fireplace or tree to create a focal point for a festive space. You can use something as simple as a coffee table and add fairy lights, candles, a cluster of pinecones and ornaments and a lantern to make the space feel festive.

Small space solution

If you have a small living room, a mini Christmas tree will get your space ready for the festive season without overwhelming the room. You can also add a wreath to your doors and window for an added charm.

Scandinavian décor

Embrace Scandinavian style and keep your décor streamlined and simple by sticking to one or two main colours and avoid decorating with unnecessary accents and décor pieces.

Use jewel tones for added warmth

Complement the warmth of the space with jewel tones that will enrich the look and add a touch of sophistication to your living room. Think jewel green, red, silver and gold, a sure shot way for a quick upgrade to make any space look festive.

Get crafty

The holidays can be a great time to show off your crafty side. You can DIY a wreath using pinecones, ornaments and flowers. You can also make your own candles and potpourri using warm scents like cinnamon, orange and cloves that are sure to bring in the festive vibes.

We hope these ideas help you to get your living room festive season ready!

Classic Colours For Your Walls That Will Add Beauty To Your Home

Classic colours for your walls that will add beauty to your home

Wall paint colours heavily influence the overall mood of the space. Depending on the vibe and aesthetics you are looking to create, you can choose colours to add personality and charm to your room. The colour experts at Berger Paints suggest staying away from fading trends and sticking to timeless shades. Browse through our picks for timeless wall colours for inspiration:

Blue

Shades of blue have a unique ability to add a sense of calmness and stability to the space. They pair well with neutrals such as cream and brown. So, if your room has hardwood flooring then this could be a great choice. Blue works equally well as an accent colour. It reflects the hues of sea and sky.

Grey

Grey walls can make your room seem more spacious than it actually is. It suits both décor styles- modern and vintage. If you want to experience with different colours and like to switch styles every now and then, you can opt for grey walls and incorporate pops of colours, textures and conversational pieces.

Red

Red has always been an impactful and powerful colour in the spectrum. This colour is particularly a good colour option for spaces that are highly energetic, like the dining room. Red blends well with metallic and neutral tones for a well-balanced look.

Beige

Considered as a go-to neutral for designers, beige is a safe and dependable wall colour option. Beige walls help create a minimalistic look that is classic and stunning. It is one of the most popular colour for living rooms and you can pair it with other neutrals like brown, black and white for a high impact look.

Black

Black is not the most obvious choice for wall colours and that is what makes it so great. Black walls can be dramatic and unexpected. Your furniture is more likely to pop against a black backdrop. There are many ways you can design a black space but ensure that your room is open and well lit to incorporate this colour in heavy doses.

Before choosing any colour, it is important to understand the effect of different light on the colour. Since the way the colour looks depends heavily on the lighting, what looks good to you in natural light, might look slightly different in the night with indoor lights on. Test the colour with swatches in different lights before painting all walls.

Paint Techniques And Ideas For Your Home Walls This New Year

Use this guide for colours that will never date and add pizzazz to your home walls.

If you think your walls look old or and boring and could use a refresher, there are plenty of ways you can revamp your walls without a full paint job. You can transform one wall using hues of metallic paint or pastel hues or add wall stencils and textures without adding clutter or unnecessary big revamps.

Use these ideas to give any room in the house a fresh, new look without breaking the bank.

Metallic

For a truly show-stopping look, you can upgrade your walls to a metallic hue. There are plenty of ways you can incorporate this colour on your walls. But the trick remains in balance- ensuring there is a good mix of metallic and neutral so that the space doesn’t look overwhelming. If you are painting the entire room metallic, stick to neutral and wicker hues for furnishings. And if you are opting for one metallic wall, you can introduce a few pops of colours around the room for a more layered, put together look.

Stripes

Stripes are a timeless décor style and you can introduce a bit of class to your home walls by incorporating them. And there are different ways you can use this print- thin stripes or thick stripes, horizontal or vertical etc. that will add visual intrigue to your home walls.

Wall Stencils

Using wall stencils is an easy and simple way to add sophistication and personality to your walls. If you’re looking for a high impact on your décor without having to change things drastically, this one’s for you.

You can browse through hundreds of wall stencils from Berger Paints. There are plenty of unique designs available like flora, nova, Wi-Fi and radiant glow. You can breathe a new life into a space without a major revamp. For your kids’ room, you can also opt for Easy Clean Stencils. The stencils are available in fun and expressive themes like jungle, safari, nature or sports. Moreover, the stencils can be removed and stored for future applications which make it a great décor idea for kids who tend to outgrow things quickly

Colour Wash

Add some interior pizazz to your walls with a colour wash. It will add texture and depth to the walls, whether you go for vibrant colours or a more neutral one.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For December 2019

Did you know that using principles of Feng Shui, you could create a nurturing and supportive room for your baby? Read on to know a few things to focus on to make your little one’s room a Feng Shui compliant one.

Feng Shui for a Studio Apartment

Looking for Feng Shui tips for your studio apartment? Look no further. You have come to the right place!

It can be a challenge to place the bed in the right position in a small, open studio apartment. You need to be very clear about what your needs are and how to explore the best ways to have your needs met.

Take your bed measurements and see where it can actually fit well in your studio apartment. The easy part is that there are not that many choices, so you get to narrow down your options.

Choose a spot that is not close to the entryway or the door. The idea is to pick a spot that has a nourishing and protective energy for your bed. You can sense and experience the energy in each spot of the living space. You can even try to sleep in each of the chosen spots for a night or two to assess what works for you. Your body will give you immediate feedback as to which spot has a better energy for your bed.

It is recommended that the bed is not visible as soon as you come home. Keep small dividers for the bedroom area. Opt for visually-pleasing dividers to fulfil two Feng Shui needs for the studio apartment. The first one is to create protective energy for your bed while the second is to camouflage or prevent the bed from being a focal point of your whole home. Bookcases, free-standing screens and strategically-placed tall plants can serve as good room dividers.

Mirrors are known as ‘Aspirin of Feng Shui’ and rightly so! Mirrors attract more light and bring in water Feng Shui energy. Mirrors help to expand living spaces visually and create more breathing room. Go for big mirrors in your studio apartment and place them in east, southeast and north.

Remember to keep a consistent colour scheme overall in the living space. Keep Chi energy circulating by installing an energising crystal from the ceiling or a fixture as near to the centre of your living space as you can manage.

Hope you find these Feng Shui home interior décor ideas helpful!

Reiki For December 2019

Suffering from chronic pain? Read on to know how you can manage the pain with the help of Reiki.

Reiki tips for your living space!

Want to apply Reiki energy to purify and energise your living space? Read on to know.

Did you know that the energy that moves through you can also be applied to the space you live and work in? While Reiki cannot give you a permanent fix for all areas of discomfort, it can sure help make for a more comfortable experience in your living space.

Some people like to burn sage or incense while some like to use crystals or essential oils to clear a living space. Burning camphor is also a good idea because it brings a very clean, crisp energy into the living space. This is a very transformative experience and can boost the effectiveness of the work you are doing if you are personally drawn to camphor.

Make sure to walk through your home to see that the smoke gets into all of the dark corners, nooks, and crannies of your house.

Clear out the mess in your home as clutter is known to invite negative energies. To start clearing out your space, you have to clear out the unwanted things from your home. Get rid of things you have not used for a while as it is considered to bring dull energy.

Mirrors are known to reflect energy but can also deplete energy from spaces. Energising mirrors with Reiki can change mirrors, making them put positive energy into your living space.

You can also place rock salt in little bowls in the centre of every room, or all four corners of your room if you want to just cleanse one room. Place candles and lamps next to the salt bowls. Take care to ensure that there is no inflammable material near the candle. Leave this overnight so that it absorbs all negative energy, and then clean it out in the morning.

Hope you enjoy the process of Reiki at the home to infuse positive energy. It will help create a clear and friendly environment which will go a long way in making you feel good on the inside.

Vaastu For December 2019

Believe it or not, Vaastu Shastra can help to bring some positive changes to your living space. We have a couple of easy ideas to energise your home using Vaastu.

Vaastu tips for newly-married couples!

If you are newly-married or planning to get hitched in the near future, read on to know about some Vaastu tips that can come handy for a happy married life.

According to Vaastu, the position of the bedroom of a married couple must be situated in Southwest or Northwest direction. Southwest direction is considered good for couples as this direction ensures love, increases the bonding and understanding between the couple. If the south-west direction is not available, the next best direction is the north-west direction. It is imperative that the couple sleeps with their heads towards the south as it allows all the positive energies to flow from the north direction.

Wood is considered good according to Vaastu. Make sure that the bed the couple sleeps on is made of wood. As per Vaastu, it is recommended that the couple use a single mattress for the bed as it is believed to instill harmony and positivity in marital life.

It is advised that the couple’s room be in colours like soft green, rose pink or light blue as it will create a soothing and calming ambiance. Choosing the right colours is crucial in romantic relationships to improve bonding and understanding among couples.

It is advised that couples avoid beams in the room as they lead to negativity, attract suffering and can be dangerous for health. It is always better to keep beds away from beams for a happy and long-lasting married life that is full of positivity and love.

Mirrors are believed to attract negativity and lead to fights and discomfort in marital relationships. Place it away from the room, either in the dressing room or the bathroom. In case there are no separate rooms for mirrors, the best is to keep them away from the bed.

A room is incomplete without artifacts and beautiful paintings. According to Vaastu, it is a good idea to hang positive and thoughtful paintings in the room for a harmonious relationship between a husband and a wife.

Don’t forget to add fresh flowers to make the room lovely and lively. These were some home décor ideas according to Vaastu for you all to try!