Peek Into The World Of Polka Dots! For January 2019

Colour Stories

Today, polka dots are considered a fun pattern, often featured on vintage-clothing, baby clothing and toys. But are you aware that it wasn’t always considered a fun pattern? Read on to know about its interesting history...

In Medieval Europe, polka dots were initially seen as very unpleasant, representing disease and impurity. Back in those days, there was no technology to create uniformly spaced polka dots. They were unevenly spaced on fabric, which reminded people of rashes that were caused due to many contagious and deadly diseases like Small pox, Bubonic plague and leprosy, which were rampant at that time. This unpleasant association continued throughout the period of Renaissance.

Dotted fabrics in Europe had many different names before they were called polka dots. Raised dots on tulle were called Dotted-Swiss, the French had quinconce for the dots, and the German called it Thalertupfen. In Spanish, dots are lunares, or “little moons”.

In the mid 19th century, a polka dance craze swept through the whole of Europe, which is where the modern term “Polka Dot” comes from. While it isn’t really clear how the dance and pattern is connected, it is believed that the pattern stands for the cheerful, light nature of the dance. Europeans were absolutely crazy about the polka. Polka-themed products started coming in the market in the form of polka hat and polka jacket.

In the 1940s, there was resurgence in the popularity of the polka dance. With the return of the dance came a comeback of the dotted pattern.

It was singer Frank Sinatra’s first hit, the 1940 ballad “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” which captured the polka dot trend of that era. The Los Angeles Times recommended its readers to invest in the polka dot trend for the 1940 spring season.

Polka dot clothing even reached the runways of Paris, when Christian Dior debuted his “New Look” line in the 1940’s, featuring the famed dotted fabric. The polka dot trend attained more fame after the release of Brian Hyland’s hit song “Itsy Bitsy Tennie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

Polka dots became a hit and in 1961, Disney debuted a new polka dotted outfit for Minnie Mouse. The following year, DC Comics debuted a new Batman villain - Polka Dot Man. Polka dots continued to enjoy popularity throughout the rest of the 20th century.

In 1980s, polka dots began to be associated with Rockabilly counterculture, which is a tribute to American Rock and Roll and pinup culture of the 1950’s.

While we can’t say if the polka dance will experience a comeback or not, it surely appears that the polka dot pattern is here to stay!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For January 2019

1. Did you know that the blood used on set of the movie, ’Sweeney Todd’ was coloured orange so it rendered correctly on the desaturated colour film used? Interesting, isn’t it? Burton insisted that the film be bloody, as he felt stage versions of the play which cut back on the bloodshed robbed it of its essence. For him, "Everything is so internal with Sweeney that the blood is like his emotional release. It's more about catharsis than it is a literal thing.” On set, the fake blood was coloured orange to render correctly on the desaturated colour film used, and crew members even wore bin liners to avoid getting stained while shooting.
2. Anger management is a psycho-therapeutic program for anger prevention and control. What exactly is anger? It is frequently a result of frustration or of feeling blocked or thwarted from something that you feel is important. It could also be a defensive response to the fear or feelings of vulnerability or powerlessness. Did you know the colour pink helps killing the anger and calms you down? We should rather paint this world in pink than in red so that no one feels angry. Wouldn’t that be a good idea?
3. Do you have green eyes? If so, you are part of an exclusive club. Wondering what? You are part of an extremely small group of people in the world! Brown is the most common eye colour in the world. There are myths that people with green eyes are magical, good at inventing things, and have quick decision-making skills and are also a bit strange! People with green eyes have a bit more melanin than people with blue eyes. The green colour is from a mix of a blue hue from Rayleigh scattering and “yellow” from the yellow pigment called lipochrome.

Colour Quotes For January 2019

• "In each colour, at its heart, you will find a love which is easily shared."

  - Anthony T. Hincks

• "After all, if you have added some lively colours to the world, you will be remembered well by the world!"

  - Mehmet Murat ildan

• "A colour is as strong as the impression it creates."

  - Ivan Albright

Colour Tips For January 2019

1. A little colour in your life reflects your personality and lifts your mood! Liven up your living space with turquoise. The bold blue hue can be integrated into nearly any piece of home decor, including furniture, linens, and more. Pick a vibrant shade that adds personality and character to your living room in daylight and snuggly warm cosiness at night. Pick a turquoise hue with an energising vibe which isn’t that overwhelming. Keep flooring pale for a bit of balance and continue the colour across woodwork, including shutters. Hints of white on artwork, shelving, lighting and furniture have a cooling influence on a colour-saturated scheme.

2. What are the bathroom paint colours that always look fresh and clean?

   • Your walls aren't the only place ready for colour. Blue cabinetry refreshes a traditional cream backdrop.

   • Take an instant vacation with a nautical shade. A watery blue brings to mind lapping waves at the beach, or a nap by the pool.

   • Gray keeps up with everything, so go ahead and invest in a colourful set of towels.

   • Short on space? Mirrors on top of white-washed siding does the trick. The reflections create a window on any wall.

   • Mint! This blue-gray-green shade can be used in almost any room, even bathrooms.

3. A multi coloured family area is a good idea. A family space is the perfect place to go big on colour. Choose from a varied colour options at your disposal, however make sure they are in tandem. Choose a low-slung modular sofa in a mix of pretty colours for flexible seating that will bring a sense of fun to a family room. Isn’t that the purpose of a family room? Paint walls white to create a backdrop that makes the other colours really pop. Have one furniture do the talking, for example: Keep furnitures minimal so the couch does the talking.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For January 2019

1. There are plenty of ways to create symbolism in a movie. Did you know that using different types of colour schemes may be one of the most effective? Even if the audience isn’t totally conscious of the symbolism coming from the colour palette, they are sure to be affected by it. In the case of the animated movie Up, the shift in colour palette represents a change in story tone. A happy time has given way to a depressing reality that is dark. The darker reality is shown in shadow, with a bleak drab colour palette. Fascinating, don’t you think?
2. A movie's colour palette is another space where storyteller’s can create drama as well as conflict. It only takes a few colours to be mismatched in the right places. Let’s take a look at different ways to create a strong connection between ideas and themes through the use of colour palette. Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan’s much-loved comic-book epic The Dark Knight gave both its key characters in the drama their own associative colour palettes. The Joker had muted colours of purple and green, which looked like a clown. It was in direct contrast with Batman’s greys and dark blacks.

Colours & Fashion For January 2019

Don’t we all love the yellow and green combination? Yellow is the colour of sunshine and stands for happiness, while green is found in nature and conveys growth. This pairing is fresh, working well on all skin tones. If you are cool toned, try bright yellows along with greens. If you are warm toned, try on khaki, dark green and mustard. The best way to add a touch of vibrancy to your wardrobe is by colour blocking. Both of these colours have immense potential to be extremely bold. They are striking and your best bet if you wish to make a stunning statement in the interiors of your home.

Colours & Gems For January 2019

1. Burmese Ruby
   This is the Burmese Ruby, also known as the Old Burma Ruby. It is the most sought after variety of ruby gemstone. It is famous for its deep red pigeon blood colour, relatively superior clarity and astrological value. Old Burma rubies are exceptionally rare and expensive. It is considered the July birthstone and is found all around the world, including Australia, Africa and America. However, the rubies found in Myanmar, which was earlier known as Burma, tend to be the most visually appealing.
2. Almandine Garnet
   This is Almandine garnet. It is also known as "almandite." It is an iron-rich, red-to-purple garnet that is geologically very common. It usually is affordable when compared to other garnets, which is why it is common in jewellery. Almandine is the most common form of the gemstone Garnet. The term “Garnet” describes a group name for many closely-related minerals that form important gemstones, and Almandine is an individual member mineral of the Garnet group. It is usually opaque and unfit for gemstones use. In the gem trade, the term Almandine is rarely used on its own. It is either generically called "Garnet", or "Almandine Garnet".

Colours & Nature For January 2019

1. Dogbane leaf beetle
   What you are looking at is an extremely fascinating creature. It is called the dogbane leaf beetle. It has a special type of colour that shines, which makes it easy for it to be mistaken for a metallic object. What makes it extraordinary is the fact that it looks different in colour each time we change our position to look at it or when it changes its own position. This changing colour is known as iridescence. This effect is produced by special body structures and light. The surface of the body parts of this beetle is made of stacks of small, slanting plates, under which is a pigment that produces colour. Some light rays reflect from the surface of the plates, and other light rays reflect from the pigment below. At different angles, the light reflects at different speeds, which causes interference, resulting in our seeing different colours that shine. Amazing, isn’t it?
2. Pink katydid
   Take a look at this very rare creature. It is known as pink katydid. Discovered way back in 1887, it is so rare that it occurs once out of every 500 individuals! Now, isn’t that fascinating? If you have observed, it is very rare to find creatures in pink in the animal kingdom. Katydid is large and shaped like a lead. It is usually green in colour, which makes it somewhat hard to find for insect-eating predators. However, the pink katydid doesn’t have that advantage, as it doesn’t blend well with the surroundings. It gets its pink colour owing to the pink pigmentation, which is also known as erythrism. Erythrism is a unique reddish pigmentation, that is caused due to genetic mutation. The mutation either leads to too little of one pigment or too much of another. In some other species, a pink coloration can be a result of diet too.

Décor

Great New Year Home Design Ideas

The second half of every year is always dotted with festivals, celebrations and decorations. Then by the end of the year,

comes the preparation for the New Year. By then, your home should be ready to welcome the New Year with a fresh vibe.

Getting the look right may not be that simple, after all, you will be creating a space that will not only flaunt your décor skills, but one that you will be returning home to every night. So, it must be perfect, right from your furniture to the walls. All it takes is a little inspiration and the magic of creativity, be it with simply painting a few accent walls around the house or using a little paint to create some fun wall design features. Finally, to truly bring a home together, you also need the décor aspect to appeal to your sense of aesthetics and those you live with. So read on to select the home design combinations that will help bring your personal style into your living spaces.

Home Design Inspiration for the New Year

Velvet

Before you write this fabric off, let us be the first to tell you that it is set to make a huge comeback in 2019. It not only brings in softness to the décor but also adds a touch of luxury. Upholstering your existing sofa in this one of a kind fabric, in a dark blue or green would certainly turn the look of your living area around. Another option is to have a reclining chair in velvet in a cosy nook of the room with a lamp by the side to tie it together.

Black and White

This is a combination which can be used to achieve a dramatic look while being balanced at the same time. Simply painting the walls white will open up the room for sure and you can have an accent wall with black stripes. Take it a step further by changing the varnish on your furnishings to an ebony black and contrasting the upholstery in soft whites.

Millennial Pink

We are glad that this shade and its various tones are here to stay. It is not just a feminine colour and can be used to create a neutral impact as well. You can paint an entire room in this hue and pair it with monochromatic furnishings. Alternatively, a statement piece of furniture can be upholstered in millennial pink to be set against a soft grey accent wall.

Geometric Patterns

If you have been on the lookout for something that makes an impact visually without breaking the bank, this is the trend to embrace. Geometric patterns are the easiest way to give a space the extra oomph it needs. Whether it is cushion covers, bed linen, wallpaper or rugs, your options are endless. For a more eye-catching choice, you can create accent walls around your home that will add a vibrant design backdrop to your décor.

For more inspiration, check out these amazing interior wall paint design and colour combination ideas which will help your own preferences gain clarity of vision. Another handy tool to assist you in determining the amount of paint you require is our Berger Paint Calculator. While you’re at it, use our Berger Virtual Painter to visualize how your chosen shades will work together in a space before painting!

We hope we’ve inspired you enough to step up and grab this opportunity to begin afresh with the New Year! If you’re in a hurry and want a stress-free painting experience, be sure to check out our Berger Express Painting services to transform your home into a haven in a faster, cleaner and better way.

Paint Colour Styles For 2019

The impact of colours is both far reaching and profound in our lives. Associations with colours start from early childhood and continue throughout one’s lives.

From our favourite foods to the shade of clothing worn on a special day, it is after all, colours that keep our memories from fading.

When it comes to selecting one colour combination over another, it is these associations with colour that guide our choices. It is a way of creating a comforting familiarity or capturing a life experience in a way that it integrates and invigorates the ambience in your home. To add to this, we have the ever-changing trends that play a crucial part in our choices. In 2019, the colours are touted to be bolder and bigger for homes that are truly statement-making. Stick around, because we are going to be discussing the biggest paint trends and all that the world of paint colours will bring to you in 2019.

2019 Paint Colour Trends to Watch Out For

Warm Yellow

In the coming year, you will see a décor trend towards upbeat colours such as yellows and even bold oranges. Give your living room colour combination some of this freshness by opting for pastel yellow wall paint. It will surely brighten the room and make it look bigger too. Balance this with dark wood furniture with muted beige upholstery and a geometric patterned rug.

Captivating Citrus

This is a fun and upcoming trend that is sure to create ripples in the year ahead. The colours to consider are citrus shades such as lime green, bright yellow and citrus orange. To incorporate this trend, make sure to use them as accents such as around a sink area in the vanity space or a striped accent wall in the dining room. These hues catch the light well and hooks one’s attention instantly.

Soft Blues

If you have want to drown out the din and feel calm and serene, then these are the shades to go for. These are those diffused, toned down and mellow blues with a grey undertone which will instantly make you feel peaceful. Use blues with a misty quality on your bedroom and complement it with creamy shades on the bed and some potted plants around the room for an airy and cool space.

Muted Blush

What is being referred to here is a more classic variation of millennial pink that will lend a subtle elegance to any space. Think of rosy neutrals and pastel pinks with undertones of clay. These are shades that work beautifully with contrasting dark furnishing or light wood too. You can create an interesting space with dull gold accent pieces and floral prints in the linen or cushion covers.

Not Quite White

This is the palette which is any minimalist’s dream come true. While white is considered the obvious choice for many people, these shades are just one step towards colour will retaining that pristine feeling. You can use them in practically every room and they adapt perfectly to lighting of every kind. A combination of these shades can be used to achieve a dreamy effect.

Whatever the motivation behind your choices might be, it is important to make them your own by being willing to experiment and try new things. To get a clearer picture of interior wall paint design and colour combination ideas, you should take a look at our Get Inspired section which is designed to you a visual reference of colour combination and design ideas for your home. For specific colour variations, our Berger Colour Catalogue is always a click away.

All these wonderful ideas are only one call away from being a part of your home. So reach out to Berger Paints India and we will be happy to work with you, and create the stylish home you truly deserve.

Trendy Hues Of The Year 2019

It’s surprising how much a small change of colours can do for the appearance of a house. It is an easy way of re-energising a space and you can be ...

be the master of the outcome, with a little help from the inspiration we are about to give you.

The shades that have made it into the Pantone’s catalogue for the year 2019 are versatile, refreshing and are sure to transform your home. To help you bring your walls to life, Berger Paints India has a vast array of interior wall paint products which will allow you to enliven your rooms. There are many ways to incorporate colour into your home and the only limitation is your imagination. Read on to discover the colours making the rounds as the most trendy colours of 2019 and how you can welcome these shades into your space.

Colours to Watch Out for in 2019

Deep Greens

This choice of wall paint has not been a major part of interior design since the 90’s but we are glad that it has made a comeback. These shades are perfect to create a dramatic atmosphere, to create a moody vibe, pair it with wooden furniture and leather textures with lamps. For a sophisticated, elegant space, consider pairing your wall shades with lighter furniture and golden elements like light fixtures.

Soft Pastels

If you have been considering going the minimalistic route with décor, then these shade will help you get there in no time. Muted pastels have the ability to be a great canvas for any style of furnishing and they can be used for common areas of the house such as bathrooms, corridors and kitchens. They also open spaces up, so are perfect for more compact homes or smaller rooms.

Mustard

Here is a colour that is decidedly unique and interesting. It is the best alternative to gold and yet manages to give the space a warm and inviting appeal. Mustard is a shade that can be used best in contrast with shades of black and cream. You can have a textured accent wall in this hue against dark wood furniture, neutral upholstery and curtains for a balanced yet rich feeling living room.

Earthy Clay

There are few colours that can so effortlessly elevate any space as the shades of soft clay. You can select any shade that best describes this tone to you and recreate an ambience of warmth in your home. It is a step down from browns and is more contemporary in its appeal. Go with a combination of terracotta, burnt orange and clove for the décor for an easy, relaxed space.

Blues

These are the shade which will appeal most to traditionalists with a leaning towards the casual. The colours to select from range anywhere between charcoal blue to a pale shade of powder blue. The idea is to remain subtle and yet not common, while neither overpowering the space. Wisely select the décor in ivory whites with gold accents and pops of colours for a fun combination.

After you have selected your paint colour, be sure to use our Berger Paint Calculator to find out the exact amount of paint you will require. For the absolute best selection of colours, be sure to take a look at our collection on our Berger Colour Catalogue, be inspired and fulfil your décor dreams. We are just a call away from making your visions for your home a reality.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For January 2019

We understand that searching for a new job can be very stressful. Did you know that Feng Shui can help you find the job of your dreams? Read on to know how...

Finding A Job With The Help Of Feng Shui!

Before we start on how Feng Shui can help with your job search, understand that simply hanging chimes will not yield any result. Feng Shui should be used only in addition to your efforts in job search. So let’s begin!

Hang a big map of the world in the North Feng Shui bagua area of your living space as it is believed to bring clarity to your career path.

Display images of people who you look up to and aspire to be like. Hang the images in the North area of your bagua as it is connected to the flow of energy in your career life, also called Path in Life. It can be displayed even in the Northwest Feng Shui bagua area called the Helpful People and Blessings area. This Feng Shui area needs to be well-activated when you are looking for a career change.

Showcase a metal Feng Shui element art or items in the Northwest bagua area, be it a metal bowl, a metal bell or an important photo in a metal frame.

A mirror or a water feature in the North Feng Shui bagua area is also a great idea. When it comes to colours, the addition of decor pieces in black and blue colour is also a wonderful choice.

Remember to focus on the Money and Abundance area as you are strengthening the career area of your Bagua.

Figure out your Kua Number and activate your direction for success.

Make sure that the front door of your house is not blocked, and that your closets are not overstuffed with clothes. Check that you have open space under your bed and very little clutter in your home, especially in your bedroom.

Last but not the least, be positive and do not doubt that you will get the job you deserve. Visualise it often in your mind's eye and take care of your own energy by eating well, exercising regularly and spending time in a good Feng Shui environment. Keep an optimistic attitude and we are sure you will get the job you deserve. Here’s wishing you all the best in your job search. Good luck!

Reiki For January 2019

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging stages in an individual’s life. Here are some amazing ways to incorporate Reiki on your little ones for their well-being…

Reiki for Parenting!

Reiki is known to offer peace of mind for the parents. The main reason why parents should learn Reiki is to be able to heal, comfort and bond with their children at the touch of their hands. Parents can play an active part in their little one’s well-being by simply placing their Reiki-charged hands on them.

Reiki enables parents to heal their babies with a touch of their hands. It provides an opportunity for bonding and cuddling while simultaneously bringing about their well-being. Reiki allows for fulfilling relationships with children. The ability to use Reiki during the most challenging times of being a parent is very uplifting and brings absolute relief.

Reiki Rainbows and Babies

Babies are believed to have the most wonderful connection to the spiritual world and what better way than Reiki to connect to a baby on a deeper level. Visualise the energy as a beautiful rainbow over your head or a waterfall of beautiful white light radiating from the universe into your Crown chakra. Observe that the baby will notice this shift and will stare intently above your head. They may also look at you with great depth in their eyes and this connection is a special feeling indeed. You can try this with a baby of any age. However, do keep in mind to practice it when the baby is calm, alert and fully awake.

Calming Hugs

Nothing works better when it comes to calming a child than a parent’s warm hug. This works instantly no matter what the child is facing. If the child is hurt, upset or crying, giving a nice hug and reassuring them with a hand on their back over their heart can work wonders. Reiki always travels to where it is needed but it generally works best between the shoulder blades. All you need to do is visualise Reiki energy travelling through your hand straight to their heart and they will begin to calm down within few seconds. This technique has been used many times on children of all ages and is believed to be extremely effective. You will instantly notice that their breathing slows down and they become calmer. Isn’t that amazing? Hope you reap benefits from these Reiki techniques.

Vaastu For January 2019

Infuse your home with positivity and happiness using these Vaastu tips.

Welcome 2019 with some Vaastu

• Place an aquarium in the south of your living room for prosperity. It is believed to be extremely lucky and also adds to the beauty of the home.
• Take a quick look around. If you see a painting with a lady crying, an owl or an eagle, get rid of it right away as it is considered unlucky for mental peace and also generates negative energies.
• Keep a salt bowl in different corners of your home as it is believed to consume all the negative energies.
• Place the Om and Swastika sign at the front door of your house for good luck and prosperity.
• It is not ideal to place a mirror in the bedroom as per Vaastu. However, if you cannot keep it away from your bed, it is best to place it in such a way that it cannot reflect you while you sleep. It is believed to cause health problems to the family members if it reflects a person sleeping.
• Meditation is a key to good health, peace of mind and positivity. Practice it once a day and develop a positive environment for you and your family.
• It is not a good idea to store medicines in your kitchen as it attracts a lot of bad luck and negative energies. So think twice before doing so.
• The kitchen should be in the south-west corner of the house. If it is impossible to have it in that direction, at least keep the stove in the recommended direction.
• Place a nameplate outside your door. It is believed to bring luck and ample opportunities your way.

These were some of the tips for you to follow in the coming year. We hope you yield the best results from it. All the best! Here’s wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year!