Flowery Tales! For June 2015

Colour Stories

We have identified a few gorgeous colour palettes which are perfect for the pretty months of summer, just for you!

This is for all those lovebirds looking to get hitched soon and by soon we mean real soon! Well, that is what we plan to suggest at least! So, without further ado, we think that summer is a great month to get married in, although many of us do not think so. For all those non-believers, it's such a wonderful month to have your wedding, due to it being a relatively dry season and moreover, because we have just stepped out of spring and bounced into a bright vibrant summer!

It is that time of the year when everybody is in high spirits, which is what you want for your wedding, right? And we are sure you are absolutely going to love the other benefit too, which happens to be the wide choice of flowers available in this season. This will also make it economical for you to get what you want within your budget! So now, we have identified a few gorgeous colour palettes which are perfect for the pretty months of summer, just for you!

Pretty in Pink

Very few flowers are as pretty as peonies and the perfect pink of peony makes for a perfect décor and beautiful bouquets. When using peony as the main flower, we suggest you keep it classic and pair it with white and make the most of this classic combo.

White as a Lily

The white lily is the flower of the month and this clean and simple palette is one of the most favoured palettes all over the world. This simple palette is a strong statement maker and if you have to add colour to it then opt for the natural light green and lemon shade which we find in lilies.

Let the Sun Shine

If bright and vivid is your thing, then go all out with yellow and sunflowers on your big day. Sunflowers will lend a natural vibrancy to your venue, while yellow is a gorgeous shade to cheer people up and put a smile on their faces.

Beautifully Purple

This one is a popular colour with the ladies all year round, for all occasions! So, when it comes to your wedding, you should certainly not overlook this colour! There are many beautiful shades of purple and you can take your pick from the deepest hue to the lightest pastel shade. We suggest lilacs as the flower of choice for purple lovers! Just in case we forget to mention, there is a little something here for the bridesmaids too, as you will look stunning in any shade of purple chiffon gowns!

We have mentioned a few favourites here and you can have your own pick to make your wedding a beautiful introduction to summer for your guests, as well as yourself! Go for that fresh, romantic and ethereal wedding you have always wanted. Summer is that hopeful time of the year for new beginnings and also the time for you to shine together as the perfect romantic couple!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For June 2015

1. If you thought pink is a colour that represents the feminine, think again. Pink is a soothing colour, commonly used to paint the walls in prisons and mental health care facilities to assist in subduing those in need of calm and tranquility. So, pink definitely has a useful place and a purpose, other than decorating a little girl's room or Barbie's house.
2. Colours have an amazing effect on us humans. They beatify our world, add emotions and energy. However, these same colours can be frightening to some. Chromophobia (also known as Chromatophobia) is a rare, persistent, irrational fear of colours. People with this disorder react strongly to certain shades or tones or try to avoid colours altogether. Some signs and symptoms are: nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, feelings of panic, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, light headedness, headaches and trembling. Effective treatment involves methods and techniques that include systematic desensitization.
3. Christian Louboutin, the famous shoe designer won trademark protection for his women's shoes with red soles. They have exclusive rights to use the colour red on the inner soles of their high-heeled shoes. It's like Tiffany's blue box and Cadbury's purple packaging — the red sole has been an iconic signature for these designer shoes for 20 years and now they even have the legal rights to it.

Colour Quotes For June 2015

• Listen to the colour of your dreams.

  - The Beatles

• Life is more interesting when you colour outside the lines.

  - Sonya Watson

• Colour is like food for the spirit – plus it’s not addictive or fattening.

  - Issac Mizrahi

Colour Tips For June 2015

1. Painting your own home gives you a lot of satisfaction but it can cause a lot of stress at the same time. If you have decided to take up a home painting project, we have some wise hacks to make life simple for you. Use this tricks to enjoy the process. Most of us can't stand the heady smell of paint fumes and in order to overcome this major issue, all you need to do is add a few drops of vanilla essence to the paint and ta da, you feel like you are eating an ice cream! Go ahead; indulge your senses while you paint your home pretty!
2. Whoever said painting is a messy task surely wasn't aware of this awesome hack! When you're painting your entire home, it's bound to take you several days so instead of washing at the end of a long painting day, wrap your paint brush in plastic wrap and freeze it. Take your brush out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before you're ready to paint again and your brush will be ready to go. This saves clean-up time, saves paint from going down the drain, and helps you jump into your project faster!
3. When painting your house, make sure you first fill in the holes. Yes, this does seem like a no brainer but often we tend to overlook these small but significant things. Using a putty knife and spackling paste, first fill the hole with paste. With the flat end of the knife, smooth over the putty to be sure it completely fills the hole and also scrape the excess putty from the wall. Scrape as much spackling paste as you can from the wall without disturbing the filled hole. Wait for the paste to fully cure before sanding.

World of Colours

Colours & Emotion For June 2015

1. Turquoise is definitely a happy and perfect summer colour but did you also know that this colour is known to be able to connect the feelings of the heart with the spoken word? This colour is known to heal emotions and create emotional balance and stability in an individual. Turquoise is known to radiate peace, tranquillity and recharge our spirits by relieving mental stress when focusing on the colour! It doesn't matter if it is a wall or items of clothing, just focus on it for a while to feel a sense of instant calm.
2. Indigo is another powerful colour in the colour spectrum and is related to the opening up of the third eye in human beings! It is the colour which promotes intuition and perception, while also helping in meditation and introspection. The colour can be used to achieve deeper levels of consciousness and aid in the ability to use the higher mind and see beyond the normal. Indigo is a deep midnight blue, a combination of deep blue and violet, and staying true to its composition, it constitutes the qualities of both these colours. For those occasions when you want to convey integrity and sincerity, opt for this dignified colour.

Colours & Fashion For June 2015

If you have ever paid attention to seasonal colour trends, you will notice that summers are often paired with either pastel shades or peppy bright hues but this summer, that seems to have changed. With sandstone being declared as one of the colours of this summer by Pantone, we are very excited with the earthiness of this shade. As the name suggests, sandstone is a woodsy and grounded colour, resembling a hue that is a cross between the shades of sandstone and sandalwood. A neutral, we may say, but a warm neutral which is earthy, real and light on the eyes but is still capable of making a strong beautiful statement. So, ditch all those pale insipid shades for this simple and strong colour to stand out from the crowd!

Colours & Gems For June 2015

1. Ever been fascinated by a tourmaline? We are sure you have, after all who can resist being fascinated by this pretty stone, which is an amalgamation of multiple colours and changes colours under different kinds of lights! The colours a tourmaline can be found in are incomparable and there is an interesting Egyptian legend behind this. The legend suggests that the tourmaline, on its journey from the centre of the earth, passed over a rainbow and assumed all its colours. It is also interesting to note that tourmaline is still referred to as the 'gemstone of the rainbow' and if you come to think of it, what better to call it!
2. For the longest time, amethyst has been a gemstone coveted by royalty so much that a Russian Empress sent thousands of miners into the Urals to look for it! Besides that, amethysts are also associated with miraculous powers in many cultures. Some say that it protects crops against tempests, while in other cultures, it is believed to bring good luck in war and get rid of evil spirits. It is also believed to inspire intellect and put its wearer in a chaste frame of mind; it is also highly esteemed as a stone of friendship. We could go on and on about why amethyst is great but I guess the gem's extravagant violet colour should be reason enough!

Colours & Nature For June 2015

1. Long before the invention of chemical dyes, man used natural elements like flowers, nuts, roots, fruits, etc. to colour their world. Different things in nature have their own distinct hues, which were extracted and used as dyes. Natural dyes can be sorted into three categories: natural dyes obtained from plants (indigo), those obtained from animals (cochineal), and those obtained from minerals (ocher). The earliest use of natural dyes was found in China, dated 2600BC. Red fabrics found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen in Egypt show the presence of alizarin, a pigment extracted from madder. To achieve a dull yellow, the jack-wood tree is cut into slices and boiled in water until the solution is dark brown in colour. To achieve a warm orange, the Sindurey plant of Nepal or roucou and annatto seeds were used.
2. Want to bring home some colour without repainting your home? Get some natural colours in and instantly elevate the beauty of the space. Pick some colourful flowers and scatter them around the house. Decorate tables, table settings and centrepieces with them. Next, hydrate your plants! There's nothing fresher and prettier than the sight of lush green. It adds life and inspires you. Another interesting way to get nature home is to hang beautiful photographs of scenery you clicked on your last vacation! The energy of nature transcends into your home and colours it with passion you can't stop admiring.

Decor

Decorating a Temporary House!

We have brought you four simple and inexpensive ideas to make your rented house look fab!

Home décor is an extremely tricky task which becomes all the more tricky when the home you are decorating is not your own but just a temporary rented abode. When it comes to doing up your own house, there are plenty of options because you don't mind spending money for it; whereas in the case of a rental, every penny spent is like a pinch. However, this does not mean that we don't fix our homes even if they are temporary. So, we thought of the next best thing, which is bringing you four simple and inexpensive ideas to make your rented house look fab!

Start with your Kitchen

We are assuming here that the kitchen that came as part of your rented apartment isn't huge and doesn't come with unending storage space. So, we will suggest that you get yourself a nice pretty pegboard in a funky colour to brighten up your kitchen. The best thing about them is that they are both functional and pretty! With the help of a pegboard, you can make your old pots and pans look like an art display!

Wallpaper without Commitment

Wallpapers mean a little amount of hard work plus a decent amount of expenditure but it is preferred over the not-so-fancy walls of your rented place. So, the best you can do here is opt for peel and stick papers which ensure that the landlord won't throw a fuss for destroying their precious wall paint when you remove them, as cleaning up will mean a simple wiping up of the walls.

Pretty Photo Frames

We have all made memories on our way and what works better at putting a smile on our faces other than reliving these memories? Pick out your favourite photographs, have them framed in pretty photo frames and use them to beautify your space.

Lamp Light

As we all know, lighting can make a lot of difference to what your place looks like and we are sure not many of us want to change the light fixtures of our landlords! So, what we can do instead is buy pretty lampshades which can brighten up this house as well as the next!

We hope you enjoyed our tips. Now, have fun decorating!

Décor TrendsYou Will Love!

Looking for an overhaul for your home? These styling tips will easily win you the title of a trendy home décor aficionado!

If you are looking for an overhaul for your home, we have some ideas you will instantly fall in love with. These styling tips will easily win you the title of a trendy home décor aficionado. Embrace these tips, now!

Industrial Styling – Industrial styling is huge right now. From office spaces to pubs to homes, its rustic yet urban feel is quite the rage amongst designers. But you are thinking, how do I incorporate this in my home? That's what we are here for! Try and find 'new-old' elements, like carts and pulleys at your favourite retailer shops or just pick up some interesting vintage pieces from your next flea market visit!

Statement Flooring – Flooring is as important as decorating the walls but often it takes a backseat. Put it back in focus by adding a statement rug. Rugs not only look stylish but also solve the purpose of covering the floor. No matter what your answer, statement rugs are still a worthy investment.

Go Blue – Known as the most peaceful colour liked by all, blue lends a rich and royal look to the entire space. There is a shade for everyone, pick anything from sky to indigo to teal. It's timeless, so you won't get bored of it easily. Pair it with colours like coral, yellow, green to bring out its brilliance.

Try Tribal – Tribal prints are geometric in nature and embrace angular motifs in an exotic manner. They often appear in muted, earthy tones. Try out the look on a rug, pillow, tapestry or wall art for a funkier look.

Indoor Plants – Get a little green inside the home and bring in life. Embrace nature with cute indoor plants. You can place them in nooks and corners or as statement pieces on a table.

Summertime Décor!

Rethinking your summer décor isn’t as hard as you think!

We know summers are here and instead of cribbing about the heat, we feel it's best to gear up to make the most of these scorching summers. The first step towards combating this summer heat is to make your house summer friendly. Doing this is easier than it sounds, that's the best part! All you need to do is see things around your house in a new light. So, the first step is to let light in. Yes, throw open your doors and windows, pull open the curtains and throw away anything that stands in the way of letting light and fresh air in!

We suggest lighter shades for summery looking walls but if they're already painted in dark shades and you cannot change it, then you can brighten up your walls with colourful art pieces, which can be found at throwaway prices at flea markets or resale shops. The next step is to get new slip covers for your sofa in colours like aqua and turquoise; this will lend your living room a summer friendly look.

Next up is your duvet. Please switch to comfortable cotton duvets for summer. You will be spoilt for choices but choose organic cotton sheets with soft leafy and floral prints to create a romantic summertime bedroom. After the sheets, take care of your pillows and get pillow covers in graphic prints or textile paint for that edgy contemporary feel. Use ceramic containers to display the flowers and potted plants around your house for a fresh and clean look.

Rethinking your summer décor wasn't so hard, was it? Just get inspired by the bright and sunny colours of the summers and give your house a breezy feel with our easy tips. And just in case you are the romantic type, don't forget flowers and candles for balmy summer evenings.

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For June 2015

We’ve put together a few home entrance Feng Shui tips that are sure to entice auspicious energy into your home!

It's your birthday and as you wake up, you find all shapes and sizes of gifts but the most beautifully decorated one catches your fancy. You first want to open this particular one. Why is it so special? It's because it's so inviting. Similarly, in Feng Shui, your front door attracts and invites energy.

Firstly, in order to entice auspicious energy, the front door needs to be well taken care of.

When an entrance is beautiful, we invite possibilities and opportunities into our homes. And with that kind of energy flowing through the space, it has a similar effect in our lives. Good vibes knock on your door.

Often, we extensively decorate our homes but forget the space just outside the home. Don't ignore the space outside the door. De-clutter this space, clean the front door, avoid keeping footwear just outside the door, and instead place them neatly on a rack. Sweep the floor every morning; decorate it with beautiful 'rangoli' or other decorations, like plants, flowers etc. Add fragrance with candles. You could hang a wind chime outside so as the wind rustles, the good energy flows into the house, inviting more opportunities into your life. Paint the door and have your family name on it as it will ensure that energy knows where to find you. Make sure you use the front door regularly, as Feng Shui holds that the really potent, boundless energy available prefers the front door, if invited. Make sure you open the door once every day to get in the abundance life has to offer.

When the front door is left neglected, it suggests resources — time, money, and energy — are in short supply. So, be creative, decorate your front door and have opportunities knock your doors every time.

Reiki For June 2015

Children are generally more interested in Reiki than others and it only requires a touch to offer them Reiki.

The benefits of Reiki can be used for enriching all stages of life. It has the power to enrich the lives of all, ranging from expecting moms to young kids, especially in the case of an expecting mom and a growing baby, it can be very soothing. Using Reiki as a healing therapy is more prevalent but experts feel that introducing it as a practice into a child's routine will give the best results.

When practising Reiki, it is important to take the patient's permission. In the case of a child, the permission has to come from their parents and if the child can speak, then from the children themselves. The general trend shows that children are pretty receptive to Reiki treatment and hardly ever refuse one. Children are generally more interested in Reiki than others and it only requires a touch to offer it to them, as they also respond faster to Reiki.

It is very important to make sure that you are not rigid while offering Reiki to children and are extremely careful about your hand placements. Reiki practitioners suggest that it is best to follow the sensation of the hand and let Reiki guide you. The best part about practising Reiki with children is that it does not require much time as their channels are clearer, and they also need less time because children are incredibly perceptive.

Thus, given how easy imparting Reiki to kids is, we feel all of you out there with young children should make them practice Reiki. It will not only help in increasing the concentration level but also shields them from depression and excess excitability. Reiki is also known to promote a sense of balance and self-esteem in kids, which is all the more reason to go for it!

Vaastu For June 2015

Vaastu states that choosing house colour based on zodiac signs brings good luck and happiness to the owner!

It's been some time that we have been guiding you with which colours to use in your house as per Vaastu Shastra and how they can benefit you and your household. But we are yet to explore one particularly interesting school of thought about how colours for a house should be selected. Vaastu believes in selecting the colour of the house based on the zodiac sign of the owner or according to the direction of the building. So, today we are going to cover the colours that need to be chosen according to the zodiac sign of the owner for a Vaastu compliant house.

Interestingly, Vaastu also states that this is the more commonly followed method to bring good luck and happiness to the owner. Each zodiac sign has at least one lucky colour and sometimes more. Those under Aries should go for the coral red which is their lucky house colour according to Vaastu. Milky white is a lucky colour for people who belong to Taurus, while green is the go-to colour for those who are Geminis. Those belonging to the house of Cancer seem to be lucky because the perfect colour combo of rose red and pearl white is their lucky colour, according to Vaastu.

All the Leos in the house can opt for ruby red and dim white and those belonging to Virgo can go for the lovely emerald green for their house and balance it with other lighter shades. The lucky colour for a Libran's house is milky white or cement grey but for a Scorpion, the lucky colours are pink and once again, coral red.

The bright and beautiful golden yellow is the lucky colour for Sagittarians while a Capricorn should do up their house in dim red. Pink and blue is the lucky colour for Aquarians and yellow and pure white is the lucky colour for people belonging to Pisces.