Let The Rainbow Within You Shine For September 2014

Colour Stories

Rejoice with the colours of the rainbow and thank your stars for the silver lining to each cloud.

It is said that rain is grace in the form of the skies descending on the earth and it's that time of the year again. Some may hate it, and some may love it, but you can't deny that everybody needs it! And seen from that perspective, it's easier to rejoice in the rains and go with the flow quite literally. For the truly pessimistic and naysayers, there is a silver lining to the clouds, which will brighten up the dullest of moods with a simple glimpse of its beautiful self - the rainbow.

The experience of seeing the rainbow has a magical quality to it. It stirs a deep response within us and in a way, inspires us to connect with our inner selves. This stirring of the soul is not a mere coincidence but is deep rooted in the reality of our being providing us with a mirror to look within. The seven colours of the rainbow are representative of the seven chakras of life.

The Root chakra is represented by the colour red, which is the first of the seven energy centres and is also the densest of all the chakras, represented by the densest colour. The second chakra, the Sacral chakra is represented by the colour orange, located below the navel and the colour yellow which is also the colour of sunshine represents the Solar Plexus chakra, the centre of our being. The Heart chakra is represented by the colour green, which symbolizes healing, balance, tranquillity and serenity and is also said to bring wholeness to our lives. The colour blue, whose main energy is communication and is used to soothe the soul, is representative of the Throat chakra. Indigo represents the Third Eye chakra, being a colour which symbolizes the opening of the consciousness and connects us to the spiritual world. The Crown chakra is represented by the colour violet, which is the colour of cosmic awareness and cosmic consciousness, symbolizing oneness and spirituality.

This monsoon, unleash your imagination and bring the vibrancy of rainbows to your home and harmonize your surroundings with your inner self, with the help of Berger Paints by choosing from their wide array of colours to suit your rainbow palette.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For September 2014

1. The colour red has been long associated with sensuality and red dresses, as well as red lipsticks, are the stuff divas are made of! But it's interesting to know that in the ancient times, when there were no lipsticks or designer dresses to up the oomph factor, the Indians of the Amazon added the colour red to their lips with red hot chili pepper to lend a touch of sensuality to their looks!
2. It is interesting to note how a single colour can have vastly contradictory connotations in different cultures around the world. One such colour is orange. In the Hindu tradition, orange is a colour associated with spirituality and is considered to be an auspicious and sacred colour often sported by holy men. On the other hand, if we look at the western world, orange is associated with Halloween along with the colour black.
3. Red is a fiery colour which stays true to its stubborn nature even when sitting on the head of redheads! This is not very widely known but red coloured hair holds on to its original pigment for a much longer period than other hair colours, thereby reducing the omnipotent fear of going grey. Red coloured hair retains its original colour for longer and then slowly changes into beautiful faded-copper or rosy-blonde colours, finally emerging as silvery white.

Colour Quotes For September 2014

• Who told you that one paints with colours? One makes use of colours, but one paints with emotions.

  - Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin

• Man needs colour to live; it's just as necessary an element as fire and water.

  - Fernand Leger

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

  - Marcus Aurelius

Colour Tips For September 2014

1. This is for those who pride themselves on being painting pros but miss a very basic component of smart painting. It is always advisable to buy a canvas drop cloth, rather than using cheap plastic drop cloths, to protect the floor against nasty paint spatters. Apart from being usable for a very long period of time, they lay flat on the floor making it easier to walk across, unlike plastic drop cloths which become slippery when spattered with wet paint, multiplying the chances of tripping over.
2. It is wise to not assume that the task is over once you are done painting your house. Refrain from throwing out the paint cans et al, as it may come in useful for touch-ups later on. If the paint has been fully used, it's also important to note down the brand name and colour of the paint. This way, you can buy the same exact shade of paint when required to touch-up or repaint.
3. One of the most difficult areas to paint is perhaps the staircase, as these are often in constant use and cannot afford a holiday when being painted! To add some freshness to those withered steps, we have to use some smart ways rather than tried methods. One such innovative way to do this would be to paint one half of your steps one day and when the first half is dry paint the other half of the steps and you have a sparkly new staircase without needing to stop using them!

Colours & Emotion For September 2014

1. Colours represent much more than what merely meets the eye. Orange, a colour which combines the energy of red and yellow, is associated with joy, sunshine, enthusiasm, fascination, attraction, creativity, determination, success, stimulation and all things bright. No wonder it is the preferred colour for all things representing vivaciousness and denoting energy.
2. Green is a colour universally associated with nature, growth and all things progressive. It is regarded as the colour of spring, renewal and birth and denotes a sanctuary away from the stresses of modern life. We are also aware of terms like going green with envy, which denote feelings of jealousy or envy. But very few of us are aware of the fact that green is the colour of the heart chakra and represents a person's relationship with others, especially with his family and friends. It keeps a balance between the heart and its emotions and the head. The colour green is known to be a great motivator to right judgement, as it considers both sides of the equation and makes the appropriate decisions in a relationship.

Colours & Fashion For September 2014

India and its rich culture are definitely going places, literally, as the inspiration for spring 2015 – a collection shown as part of the Paris men's fashion week was Rajasthan. An inspiration which led Louis Vuitton to showcase silk boiler suits, satin bomber jackets and the silhouettes of the 1970s. The collection showcased tight, white roll neck jumpers worn under slim, double-breasted suits and brightly-coloured, zigzag patterned shirts tucked into high-waisted trousers. The colours dominating the ramp were khaki, brown and beige, with thick stripes of neon pink or orange thrown in to add the necessary zing to the collection.

Colours & Gems For September 2014

Ever found yourself wondering why diamonds have ended up being the traditional symbol of love? The word 'diamond' originates from the Greek word "adamas", meaning unconquerable - suggesting the eternity of love. A diamond is also the purest of all gemstones, further solidifying its claim of being the representative of the purest of all emotions.

Colours & Nature For September 2014

1. Man might be the most evolved of all species but when it comes to the sense of colour, birds are said to have a colour sense which is more acute than us. This can be attributed to the fact that birds feed on fruits, insects and buds and these are small differently coloured objects, which need to be seen and recognized from a considerable amount of distance. Thus, to make this possible, nature has endowed birds with three times the cones of retina than the rods, and these cones are also furnished with different coloured globules, which allow them a perfect perception of colour.
2. If fashionistas think that wearing bright colours to get noticed is a weapon up their arsenal, they need to think again! Nature's very own show-offs like the spectacular metallic gold Jewel beetle, the red-collared lorikeets or the stripy tigers tree frog are naturally endowed with enthralling colours and beautifully striking patterns to attract attention, while also potentially attracting partners. Surprisingly, these traits also aid in warding off predators!

Decor

Life is a Beach!

Get yourself a beach house in the middle of the city with our help.

Who does not want to zip off to the beaches every once in a while for some relaxation? But we are all aware of how these wishes mostly remain just wishes until vacation time. Have you ever thought how great it would be if you lived on a beach? Well, we can't buy you a house there but we can surely give you some tips to turn your home into the perfect beach house, which can make you feel relaxed with its balmy interiors!

Let us begin with the living room... you can start with removing those stark sofas and throwing in some vintage woven armchairs and a wooden table. If possible, get the walls and the ceiling sheathed in whitewashed cedar, to add to the authenticity of a beach house feel. You can use custom rugs made from heavier fabrics in bright shades and prints to add some warmth to your living room. Get rid of those heavy drapes and opt for lacy, flowing and lightweight curtains, which provide a breezy ambience to your interiors.

You can also make some changes to your dining table crockery! Instead of having everything match, like is usually the norm, get an assortment of pieces which go well together without being identical. To intensify the look and feel of a beach-house, you can place shell mirrors around the house flanked by old world rattan chairs. If possible, use an aqua theme throughout your home and for the serious enthusiasts, you can go the entire way with fantasy inspired wallpapers, like palm tree posters in the master bedroom to evoke the natural element in the most important part of your house!

It is now time for you to bask in the glory of your newly decorated house and show it off to friends and family alike - we definitely recommend a beach themed party!

Beat The Bathroom Blues!

The next time you are redecorating your house, take that extra effort to add a personal touch to your bathroom.

While all of us spend considerable time and energy to decorate our houses, it is more often than not that we tend to neglect the décor of our bathrooms and are content with just keeping it neat and functional. Although this is the general approach, it is not the best idea, as we spend a considerable amount of our time in there, so it should ideally be designed to address all our physical and mental needs. The first step towards doing up your bathroom should be to invest in durable and water-resistant flooring, which are well-sealed and can stand the test of time and wear.

Next up, invest in a sink with graceful lines rather than a block sink, which makes the bathroom look boring and common. You can also add some decorative elements to your bathroom to make it appear more beautiful and colourful, thus lending it the appearance of being an extension of your home, and not seem like a distant cousin of the rest of your house.

One of the best ways to add some charm to your bathroom, without putting in too much effort, is to add some soft flowing drapes and pretty rugs. To make it look more sophisticated, you can also add a vase or a jar, depending on the space available. If you do use a vase, don't let it stand empty. Add some pretty flowers in them to add beauty and fragrance of your bathroom. Last, but not the least, for those who would like to add a dash of colourful flair to their bathrooms without breaking the bank, opt for coloured marble accents for the flooring, while using single coloured tiles on the wall to lend that special personal touch.

Home Improvement 101

Give a makeover to your house without spending much money or making many changes through these simple ways.

If you feel uninspired with the way your house currently looks and feels but do not have the necessary time or the moolah to go for any major changes, you need not worry, as we bring to you some quick and highly effective ways to instantly freshen up your house! The easiest thing to do to make your house seem spacious and airy is to rearrange the furniture. Begin with moving away your furniture from the walls, this creates an illusion of making the room appear bigger and the new positions will also spruce up the room instantly.

It is also important to remove items which do not add any substance to the look of your house, this also allows your statement pieces to be highlighted as they are then brought into focus. If you have a bookshelf stacked with books of all colours and shapes, it is time to use them to stylize your house by arranging the books according to size and colour or both, using one pattern for each shelf. Another easy way to make your house décor look new is to add new throw pillows to your house and move rugs from one area to another, which can incidentally also act as an inspiration to clean the floor underneath, especially if that is something you keep putting off till the last moment!

An easy way to instantly brighten up your room is to add some colour to the room, buy some colourful flowers and place them in different corners of the room by putting them in small vases or glass containers. You can also add some colour to different corners of the room by placing small tables, which have just about enough space to hold big glass bowls filled with colourful fruits, to add a dash of colour to brighten up nooks and crannies! Happy home improvement, everyone!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For September 2014

Add some greenery to your house to bring in the required vibrant energy into it.

We all like a little bit of greenery and beauty in our homes and possibly try to keep adding it in our homes, as plants are not only known to provide a soothing environment, but also have a special importance in Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui, plants not only affect us physically but also emotionally and we should place plants in our house with caution. If placed correctly, plants have the power to bring in happiness and prosperity into one's house.

If you are lucky enough to have a house with ample space available in the front or at the back, then you can create a small garden of your own. Some auspicious trees for a garden are the neem tree, mango tree, jack-fruit tree, banana tree and coconut tree. The interesting point to note here is that all the plants considered auspicious for a garden are also very useful in one's day-to-day life, thereby making them a very logical choice too! Feng Shui also believes in the practice of trying to eliminate indoor pollution, therefore plants with higher level of oxygen emission have been recommended for the garden.

When it comes to indoor plants, it is important to place them in the right direction so as to attract positive energy, prosperity, happiness, health and good luck to the house and its inhabitants. Feng Shui also believes that keeping plants indoor in the right direction can guard a house and its members against negative energies. It suggests having crawling, cascading and tree-like plants in the living room to minimize any imbalance in the house, whereas any plants with thorns are best not used to avoid any sort of conflict within a home.

So, with the help of Feng Shui, add some green colour to your home and begin attracting vibrant energies to your house for an instantly fresh and uplifting vibe.

Reiki For September 2014

Understand the importance of aura and its subtleties through the colourful application of Reiki

There have been multiple instances when somebody walking into a room has made us feel a variety of emotions, ranging from positivity to fear, anxiety or a generally negative vibe. We usually dismiss such feelings easily but in reality, they are a manifestation of an individual's aura. Aura is something a person exudes naturally, which is descriptive of a person's health, personality and state of mind. It is quite natural that different people exude different aura colours, which signify different qualities. The meaning of aura colours are very interesting to note and the colour red offers a wide variety of subtleties in the meaning of the aura, depending upon the deepness of the shade.

In the red family, auras are of the colours orange red, red, deep red, murky red and pink. Orange red stands for confident and creative individuals, while clear red is for powerful, competitive, sensual and passionate people. A deep red coloured aura means that the person is very down to earth, has their head firmly placed on their shoulders, is practical, realistic and very determined. A murky red coloured aura, on the other hand, is symbolic of anger, frustration and an unforgiving nature. While a bright but light pink denotes a loving and compassionate individual, who is very sensitive and calm. A deeper shade of pink aura indicates an immature person.

In Reiki, the colour red is associated with the base chakra and is thought to provide power from the earth and provide one with energy on all levels. It is a known fact that anything that needs to be started needs the vitality of red, which is again also symbolic of survival. Red in Reiki also is symbolic of a heightened sense of awareness, strength of will and courage.

Vaastu For September 2014

Harness positive energy and prosperity for your house through these effective methods of Vaastu.

The general perception about Vaastu is such that people invariably associate it with the science of directions, but what is largely ignored is that Vaastu also takes in consideration the science of colours very seriously and considers it to be one of the most important components for harnessing positive energies. Vaastu recommends colours for your home based on the energies attracted from all the directions, which affects both our body and mind.

Vaastu Shastra believes in the fact that colours have a very important role in restoring the balance of our mind and body. This is achieved by coordinating the colours of the respective planets and elements of different directions of a house, as well as its owners. Based on this reflection, Vaastu recommends you always ensure that all the ceilings of your house are painted white, as white radiates peace along with bringing down the temperature of the room, while also creating positive vibes for the room's occupants.

According to Vaastu, yellow is the most appropriate colour to use in the room of children, because this colour facilitates mental faculties and is the colour of intellect. Vaastu experts also believe that yellow is the colour loved by the Goddess Lakshmi and thus attracts prosperity to one's house. Colour your prayer or meditation room a beautiful and vibrant shade of yellow, to please the Goddess of prosperity.

Vaastu experts also recommend using soothing colours like green, which is known to drive away anxiety and the colour blue, which is known to cure insomnia. But the one restraint you should always follow when going by Vaastu's rules is that bright colours should never be used while painting the walls of rooms facing the South, as well as windows and doors facing the west.