Our homes are where we relax, connect, and spend time with family—a space that’s deeply tied to our well-being. The furniture we choose for these spaces plays a bigger role than we often realise. A cosy sofa, a well-placed chair, or even the colours and textures around us can quietly shape how we feel and live. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how the right furniture can bring comfort, balance, and a sense of calm to your everyday life.

 

Comfort You Can Sink Into

While aesthetics might seem important when choosing furniture, comfort matters in the long run. A statement piece may catch your eye, but the chair you can sit in for hours or the sofa you sink into after a long day adds value to your life. Furniture designed with ergonomic comfort supports your body and offers better value for money than any trendy or mass-produced designs ever could.

There’s always that one spot in a home—a favourite chair, a specific corner—that feels just right. This personal connection is why furniture tailored to your needs and comfort is unmatched. When designed with you in mind, it fits your lifestyle and enhances your space in a way no off-the-shelf piece can.

 

The furniture in Valley of Dreams, a serene retreat for a couple in Kasauli, is designed for ultimate comfort, creating a space perfect for relaxation and unwinding.

 

Mood Makers in Every Room

Furniture sets the tone of a space, shaping its mood and energy. Every room has a purpose—a bar feels vibrant and lively, while a bedroom needs to exude calm and relaxation. The furniture you choose helps bring that energy to life, creating the atmosphere you need. At the same time, it’s important to think about how the furniture will look and feel when the space isn’t being used. A well-chosen piece should strike a balance between serving its function and blending with your style, making it as pleasing to the eye during quiet moments as it is when the room is bustling with activity. Thoughtful furniture choices ensure your space feels right, no matter the occasion.

 

The vibrant textures, prints, and colours of the furniture at Ridge View create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.

 

Furniture with more functions that one

With homes and spaces becoming smaller, every square foot counts. We need our furniture to do more for us in less space, and that is where multipurpose pieces come into play. A coffee table with hidden storage, a modular sofa that adapts to your needs, or a bed with built-in drawers can transform the function of a room without compromising on style.

 

Well-designed furniture isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it works in your space. Great design considers the layout, creating a natural flow that makes everyday living effortless. Imagine a home where everything feels like it’s in the right place, making your routines smoother and your space more enjoyable. Thoughtful, multifunctional furniture helps you achieve that balance, proving that good design is as much about practicality as aesthetics.

 

The multipurpose Boomerang table at Treetops serves as both a statement dining piece and a versatile workspace, offering private niches for meetings and collaborative moments.

 

Furniture that carries stories

Furniture crafted with care and personalised to your tastes goes beyond functionality—it connects to your identity. These pieces often carry nostalgia, reflecting our roots or evoking memories of cherished moments. Whether it’s a hand-carved table passed down through generations or a custom-designed chair that matches your unique style, personalisation has a deeper emotional connection. This connection to our furniture enhances how we feel in a space, providing comfort and a sense of belonging that mass-produced items can’t replicate. It’s these carefully crafted, meaningful pieces that truly make a house feel like home.

Great furniture is more than just aesthetics—it is about how it enhances your life. When you choose pieces that cater to your comfort, support your routines, and reflect your style, you create a home that feels like your own. Thoughtfully selected furniture brings balance and joy, transforming any room into a space that nurtures your well-being. So, the next time when you're looking for new designs, consider how they fit into your life, not just your interiors, and watch how they shape the energy of your spaces.

Trends in design are more than fleeting fancies; they mirror cultural shifts, societal needs, and how we aspire to live and connect within our spaces. As we move into 2025, the design world embraces narratives prioritising authenticity, sustainability, and the human experience. This year is about reflection and reinvention, with homes transforming into spaces that embody personality, history, and purpose. Here’s a curated lookbook of 2025 design trends, highlighting how these evolving elements shape the future of spaces.

 

Colours of 2025: Mocha Mousse

 

In 2025, colours are moving toward earthy, grounding tones with a modern twist, just like this year’s Pantone colour of the year, Mocha Mousse. Think terracotta, sage green, and charcoal grey paired beautifully with sleek, contemporary finishes. Accents in muted jewel tones like sapphire blue or deep ruby offer sophistication without overwhelming the space. The emphasis is on creating a warm yet modern palette that feels timeless and approachable, especially for urban homes.

 

 

The Rise of Statement Walls

 

Walls are shifting from background elements to striking focal points. Textured plasters, hand-painted murals, and oversized art redefine walls as powerful design features. Mixing materials like stone and wood panels or fabric-clad surfaces brings softness and acoustic value, creating tactile experiences. This trend transforms walls into essential, interactive components of the design story. Statement walls design ideas are becoming a key feature.

 

 

Creating Intimate and Multi-functional Spaces

 

It’s no longer about grandeur but to create intimate spaces where people want to linger. Soft lighting, plush seating, and thoughtful table arrangements set the tone for these cosy dining areas. Multi-functional spaces are also gaining traction, with dining areas doubling as workspaces or library nooks, making them as functional as they are inviting.

 

Bedrooms Bathed in Nature’s Calm and Comfort

 

Nature-inspired bedrooms transform into refugees from the chaos of the outside world. The textures inspired by nature-like stone, linen, and warm wood, offer a stark contrast to the rut of modern life. Minimalist furniture, calming colours, and tech-free zones filled with books and plants create a peaceful retreat, bringing the tranquility of nature indoors.

 

 

The Evolving Trend of Separate vs Integrated Dining Spaces

 

The debate between separate dining rooms and integrated living-dining spaces continues to evolve. While distinct rooms are making a comeback for those who value formal meals and space for disconnection, urban homes still favour the versatility of a combined living-dining area. The key is in defining spaces cleverly using rugs, lighting, or changes in ceiling height to create distinct zones.

 

 

The New Wave of Spa-Inspired Washrooms

 

Washrooms are becoming more spa-like, elevating everyday rituals. Natural light, indoor plants, textured tiles, and statement bathtubs take stage in these luxurious spaces. Alongside indulgence, smart technology like touch-free fixtures and water-saving systems balance luxury with responsibility, offering comfort and sustainability. Spa-inspired washrooms are a growing trend in luxury home design.

 

Year-Round Outdoor Spaces

 

Outdoor spaces are designed for year-round enjoyment in modern homes, balancing style with functionality. Modular furniture, minimalist planters, and durable materials like concrete, teak, and powder-coated metal are key elements. Layered lighting creates a cosy atmosphere, while features such as retractable awnings, outdoor heaters, and misting systems ensure comfort throughout the seasons. These spaces seamlessly blend with the indoors, offering a refined aesthetic that enhances the home.

Engineered wood is transforming the design sector by integrating sustainability and innovation. Unlike traditional timber, harvested directly from trees, engineered wood is made by bonding wood fibres, veneers, or strands with adhesives. This modern process maximises resource use and addresses the limitations of solid wood.

 

 

The Appeal of Engineered Wood

The popularity of engineered wood stems from its durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. It meets diverse design needs by being available in various sizes, thicknesses, and grades. Its stability under different environmental conditions makes it suitable for structural and aesthetic applications, from flooring and cabinetry to wall sheathing and furniture.

 

Sustainable Benefits

Engineered wood offers significant environmental advantages. It utilises smaller, fast-growing trees and wood by-products, reducing the need for mature tree harvesting and minimising deforestation. While some adhesives may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can impact indoor air quality, the overall environmental footprint is much lower than that of traditional timber.

 

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Solid Wood

Engineered wood offers a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. Its manufacturing process enables efficient use of materials, resulting in lower production costs and making it a practical choice for budget-conscious projects.

 

 

Popular Types of EngineeredWood:

 

• Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)
  Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is popular for its smooth surface and uniform density. Extensively used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior décor, MDF’s affordability and machinability make it a preferred choice. However, it should be protected from moisture to prevent damage.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
  Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is valued for its cost-effectiveness and structural strength. Made from wood strands oriented in crosshatch patterns and bonded with adhesives, OSB is suitable for wall sheathing, subflooring, and roof decking. It offers a similar performance to plywood at a lower price point.
• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
  Cross-laminated timber (CLT) features layers of wood glued perpendicularly, enhancing its stability and strength. Due to its fire resistance and sustainability benefits, it's a high-performance material used in large-scale construction projects, including high-rise buildings.

 

 

Durability and Maintenance
Engineered wood is durable with proper maintenance. Controlling humidity levels helps prevent warping, and using appropriate cleaning agents maintains surface integrity. Addressing spills and moisture exposure promptly can also prevent damage.

 

Challenges and Considerations
Despite its benefits, engineered wood has some drawbacks. Quality inconsistencies can lead to issues like warping. Additionally, certain products may emit VOCs, affecting indoor air quality.

 

Engineered wood is a significant advancement in design. Its blend of versatility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits makes it a valuable material. As sustainability continues to drive industry innovation, engineered wood is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of built environment practices.

In today’s fast-paced and consumer-driven world, we possess many gadgets and distractions that clutter our physical and mental space. The accumulation of these objects not only takes up physical space but also occupies our mental energy, leading to stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed. However, decluttering—intentionally simplifying and organising our spaces—has profound effects on our well-being and overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore the transformative power of decluttering and ways to achieve it.

 

Decluttering refines the aesthetic of any space, enhancing its structural appeal and functionality. By removing excess items, statement elements can shine, creating an inviting atmosphere. This clarity contributes to an efficient, calming environment, making decluttering a powerful strategy for cultivating a plush ambience.

 

 

Physical Benefits of Decluttering

 

One of the most tangible benefits of decluttering is the physical transformation of a space. Organising belongings and streamlining the environment can significantly improve both functionality and aesthetics. A clutter-free interior allows for better airflow, improved lighting, and enhanced mobility, making it easier to navigate. It also creates extra room to relax and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfilment, such as pursuing hobbies, etc.

 

Power of Decluttering in Design

 

Decluttering lays the foundation for a well-curated design, creating a clear canvas for ideation and allowing key features to take centre stage. With fewer distractions, spaces become more cohesive and visually pleasing, emphasising intentional design choices that bring functionality, style, and personalisation to a space.

 

 

 

Purging Effectively

 

At The Works Interiors, we guide clients in decluttering through a three-step process. First, we analyse each object and check if it aligns with the design vision. We remove pieces that feel out of place. Second, we evaluate the scale and proportion of objects to ensure they fit visually and structurally, making certain that no objects disrupt the flow. Lastly, we creatively integrate memorabilia into the layout, personalising the design for each client.

 

Elements of an Organised Space

 

Strategic planning and dedicated storage solutions are crucial for any space. Assigning a designated spot for each item simplifies maintenance. Storage units—such as modular shelves, custom cabinets, or chests of drawers—help keep belongings neatly. Small touches, like compartmentalized boxes for stationery or designated wardrobe sections for accessories, further contribute to a free-flowing space.

 

 

Maintaining Order for a Clutter-Free Space

 

Implementing tailored storage solutions ensures a long-term clutter-free space. Custom systems, like built-in cabinets or specific containers, address unique spatial needs. It also encourages clients to periodically review their belongings and discard unused items, helping prevent clutter from accumulating. Additionally, donating or repurposing items promotes sustainability while maintaining neatness.

 

The 10-10-10 Method of Reducing Clutter

 

The 10-10-10 method effectively categorizes items into groups to keep, donate, or discard, streamlining decision-making. This approach is valuable for clients who want a few older items to be taken to new spaces, ensuring that the items retained are aligned with the design vision. The result is a thoughtfully curated space that reflects the client’s lifestyle and design.

 

Decluttering is a powerful way to transform a space and boost well-being. Tackling emotional attachments and using personalised strategies can help to create an environment that truly reflects one’s values. This process improves design and encourages a balanced, mindful lifestyle, bringing more joy and less clutter into everyday life.

Indian festivals are a rich tapestry of colors, traditions, and rituals deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. These celebrations bring families together and offer an opportunity to transform our homes into vibrant, welcoming spaces that reflect the joyous spirit of the season. Whether it's Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, or Christmas, preparing your home for these festivals can be a delightful experience. Here are ten creative tips to help you infuse your home with festive cheer.

 

Declutter and Spark Joy
Before you dive into decorating, give your home a thorough clean. A clutter-free environment looks better and allows positive energy to flow freely. Clear out unnecessary items, tidy up each room, and scrub surfaces to create a fresh slate for your festive decor. A clean home sets the stage for an inviting and organised space.

 

Pick Your Palette Like a Pro
Selecting a cohesive color scheme and theme that aligns with the festival will help create a harmonious look throughout your home. Traditional festival colors, such as gold, silver, red, green, yellow, and blue, can add vibrancy and authenticity to your decorations. Stick to a palette that resonates with the festival to ensure a unified and visually appealing design.

 

Light it up
Lighting is essential in setting a festive ambiance. Fairy lights, lanterns, and candles add warmth and charm to your home. Strategically place these lights around key decor pieces, windows, and doorways. The soft, twinkling glow will enhance the festive atmosphere and create a welcoming environment for guests.

 

Luxe Fabrics, Luxe Feels
Swap out your everyday textiles for more festive and luxurious options. Opt for rich fabrics like silk or velvet for tablecloths, cushion covers, and curtains. These elements instantly elevate the look of your home and add a touch of elegance and celebration.

 

Indian festivals are a rich tapestry of colors, traditions, and rituals deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. These celebrations bring families together and offer an opportunity to transform our homes into vibrant, welcoming spaces that reflect the joyous spirit of the season. Whether it's Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, or Christmas, preparing your home for these festivals can be a delightful experience. Here are ten creative tips to help you infuse your home with festive cheer.

 

Declutter and Spark Joy

Before you dive into decorating, give your home a thorough clean. A clutter-free environment looks better and allows positive energy to flow freely. Clear out unnecessary items, tidy up each room, and scrub surfaces to create a fresh slate for your festive decor. A clean home sets the stage for an inviting and organised space.

 

Blossom into the Festive Spirit

Bring life and color into your home with fresh flowers and plants. Traditional floral arrangements or simple vases with seasonal blooms can significantly impact. Flowers not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall festive spirit of your home.

 

Accessorise with Tradition

Incorporate decorative accessories to enhance the festive feel. Use decorative bowls filled with colorful ornaments, candles, or potpourri. Traditional diyas, rangoli designs, or wreaths can enrich the festive atmosphere and add a personal touch.

 

Bring life and color into your home with fresh flowers and plants. Traditional floral arrangements or simple vases with seasonal blooms can significantly impact. Flowers not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall festive spirit of your home.

 

Accessorizing shelves with festive décor can instantly bring a celebratory vibe to a space, like here in Terra, Gwalior.

 

Feast in Style
Make your dining table a focal point by paying attention to its decor. Use elegant tableware, festive centerpieces, and themed napkins to create a stunning table setting. A beautifully set table looks impressive and makes meals celebratory.

 

Add Personal Touch
Add personal touches to your decor to make it feel more meaningful. Incorporate family photos, handmade crafts, or heirloom pieces that resonate with the festival. These elements add warmth and a sense of personal connection, making your home’s festive decor unique and heartfelt.

 

Scent-sational or fragrance fest
Scents like incense, scented candles, or essential oil diffusers with fragrances that complement the festival theme, such as sandalwood, jasmine, rose, or cinnamon, should be leveraged. The right scent can elevate the ambiance and make the festive experience more immersive.

 

Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space
Extend the festive spirit outside of your home as well. Hang marigold flowers, place lanterns on the porch, and light diyas to create a welcoming entrance. Seasonal outdoor decorations help set the tone for guests before they even step inside and add to the overall festive charm of your home.

Transform outdoor spaces with greenery and thoughtful d to create a lively, inviting atmosphere, as exemplified in Terra, Gwalior.

 

Transform your home into a festive retreat that radiates warmth and joy. With a touch of thoughtful decor, you can create a space that's not only visually stunning but also inviting and cozy. Embrace the season with decorations that make your home a true reflection of celebration. Enjoy every moment of decorating, and let your space become a haven for the season.

A city, no matter how old or new, is enveloped in culture—the culture of its people and its places. Architecture sets the tone for this cultural heritage to blossom and become a city's identity. Lisbon and Vienna are two such cities, carrying historical heritage through centuries of existence.

 

Both cities, rich in architectural heritage, serve as a source of inspiration for many. The architecture of both, times, old and new, invites travelling and exploration. Travels filled with architectural and artistic marvels are nothing short of a creative extravaganza. For designers, the discoveries of these architectural gems are not just historical and cultural narratives but also lessons that can be implemented into practice for years to come.

 

Vienna: UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Center

With three eras leaving a mark on the city's landscape, Vienna’s rich design makes it a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Center—Baroque, Gothic, and the Rinngsttasse, along which many infamous structures were constructed to replace the city walls.

 

• Historical Palaces
  Vienna’s cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture at Schönbrunn Palace, a seventeenth-century palace designed by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach in the Baroque style. The former hunting lodge went through many phases of renovation to finally become the summer home for the imperial family. The gardens also contain features like fountains, avenues, and sculptures.

Schönbrunn Palace, a magnificent embodiment of Vienna's Baroque architecture, captures the grandeur of a bygone era.

 

The exterior of the present-day palace is painted in what is famously named “Schönbrunn Yellow”, while the interiors have ceiling stucco decoration and white and gold-painted wooden panelling. The decor includes landscape paintings on canvas, silk tapestries and lilac upholstered furniture.

 

A must-visit for architects, the Albertina Museum, a residential palace converted into an art museum, houses an architectural collection of over 40,0000 plans, studies and models. The styles span across Baroque, Renaissance and late Gothic periods with works by Adolf Loos, Otto Wagner, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Zaha Hadid

Standing beside a Picasso painting at the Albertina Museum, immersed in the rich architectural heritage of this historic residential palace-turned-exhibit.

 

• Iconic Landmarks
  To offset this history with more modern construction, the oldest tramline through the historic streets brings back echoes of olden times in Vienna. The 180km of tram tracks take passengers through some of the imperial city's most iconic landmarks, making stops at the Ringstrasse and the Kai and the famous districts Josefstadt and Leopoldstadt.

Amidst modern construction, Vienna's oldest tramline winds through historic streets, bridging the past and the present.

 

Not too far from Vienna, the lush landscape and ancient structures that are present-day landmarks line the streets of Salzburg. Today the Mozart Museum in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is one of the most visited. The year-round museum invites visitors to tour through rooms and everyday artefacts of the maestro’s life. The apartment is a display room for Mozart’s violin and clavichord, along with letters, portraits and memorabilia. Taking tourists through an all-engaging experience of the music genius’ life, Salzburg is a glimpse into the past.

Salzburg’s lush landscapes and ancient landmarks remain among the city's most visited attractions

 

Lisbon: Contemporary Reimagination

In Lisbon, the cobbled streets and boat rides on the city’s waters offer similar experiences—one where the enduring old city stands out even today amongst more modern structures like the MAAT. The Museum of Art Architecture and Technology, sited along the banks of the Tagus in Belém, was designed by the renowned Amanda Levete.

The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, located along the Tagus River in Belém, stands as a modern cultural landmark.

 

With its contemporary design, the structure is a modern break in an otherwise time-worn city. True to its name, the MAAT brings together art, architecture and technology at the edge of land and water. The building itself allows people to walk over, under, and through it, which is an interactive experience for the people.

Offsetting the city's historic charm, the contemporary design of the musuem creates a bold modern contrast.

 

The journey through Lisbon and Vienna is an exploration of old and new; grandeur and innovation, and timelessness and modernity. Through galleries of art, architecture and culture, the trip deepens a designer's understanding and appreciation for heritage giving them new perspectives and lessons in the role of culture in design.

The arrival of the monsoon season brings a refreshing change from the scorching summer heat. The rhythmic pitter-patter of rain, the earthy aroma of petrichor, and the promise of cooler temperatures offer a welcome respite. However, for our homes, the monsoon can also pose challenges with increased wind and rain. But with strategic interior design solutions, one can monsoon-proof their homes. Here's a comprehensive guide to fortifying one’s home's interior:

 

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Water Management

The following measures can be implemented to prevent water ingress, protect against moisture damage, and optimize indoor air quality during high humidity periods such as the monsoon season.

Ensure Tight Door and Window Closures |Photography: Noughts and Crosses

 

Ensure Tight Door and Window Closures: Conduct a thorough inspection of all doors and windows to guarantee a tight seal upon closure. This meticulous approach prevents rainwater from seeping in through even the smallest gaps.
Install Rubber Gaskets: Add rubber gaskets around door jambs for a watertight seal.
Seal Gaps: Use foam sealants or silicone to fill gaps around windows and doors for extra protection. This additional layer of protection further safeguards your home from unwanted water intrusion.

 

Protecting Against Moisture Damage

Implementing strategies is essential to safeguard various surfaces and materials from the harmful effects of excess humidity and water exposure. This approach ensures the longevity and pristine condition of furniture, fabrics, and other vulnerable items.

Protecting Against Moisture Damage | Photography: Noughts and Crosses

 

Apply Nano Coatings: Use nanocoating on furniture, countertops, and other surfaces to repel water and prevent stains.
Use Stain-Resistant Sprays: Protect upholstery and curtains with high-quality stain-resistant sprays to prevent watermarks.
Seal Stone Surfaces: Apply sealants to stone countertops and flooring to reduce water absorption.
Install Awnings: Awnings over windows and doors deflect rainwater, reducing the risk of leaks and adding aesthetic appeal.

 

Optimizing Indoor Air Quality

Optimizing indoor air quality involves implementing measures to ensure a clean, healthy, and comfortable living environment. This process includes controlling humidity levels, enhancing ventilation, and reducing airborne pollutants.

Optimising Indoor Air Quality | Photography: Amit Mehra

 

Use a Dehumidifier: Control indoor humidity with a dehumidifier to prevent mold and maintain comfort.
Install Exhaust Fans: Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms with exhaust fans to remove moisture-laden air.

 

Enhancing Monsoon Comfort

Enhancing Monsoon Comfort through Decor | Photography: Amit Mehra

 

Create a Cosy Ambiance: Add throw blankets, soft rugs, and cushions for a warm and inviting indoor atmosphere.
Opt for Warm Lighting: Use lamps and candles to create a relaxing environment.
Diffuse Refreshing Aromas: Use essential oils with scents like lemongrass or eucalyptus to combat damp odours.

 

By using these simple tips and adding a bit of creativity, one can make their home cozy and stylish during the monsoon season. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of the rain while appreciating its beauty and refreshment.

Finding the perfect floor for your building goes beyond aesthetics. It's a crucial decision that impacts functionality, durability, and budget. This guide explores popular flooring options for various spaces in commercial and residential settings, considering key factors of Durability, Aesthetics, and Cost.

Caption: Photography: Noughts & Crosses  | Project: Aromasphere

Commercial Flooring Solutions:

Consider marble, tiles, or concrete floors in offices and retail areas, where durability and design flexibility are key. They're long-lasting and offer design possibilities through patterns and combinations.

Granite, marble, or large-format tiles are ideal choices for high-traffic areas like malls and hospitals. These natural stones offer durability and a sophisticated look.

Functionality reigns supreme in industrial settings. Epoxy finishes and vinyl floors are popular selections due to their quick installation, budget-friendly nature, and easy maintenance.

Caption: Photography: Noughts & Crosses  | Project: Gwalior House

Residential Flooring Solutions:

• Marble: Marble is popular in residences due to its strength and longevity. However, laying marble in apartments during renovations can be challenging due to the removal of existing flooring and base preparation.
• Tile: Tile is a popular choice for homes because it's durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, so you can find a style that complements your home décor.
• Hardwood: Hardwood flooring adds warmth and beauty to any room. It's a durable choice that can last for decades with proper care. However, hardwood can be susceptible to scratches and dents.
• Engineered Wood: Engineered wood is a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood. It has a real wood veneer over a plywood core, making it more stable and moisture-resistant than solid hardwood.
• Laminate: Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option that can mimic the look of wood or tile. It's easy to clean and maintain, but it can be scratched and damaged more easily than hardwood or tile.

Caption: Photography: Noughts & Crosses  | Project: Gwalior House

Adding a Touch of Luxury:

Hardwood or engineered wood flooring can elevate offices or retail spaces. While pricier, they add warmth and richness. Combine wood with marble for an even more luxurious feel, but remember that marble and hardwood require more maintenance.

Cost Considerations:

• Marble: A beautiful and durable choice, but consider the additional cost of polishing and finishing.
• Hardwood Floors: Offer long-lasting beauty but require a higher initial investment.
• Epoxy & Concrete Floors: A cost-effective option depending on thickness and use.
• Terrazzo Tiles: A more affordable alternative to genuine terrazzo flooring with a similar aesthetic.
• Ceramic Tiles: A budget-friendly option with a wide range of styles.

As the temperatures rise, maintaining a cool and comfortable home becomes a priority. However, beating the heat does not mean sacrificing style. Every designer should be responsible for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable, especially during the summer.

Photography: Noughts & Crosses | Project: Treetops, New Delhi

Here are some expert tips from our Creative Director, Devika Khosla, to keep your home naturally cool while ensuring it remains vibrant and inviting.

• Embrace Light and Airy Fabrics

Swap out heavy winter fabrics for lighter options. Linen, cotton, and sheer drapes allow for better air circulation and add a breezy feel to your rooms. Opt for light-coloured fabrics to reflect heat rather than absorb it.

 

Photography: Noughts & Crosses | Soft natural fabrics with lighter earthy tones give our project, Terra a cooler edge over Gwalior’s summer heat.

Comfort is key during hot summer nights. Swap out heavy comforters for lightweight throws and choose breathable fabrics for bed sheets and pillowcases, as they allow for better airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

• Maximise Natural Ventilation

Strategically open windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Use screen doors to keep insects out while letting fresh air in. Ceiling fans are also a great addition; they use less energy than air conditioning and keep the air moving, providing a cooling effect.

 

Photography: Amit Mehra | Our project Sattva House boasts ample natural ventilation and light, helping moderate the indoor temperature sustainably. 

• Cool Tones and Nature-Inspired Colors

Incorporate cool tones like blues, greens, and whites into your décor. These colours evoke a sense of calm and coolness and keep your space fresh and vibrant. Nature-inspired shades can help you feel connected to the outdoors, which is particularly soothing during the warmer months.

Photography: Noughts & Crosses | Our project, The Valley Of Dreams, is the perfect example showing the comfort that comes with mixing natural materials and cool shades. 

According to our Creative Director, Devika Khosla, lighter colours can also help keep your home cooler. Soft pastels or neutral tones reflect sunlight, making your space airy and cooler. Sheer curtains crafted from lightweight materials like linen or cotton diffuse harsh sunlight while maintaining a bright and inviting atmosphere.

• Indoor Plants for a Breath of Fresh Air

Indoor plants are more than just decorative elements. Plants naturally cool the air through transpiration. They also improve indoor air quality and add a touch of nature. They act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins and balancing humidity levels in your home.

Photography: Noughts & Crosses | Indoor and outdoor plants can significantly cool down your home, as seen in our project, Terra, Gwalior.

Consider placing ferns, spider plants, or peace lilies in your living areas. These plants thrive in indirect sunlight and help keep the environment cool.

• Cool Flooring Choices

Consider swapping out heavy rugs for lighter, breathable materials like jute or sisal. These natural fibres are not only durable and stylish but also help keep your floors cool. If you have hardwood or tile floors, they can also help in maintaining a lower temperature in your home.

 

Photography: Noughts & Crosses | Tiles and natural materials like wood help maintain a comfortable temperature in our project Rue 32.

By implementing these tips, you can create a naturally cool and vibrant living space that keeps you comfortable throughout the season. Remember, a few strategic changes can make a significant difference in how your home feels and looks. Enjoy the summer months with a refreshed, stylish, and cool interior!

Interiors have the power to tell captivating stories, and what better narrative to explore than the rich tapestry of Indian heritage? India's history is a mosaic of diverse cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions spanning centuries, and integrating these elements into modern interiors can create spaces that resonate with depth and soul.

Our Creative Director, Devika Khosla, believes that every interior space has the potential to tell a unique story, weaving together elements of history, culture, and heritage. Here are some TWI-tips to integrate historical narratives into your home decor!

 

Fenesta and Tostem have emerged as frontrunners in the dynamic realm of architectural design, revolutionising our approach to windows with their cutting-edge aluminium and uPVC offerings.

Versatility in Modern Aesthetics

Aluminium windows, showcased in projects like Casa K and Terra, embody modern sophistication. Their versatility enables them to adapt effortlessly to diverse architectural styles, be it the sleek lines of a contemporary structure or the timeless charm of a more traditional design. The aesthetic appeal of these windows goes hand in hand with their robust nature, offering visual delight and structural integrity.

Fenesta and Tostem's commitment to customisation provides architects and designers with a valuable tool to tailor windows to specific project requirements. The ability to seamlessly integrate these windows into diverse spaces, ensuring perfect harmony with the overall design language, underscores their versatility. This flexibility empowers designers to meet a project's functional needs and enhance its aesthetic appeal, contributing to a holistic and cohesive design vision.

 

• Embracing Traditional Architecture

One of the most striking features of Indian heritage is its architecture. From the intricate carvings of ancient temples to the graceful arches of Mughal palaces, there is a wealth of inspiration to draw from.

In our design projects, we often incorporate elements such as jaali partitions, handwoven textiles, or antique brass accents to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. These architectural motifs add visual interest and connect the space to India's architectural legacy.

 

• Celebrating Textiles and Handicrafts

Indian textiles and handicrafts are celebrated worldwide for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Each piece tells a story of skilled artisans and age-old techniques passed down through generations. Handcrafted textiles such as silk brocades, ikat weaves, and block-printed fabrics add depth and authenticity to the narrative and infuse warmth and character into interiors, transforming spaces into living artworks.

• Exploring Color Palettes Inspired by Indian Heritage

Earthy tones like terracotta, mustard, and indigo reflect the hues of the Indian terrain, while jewel tones like emerald green and royal blue invoke Indian royalty.

The colour palette of Indian heritage is as diverse as the country itself. Rich, bold tones like ruby red, sapphire blue, and royal green evoke a sense of opulence and warmth. We love integrating these hues into our designs through carefully curated upholstery, draperies, and accent walls.

• Integrating Art and Iconography

Art has always been integral to Indian culture, often reflecting mythological themes or daily life. From traditional paintings to modern interpretations of traditional art, curated selection of artworks that celebrate India's diverse artistic traditions can be used to spruce up spaces. You can also showcase handcrafted pottery, brassware, and folk art pieces that add character and soul. These artworks serve as focal points, sparking conversations and adding depth to the interior narrative.

By integrating Indian art forms such as Madhubani paintings, Tanjore art, or miniature paintings, we bring narratives to life within our designs.

Indian heritage is a treasure trove of design motifs, colours, and craftsmanship that have withstood the test of time. From the intricate carvings of Rajasthan's havelis to the vibrant Madhubani paintings of Bihar, each region boasts its own distinct design language. Infusing interiors with Indian heritage is not merely about aesthetics but honouring a legacy of craftsmanship and creativity. By incorporating elements like traditional wooden jharokhas, handwoven textiles, or antique brass accents, we bring an aura of timeless elegance into modern interiors.