Make your home a peace haven

They stay in a lovely farm area in Chattrapur, Delhi and for Raseel and Naveen Ansal who are passionate about interiors, their home is a place that they love to retreat to.

Says Raseel, “My favourite corner is an outside/inside verandah which has a courtyard on one side and a garden and swimming pool on the other side. It helps me connect with nature and is my calming spot in the house.”

The duo present 12 ideas on how lighting, colours and knick-knacks in your home can bring about a mental state of happiness and energise and re-charge you...

The colour palette, floor and ceiling should be in harmony with each other to give a calming feel.

The furniture should be arranged in a non-cluttered way to allow free movement.

Everyone responds to different colours differently. There is also a climatic difference — what may work in London may not work in Mumbai and vice versa. So be sensitive to the environment when choosing colours.

One should be true to one’s interests rather than following fads. Art, patterns, textures should all appeal personally.

Accessories like lamps, cushions, art and carpets are objects of beauty. When one conects with these they give immense joy provided they perceive it as being attractive.

Art constantly gives back something of interest to the owner. It is imperative that the right art is selected for the right place. For instance, the entrance should have a striking artwork and something that is too loud should be avoided in the bedroom. Also, there is no substitute for original art.

Lighting in the house is important. There needs to a balance between natural and artificial light. Artificial light should always be used to enhance natural light. Lights should not be overtly bright and should pool in the right places. It should not look clinical.

Cushions are seasonal and bring in mood change. For winters, use warm tones and colours like fuchsia, sapphires, coral and purples whereas apple greens, ultramarine, cobalt and other shades of blue are just right for the monsoons.

Fragrances are also mood altering. Use one that suits you and your personality.

Every house should have a corner/area which compels you to be meditative. This could be a focal point like a water body, a sculpture or even a champa tree in the backyard. I have rose petals in silver bowls spread across the house.

A house should have loads of personal memorabilia like pictures and objects which bring back fond memories.

Even books, be it art books to view or literature to read, these add to one’s well being.