Design tips by Teja Lele Desai for those who are single and living alone
Single and living on your own? That brings to mind an array of stereotypical homes. For the bachelor, it’s usually a dark colour scheme, a large flat-screen, a leather couch and a swanky bar. For the bachelorette, there is more — vibrant colours, plush fabrics, and loads of accessories.
But no home needs to be the same. The look can be different — hi-tech (large flat-screen TV, contemporary furniture, stainless steel accents, sophisticated colours and mood lighting), minimalist (streamlined furniture, modular kitchen, ample storage, luxurious linen, natural light and soft colours) or bohemian (mix-and-match furniture and furnishings, comfortable seating, artwork and accent walls).
Revamp the room with a sheet of wallpaper — plain, printed or embossed. The furniture should be multi-purpose. Use beds with drawers (they work better than box beds), coffee tables and ottomans with storage, entertainment units with drawers and enclosed cabinets (for CDs, DVDs), and built-ins to store books. Invest in a comfy chair such as the La-Z-boy, a perfect for late-night or Sunday TV viewing. An offbeat coffee table is ideal as it adds interest and makes a visual statement. Plonk a smart wooden tray on to put together loose items. Use throw pillows to add splashes of colour; have one with a pocket to tuck away remote controls. A day bed is a good investment for days when family or friends stay over. Show off your artistic side by displaying artwork of your choice — be it paintings, murals, photographs, or even your niece’s framed drawings. A full-length mirror in a gorgeous frame can double as a work of art and lets you take stock of your appearance at any time of the day. Install a trendy floor lamp as it provides ambient lighting and comes with a dimming option for mood lighting. Keep all rooms fresh and inviting by using essential oils, potpourri and fabric sprays.
A modern kitchen necessitates a variety of appliances and a lot of choices need to be made. The list is endless: microwaves, ovens, electric cookers, food processors, water purifiers, blenders, toasters, geysers and dishwashers. A lot many things are available, but buy only what you need. Open kitchens work well for singles as they provide a sense of openness and ease of entertaining. Consider options such a breakfast bar or island to help segregate the space, mid-height cabinetry to use as a room divider, or display a collection, be it coffee mugs, shot glasses or cook books or retro-style kitchen appliances! If you like your food and wine, invest in a coffee machine, a wine bar, a baking unit or a barbecue zone.
There’s much to be said for a bar in the living room or den, be it one chosen from a home store or a bespoke model; if you don’t have the space, a serving cart or trolley can work as one. Invest in a classy bar set, along with glasses and decanters. A coffee machine sets you up for the perfect way to end late nights.
This article was originally published on www.thehindu.com dated May 15,2015
Source: www.thehindu.com