artnlight

When B. Shweta of Vistaar Associates sent me these pictures, I knew this was something I had to share with you. What took my breath away was the cut bamboos suspended from the ceiling as a lighting feature that runs across the ceiling. Stunning. Shweta told me it was particularly satisfying to create a dynamic space from a plain rectangular area. What is remarkable is that even with the live green wall -which is a very interesting feature and the bamboo ceiling, the space maintains a zen-like quietness without being cold. I am told there is the sound of water which lends the atmosphere with a pureness that has to be experienced. I'm dying to go see it for myself, but for the lucky souls who are already in Hyderabad, do check out the Novotel Spa.

If you want more information about the design of this space you can contact Shweta at this email id: shwetamoni(at)yahoo(dot)com

Chandan Dubey's home, a symphony of colours woven skillfully through years of love, patience and across 2 countries. Each piece lovingly cared for and displayed. This is without doubt one of the most gorgeous homes I've had the privilege of seeing. And in this post you will see the photographs that were the result of abandoning my sentences midway to click. You will also get glimpses of what a fantastic hostess Chandan is. The snack were artistically served and beautifully laid. Everything came together gracefully and this was clearly not an effort for Chandan because there are only beautiful things in this home. Bought with reason and love, or inherited and holding memories of loved ones long gone and times that will never come again.

Chandan's gorgeous Chinese red laquered table

Chandan is a collector and I love how she groups and places her loved accessories in little groups around her home. She told me there are no 2 things which 'match' in the house & yet they come together so harmoniously, bright bold colours and muted neutrals, the Indian and the oriental aesthetic, serious art and local handicraft, each with its breathing space and voice intact.

And yes, I do know how lucky I am that I happen to live in Mumbai & was able to meet Chandan in her home & have the privilege to shoot it. I do count my blessings :)

There are people for whom beauty is a value and even a muse. Such is their commitment to her that in every choice that they make she is apparent. And that is when something magical happens, Beauty decided to grace these spaces and is present as an almost tanglible presence. This can have some strange effects. This is the 1st time that I was meeting Chandan Dubey and many a time when I was having a conversation with her, I would get distracted by the sunlight catching the dull sheen of an antique tray, or see something equally charming, forcing me to pick up my camera mid-sentence. Which without doubt made me a very ill mannered guest. But such is the power of a space lovingly put together, where no corner is ignored and possessions are lovingly collected till they have a voice all of their own. Chandan Dubey is no stranger to all of us, I met her many years ago 1st on flickr and then read her blog, Girl About Home, and once she shifted to Bombay, she came for my exhibition. I have long been a fan of her table scapes and how she puts them together. So we planned and plotted and finally met this month at her place and what a beautiful time we had, speaking of blogging and our lives and circuitous career paths.

Speaking of Chandan's home, it was amazing to see so much colour used so intelligently and in balance. Another delight was seeing how seamlessly Chandan's framed photography, her art and furniture from Hongkong and India came together.

There was no way I could have fitted all of Chandan's stunning home into one post, so stay tuned for the gorgeous part 2.