Little luxuries small comforts

HAUTE INTERIOR

A cushion provides a soft support while travelling and a comfortable base while sleeping. It proves to be of immense help while driving. All these functional uses of cushion have been existent since ages.

In the early Middle Ages, cushions were of great size, covered with leather, and firm enough to serve as a seat. Unlike today when they have become a piece of art. Home decor designers take inspiration from various elements and at times even revive the old art forms.

Take for instance Sapna Bhatia, who has revived old lithographs on Delhi and printed them on cushion covers in her collection phool mandi as part of the website bringhomestories.com.

“Cushions have evolved from being a mere utility article to being an art piece in homes today. It is to justify this search for a cushion that stands out that I took inspiration from phool mandi and recreated vibrant designs on cushions through digital printing,” says Sapna. Some of her designed cushions have fine work of pearl embroidery.

But digital prints are being experimented a lot as young couples prefer them. “Young couples who live in modern apartments prefer cushions which are made of rich fabric like tussar and khadi,” shares Sanjogita Kaul of Indian August, a lifestyle store in Noida. “A lot of clients put in their queries for cushions for different purposes such as a coffee table or a garden area. While the young people like the look of the merchandise, old ones inquire about the longevity of the product before purchasing,” she adds, sharing that embroideries in Kantha, Kashmiri and Madhubani are also preferred.

Be it design or size, the selection of a right cushion for your home has no thumb rule to be followed.

“One can club a number of smaller cushions in different sizes and shapes but everything should be in proportion,” advises designer Gautam Dhawan of Exhibit
D. He acknowledges the use of embellishments and embroidery which is preferred by people these days but believes that even a simple cushion, if clubbed in the right way, can make a statement.