Let the festivities begin!

The dawn of the New Year always coincides with Makara Sankranti, the first major festival of the year which celebrates the beauty and love of nature. Being a harvest festival, the occasion invokes the theme of 'back to the roots' and is sort of a thanksgiving  to nature and its bounties. This is a perfect time to give your home a new look, inspired by the festival. If you're confused, we'll tell you how to do it right.  

Tradition beckons

When it comes to decorating your home to give the feel of Sankranti, the evergreen idea is to make a beautiful and traditional rangoli at the entrance of your home. It can be drawn using chalk or flour. Alternately, artificial or acrylic rangoli stickers or floor murals work well to enhance the festive look too. 

"Make a floral statement with various flowers available in the market. Let the freshness and fragrance of these flowers boost the festive spirit. Go traditional by using the customary oil lamps or diyas. Paper lanterns, colourful kites, fancy ribbons and candles are an easy way of adding charm to the living space. The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires, so it is the best time to invite friends and family over for an outdoor night party, with music and fairy lights. Be mindful of serving them in style, this must constitute a part of your decor plan. The dining table of your house must look ready for the occasion. Ensure thoughtful arrangement of sweets and snacks, probably on gold or silver-plated bowls or trays. Support the look with eye-catching candle holders," suggests Amardeep Gulri, founder, Deco-Arte.

This festival is the perfect time to deck up your home. "It is a great idea to introduce coloured fabrics in the form of interesting pillow covers or a throw. Having brass accents in the home with colourful potpourri is an unexplored yet interesting decor accent. Avoid having multiple decor accents in a single room. Do not have clashing colour schemes in a single area," says Shibani Dasgupta Jain, founder and CEO, Baaya Design.

Do the new

As a festival that heralds new beginnings and which has an inextricable connection with nature, it is time to ring in the new. Terrariums are among the most prevalent festive trends of the year and complement any room in a house, and are also inexpensive and easy to maintain. "They come with too many variations and styles. You can place them, hang them, fill them or paint them as per your requirements. Printed terracotta tiles provide an earthy and matte look, giving a chic and contemporary look to ordinary spaces. So, one can use different kinds of tiles and can make pavers, coasters or some wall art out of it," says Amardeep.

Mixing colours with metals is going to be big this festive season. Think hot pink orchids floating in a simple copper urli as an entryway decor idea. Sagar Datta, head designer, Casa Interio, explains, "Incorporate bright colours into your home. Maintaining the traditional appeal of this festival, one can incorporate a lot of Indian contemporary design ideas. Get different fabrics in a variety of colours and textures like nets, velvets and sequins to decorate walls and the entrance of the house."

Go natural

Jalaj Anand, creative director, Frazer and Haws, says, "One can light up the house with diyas and make rangoli, just like you would on Diwali. Sankranti marks the start of an auspicious phase for Hindus, so any new start like building or redecorating your home is a good idea. Since it also marks the onset of spring, one can choose decor pieces inspired by nature."

Mrinmayee Kundalia, owner & creative director, TUNI Tales, adds, ''Bright colours, kites and new beginnings is what comes to mind when I think of Sankranti. To bring that festive spirit home, I suggest a change in table linen as the most fun way to celebrate this festival. Yellows and oranges are close to this festival. Toss up the table linen with fun runners, mats, napkins. Paired with seasonal flowers and plants, the home can look bright, fresh and signify new beginnings. With festive sweets and food taking centre stage, team it with bright handmade linen."

It is a good idea to try using colourful napkins and fold them in fun kite shapes to bring in the festive feel. Paper lanterns are another easy way of adding charm to the living space. So, go ahead in full force this Sankranti to give your home a festive makeover.