Monsoon makeover

It’s that time of the year again when the magic of monsoon strikes our lives. Grey clouds overhead and the pitter patter of raindrops signal that it's time to let little sunshine into our homes. Just as our wardrobe changes with the season, so should our décor. And, the brighter the décor, the better it is to drive away the monsoon blues.

To begin with, what better way to give our homes a monsoon makeover than with colours? Bid adieu to Mediterranean blue, sea green and soft pastels and welcome deep red, warm orange, sunny yellow, hot pink and stylish purple. Bright colours not only open up enclosed spaces, but lend a glamour quotient to the otherwise dull and drab interiors too. When we talk of colours, they need not only be for the walls but for the furnishings too. Furnishings that look hot and feel warm are a rage this season. Curtains and cushions in warm tones pack a stylish punch to the interiors of homes during monsoon.

Accessorise
Nothing gets the lively look for monsoon going better than accessories. Create an ambience such that the accessories steal the show. Replace the lighter, delicate works of art that were your summer favourites with heavy ornate pieces. Thick brass pot holders and wall hangings, and ornate bells in copper that you termed 'gaudy' in summer are just apt for the season. The shimmer of brass and the deep tones of copper add sparkle to the house in monsoon when sunshine is a rare occurrence. Plenty of bowls, vases, lamps and picture frames in punchy earthy tones too sure change monsoon gloom to glamour in an instant.

Monsoon is the time when we invariably reach out to décor that exudes warmth. And, carpets have a huge role to play in monsoon décor. While heavy rugs look great and feel great, they also feel and stay damp due to the rise in moisture level of the atmosphere. The ideal solution to floor covering during monsoon is bright coloured thin rugs or dhurries in geometric patterns. Such rugs and dhurries are not only easy to clean during monsoon months when dampness rules, but also create a wonderfully delightful ambience. If you absolutely cannot do without your heavy rugs to keep your feet warm, here's an easy way out - sun them as often as you can afford to.

Time for lacy curtains
Though monsoon is a season we all look forward to, considering the opportunities it offers us in terms of curling up in bed with a hot cuppa and deep fried delights, it is also the season when we long to see the sun. The little sunshine that can stream in has to be drawn to the maximum. Out go the heavy drapes you decorated your windows with in summer and in come lacy curtains in bold hues that invite the sun to stream in.
When the rain pounds in all its fury, dampness in the house is but natural, generating a musty smell. It is at such times that the inside of the house should be kept as dry as possible. Give the musty house a warm update by adding subtle hints of aroma therapy candles, mild incense sticks and camphor. Placing a few pieces of camphor inside the cupboards keeps the moisture at bay, protecting clothes. Neem leaves and cloves are equally effective too.

Bring in some light
Monsoon months are ideal for parties too, considering the heavy restrictions on outdoor sports owing to incessant rains. When it's party time, can lighting be far behind? Definitely not. Create a warm party atmosphere at home either with tealights or soft yellow lights. Chandeliers with light diffusers too do the trick.

To further liven up the interiors of the house, fresh flowers can be arranged in vases in every conceivable nook and cranny. Fresh flowers lend a feel of spring to home interiors, imparting joy that is almost unparalleled. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most stylish. Like the bed linen that steps up the 'cool and comfy' ambience of a room.
Fortunately for us, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of hues, designs and textures of bed linen on offer. The brighter they are, the summery they look. Big floral prints in bold colours will definitely cheer the room up during the dull monsoon season.

Finally, give the hardwood floors in your house a thorough cleaning and a coat of wax to protect them from moisture. Such seasonal maintenance sure makes the floor gleam with glamour.

So what if it’s monsoon? Minor décor adjustments such as these can ensure that your dream home doesn't fall short on the style stakes.

Helpful hints
* Choose bright hues for walls and upholstery.
* Mix and match leafy patterns for that look of spring.
* Ensure cross ventilation to keep out musty smells.
* Sun upholstery and floor rugs on a regular basis.
* Vacuum clean carpets regularly.
* Wax hardwood floors to keep them moisture-free.
* Look out for seepage and plug it immediately.