Brighten up the indoors

The continuous downpour can create a gloomy atmosphere making you feel as if you are unwillingly stuck indoors. Synonymous with hope, beauty and exuberance, monsoons should be spent in a space that manifests the same.

Switch to bright linens:
A fun way to add colour to your house is to switch dull and light coloured linens with bright linens. Bedsheets, cushions, curtains can all be changed to have more colour and patterns to thwart the greys and dark colours outside. Mix prints with solids and voila! You’ll create a space that will cheer you up instantly.

Light up the corners:
Dark corners create shadows and add to the gloomy outdoors. Trendy floor lamps are a good way to get rid of shadows, they offer an illumination that helps brighten up the entire room. They also add a fun twist to the regular lamps and lights in the house.

Brighten the walls:
Bold and strong colours on the walls will create a joyful atmosphere that speaks of hope and something to look forward to. Using neon colours such as bright lime greens, electric pink will create an unconventional yet balanced décor in the house. Before painting the walls make sure to protect the walls from stains, paint bubbling and flaking caused by heavy rains. Use a basecoat, as its thick, elastic and protective film covers cracks and blocks water.

For exteriors infected with patches, it is advisable to go for a paint with fungal guard technology that gives your walls the much-needed resistance from fungal as well as algal attacks. To go the extra mile, a good quality sealant should be applied on the walls to manage the damage.

Play on your senses:
Using sound, fragrances and textures to bring a bright and fresh feeling to your home is a good way to create a welcoming home. Moisture and dampness can culminate in a stench. Use natural room fresheners with fresh and radiant fragrances to keep the home smelling good.

Grow a green thumb:
Make use of the balconies in your house by growing plants. These can also be planted inside, as excessive rain water can ruin many plants. Ferns, ornamental leafy plants or bright green plants help bring nature indoors. Plants will also add a fresh fragrance indoors and make for trendy and artistic décor.

David Teng, General Manager, Decorative Paints, South Asia Cluster, AkzoNobel India.