Fabrics an integral part of the Indian culture
From the markets to the fanciest boutiques, fabrics in India are an integral part of the culture. In the markets of the cities of India you can find a great variety of fabrics and qualities. The stalls are filled with fabrics of different colors and materials. Each fabric is unique thanks to the specific manufacturing processes they use. However, in the middle of the different piles, it is sometimes difficult to locate the part that corresponds to us.We should know that the history of textile printing started in India a long time ago. For more than five thousand years, Indian artisans have passed down from generation to generation the secrets of the art of decorating and weaving cotton and silk fabrics . Textile production, therefore, supports hundreds of thousands of people in this country. The fabrics are used for multiple uses, including the making of different garments for women such as sari or churidar or those for men such as lunghi .This long tradition in the textile industry has led them to develop different production techniques. Here we explain some of these techniques that show us the impressive creative variety they have: BatikBatik is a cotton fabric printing technique used in various countries in Asia and West Africa . It is like a kind of textile paint . There are four main steps to creating a batik. The craftsmen first draw the final pattern on the fabric, then apply hot wax to protect certain areas. Then, to apply the colors, they soak the fabric in dye baths. The wax is then removed with an iron or by soaking it in boiling water.The Tie and DyeIt is a traditional Rajasthan textile dyeing technique . The choice and color combinations vary, but there is always a predominance of yellow, orange, red or green. It is a fairly simple technique, it is necessary to tie the fabric in advance to preserve certain parts of the color, then it is dipped in one or more paint baths. The duration of the bath plays with the intensity of the color, and only the parts outside the knot are painted.Dabu (block print)Dabu is a way of printing patterns on fabric using wooden blocks. It is a very widespread technique in Rajasthan. The wood blocks are carefully hand carved by artisans (Chippai), then used to print the patterns on silk or cotton. Dabu is a manual printing technique that is still practiced today.IkatIkat is a dyeing and weaving process . The design is created by first dyeing the weft thread with all the colors that will appear in the final piece with great precision. At the time of weaving, the design elements are created by juxtaposing the parts of the yarn of the appropriate color.ChanderiThis fabric takes its name from its original production center in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India . It is a production group that dates back several centuries and produces fine textured fabrics adorned with silk and cotton. It is a very light and very fragile canvas, decorated with complex patterns, used to make very elegant sarees .MadrasMadras is a brightly colored cloth from the city of Chennai . It is a fabric made of banana , cotton and silk fibers . After Indian immigration to the West Indies, Madras is now associated with the traditional female dress of the West Indies and Guyana.KhadiTraditionally, khadi is a cotton fabric, but it can also be made of wool. For the Indians it is not just a simple piece of cloth, it has a strong sentimental value. Gandhi promoted this fabric to improve India's rural economy in the 20th century during and after independence. The Khadi movement aimed to boycott foreign products and promote Indian products. The fight for freedom centered on the port of Khadi.KalamKari.KalamKari is a traditional South Indian art. It is a cotton canvas painted by hand with vegetable dyes. The cotton fabric is dipped for one hour in a mixture of myrabalam (resin) and cow's milk. Then, using a bamboo point, we draw the outlines and patterns. Then we apply the vegetable dyes gradually, after the application of each color, the Kalamkari is washed off.Therefore, each fabric can undergo up to 20 washes. Different effects are also obtained when using cow manure, seeds, plants or even crushed flowers.
Continue ReadingHow to sew a fabric pencil case
Learn how to sew a pencil case with the fabric you like the most. Perfect for going to class!Store your pencils in a colorful pencil case! You just have to choose the fabric with the color and pattern that you like the most to create your own personalized case.In this tutorial we teach you step by step how to sew a pencil case with your favorite fabric.ToolsPair of scissorsMarker penSewing machineMaterials1 meter of denim35 x 25 cm of patterned fabric3 meters of 30 mm bias tapePinsThreadStep by step go to sew a caseStep 1First you have to overcast the entire outline of the chosen fabric.Step 2Fold the fabric in 1 cm at the 27 cm edges (top and bottom) and iron.Step 3Baste one side of the zipper.Step 4Machine sew the zipper, finishing at the beginning and end.Step 5Baste the other piece of the zipper onto the other end of the fabric (line them up).Step 6Sew with the zipper open.Step 7Close the sides, sew with a 1 cm margin.Step 8Open the fabric into a square and mark 5 cm corners, pinned.Step 9Sew the corners.Step 10Cut off the excess triangles.Step 11Overcast the corners.Step 12Flip the case over, and you're done!
Continue ReadingKeys to choosing the best sofa for your home
The sofa is one of those pieces of furniture in which we spend so much time at home that it is worth thinking about it very well before choosing it. If you've been thinking about changing the sofa in your living room, you're in luck. And today we are going to share with you some of the keys that you must take into account in order to choose the best sofa for your home .The keys to choosing the best sofa modelThe offer of sofas that are in the different catalogs of furniture stores can be so many that they would be enough to overwhelm us. That is why today we review some tips to keep in mind before buying one to save effort and find the model that best suits the needs of your home.Take into account the structure of the sofaWhen buying one of these seats, you will need to look for a model that is capable of withstanding use for many years. To do this, it is good to make sure it has a structure made of solid wood or metal and legs that form part of the structure of the sofa. It is also advisable to have a minimum of five strips parallel to the chassis by five perpendiculars in each of the seats.Choose your upholstery carefullyThe exterior material of the sofa will also play an important role in determining the final decision. The employee is usually the cotton , but may also be practical to opt for materials such as the synthetic fibers . Another option is to use covers if you think your sofa will age poorly due to pets or children. If you prefer to use a cover, be sure to follow the washing instructions so that it does not shrink, for example.Consider the types of sofas you can choose fromYou have to take into account the number of options available to you. Not only in the different models, but also in the different types of sofa that you can find. You may need, for example, a sofa bed to have an additional bedroom, or a sofa with a click-clack system , which can take up less space and make it easier to use. Make sure it fits in with the rest of the roomAnother factor to take into account before purchasing a sofa is the style that the piece follows. If your living room, for example, was decorated in a classic style , the ideal would be to opt for a model with rounded lines, high backs and wide armrests . Similarly, in the case ofa modern style , you will need a sofa with straight lines and low backs .
Continue ReadingPrepare your home office for the return from vacation
Although thinking about going back to work is never a pleasant task, preparing our home office for it can be. Choosing new furniture or refreshing the design of the office can be the only fun thing about the return from vacation. That is why we are going to try to take advantage of that positive point with some ideas and tips to renovate and prepare our home office .Don't skimp on the furnitureFirst things first and to get your home office ready, there are two fundamental elements to choose from: the desk and the chair. It is not good to sting at this point since we will spend many hours using this furniture and it must be comfortable as well as aesthetic.The office chair will have to be ergonomic and adapt well to our body and posture if we do not want to end up with the back as a question mark. It should also fit the size of the area and the desk itself.As for the aforementioned desk , we will look for one that respects our needs. For this we must think about what and how we are going to use it. Perhaps it will have to be for two people, we may need a lot of space for work tools or perhaps what we want is to be adjustable.Make it yoursCustomize your work area at home to make it according to both your tastes and your needs and you will not fail. If we work in an ergonomic place that at the same time makes our eyes happy, we will be more comfortable and even more productive.We can change the handles of the drawers, put our favorite ornaments and plants or add that flexo that we always liked. Follow your own style and keep it tidy so that getting to work gives you a cozy feeling and doesn't become an ordeal.Make organization your mottoAs we mentioned in the previous point, maintaining order is essential to create a healthy work area. To achieve this, one of the keys is to organize the utensils and tools that we use. Store what you don't use daily in drawers and place what you use continuously on open shelves or shelves so you have it on hand and find it quickly.You can also add an organizational panel to your desk where, with magnets or push pins, you can place notes or pending tasks. Now that you have come this far, get yourself an agenda that will help you organize your day to day.Fill it with lightWorking in a dark place is not the same as working in a well-lit one. If you have a window in the room where you have the office area, take advantage of it. Use blinds or curtains that adapt to your climate, being able to make the most of a low light or, on the contrary, cover the light enough so that it does not heat the room.The more natural and less artificial light that illuminates your workday, the better. But when you have no choice but to turn on the light, have auxiliary lights on hand that do not dazzle you while being enough to see without straining your eyes.Ready to prepare your home office after the holidays?
Continue ReadingThe sofa that combines in your living room according to your style
Each living room has its own style and one of the pieces that gives it the most character is the sofa. Many times it acts as a central element and it is no wonder, both because of its size and its importance. Apart from offering us the comfort and capacity that we need in our house, it must also combine with the rest of the decoration and adapt to the style that it follows. As it is a relevant and sometimes complicated decision, we are going to review the types of sofa that best complement some decorative styles.Find the sofa style that best fits your living roomSpacious living room? Take advantage of it with Nordic and Japandi stylesOne of the main features that characterize the Nordic and the japandi is its ability to adapt to any home and pocket thanks to its minimalism. The best conditions under which to use these styles of decoration consist of slightly overloaded rooms with light colors that enhance the entry of light. In order to take advantage of this space, the use of 2 or 3 seater chaise longue or corner sofas is recommended. When choosing the model that best suits these styles, you must ensure that it is made up of light colors and has straight cuts .Farmhouse style for a modern rustic touchBased on the use of a color palette similar to the Nordic one, as well as the use of wood and recovered pieces , the farmhouse style is enhanced by the use of furniture focused on practicality. The sofas that should be used in this type of living room should invite comfort and relaxation rather than thinking about luxury. The classic and wide sofas, covered with fabric in white or beige tones are the ones that will best suit this style inspired by old American farms.An elegant atmosphere in your living room with a modern style decorationThe modern decoration style has some fundamental guidelines among which we find the use of neutral colors, decorative elements such as works of art, simplicity and visual lightness . It is a fairly easy style to combine if we choose simple and elegant pieces, such as leather sofas and mid-century ones .What if my living room and my house are too small?In the event that you have the kitchen integrated into the living room, many times you will have to use medium-sized or two-seater sofas to make the most of the space. But if you distribute the furniture wisely, perhaps you can complement it with an armchair .When the size of your living room is very small or is part of a study, you can use a sofa bed with a click-clack system . Practical and very comfortable, this system allows you to disassemble the furniture in question to take advantage of the space available in the room. With this you will be able to have it or not according to your needs at the moment.Continuing with practicality, sofa beds are also the best option in the event that you do not have space for a guest room .What type of sofa best suits your living room and your style?
Continue ReadingThe biggest advantages of doing reforms at home
Do you know to what extent renovations at home can affect your personal well-being? It is indisputable that your home is your refuge and one of your most precious assets. Therefore, it must be adapted with the necessary comfort so that you can feel comfortable and relaxed, carry out the activities that you like the most and rest from the stress and daily hustle and bustle.In the same way, there is no doubt that doing reforms at home, apart from improving your lifestyle, can positively influence your general well-being in a number of ways. That is why today we are going to review some of the advantages that renovations in your home can bring to your day to day , and even to your health and economy .Advantages of doing reforms at homeThey will help you save energy and money in the long runApart from improving the comfort and aesthetics of your home, this type of works allows the reduction of your energy costs. With good insulation on walls, doors and windows, you will be able to successfully eliminate drafts and other hot or cold leaks. Likewise, you can also improve the energy efficiency of your home by renovating your appliances. You could even consider using solar panels if your building allows it, obtaining renewable energy while saving money.You will be able to revalue your investmentOn the other hand, you will be getting a revaluation of your home in case you want to sell it in the future . If you are thinking of selling your house now or in the near future, a reform, in addition to being more efficient and modern, can also make it much more aesthetically attractive. By updating fixtures, adding a new coat of paint, replacing any old or worn floor tiles, and making a few design changes, you will be increasing the price. Without a doubt, an attractive home, packed with functionality, new heating and air conditioning systems, and extra living space, makes any sale great.You can get the house of your dreamsBut if what you really want is to stay in it forever, the reform will give you the green light to create a home to suit you. If you live in a space that you consider yours and yours, your overall well-being will also improve. It is true that many times we are put back from having to deal with a large project with endless details to take into account, but it is what a renovation on a whim implies .
Continue ReadingHow to clean and maintain the walls of your house without painting
They say that the face is the mirror of the soul. If we apply this popular phrase to the interior of your home, we could say that its walls reflect its real state. Therefore, taking care of them properly is essential. Here we want to tell you what you should do to clean them and keep them in perfect condition for as long as possible, especially if they are smooth.The choice of paintThere are several types of paintings. The most common for the interior of the home are those made with a water base . They stand out for being very easy to apply and for being practically odorless. In addition, they are available in opaque, semi-matt and satin finishes. They can also be found in a wide variety of colors.In any case, what you really should pay attention to is that it is a washable paint. The reason is that, if it is of this type, you will not have to paint every time a stain appears since you can remove it quickly and comfortably. How to clean the walls and make them look like new without the need to paint?Dirt is one of the main enemies of your walls. This tends to accumulate in certain areas, such as around switches or sockets and on top of baseboards. Therefore, it is essential that, at least, you remove the dust from these areas once a week using a duster or similar utensil.But what if a stain appears ? Peace of mind above all else, it is not the end of the world. This is what you must do to remove it:Pour a liter of water into a container.Then add a little soap. You can use a dishwasher.Add a few drops of an essential oil that provides an aroma that you like.Mix everything properly.Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture and gently rub the walls with it. It is important that it is totally clean. If it is new, better.This should be enough to remove almost any stain. However, if it has been embedded in the paint for too long, it may be impossible. If this happens, you must consider other solutions. For example, you can consider installing looms or vinyls on the walls, as well as photographs or paintings . Of course, if you smoothed the walls a short time ago, you probably don't want to drill holes in them with a drill. Do not worry. Today there are several excellent adhesives that will allow you to fix them without having to pierce the surface.There are other decorative whims that can help you. Just in case none of this works, you can consider repainting the walls. It is something that, anyway, should be done once every 3 or 4 years for people who live alone or with a partner or every 1 or 2 years for young children.Your walls always like newIn short, the maintenance of the walls of your home begins the moment you choose the paint you want to apply on it. Then, dusting them once a week and removing stains with soap and water as soon as possible, it won't cost you to make them look radiant. And as a last resort, you can always hide the dirt with accent pieces if you don't feel like repainting.
Continue ReadingThe cushions and their importance for the decoration of a house
When it comes to decorating a home, there are many aspects that come into play. Most landlords and tenants focus primarily on the color of the walls, the type of flooring installed, the furniture, and so on. But what about the little details like the cushions? Well, some people omit its importance; a big mistake, since then the result at the level of interior design will surely leave something to be desired.We are not only referring to providing an ornamental plus to the interior of the house. Also the exterior can benefit from the best decorative result, for example by buying the cushions and covers available at Roopantaran. In fact, in recent times it has become a trend to place cushions on a pallet in the patio or garden as a bench to sit on. It is an economical and youthful option to enjoy our exterior without spending too much time or money, you can even do it yourself.Interior design professionals emphasize the importance that both cushions and covers acquire in the event that they intend to decorate a house well . Is it your goal? Then apply the following tricks to obtain an optimal result in every way.Tips to decorate your home well with cushions and coversChoose a color that matches the restFirst of all, make sure that the tonality of the covers follows the same pattern as the rest of the house. For example, if you have opted for a Nordic style that combines whites and grays, do not acquire a cover that is too striking unless you intend to make it the focus of attention in the room. The cushion can be if you find one that meets your preferences, since the fabric that will cover it later will hide its real tones.Measure the space wellOn the other hand, it is essential to get the measurements right . It is of little use that the color is the right one for your home if the cushion is too small and the structure of the chair, sofa or bench protrudes excessively. The same negative result is obtained otherwise, that is, if you opt for cushions that are very large or the covers do not correspond to the specific measurements.Do not forget the material you preferBefore purchasing the products, take the measurements and make sure that the items purchased will be suitable. On the other hand, if you do it through the Internet and you don't have the opportunity to physically touch them, check what material they are made of. The polyester is a good choice for the exterior, usually offers a good decorative result and has other advantages, such as being hypoallergenic and can get it for a low price. For relaxed and natural interiors, the best choice will be light materials such as linen or cotton .Keep them cleanAt the same time, another fundamental advice that can be summed up in keeping the exterior of the cushion clean cannot be overlooked , regardless of whether or not you have it with a cover, although it is recommended that you do. And it is not for less, since having a cover is enough to remove it and, later, put it in the washing machine along with the other textile elements that you intend to sanitize. In spite of having hit on the color, size and others, everything would be relegated to the background, with a greater or lesser amount of dust, dirt, stains, etc. being appreciated in the whole. Avoiding it is in your hands.For optimal regular cleaning, be sure to check how the type of material in question should be washed. All cushions, as well as their covers, include a label with instructions that will be useful in this regard. Check them before starting the process with the washing machine.Putting into practice all the tips that we have described, you will obtain an outstanding result decorating your home with cushions and their corresponding covers . You will get a cozy effect and styles or in your home that will not go unnoticed neither for you nor for your visits.
Continue ReadingIdeas for creating a breakfast nook in the kitchen
A breakfast nook is that place, usually located in the kitchen or its surroundings, that we use to wake up while we eat to face the day. So put like that, it seems like a big deal. Although we do not all respect that moment of the day even though it seems to us that we are doing wrong; I, without going any further, usually drink coffee in front of the computer, many times writing lines like these.Of course, depending on the home we have, they will be very different (by force) from each other. If we have a large kitchen, the breakfast corner can be called, directly, the dining area. But if our space is limited, this corner should do justice to its name… So today we are going to see some ideas to create an acceptable breakfast area for any house, flat or apartment , because we all have the right to wake up properly.5 ideas for having a breakfast nook in the kitchen (even if it's small)Coffee by the windowWhat better than to look outside while clearing the mind after waking up. That is why placing the breakfast nook by the window is a great idea and, if we have good views, it is almost a must. With a bench under the window we will be able to respect the light that enters through it while framing it.That gap that you have leftAs we said, depending on the size of our home, we will have to be more or less ingenious to create this area. A good place for small flats is to take advantage of the gap that we named in the previous point, the one under the window. We also usually have a corner that we do not take advantage of and it would serve us for a small table. It is very important in these cases to adapt the furniture to the space to make it useful without cluttering it.Tall breakfast nookFor long spaces , it is a good idea to put a bar next to the wall with some high seats. Thus we take advantage of the empty holes in the walls without removing too much width. If we choose furniture such as folding chairs and tables, we can gain even more space in the area.RemovableThe most radical option is to create a breakfast nook that is easy to remove and place, if we really do not have space for it. Apart from the folding furniture, we can use light pieces that we may use for more uses in the living room, for example.A halfway idea would be to leave a small bench next to the table and, as required, add more seats on the spot. It will be an even useful option if you live alone.With a workbenchIf we do have enough space, a bench is perfect for our relaxing breakfast corner. You must have space to place it, but it can also be practical in small places if it has a storage space under the seat. If he is a cornerback, it will also help us to take advantage of those empty areas in the corners. In addition, it is ideal for houses with children.
Continue ReadingHow to choose the curtains and blinds of your house
With the arrival of summer and good weather, the houses become brighter and warmer. However, summer in our country is characterized by high temperatures, so using curtains and blinds is mandatory during the hottest hours of the day . Even if you think that these elements do not fit in your decoration, you can find all kinds of styles in different stores.Despite this, it is normal that at first you feel somewhat lost when choosing curtains and blinds. Therefore, in this post we are going to talk about them to help you find the style that best fits your home. Let's go there!Curtains and blinds: fundamental differencesTo begin with, it is important that you bear in mind that curtains and blinds are not synonymous. As you well know, curtains are pieces made from different fabrics that are hung on a rod that surrounds the upper edge of the window. The fabric used for the curtain differs in each case, being the normal thing to adapt this material to the season of the year in which we find ourselves.On the other hand, the blinds are roll-up pieces that, rather than decorate, are characterized by their simplicity and functionality. These elements are widely used in northern countries and, unlike curtains, hardly take up space, making them perfect for smaller spaces.Usually it is said that curtains are more decorative elements, typical of living rooms or bedrooms, while blinds are functional and discreet. However, in decoration there is no unbreakable rule and some decorators use, fuse or combine both elements in homes, creating dynamic and welcoming spaces.Types of curtains and blinds to decorateNow that you know the fundamental difference between blinds and curtains, it is time to study the possibilities of each room. Before selecting a model, remember that both the blinds and the curtains must match the appearance of the room , both in style and in color range. Therefore, keep in mind the different existing models and inquire into the options of each environment.1. Traditional fabric curtainsThe fabric curtains are the most widespread option in our country. As we have mentioned, they are normally changed in each season, adapting the fabric to the temperatures of each time. For example, in summer it is usual to resort to fresh fabrics, such as linen curtains.2. Japanese panelsJapanese panels are a type of fabric curtains divided into blocks or panels. They are usually located in large windows or terraces, since they protect from the light and heat of the sun without taking up space. Likewise, it is usual to use these panels to separate internal spaces.3. Double curtainAs its name suggests, the double curtain is achieved by placing two fabric curtains together. In most decoration magazines we find this trend due, above all, to the chromatic harmony that it gives off.The normal thing is to use a curtain of bright colors (white, beige, yellow, etc.) on the lower part and superimpose a special colored fabric. These combinations provide comfort and style.4....
Continue ReadingWhat type of lamp do I choose to decorate my house?
We all know how important it is to have good lighting at home, right? The environments can change completely depending on it, so it is an aspect that we must pay close attention to when decorating. For practical reasons, and also for aesthetic reasons, the type of lamp that we choose for each space in our home will have a special relevance in how that space looks in the end. For this reason, today we are going to review the different kinds of luminaires that we can choose to find out which is the most suitable for each corner of the house.Types of lamps to decorate my homeCeiling lampsThe classic ceiling lamp is not by chance and it is an essential element in any home. It helps us to illuminate the rooms from above, which makes the light scatter around the room so that we can see any corner properly. In addition, it is practically impossible not to find one that we like and adapt to our style, since there are them for all tastes and from different materials. From the mythical chandeliers with crystal to the modern pendant lamps made even of wood, these ceiling lights will be the perfect complement to give personality to a room.Recessed lampsFor those who do not want to lose a bit of space, recessed lamps are the best solution. They do not occupy anything neither on the wall nor on the ceiling and offer all the lighting that is needed. They provide a modern and clean touch to spaces and are perfect for minimalist environments that seek practicality.Table lampsWith auxiliary lighting we can give the game we want to every corner of the house. Using small pieces and even without cables, we are able to change the spotlight as many times as we want depending on our needs. And is that every moment of the night or every night of the week can be different ...Wall sconcesWall lights are another perfect way to save space and to illuminate those rooms that require a lot of light, such as the bathroom. We can place them on the sides of the mirror of the sink or the dressing table and achieve a very glamorous dressing room-type atmosphere.Standing lampsAnother great auxiliary piece as useful as it is decorative is the floor lamp. It can be combined with the rest of the lights in the room to obtain a unified style or to achieve the opposite effect by choosing them in a way that contrasts and achieves an eclectic atmosphere. Regardless of the aesthetic we choose, they are always a great help to offer us soft auxiliary lighting, perfect for reading or relaxing in our favorite corner.As we can see, there are multiple types of lamps and varied aesthetics and materials, so it is very easy to find the one that best suits our style. The most complicated thing in reality is to choose only one, that is why we choose to have a variety in each room according to the needs of our day to day.
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