CHROMOHOMES September 2016 Issue

Spaces | Pooja Room

spTahece Design Elements

stoolsaeceke n Many urban dwellers, especially the
younger generation prefer a no-fuss space
There are a lot of things to be kept in mind with clean lines and minimal furniture, and
while designing a pooja room in the house. the same philosophy can be applied to
Let’s take a look on some of the specifications pooja rooms as well.
n A low shelf or counter can provide ad-
related to this divine space equate space for the object to be venerated.
In case of a picture, it can be accommodated
By Chromohomes Bureau in a custom sized niche in the wall.
n For the worshippers, mats on the floor are
W hen it was not possible for a separate abode of gods the best option. In case of an elderly family
in apartments due to paucity of space, it was usually member, a low counter can be built along
a niche in a wall, a shelf in the kitchen or perhaps a one wall, which provides for seating on the
little mandapathat would accommodate all the icons top, and storage below.
and the paraphernalia. But, with an increasing inter- n Instead of curtains, consider using paper
est in spirituality, a space dedicated to the gods is making a comeback in screens or roll down blinds.
many homes across the country. The new avatar trend becomes so very
special when Diwali is around the corner. Design Palette

Not only builders these days accommodate spaces for bedrooms, kitch- n In most cases, an ethnic palette is a way to
en, store room, balconies, toilets and bathroom, but they dedicate a special go. While keeping the walls white or pastel,
space for pooja room in their basic architecture plan as well. Even the use splashes of colour to liven up the space.
particularity of pooja room in the house is not confined to old or elderly n Wooden furniture and shelves can be
people, but young residents also like to have pooja room in their house. treated with rich dark brown polish to
enhance the natural texture; while chattai-
There are a lot of things to be kept in mind while designing this special sand mats of cane contrast well with bright
room in the house. Let’s take a look on some of the specifications related borders.
to this divine space.
Accessories

n Diyas are available in a variety of holders
– from clay ones to those with sleek metal
finishes. A long row of diyascan highlight
the space, as can those that are contained in
metal holders, suspended from the ceiling.
n While not going overboard with the floral
decorations, consider a chain of a single type
of flower, highlighted by a few flowers of a
contrasting shape, size and colour.
n Water elements in pooja rooms, in the
form of a long shallow tray, dotted with
floating diyas and flower petals radiate a
soothing effect.

september 2016 w chromohomes 49

Spaces | Pooja Room

Location

According to vastushastra, the pooja room
should preferably be in the north-east corner
of the house with idols and deities not facing
south and the person offering prayers facing
either east or west. It may not always pos-
sible in apartment complexes to have north-
east corner, people have to go for the east or
north as the second choice for pooja room. In
any case, pooja room in north quadrant pro-
vides good results. Avoid other directions if
possible.

Some prefer the pooja room to be positioned
as the metaphorical guardian of the house, while
others prefer to locate it in the more private ar-
eas of the house. The prayer space should never
be inside your bedroom. It should not be either
made above, below or next to toilet or kitchen.
It should be on ground floor, not on first floor or
in basement. Avoid pooja room under the stairs.
Special prayers or holy rituals can be performed
in ‘Brahmasthana’ (centre of the house).

Structuring

Ensure adequate windows in the pooja room
to allow bright sunshine to filter in. It’s neces-
sary to provide for a door, or at least a screen,

50 chromohomes w september 2016

Spaces | Pooja Room

urban dwellers
prefer a no-fuss
space with clean
lines and minimal
furniture, and the
same philosophy
can be applied to
pooja room as well.

in order to block off the space when need-
ed. Doors and windows of the pooja room
should either be in north or east. Doors of
this special room should have two shutters
and they should not have any door closer.

While keeping in mind the direction in
which the idols may have to face, try to posi-
tion them in a way that they are not directly
visible from outside. A slight bend or turn
upon entering the pooja room ensures a little
time lag between the pressures of daily life
and the space to seek solace. While it may
seem trivial, it helps in calming the mind be-
fore praying or meditating.

Design Principle

The fundamental principle that would drive
the design of a pooja room would be your
outlook to religion and spirituality. There are
some who follow the traditional system of
ghar-devtasthat are handed down from gen-
eration to generation; while others prefer a
simple icon or idol that would represent the
entire contingent of devis and devtas. There
are yet others who follow spiritual gurus,
and thus require a space that is customised to
their form of worship.

september 2016 w chromohomes 51

Spaces | Living Area
52 chromohomes w september 2016

Spaces | Living Area

brightAll things With little attention to
beau&tiful smallelementsofyour
space, you can transform
your living room into
bright cosy haven where
you can rejuvenate after
a hectic day

By Rukhsar Moeen

If your living room is dark and has
rather drab atmosphere, it will give a
dull and claustrophobic appearance.
With little attention to small elements
of your space, you can transform
your room into bright cosy haven where you
can rejuvenate after a hectic day. Although
you cannot change the shape and size of the
room, some clever tips can lend your room a
peaceful vibe. Here we have come up with
some tips that will help you unfurl your liv-
ing room into light and airy space.

Eliminate all the clutter Flooring the perfect look. Leaving enough space to
roam around freely is also important to make
Start off with eliminating all the waste and Needless to mention that a bright and cosy your living room look spacious, open and
clutter from your living room. Keep the living area relates to white and clear floor- airy. You may also opt to cover your existing
things off the floor and well maintain the ing. There couldn’t be anything better than furniture pieces with light fabrics or cotton
space by placing all the objects at their prop- white flooring. White marble floor or white slipcovers for a more elegant look.
er places. Centre table, side tables and stools tiles just add the perfect look to the space
need to be cleared off of all the mess. More- and enhances the natural light as well. On Proper lighting
over, do not display all your possessions in the other hand, wooden flooring makes a
living room itself, instead feature few items room look bigger. Adding a rug and carpet A well-lit space changes the entire ambience
to give a more simple, clean and sophisti- complementing your walls and furniture will and look of the room. Good living room
cated look. further brighten up the area. lighting uses different kinds of illumination
set at different levels to make it look more
Colour Furnishings bright and open. Low level table lamps and
floor lamps help to create a cosy atmosphere.
Colour scheme can simply set the tone of If your space is small and compact, you need Whereas, if you are more into reading, you
your living room. Think about a feature wall, to size your furnishings accordingly. If you may opt for reading lights as well. Stylish
go for different colour combinations and want to give your room an open and airy ap- chandeliers, ceiling lights and wall mounted
get as creative as you want. Going for light pearance, don’t overwhelm the space with fixtures will add more interest and sparkle to
colours like white walls is a secret tip which too many furniture pieces. Using simple your living room.
will always give your space a fresh and clean and plush furniture would give your space
feel. If you don’t want to go completely
white, add a focus wall with a bright colour.
You may go for painting the walls in warm
sand or cream colour. For a more whimsi-
cal look, you may consider pale lavender or
pink colour. You may also use light base wall
papers for a more glowing look.

september 2016 w chromohomes 53

Legal
54 chromohomes w sEPTEMBER 2016

Legal

7 easy checks

before buying a home

Buying a home for the first time can seem like a daunting task. Here are some of the must-
check legal aspects through which one can ensure a safe and secure transaction of property

By Kunal Madan

1 INSIST ON SEEING
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

In order to protect yourself from becoming the victim of
fraudulence, it is essential to check the original documents
as there’s a lot of scope for foul play with photocopies.
So, never settle for photocopies, no matter what the ex-
cuse the other party gives. The documents that need
to be checked are Sale Deed, Mother Deed, approval
plan of building, Title Deed, Property Assessment
Extract, Property PID number, city/panchayat survey
sketch, up-to date tax receipt, earlier sanction plans,
drawings of the property, Demand Drafts, foundation
certificate and land use certificate.

2 THOROUGHLY CHECK THE
POSSESSION OF PROPERTY

Possession plays a major role in checking legal as-
pect of any property. Even at the time of taking final
possession, many discrepancies can be there. Final
handover of apartment could differ from what was dis-
played. At that time, one can accept the house or even re-
fuse it. Legal recourse is also available. Recently, consumer
courts and other forums have announced decisions in favour of
home buyers.

3 CHECK OWNERSHIP at the sub-registrar’s office, as it will contain the owner’s name if
OF THE PROPERTY there is pending suit. Hire a good lawyer if required. He will do the
research and get back to you with the pending litigation.
Visit authorities like DDA, MCD, etc. to make sure about the
ownership of property. Check whether the party has General Power 6 CONDUCT A DUE DILIGENCE AT
of Attorney (GPA) or Conveyance Deed. A Conveyance Deed means THE SUB REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
the party has absolute powers to execute the sale. If it is a GPA, it has
limited rights. Read the document carefully to know whether they Check for book number, volume number, registration number
have the rights to sell or lease. and page number for any registered deed with regarding their
ownership.
4 VERIFY ORIGINAL STAMP
OF SUB REGISTRAR 7 CHECK IF THERE IS AN EXISTING
LOAN ON THE PROPERTY
Fake documentation is a usual sight in the real estate world. There-
fore this is critical to authenticate the documents. One must check all Go through the statement of accounts/income tax returns or accounts.
documents as well as stamps before going further with the deal. If there is a loan, it will show up.

5 CHECK PENDING LITIGATION (The author is solicitor & advocate, KMA Law Firm)
OF PROPERTY

Mortgaged properties are the other things you need to watch out for.
To check for pending litigation, go through the lis pendens registry

SEPTEMBER 2016 w chromohomes 55

Vastu

By Dr. Khushdeep Bansal

Do you sometimes wonder why,
despites all your hard work and
positive intentions, you could
not achieve your goal? Or, have
you sometimes wished that your
future should be full of colours, happiness and
joy. Many of you would not know that most of
these things that happen in your life get directly
influenced by the colours that are around you.
Happier colours at home ensure that you are
fundamentally happy and bring all those chang-
es in life that can bring joy and happiness. On
the contrary, if the colours are unhappy, they do
not contribute towards your happiness; instead
pull you away from it.

So, how do you ensure that the colours at
your home are positively charged and remain
cheerful? As per the ancient doctrine on vas-
tushastra, the universe is made up of five ba-
sic elements and all colours are primarily the
shades of the colours of these elements.

56 chromohomes w september 2016

Vastu

Evhdearissypicotossliotoiwounnr

Before changing the colour palette of your house, it is
recommended that you should properly learn the

significance of various colours as per the vastu shastra

september 2016 w chromohomes 57

Vastu

colours too
have moods
that change
in accordance
to the direction
these colours
are placed in.

When the colours at home are in sync, and at
peace, with the predefined (as in vastushastra)
locations of these elements, then they remain
bright, happy and cheerful, and hence emanate
positivity that promises the best life.

According to the vastushastra, life can see
many obstacles – personal and professionals
problems – if colours are not properly placed
or arranged in our environment, in the way the
universe wants them to be. The universe has
designated a specific place in a specific direc-
tion for each and every element, and colours
are included in them. When each colour is in its
place and is not in conflict with others, it ema-

58 chromohomes w september 2016

Vastu

nates a positive, happy and blissful energy that dispels loneliness; similarly, green becomes a
brings cheer in one’s life. healer in north of north-eastvastuzone.

Apart from their designated places, each Green, blue, and bluish-green in the house can
colour has its own characteristics and these stimulate the brain and have power to inspire pos-
characteristics have a direct impact on people itive thinking and creativity through fun. When
who are in close proximity to these colours. used in east of north-east vastuzone, such colours
Every colour creates an atmosphere that di- help in refreshing your mind and soul.
rectly influences the life of an individual living
or working in its proximity. Also, colours, too, Likewise, shades of green and yellow at
have moods that change in accordance to the home create a sense of being at peace and well-
direction these colours are placed in. For in- being in life. As per documented vastu observa-
stance, green – in the form of furniture, furnish- tions of certified experts, when green colour is
ing, other movable objects or even the paint of used in east coupled with yellow in south-west,
the walls – in east along with yellow in West it fosters interesting and open conversations be-
tween family and friends, and can dispel loneli-
ness and depression.

Grey, which is warm and gentle, when ap-
plied in west of south-west vastuzone of the
house, it promotes creativity and practise of
knowledge. Some tones of blue suggest com-
munication and trust, and particularly in West
direction, it leads to creative performance in
career. A few lighter shades of red also appear
in the intellectual category, as they facilitate op-
timal performance from a relaxed mind.

Red, pink, purple and less intense shades of
orange are often regarded as colours of love.
When applied in small proportion in north of
north-west, in the bedroom shared by a couple,
it ignites a spark in their relationship, ensuring
the peaceful married life.

But yes, before actually going ahead and
changing the colour palette of your house or
office, it is recommended that you should prop-
erly learn significance of colours as per vas-
tushastraor seek an expert’s advice.

(The author is a renowned
vastu expert & founder of MahaVastu)

september 2016 w chromohomes 59

Market Place | Decoration

ALSORG DIVIANA Road, Andheri (E),
SF 1 to 5, MGF Mega City Mall, 344, Pandav Nagar, BS Road, Industrial Mumbai-400093
Gurgaon-122001, www.alsorg .com Area, Ghaziabad-201002 HASTENS BEDS & MATTRESSES
ANTONIOLUPI ELAN South Court Mall, Saket,
D-5, First Floor, Defence Colony, 202, Akash Deep Building, 26, Barakhamba New Delhi-110017
New Delhi-110024 Road, Connaught Place. New Delhi-110001 HOME ET TU
APARTMENT 9 EMERY STUDIO PRESENTS BERNADAUD, 108-109 Ground Floor, The Gallery at MG,
118, Ground Floor, JP House, SAINT-LOUIS&CHRISTOFLE MG Road, New Delhi-110030
Shahpur Jat, New Delhi-110049 12, Shakuntala Farms, MG Road. HOUSE OF HEIRLOOM
ARTI SONDHI LIVING New Delhi-110030 47 Capital Trust House, New Friends Colony,
C 563, First Floor, New Friends Colony, EXIBIT-D BY GAUTAM DHAWAN New Delhi
New Delhi-110025 D-352, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024 www.houseofheirloom.com
ARTTD’INOX FORMUS IDUS
Jindal Center 12, Bhikaji Cama Place, MG Road, Ghitorni Pillar 111, New Delhi 10/57 Industrial Area, Kirti Nagar,
New Delhi-110066 www.madebyformus.com New Delhi-110015
ASIAN PAINTS ROYALE PLAY HAFELE INDIA IN LIVING
6A, Shantinagar (E) Mumbai-400055 No. 3, Building“A”BETA, I-Think Techno Cam- IHDP Business Park, Plot No. 7,
BAAROQ DESIGNS pus, Off JVLR, Opp Kanjurmarg Station, Sector 127,Noida-201301
Empire Apartments, Pillar No 12B, Kanjurmarg (E), Mumbai-400042 INV HOME
Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, New Delhi HARDWARE RENAISSANCE Plot 577, Sector-37, Pace City-2,
BABY SELECT F11/12, WICEL, Opp Seepz Main Gate Central Gurgaon-122001
E 144/4, Hari Nagar Ashram, New Delhi
BATHLINE SENSATIONS
A-232, Okhla Phase-I, Main Road,
New Delhi-110020
BEYOND DESIGNS
D-18, LGF Defence Colony,
New Delhi-110024
BHARAT FLOORINGS & TILES
32, Mumbai Samachar Marg,
Ground Floor, next to Stock Exchange,
Fort, Mumbai-400023
BIRD FIREPLACES
M-45, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 11,
New Delhi-1110048
CONTEMPO INTERIORS
A-200,Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi-110020
COTTONS & SATINS BY MALA
Shop 5D, Mehar Chand Market, Lodhi Road
Colony, New Delhi-110003
DESIGNER STUDIO COLLECTIBLES
9/11, Ground Floor, Vasudhara Bldg,
5, Bhulabhai Desai Road,
Mumbai-400026
DEVON&DEVON
D-5, First Floor, Defence Colony,
New Delhi-110024
DIFFERNITURE
W-4D/4 Sainik Farms, New Delhi-110062
60 chromohomes w september 2016

Market Place | Decoration

IVANKA LUMIERE MAISON.15 PEEK-A-BOO PATTERNS
Shop No. 1, Centrum Plaza Mall, MG Road, 15, Santushti Shopping Complex, 1st Floor, Phoenix Market, City Mail,
Near Sultanpur Metro Station, Race Course Road, New Delhi-110003 Vellachery, Chennai
Opp. Pillar No. 16B, New Delhi-110030 MARBLE CITY PEPPERFRY
IVY CONCEPTS 156-A, Chatturpur Mandir Main Road, Trendsutra Client Services Pvt Ltd,
A-13, FIEE,Okhla Industrial Area, Opp. Mapple Exotica Hotel, Vatika Business Park, Block 1,
Phase 11, New Delhi, www.ivyconcepts.in. New Delhi-110074 Second Floor, Sector 49, Sohna Road,
JEWELCRAFTZ NATUZZI ITALIA Gurgaon-122018
420 & 431 EPIP, HSIIDC Industrial Area Suite 4, IInd Floor, Block B, QAALEEN
Kundli, District Sonipat, Haryana-131028 Vatika First India Place, MG Road, Plot # 4,Ground Floor,
K2INDIA – SUNITA KOHLI Susant Lok-1, Gurgaon-122002, Opp. Metro Pillar 117,
AND KOHLIKA KOHLI Ghitorni, MG Road,
F-213/D, 1st Floor,Old MB Road, Lado Sarai, NILAYA BY ASIAN PAINTS New Delhi-110030
New Delhi-110030 Asian Paints Ltd., 6AS Shantinagar, RATIONAL KITCHENS BY CJ LIVING
KAYU INTERIORS Santacruz (E), Mumbai-400055 CJ Living, F 1/1, Okhla Phase 1,
3/27, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi-110021. OBEETEE New Delhi-110020
KNOCK ON WOOD Bisunderpur, Civil Lines, Post Box No. 4 www.cjliving.in
L-1/18, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi-110016 Mirzapur-231001 RED BLUE & YELLOW
LINES www.obeetee.com G-11, Laxmi Woollen Estate,
A1/19, Safdarjung Enclave, ODYSSEY Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai
New Delhi-110029 A-106, Sector-5, RR DÉCOR
Noida-201301 X-21, Okhla Industrial Area,

September 2016 w chromohomes 61

Market Place | Decoration Phase 2, New Delhi-110020
62 chromohomes w september 2016 SARITA HANDA
85, Udyog Vihar, Phase 1, Gurgaon-122016
SCARLET SPLENDOUR
9B Wood Street, Kolkata-700016
SEASONS
D-5, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024
SICIS
D-5 Defence Colony, New Delhi-110024
SIXINCH DESIGN
Farmhouse 4 Deramod, Fatehpurberi
Chattarpur, New Delhi-110074
SQUARE INCH
201, Nirman Kendra, Off Dr E Moses Road,
Famous Studio Lane, Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai-400011
 
STONEX INDIA
WZ 29, Mansarover Garden, New Delhi-15
STROIKA
12/1 WHS, Block-2, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi-15
SUNIL SETHI DESIGN ALLIANCE
209, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase 3,
Near Modi Flour Mill, Okhla, New Delhi-110020
THE CHARCOAL PROJECT
Unit 1, D Mall, Off Veera Desai Road,
Andheri (W), Mumbai-400058
THE PURE CONCEPT
GM Syntex Pvt. Ltd., Dhana Processor
Compound, Vazir Glass Lane,
J B Nagar, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400059
VENTURA INTERNATIONAL
1/120, W.H.S. Kirti Nagar, New Delhi-110015
VIBHOR SOGANI
Silver Oak Farms, Ghitorni, New Delhi
WARISAM
211, Rectangle 1 Saket, New Delhi-110017
WINDOWS PASSIONS
348-D, Second Floor, Sultanpur,
MG Road, New Delhi-110030
WOODTECH INSIGNIA BY ASIAN PAINTS
6A, Shantinagar, Santa cruz (E),
Mumbai-400055
ZYNNA
S 56/20, DLF Phase 3, Gurgaon-122002

Market Place | design

ALEX DAVIS Saket, New Delhi-110017 PIXELTEK
A-94B, Floor-III, Lajpat Nagar-II, HIVE HOME Pixeltek Gaming Solutions Pvt Ltd, 2nd Floor,
New Delhi-110024 L6 Basement, Prime Mail. Aban House, 25/31, Ropewalk Lane, Behind
ANANTAYA, AKFD Society Lane, Iria, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai Ryhthm House, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai-400023
B-6/A1, Prithviraj Road, C-Scheme, HOUZIFY PORTSIDE CAFÉ BY BOBBY AGGARWAL
Jaipur-302001 House No 111, 2nd Cross Road. Furniture Studio, F 301 Lado Sarai,
ATMOSPHERE FURNISHINGS 4th Main Road, Bangalore-560075 (Ch.Prem Singh Comp), New Delhi-110030
10/24 Kumara Krupa Road High ISTITUTO MARANGONI PURPLE CURTAIN
Grounds, Bangalore-560001 301, Anand Center, 105 Dr. Ambedker Road N-145, Southcity-1, Gurgaon-122002
BANDUKSMITH Bandra(W). Mumbai-400050 RAT[LAB] INTERIORS
905 Supath Tower, Above ABC Medical, KLOVE A-94B, Floor-III, Lajpat Nagar-II,
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad-380009 J2 Green Park (Main) New Delhi-110016 New Delhi-110024
CLAYMEN
24 Hauz Khas Village, 1st Floor, LIMON SECONDFLOORSTUDIOBYPUNEETJASUJA
New Delhi-110016 1/29C Shanti Niketan, New Delhi-110021 417-418 Shahpur Jat, New Delhi-110049
COBALT DESIGNS MOTHER GONE MAD DESIGN STUDIO STUDIO WOOD
www.cobaltdesigns.in #7, N 118 Panchsheel Park, New Delhi-110017 138/2/9 Kishangarh, Vasant Kunj,
DESIGN CLINIC INDIA New Delhi-110070
24, Gujarat Vihar ,Vikas Marg,
New Delhi-110092 MUKUL GOYAL SUSHANT SCHOOL OF DESIGN
DESIGN CONCEPT Designwise India Pvt Ltd, Plot 400, Sector 37, Ansal University, Sector 55, Golf Course Road,
A-1, Western Marg, Said-ul-ajaib, Pace City 2, Gurgaon-122001 Gurgaon-122003
New Delhi-110017
HIDDEN GALLERY NO-MAD 97% INDIA 3DF
J-52, Ground Floor, 1/1 Kothari House, 5/7 Oak Lane, K-36 Lajpat Nagar-2, New Delhi-110024
Fort, Mumbai-400001 ZUFOLO DESIGNS
PEARL ACADEMY 42-DDA Local Shopping, Centre E-Block,
21/13, Naraina Industrial Area, Vikaspuri, New Delhi-110018
Phase II, New Delhi-110028

september 2016 w chromohomes 63

selfie | Meghna Mirchandani

“My designs are both
contemporary and classy”

Hi, this is
Meghna Mirchandani

Status
Interior designer

Mindset
Free and independent

Background
Born and brought up in Delhi.
A convent school passout
Being groomed in a business
family whose forte is interiors,
I grew up with a creative
influence. Although I started a
successful career in marketing,
I got back to interior designing
in 2005 and started off by
freelancing projects.

Establishment
I’m running a structured busi-
ness ‘Dimensions’ since 2005,
where I have a team which
undertakes turn-key projects
for homes, offices, institutions,
restaurants etc. My designs are
contemporary and classy and
are customised according to
the customers need
and comfort.

What I keep in mind
Client brief and accordingly
design a space which is aes-
thetically beautiful and practi-
cal and also easy to maintain.

What keeps me going
Creative high and client
satisfaction

Living spaces
A space speaks volumes of the
character of the owner; a home
is a style statement of those
who resides in it... it’s their
style and character.

I look forward to
More projects and interesting
projects where I design with
a free hand and outdo client
expectations.

Post your likes on: www.facebook.com/chromohomes

64 chromohomes w September 2016