The weathered shabby chic look for your home

The 'weathered look' is in this season. Check out any new restaurant or a club and you'll see the grungy, garage look or the so called ‘warehouse’ look that has suddenly become stylish.

The places are generally loaded with loaded with metal and wood furniture, stone flooring and brick walls. There will be the unfinished look in terms of half done paint job, pipes overhanging and a general rusty feeling of a closed factory that's become the new cool hangout for youngsters. The interior design experts of the world are calling this rise of the shabby chic.

Following in the footsteps of the commercial are homeowners who are bringing this grunge look into their homes. The idea is to reduce and re-use, and make the living space look 'cool'. Imagine factory lighting, old ship's lanterns, station clocks... steel chairs gone a bit rusty and worn out. The idea is not to hide the building materials but to show them in all their glory. So, you have exposed pipes, bare ceiling with visible iron rods, wooden tables and metal chairs, brick finishing, tin roofs, metal furniture, steel glasses etc...

Industrial design is generally in neutral tones and showcases utilitarian objects. If turning your entire home seems a bit too much, then try to turn around a corner of your house with this vintage look. The most surprising part of this décor is that while you may think that ‘warehouse look’ will be cold and utilitarian, but it's actually quite the opposite - warm and vivacious.

So how do you go about getting this look at home ...

Try old metal pots inside rooms, these instantly spell the warehouse vibe to a corner or room at your home.

Get a vintage ceramic or metal pitcher for your bar. Add a metal jug or a decorative vase and put some flowers.

A few rustic metal stools, with a weathered look can appear quite stylish. Also old worn out trunks or dressers work really well, you can even use you basic wooden centre table and sandpaper it to get the weathered look

Feng Shui for Bathroom

Traditionally in Feng Shui bathrooms are considered negative places. Part of the reason is that bathrooms generally tended to be out houses not like the beautiful spa like bathrooms common today. Other reason is that energy gets drained from pipes and drains, since Feng Shui is basically study of flow of energy, this is a negative thing. However, nowadays bathrooms are as much a style statement as a living room, and everyone tries to keep them beautiful and functional.

So here we bring you some tips for the bathroom.

Plug the Drains and Keep the Toilet Lid Closed

Plug all the drains of the shower and keep the toilet lid closed to stop the energy from draining away. You can try plastic drain covers. We understand that when you have children it is easier said than done, but everyone can be trained!

Add the Earth Element

Bathrooms have an excessive of the water element, one of the five elements of Feng Shui. To counter balance this you need to bring in the earth element, this can be done by painting the walls in shades of gold, yellows and taupe.

Hang a Crystal from the Ceiling

Crystals are considered the Feng Shui aspirin and are used whenever there is something that could potentially be out of balance in the home. Hanging a Feng Shui crystal about 9′ from the center of the ceiling will keep the chi flowing upwards rather than sucking it down into the drains.

Clear Clutter and Organize

This is perpetual theme in Feng Shui, whichever room it maybe, clear it out clutter and get it organized to promote better movement of energy. Once it is organized you can add attractive and functional things like pretty soap dispensers, tooth brush holders etc.

Freshen It Up!

Buy good quality plush towel sets and matching rugs to create an aesthetic and balanced looks for this important space.

Ultimate hacks to sort your kitchen

Kitchens are one of the most important places in a home, all conversations at home generally tend to happen around dinner, and kitchen is pivotal to that. For a kitchen to be a place of warmth and comfort, it needs to be clutter free, open and spacious. However in our overcrowded urban cities this seems to be difficult. So, here we bring you some useful hacks to make your kitchen more sorted.

Put those shower caps to a creative use

Cover leftovers (in the dish) with a fresh shower cap to protect your food from bugs and other unwanted particles. Also, these caps are reusable and easier to use than aluminum foils or cling sheets.

Label your containers

While this might seems tedious and irrelevant, but, believe me, it is far easier to get things done if everything is properly labeled. Also, you will not be bugged by your family in case one of them is cooking in your absence. You can even make a décor statement, by creating funky chalkboard labels etc.

Prevent clogs in kitchen sink

To prevent clogs from forming in your kitchen sink, make sure to periodically pour boiling water down the drain. This will ensure that the oils in food products run down the drain.

Make your kitchen odor free

A foul-smelling kitchen can make you lose your appetite. Vanilla extract can help you keep the foul odor in your kitchen at bay. Put two caps of vanilla extract into an oven proof dish and then place it in your oven for an hour at 300 degrees. The smell will spread and fade away the foul odors.

Create Partitions in your kitchen drawers

Sort out your big kitchen drawers by partitioning them. Just measure out cardboard strips horizontally or lengthwise to fit snugly along the wall of the drawers, creating partitions to sort your dishes. You don’t need to buy cardboard, you can just use old cartons or books covers etc.

WTC Noida- an opportunity to associate with a global brand

Headquartered in New York, World Trade Center is a global network of office complexes that that has linked around 330 cities in 100 countries across the world. Managed and regulated by renowned World Trade Center Association or WTCA, the organization was established with the aim of establishing a communication network between regional and international organizations. The foundation has now entered Greater Noida. Greater Noida has been on the radar for realty developers because of its pleasant surroundings, connectivity and well developed infrastructure. A lot of big IT firms as well automobile and others have established their offices in Greater Noida.

Greater Noida has become a hub for commercial and residentialdevelopment. There are a number of reasons for this, first and foremost being excellent infrastructure, with a number of well planned, wide roads, hospitals, educational institutions, and commercial sectors. Secondly, it provides great connectivity to Noida, South Delhi etc. Thirdly, it is a great investment opportunity, with increasing demand for both rental and commercial spaces here; the return of investments is bound to grow by leaps and bounds.

WTC is designed as a contemporary business center that has many facilities on offer to help businesses grow and expand. Apart from outstanding design and strong structure, this new age business center Hi-tech communication features including WI-FI internet service, intercom, video conferencing and audio-visual aid making it a world class business center. Additionally, the complex offers a wide range of high-end facilities, like wide parking area, 24X7 water supply, complete power backup, recreational center, quality maintenance, medical desk, conference room etc. all of which are necessary elements in the daily functioning and expansion of a business. Also, with WTC you are assured of higher rents, faster sales, longer leases and higher occupancy, making them not only the most preferred business hubs, but a lucrative investment destination as well.

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Ivy Estate- Where Every Moment is Enjoyable

Ivy Estate, an integrated township project by Kolte Patil is one of the rare projects where community living is reality instead of a glossy magazine picture. Located at one of the hottest locations in Pune-Wagholi, Ivy Estate Pune brings to you the feeling of living in a cohesive unit. 

In earlier times, all of us remember visiting our neighbors regularly and spending time with them. Whether it was a big festival or a cricket match, the entire community enjoyed it as one big family, where the elders would meet and greet and bring scrumptious food and the younger ones would have a blast. As time has passed, most of us don’t even know the names of our neighbors, let alone meet or spend time with them. With increase in technology and urbanization we have forgotten what living in a community means.

However, at Ivy Estate, this is precisely what is going to impress and involve you. The overwhelming sense of living in a large family, with over 1600 families living here, you are sure to find people of your sort. With a bunch of community activities like skating, martial arts and learning football, dance, music designed specially to involve children, Ivy Estate has ensured that kids also understand what a healthy and active lifestyle is. And assured of their safety and security, the mothers are also enjoying their time meeting and talking.

The number of recreational facilities at the Ivy Estate in wagholi  will ensure that you get to spend a lot of time with your family. Whether it is enjoying some quality time at the pool, playing indoor & outdoor sports with your kids, and or spending time with your elders meditating and practicing yoga, this place has something for everyone. At Ivy Estate, every minute of free time will be transformed into moments of fun, creating memories just like a well-connected community does.

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Ways to jazz up that apartment balcony

Balconies are all that seem to be left to us in the urban concrete jungles that are our cities; very few have the luxury of gardens and courtyards. These small hanging spaces seem to be our only refuge as a window to the world, from where we gaze out to catch views of the city, or see the rare star in the skies.

Considering how important balconies have become, we came up with few creative ideas to jazz up this tiny space. Read on to know more.

Wall Gardens or vertical gardens- We covered vertical gardens in one of our previous posts as a new emerging trend for nature lovers where is space is crunch. While vertical gardens are somewhat expensive they do add depth to your drab little space. You just need to figure out plants according to the sunlight that you receive and an irrigation system.

Smart furniture work- If you have a little bit of space, then invest in good quality furniture that is light, portable and weather resistant. If you are using the balcony for lazing around then it is great idea to get ottomans or bean bags. You can even get a hammock or cane swing to add an element of fun.

Investing on basics- If you are intent on using this space then it makes sense to invest in basics like getting glass railings instead of metal or marble ones, as they add a touch of elegance while being low maintenance. Colors mirroring natures like greens, yellows and oranges look great in balcony.

Trendy décor- To make any space sing you need a few key décor items that bring the space alive. These need not necessarily be expensive; you just need a bit of aesthetic sense. Major décor elements that make a difference are lighting and upholstery, get interesting lighting fixtures like fairy lights, lanterns and small led candles to add beauty and festivity. Get rugs and cushions in sturdy fabrics and bright colors which won’t get spoiled due to the weather. 

Premium homes at Lodha Palava Golflinks

Lodha Palava City GolfLinks is the brand new tower residential tower in the well known Palava City residential complex by the very well-known Lodha Group. The group established in 1980 has achieved the distinction of being one of the most renowned real estate developers in India. Due their constant emphasis on innovation, engineering and customer centricity the group has won the trust of its customers. The premium project is located at Dombivli, one of the most rapidly growing areas in the city. Spread across an area of 50 acres the project has 196 units of 2BHK, 3BHK and 4BHK apartments and villas in totality and is surrounded by beautiful settings that are sure to captivate and charm residents and give them an absolute sense of peace. Designed to offer its resident the most premium of living spaces, the homes at Palava Golflinks are very carefully planned.

Located at a very strategic area of Dombivli East Lodha Palava Golflinks enjoys the exclusivity of being the only residences on a golf course in MMR. The location of the project allows it to have brilliant connectivity to various parts of the city. The project is in close proximity to Thane as well as major corporate hubs like DAKC, Siemens, MIDC and Capgemini.

The biggest attraction of this project lies in the fact that resident enjoy the view of beautiful, undulating greens of a Gold course. As it is generally understood in real estate market a Golf course property is considered premium and is valued anywhere between 25 to 80% higher than other properties. This means that while residents enjoy the lives of luxury, they are also gaining a lot on their investment. As this is a permanent feature, the beauty and value will only increase with time.

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Lodha Palava Exotica- Welcome to a happy, modern life

Lodha Group has come up with new towers in their residential project Palava City, named exotica the project is a residential tower comprising of 2BHK apartments. The project located at one of the upcoming locations of Mumbai- Dombivli, is expected to give residents the access to a efficient and contemporary lifestyle as Lodha Palava is touted to be the first real smart City in India fulfilling dreams of people by giving them a comfortable life.

Dombivili east is an emerging neighborhood in Mumbai and is gaining popularity in terms of the number of residential developments taking place here. Dombivli is a relatively affordable locality. In Mumbai this is a very important factor as people are realizing that buying property has become a distant dream due to the skyrocketing prices. Dombivli is close to the developing industrial belt, which in future is going to generate huge number of jobs and consequently going to drive the demand for quality housing.  Another important factor forDombivli’s popularity is that it has a well developed social infrastructure with a wide variety of schools, hospitals, and malls etc making things of necessity easily accessible to individuals.

Lodha Palava Exotica comprises of 2 BHK apartments that are spacious and well designed, all apartments are well ventilated allowing air flow and sunlight into the homes. The complex has wide variety of facilities like a Swimming pool, well-equipped gymnasium, multipurpose hall, library and landscaped garden with children’s play area, library, cafeteria and even a temple. All these features have been included in the project to give the residents a comfortable and happy lifestyle with lots of avenues for recreation.

Lodha Developers are a well know and reputed developers, recognized as a pioneering and technologically advanced company, over the last 3 decades they have been one of the leaders in the real estate industry in India. The company has maintained its focus on developing first-class residential, commercial, retail, integrated townships, gated communities and redevelopment projects chiefly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) & Pune, Hyderabad & Bangalore.

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Steps to make your city greener

In the throes of the monsoon, it is hard to remember the sweltering heat of the summers. However, this summer we touched record temperatures all over the country. So, probably it is time now that we start contributing in our own small way to make the earth a greener space.

House Plants Ho- Do not underestimate plants at your home, these plants can decrease the level of Co2 in your home to a considerable extent. Having small kitchen garden of herbs in balcony give you the benefit of fresh herbs, greenery and beauty.

Terrace Gardens- With more and more property development, lawns and gardens seem like a distant dream. However, there is nothing stopping you from having a terrace garden.

Ventilate away- Open your doors and windows for at least an hour every day, this will allow your home to get fresh air and get cross ventilated cooling it considerably.

Reduce usage of electrical appliances- Appliances like microwaves, induction cook tops, washing machines and dryers consume huge amounts of electricity. Limit your dependence on them. Instead, use alternate methods of cooking. Heat your food on the gas stove, instead of heating it in the microwave. Rely on sunshine to dry your clothes naturally, instead of opting for the dryer.

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle- The age old mantra for environment friendliness. Reduce your dependence on plastic. If you are forced to use it, then make sure you recycle and reuse it. Buy bigger bottles of shampoos, detergents and similar household products. Also, carry a jute canvas cloth bag with you when out shopping.

Feng Shui for the Dining Room

Dining Room is one of the most important places in a home, it is where families get together and share meals. Dining rooms are the source of warmth, nourishment and love. Hence it is vitally important that your dining room is both functional and welcoming.

Dining room colors

Warm, earthy tones are best for the dining room. Some colors which go well with this room are pink, peach, yellow, green, beige, sky blue, creams, off white etc, you can mix and match to create a inviting atmosphere.

Dining Room Décor and Accessories

Curtains and a thick rug or carpet can add to the beauty of the room and also add a soothing texture that helps to absorb sound and keeps the atmosphere of this room tranquil.

Paintings and Photographs

This is an ideal place for landscapes and framed artworks. However, this is not the place to display old or ancestral belongings.

Dining Room Lighting

The dining table should have adequate light that is centered over it so that you can see what you are eating. Overhead lighting and natural lighting through the windows is advised

Dining Room Mirrors

 Mirror reflects light and strengthens it. A mirror on the wall or sideboard reflecting the table enhances the healthy chi energy and can bring riches and health for the whole family.

How to grow your own vertical garden

Making room for gardens in today’s urban landscape is a really tough job; most of us live in apartments with tiny balconies where having even a couple of plants are problematic.

Hardcore gardening buffs have come up with a way around this problem - vertical gardens!

Plants in containers or geo felt bags mounted on the wall is quite a popular concept abroad and is fast catching up in Indian metros as well.

The primary area of concern for vertical gardening is watering, which has to be done using a certain method. The excess water should drain out through a proper channel. Seasonal flowers, philodendron and money plants are ideal for vertical home gardens. You can opt for indoor or outdoor plants. Having a vertical garden save you a lot of space and help in bringing freshness and purity in your home.

How to begin

Identify the area where you want the green wall. Any wall is good, but it's always better if you choose one that gets some natural light, even if indirect. Think about your budget and research to find good budget ideas.

Area required

All you need is a wall or a partition; you can go for a boundary wall or even a small balcony wall. The structure of the green wall should be a three-layer sandwich -frame, plastic sheet and fabric -so that even when you attach it to a wall, it stays unharmed. This also makes dismounting easy.

Choosing plants

For indoors use plants that thrive in shade, while for areas like balcony walls etc you can opt for sun loving varieties of plants.

How to water the plants

If your green wall has a drip irrigation system, you just need to turn on a tap and your plants get watered in no time. Otherwise, you can use a hose for outdoor walls and a spray gun for indoor plants.

How to maintain the garden

Maintenance is dependent on the type of plants and the unit. If you're using green walls from reputed companies that offer you soil-less units, then minimal maintenance is required. However, plants need good care, and if watered properly, they require less maintenance

Remember vertical gardens are somewhat expensive, and need good care. So consider carefully before you commit.

Give your home a makeover this monsoon.

You can love it, you can hate it but you definitely cannot ignore it. The monsoon season is upon on us finally, and while a lot many are thankful for the respite from scorching heat, others complain about jams, dirt and water logging. Whatever be your idea of monsoon, we bring you some tips to make you home better equipped and more comfy in this season.

For the Front Door- Place tall planters near the entrance of the house, where people entering your home can leave their wet umbrellas. Also, place a doormat right at the entrance, to keep any muck from entering the house. Materials like jute and bamboo work best for this purpose.

Brighten the Indoors- to create a warm, cheerful look, opt for colorful accent elements to brighten it. If you have neutral palette in your home, then place cushion and throws in bright inviting colors. You can also get thin curtains in colors like sunflower yellow, turquoise, mint green to instantly uplift your home.

Lighten Up- Remove heavy duty drapes and furnishing like velvet and jacquard curtains and wool rugs etc. These will not allow light to filter through and make the room appear gloomy, also heavy fabric retain moisture and create a dank atmosphere. It is better if you opt for bright washable rugs and curtains.

Scent of Rain- Bring the liveliness and distinctive fragrance of the monsoon into your home with candles and diffusers whose fragrance imitate the rain. Fresh flowers and lush, indoor plants are always a great idea.

Décor and More- placing mirrors around the house helps a lot as they’re not only decorative, but also reflect the light, and make the room look brighter. Additional floor and table lamps will also work to create a warm and inviting glow.

Technology to address the increasing demand of homes for the younger generation

India has established itself globally as an emerging market. Various sectors in the country are gearing up to adopt modern and cutting edge innovations keeping up with global standard. One sector that needs to bring in technological advancement is real estate, with rapid urbanization, growing young population and mass exodus to cities rapid changes are required in the sector. Additionally government initiative likes Smart Cities Mission and Housing for all in 2020 are sure to push demand even further making it essential that the sector incorporates modern technology.

Technology is a key enabler that helps in simplification of operations and reduces turnaround time. In real estate, use of technology can led to cost-effective projects while ensuring efficient utilization of labor. Even in case of mass housing developments, technology helps in improving the quality of construction, while cutting a project’s construction time extensively some ground-breaking technologies that have improved the construction space in real estate include precast, hollow pre-fab, block masonry, plasswall etc.

Another important factor is that technology enables sustainable development. Precast technology, for example, apart from reducing the duration of construction, cost and improving the quality of the final output is adaptable and resilient. Precast is produced only under strict quality measures in a factory by highly trained professionals with little wastage. Precast panels can be rapidly erected on the site with negligible interruptions and saves energy.  It also makes it possible for designers to cut down on heating and air conditioning costs associated with HVAC systems and at the same time, keep building occupants comfortable.

Technology also helps in enabling eco-friendly construction. Most people are increasingly aware of the changing environment and thus prefer buying projects that have a low carbon footprint. Developers nowadays are careful to follow the green standards, in design and architecture, water conservation, use of renewable energy, and sewage and garbage processing. Technology can be used in almost all the basic amenities of a home to create energy utilization. So you toilets that uses minimal water in flushing, plumbing that makes provisions for separate lines for drinking and flushing, used water treatment for gardening, efficient insulation in the walls, ceilings and floors enables better temperature control among others, lighting based on movement etc. 

Feng Shui for your Kid’s room

In continuation with our Feng Shui series, we now bring you Feng Shui for your children’s rooms.  As with every other room in the house your child’s room also needs attention so that they have a cozy space where they can sleep peacefully, be happy and cheerful. Feng shui can help you achieve this goal by these simple tips.

Placement of the bed- Don’t place the bed directly in front of the door, the ideal position or “commanding position” would be across the room, diagonal from the door. This would help with issues in sleep as it puts the child in command of their room.

Choose the right color- A youngster’s room needs to have a balance of energy, so it should be neither too bright nor too dark while keeping in mind the personality and taste in mind. Using pastel shades of their favorite colors will achieve both the purposes.

Use Feng shui to boost self confidence- Place a full length mirror at the child eye level in his/her room, this will help in boosting self confidence. Another good idea would be to display their artwork or craft or family pictures to create a sense of comfort and love.

Ensure that the room is not cluttered- While this applies to most rooms, it’s a bit difficult to achieve it with a child. However, try to inculcate a habit of putting away toys, books and clothes away at the end of the say. An easy solution would be to have a designated place for everything, use a lot of boxes and baskets where things can be swept into in one go.

Hanging artwork- involve your child in picking up the artwork for their room, as stated in the point above you can use their own creations and family pictures. Do not hang pictures that depict fast movement in case your child has a hard time sleeping, as this might induce restlessness. 

Oberoi Eternia & Enigma- High quality homes from a name you can trust

Oberoi Realty has made its foray into the central suburbs of Mumbai with the launch of its twin residential developments, Eternia and Enigma, at Mulund. The projects are located on the arterial LBS Road in one of Mumbai’s fastest growing suburb. The project is to be designed by the Singapore-based architects, HB Design.

Oberoi Enigma will comprise of two luxury high-rises spread over an area of 9 acres which will have expansive 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom apartments while Eternia will comprise of two premium high-rises on another similar sized plot of 9 acres in the same vicinity comprising of 3BHK configurations in two spacious sizes. While Eternia would be a bigger property with almost 1100 units Enigma will have approximately 600 plus units.

A vibrant and attractive project, the project is at walking distance from Mulund station, the location of the project is strategic in it that it allows residents to have easy access to other parts of the city through the Easter Expressway and the LBS Road.

Designed to match international standards, the projects are both sophisticated and flamboyant in terms of architecture and design bringing a world class lifestyle to the aspirational Indian home seeker.

Both of projects Oberoi Eternia & Enigma are effortlessly accessible to a host of educational institutions, hospitals, amusement hubs, restaurants, shopping malls, hotels and more. The complexes of both the projects are slated to have a wide variety of facilities to amuse and entertain residents. Amenities like well-designed club-houses and leisure zones like play areas for kids, long jogging tracks leading to verdant gardens and expansive walkways, landscaped podiums and gardens, swimming pools, squash courts, launderette, day care centre, salon, gymnasium, steam rooms, yoga / meditation room, Café and a multi - purpose hall all are meant to make life easier, convenient and enjoyable for the residents

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

Kalpataru Hills Pristine- Pure undisturbed bliss

Pristine means unspoiled, pure and faultless. Kalpataru Hills Pristine is an epitome of this; Surrounded by lush green Yeoor Hills, the project is a true haven in every sense of the word. Owning a beautiful home where you can spend time with your loved ones, relax and enjoy yourself is the true meaning of happy living However, it’s not easy, the struggle to find the home that affords you such peace or tranquility is long and hard. Kalpataru Hill Pristine is like an answer to this trouble.

Kalpataru Pristine comprises of 3 BHK apartments at the bustling hub of Thane west, it is designed to provide you roomy and well designed living spaces that are sure to enchant you.

Thane west is a bustling and growing locality, having access to major parts of Mumbai. The location offers convenience to residents through its excellent connectivity via road and rail networks.  The social infrastructure of Thane West is also quite well developed, there are many schools, hospitals, parks and malls around the area ensuring residents are able to enjoy an active and healthy social life. Another very important factor is that Thane west is comparatively affordable in relation to other nearby localities.

In a bid to offer residents a complete lifestyle the company has provided many facilities inside the complex like  a clubhouse, a well equipped gym, separate swimming pools for adults and kids, a Jacuzzi, , landscaped garden and even a yoga deck. However the biggest draw for this project would be its proximity to the beautiful Yeoor Hills, while most of long to vacation every month, we don’t really get a chance to do so. But, being able to view sunrises over lush green hills every day is definitely an amazing alternative

For more details about the project, You can call us at 925-0005-154

From Dreary to Cheery. Hacks to turn your home around

Has your home started looking more like a dumpster than a retreat? Do you longingly look at others homes and wonder what is wrong with yours. Well, worry not we list down some simple measures to revamp your home into an inviting, cozy place which you would never want to leave.

Pile on the Pillows- Pillows are an instant and cheap way to revamp the look of your boring old sofa. Get as many as you can in different sizes, shapes and colors. You can even use old leftover pieces of fabrics and even old jeans to make interesting covers.

Gallery Wall- One frame per wall is outdated; a host of different paintings whether in the same theme or contrast are the way to go. Opt for mix a shapes and sizes and colors with monochromes to create a statement.

Antique/Vintage Look- Adding a vintage or rustic piece to your furniture gives it a bit of drama and becomes a conversation piece. You don’t have to buy something expensive to get the vintage look,  a lot of old stuff like chests and cupboards in your home or old doors are all excellent choices.

Say goodbye to your plain white curtains- Curtains can do a lot more than just keeping the elements away, you can play with a host of fabrics, patterns and textures to instantly uplift you room. If you don’t want to spend on new curtains get mirror wreaths or beads to hang along with your old curtains.

Fairy Lights- Lights are known to change the look of your dramatically, they can light up hidden corners and give the room a new look, fairy lights are an instant whimsical and inexpensive way to do up your room and they are very versatile too, you use them in a variety of way like draping around your collection of photos or a plant. 

Feng Shui For Your Bedroom

You bedroom should be your retreat from the stresses of your daily life. An ideal bedroom is a place where you can rest peacefully and emerge revitalized and renewed.

If however, you are unable to sleep through the night, or feel restless, then maybe Feng Shuican help regain the tranquility in your room.

Feng Shui literally means wind and water. The art of feng shui dictates the flow and balance of energies in any space to ensure good fortune and wealth for the people living in it. The whole concept of Feng Shui is based on five elements and they are - fire, metal, earth, water and wood.

Below are the principles of Feng Shui you can use in your bedroom.

Use Welcoming and Calming Colors- Earthy and warm color like coral, peach, cocoa, copper and tan are great form creating a cozy and comfy environment, whereas light blues, greens and lavenders add a sense of tranquility and calmness. Colors like reds, oranges and pinks are considered too stimulating and are thus best used as accents to enhance the energy.

Position Your Bed with Care- Your bed is the core of your bedroom, the ideally position for it would be as far away from the door as possible,  but in a spot which still allows you to keep an eye on the room's entrance. This gives you a sense of safety and protection while you rest.

Opt for Curves, Not Corners- Try to use furniture that has soft lines and non linear form. Furniture with sharp edges and lines is considered to create negative energy. If you cannot replace your furniture, the opt to cover it draping a piece of flowing fabric over the top or placing a healthy plant on top, leaves cascading over the corners.

Clear the Clutter- It seems kind of obvious that a clutter free room automatically seems calmer, however it is doubly important in Feng Shui, because clutter denotes unfinished business and impedes progress. An important aspect is not store clutter, especially work related under your bed as this is sure to disturb your sleep.

How Metro Rail has become a big multiplier for real estate

The metro rail has become a lifeline for cities like Delhi and Mumbai, and due to its huge success the implementation of metros has been carried out in cities like Jaipur and Chennai now.  All the cities with metro rails have shown a positive impact in terms of real estate along the metro corridors.

While retail and commercial areas along the metros corridors benefit directly through ease of access, the impact on residential areas is dual wherein the jobs generated by Metro cause an increase in demand for homes and the reduced commuting costs draw more buyers.

In areas bordering the stations, the noticeable impact is higher on commercial property values than on residential values, and the effect reduces as the distance from the station increases

 Land prices will generally be higher if a land parcel is located within walking distance of the metro, but not directly next to the station. The increase in the land values is reflected in the area served, especially around the stations. There is a substantial increase in demand of retail and office spaces around existing metro stations. Most commercial properties near Metros are result of conversion of individual residential units to apartments, mixed use properties to commercial use and new development on vacant land.

Metro exerts influence in value up to a KM; with maximum influence around 500 meters. In fact the population density of residential areas nearby will tend to increase after the launch of metros due to preference for proximity. Alongside the launch of new projects and developments will also witness a steep rise, a steady price rise is also an accompanying feature.

The relevance and importance of metros can be gauged from the fact that most residential and commercial projects advertise their proximity and the ones which are within walking distance site this as their biggest USP. 

Six things about home loan incentives you are unaware of

This has been a year of joy for home buyers. More tax benefits, interest rate cuts on loans, sluggish property prices, new launches in the 'affordable' segment with freebies and attractive payment schemes.

A lot many people would be looking to take advantage of these benefits and buy their home sweet home. In the midst of this, it makes sense that you would try to get a good deal on your home loan as well. However, even if you get a discount, the taxes are sure to burn a hole in your pocket. Here we give you a list of lesser known tax benefits on home loans.

You can claim tax benefit on interest paid even if you missed an EMI- In case you have missed a few EMIs during a financial year, you would still be entitled to claim deduction on the interest part of the EMI for the entire year.

Processing fee is tax deductible- Charges related to loans are tax deductible, according to the law, these charges are considered as interest and therefore you can claim deduction on the same.

Principal repayment tax benefit is reversed if you sell before 5 years- If you sell your house within five years of purchase then it can have a negative impact. Any deduction claimed under the principal repayment category would be reversed and added to your annual taxable income in the year of sale.

Loans from relatives and friends is eligible for tax deduction- If you avail of a loan from a friend or family member, you can claim deduction on interest repayment, provided that the loan was used for construction or purchase and the requisite documentation is provided. This rule is applicable only for interest repayment.

You may not be eligible for tax break even if you are just a co-borrower- You cannot claim tax benefit if you are not the owner of the property. You would need to be both owner and borrower to be entitled to any sort of tax breaks.

You can claim pre-construction period interest for up to 5 years- Your home loan benefits start kicking in after you get possession. While you cannot claim principal repayment, you can claim the interest paid post possession 

The other side of the Real Estate Bill

The Real Estate Bill was hailed as a welcome step to put the unorganized and anarchic state of the real estate sector into a semblance of normalcy, an attempt to create certain guidelines that real estate developers would follow to ensure protection of the buyers. While the actual implementation will still take times, with a lot being dependant on various state governments, the bill will address key issues like creating a regulatory body to guard consumers, mandatory registration of projects, registration of agents and redressal of consumer complaints in a quick and efficient manner.

While all these steps are brilliant and no doubt will ensure that the chaos in which the real estate sector functions will be reduced considerably, there are a whole host of issues that have to be monitored so as to avoid any problems in future. The state and local authorities have been given huge roles to play with both approval and monitoring of projects coming under their aegis, the point to be kept in mind here is that these authorities don’t themselves become hurdles and a hub for corrupt practices.

Another important issue is that with the parking of funds in an escrow account, the burden on developers is going to increase which consequently will lead to an increasing of property prices, additionally the fact that this is going to be another bolt to the liquidity crises most developers already face. Another area of concern is the ambiguity in terms like “Carpet Area” which might later lead to issue with standardization in any future legal tangles. With so many points of approval and registrations involved it seems like the builders have a tiresome task ahead of getting all requisite clearances.

While the governments intentions in terms of streamlining the sector and bringing more transparency seem true, the Bill has a lot of areas where the without proper setup and implementation there are going to be a number of pitfalls. However, it is too early to be cynical; the Act is the beginning of pushing the real estate sector in the right direction and with the support from government it is highly possible that the industry itself will ensure its success. 

Understanding what a good rental agreement is

Renting out your home as a source of extra income or to pay off your home loan is gaining popularity. Also, home owners who live out of town usually rent out their homes to utilize the space. Now, in case you have someone trustworthy like a family member or a friend to take care of such things, then nothing like it. But mostly people rely on real estate agents to take care of the property and execute any paper work involved.

Now even if you have a professional real estate agent taking care of these things, it is better to have an understanding of what makes a good rental agreement. Listed below are few of the key points.

Stamp Duty and Registration- Stamp duty is the tax you pay to the government to make your rental agreement legally valid, so it is imperative that you are aware of how much the stamp duty is and pay it, also make sure to pay registration fee as an unregistered document is not going to work as evidence in case of a dispute.

Important Terms and Clauses- Make sure to include all important terms and clauses in the agreement which include the tenancy term, names of occupants, security deposit, discipline and maintenance . Mentioning these terms clearly in the agreement insulates you against financial loss.

Lease Agreement- a lease agreement is different to a rental fundamentally due to the time period, rentals are usually drawn up for 11 months whereas lease agreements are usually for 3 to five years. Consequently the stamp duty and registration fees also vary in lease agreements depending on the tenure. Hence it is essential that you understand the legalities of the contract.

A good rental agreement is one in which both the tenant and landlord are satisfied. Hence, the responsibility to create a fair, clear and concise agreement rests with you. 

How Digital Revolution has impacted Real Estate

Digital revolution is something that every one of us has experienced in one or the other aspect our life, in fact, nowadays it seems almost impossible for us to live without technology right in our hands. 

 Many aspects of the technological revolution like IT systems, ERP’s, web communication, social media have all managed to transform how business is conducted. It has helped industries become more efficient and growth focused.

The impact of this digital revolution has been as intense as any other sector. Technological advancement has found place in every single aspect of the real estate cycle, from designing and construction to marketing, branding and sales. Flow of information has been made faster, more reliable and economical and buyers and investors seem to the ones who are most benefited by this.

Buyers and renters have a wide variety of options for choosing properties amongst thousands of listings with multiple of filters customized to suit their needs instead of relying on brokers. This sort of opening of market has driven down brokerages, consequently causing developers and builders to offer myriad facilities and offers to keep customers happy.

 Digital revolutions has opened a number of avenues for marketing for the builders and developers, with advent of Facebook, Twitter, Slideshare and LinkedIn, developers are able to engage customers better and make them a more involved party, opening up two way communication with them to deliver better product and services.  Another important aspect is the ability of using high end software to design and create buildings that are economical, environmentally friendly and appealing. The time taken to build and develop projects has also reduced resulting in consumer confidence.

A more indirect benefit has been that the easier processing of information at financial institutions leading to quicker disbursal of loans to buyers and developers alike has helped in their financial health.

Things to keep in mind before you buy your first house

Owning a home is a dream most of us have, in fact it is statement to your success and announcement that you have arrived in life. Most people would love to buy a property but are held back due to continually rising prices and insecurities related to their jobs, and it is wise as buying a home is a huge long term commitment.

As more and more projects are being launched, that promise you everything from a car to the Moon, we list out a few things you need to keep in mind before you take the plunge.

The only direction real estate goes is up- everyone believes real estate prices never fluctuate, this is a myth, real estate as with other asset classes also goes through its ups and downs, however, the difference is that it is not as volatile as say, gold or stock market. While it might be tempting to buy a home right now when it seems prices are low, it makes sense to save more if you are at the beginning of your career, that way you can reduce the amount of loan you have to avail when you make the purchase.

This is the cheapest property in the area – you might be tempted by the fact that you are getting an apartment at 8-10% cheaper than the others in the area; however this isn’t the entire picture. What you need to check is the size of the apartment. Compare the price per square feet to get a fair idea of the price of the flat.

Rates will go up soon- Most agents advise you that the property you are looking at is almost sold out and will witness an upward price revision. However, the reality is that builders and developers are dependent on buyers for cash, so they would be offering you discounts and freebies, keep this in mind and make the purchase for maximum benefit.

Penalty for late Delivery- Agents would generally assure you that due to the penalty clause in the agreement your investment is safe, however it is advisable to check the contract and not bank upon the compensation entirely as the penalty is usually on the base price and would not be close to the EMI you are paying, additionally most contracts have a clause in the agreement which states that if the project is delayed because of 'factors outside their control', they will not be liable. So, make sure to get a legal expert to go through the agreement. 

How rugs can transform your space

A well placed rug can change the look for any room, it can add warmth and comfort, it can help you define space and make it look more intimate or more spacious. Rugs anchor a space and bring all the elements together to create a more cohesive look.  Another important thing is they help you cover any imperfections on your floor.

Although its expected that you would have rugs in your living room or bedroom, rugs are quite good in dining rooms or hallways.

Here we give the four ways a rug can be used to instantly spruce up your space.

Define separate spaces- If you have an open plan apartments, you can use rugs to demarcate different spaces. In case you use different rugs in different areas, then make sure that they are of varying sizes so that the space looks bigger and more open. Also, make sure that all rugs complement each other in terms of design and style.

Change the size of a room- Rugs are one of the most effective ways to change the space of your room. A large rug in small room will make it look larger while a small one will cramp the space further. Its all about the balance, in a large room, you can add multiple smaller rugs in different colors or shapes to add a more intimate feel.

Enhance your style- Rugs have a huge impact on the rooms, so definitely consider all options before buying. Think about your overall décor and furniture, and what sort of statement you want to make before you take the final decision.  

Add texture- Rugs are made in a variety of materials- wool, cotton, jute and a number of shapes as well. So in case your room is going to experience a lot of foot traffic then use a jute or sisal rug, which is going to be sturdy. For a living room, a wool rug will give an instantly inviting look. 

How to choose a home loan wisely

Although it has become quite easy to avail a home loan in India, one should be careful while choosing the best one thereby saving money on the interest rates. With a lot of important features like lowest fixed and floating interest rates, availability of prepayment option, special concession for women and senior citizens etc it is easier for individuals to save money.

With a number of private financing institutions and banks offering flexible interest rates with various budget options, it has become quite simple to apply for a home loan. With every year these banks come up with new schemes, so it is advisable to consider your options. We give you a few ways below to save your money while availing a loan.

Check the percentage of loan offered- Banks offer varying percentage of the total outlay require to purchase a home, so if you have one bank offering you 80%, check for one which will give you 85%. This will help you reduce the amount of down payment, however, keep in mind that consequently your EMI would go up.

Analyze the interest rates and prepayment charges – Check for loans that offer you free processing or lesser EMI, lesser prepayment charges to save your money. In case of floating interest rates, banks cannot charge a prepayment penalty to borrowers.

Consider the process and time involved – Loan disbursement process is quite long a tedious job involving multiple documents related to income and property. Research a little and decide on a bank that has a simpler process and offers you a better deal.

  Check for Special Concessions or offers- Many banks offer you special concessions or offers like lower interest rates for women, or senior citizens, EMI holiday etc. check if your bank has any such offers and avail them to get maximum benefit. 

How to decorate your home using mirrors

Mirrors can add a lot of depth to the décor of your home, they are a relatively inexpensive and easy way in which to transform the look of your walls, and whats more they make your home look bigger.

So here we tell you how to use mirrors.

Mirror as art work- use a collection of small or differently sized mirrors, hung in a asymmetric or haphazard manner to make it look artsy. You can even use huge a single, dramatic, statement piece to add the glam quotient to your wall.

Brighten up your living room- Since most of us end up living in cramped spaces due to the ever increasing property prices, any ideas that make your rooms look bigger are a boon. Install big mirrors opposite to windows to reflect more light and make the room appear brighter and larger.

Mirror cabinets for the kitchen- Use a mirror instead of tiles for your kitchen wall against the sink or the platform to open up a small area. You can also use mirrors as a sliding door for your cabinets so that they do not look like one.

Create optical illusion in the hallway- Hallways are largely ignored by us as we don’t actually spend time there, however, adding mirrors to the space will open up the area so that you don't feel confined within it. Drawers and cabinets with mirror doors in the hallway can make the home look lively and colorful, as they would reflect everything around it

A statement mirror at the dining area- Using a statement mirror with a beautiful frame adds to the look of the room while highlighting the main attraction- food. 

Feng Shui for the Kitchen

 Food is an essential element for our survival, so naturally kitchens are one of the most important aspects of a home, so much so that it is considered part of the Feng Shui trinity- of the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen because of its utmost importance to your health and well being.  Here we have a few tips for good Feng Shui of kitchen.

·         Bright and Happy- Kitchens are one of the most active areas of our homes, so bring in bright colors through paint, lighting or nature.

·       Get Organized- Kitchens are sort of like magnets for everything to land so you need to create specific places for everything

·         Clear Clutter on the Refrigerator Door- We generally display a lot of magnets and lists on the refrigerator, but it is advisable to keep it a bit cleaner, more organized and less cluttered.

·         Organize all the drawers and shelves-  Reduce clutter in the shelves and drawers, a good way to do this is to use the 1 year rule- if you haven’t used it in the last one year, you won’t be using it in the future.

·         Clear the counter- Do not stack a load of utensils on the counter, keep it clean and clear so that you can start working straight away.

·         Make it Safe- Ensure that all knives, scissors are kept safely in their designated places. Do not place any flammable items near the stove. Also, try to reduce number of pots and pans hanging overhead and store them in your newly cleared cupboards.

Six hacks to make your room look bigger

In an age where property prices are soaring, the possibility of finding a big spacious home within your budget is quite difficult. So, naturally you end up with small homes and rooms. But, don’t worry we present to you 6 hacks that are sure to help your small room look larger.

·         Paint or wallpaper your ceiling- While you are probably aware that color’s play a huge role in determining how cozy or airy your room looks, painting or wallpapering your ceiling gives more height to your room and draws the eye upwards.

·         Use hidden storage space and multipurpose items- Try and incorporate furniture that serves dual purpose like a sofa-cum-bed or a kitchen counter than doubles up as a dining table as these will help in maximum utilization of space. Use items which have storage space like trunks as coffee tables etc to reduce clutter.

·         Hang shelves near the ceiling- Get shelves made near the ceiling and display your collection of knick knacks, books etc there. These will again help in drawing eye to ceiling making the room look more spacious, you can even add shelves for storage in your bedroom reducing clutter.

·         Use mirrors and glass where possible- pacing a mirror in front of a window or behind a chest or big table to create an illusion of space and light.

·         Use varying shades of same color- try and incorporate the color you have used on your walls in your furniture as well; this creates uniformity and opens up the space. It’s not necessary to buy new furniture; you can just create accents of the same color by pillow covers and throws.

·         Get statement furniture that fills the room- Get one big statement piece of furniture that fills the room rather than scattered pieces that create clutter and serve the same need. In the same vein, opt for one big, dramatic art piece instead of a number of small pieces that cover up the whole wall.