Category: Living

Have blurry cotton prints ever satisfied your aesthetic senses? If that’s a yes, then you are in for more delight. If the answer is a no, then you are about to break into a new level of textile fashion. 

And hey, by ‘blurry cotton prints’, you know we are talking about the Ikats. Honestly, there’s nothing like it. So that was an easy giveaway.  

One of the many obvious reasons it stands out is due to its detailed technicality. The weaves are woven with calculated precision that replicating another would be an extremely demanding task. It takes that much care and effort for the technique to be appealing. Have we caught your attention yet? Let’s take a peek into the legacy of Ikats to find out its grandiose stature.

Where It Began

Ikat, meaning to bind or tie, takes its origin from the Malay-Indonesian region. It has traveled around the world through Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Iran, and Latin America. South and Central Asian countries have a staple distribution of Ikats, which ideally makes them one of the largest celebrators of Ikats. 

They independently came into existence in different versions leading them to differ in the cultural utility based on each country. No wonder they’re so rich in nature! It’s the universality that takes the cup away with this one. Even in terms of usage, they adapt into circumferences rather effortlessly. What started as garments, went on to represent culture, and later into the homes as decors and furnishings. All the while keeping the richness intact. 

The name ‘Ikat; comes from the Malay word – Mengikat meaning ‘to bind’. They have been called different names over the centuries like chine in France to represent its market from China, Pompadour silk in Europe due to the alleged Madame de Pompadour’s tryst with the fabric, and abr in Turkish meaning cloud. Flourishing through all these traditions, Ikats bloomed as one of the most unique and artful pieces of work – absolutely no debate there!

The ‘Poetry of Loom’ as it is admiringly called (and sure is a deserving title), was once a symbol of the wealthy. Due to its intricate weaving technique and labor-intensive process, commerce was highly dependent on the elite classes to uplift the weaving industry. Today, the cotton Ikat prints remain a classic favorite for their elegance and comfort.

Types of Ikats

Moving on to an interesting revelation, Ikats are not limited to a monotonous method of making. Ikats usually undergo resist dyeing where the colors do not penetrate throughout the fabric but only on the surfaces. It weaves into beautiful patterns through techniques like weft, warp, and double-ikat printing styles. Not to brag, but Thoppia, as is known for its ‘serious fun’ in weaving, takes up warping print for their products. Now, what are these techniques exactly?

• For Weft Ikats, the warp yarn is dyed a solid color and the weft threads are given ikat dyes – produced from eco-friendly sources. They are then arranged in the desired fashion on the loom. The weaver weaves them as it progresses and requires constant tweaking to get the final patterns. 

• Warp Ikats have the warp threads dipped in ikat dyes. Here, the designs are bonded together beforehand and then arranged on the loom to weave beautiful prints. 

• Double Ikats are the most complex of the three. They combine the above methods and demand more precision (and the costliest of the lot too).  

For Home Decors 

Right when you thought they are only suitable as garments…surprise, surprise! They are way too classy to stop just there. Ikats have popular demand in the home decor and furnishing industries. They easily run out of stock due to its rapid sale. Quite the favorite among the peeps, no kidding!

Ikat prints are widely used to make floor cushions, cushion covers, bedspreads, and so much more. Its highly efficient breathing fabric unveils a healthy atmosphere. And shall I keep going with its trendy looks? (I really can, I don’t mind!) 

They give a quirky twist to the houses and stay modern forever. And that’s something rare to see in house furnishings. They either go dull, boring, or out of style. But with Ikats, a woven marvel, the fashion always remains.

And don’t worry, if you’re still doubtful about carrying it off, I-kat you! (Please tell me you got that…)

There might be ample square feet, all the wide windows – and yet, do your rooms still look gloomy? Well, it’s your lucky day you found us! Rooms can get darker than expected without you realizing their change. They may look smaller, faded, or even uninviting. And that’s why periodic cleansing rituals are important. Confused? Keep reading!

Your spaces require routine check-ups to make sure it lets out a fresh breath of air. When you come back home after a tiring day, the rooms are supposed to ease your resting rather than adding another ‘chore to-do’ for the day. However, there can be a mind-block situation when you still have everything placed in the right places. For such a crisis, a simple addition of specific furnishings and decors to your homes can turn up the whole look quite fascinatingly. Here’s presenting all tricks that can help you sail through the dilemma:

Ring in the happy colors

It’s an obvious fact that bright colors can do wonders to revamp your homes. But random colors may not work in favor here. Common eye-catchy colors that designers choose to brighten up spaces are the shades of the sun. These may be tones of red, orange, and yellow. Imagine a beige-colored sofa with red cushions staring at you. They would look classy, fun, and become the instant winner in any room. The shades of the sun (a natural light emitter) are considered a good choice for such simple remodeling. 

Another option, also another extreme of the above shades, is the Neutrals. Beige, brown, cream, black, and white are popular colors under a neutral palette. These colors can be used as an overall theme for the room or only with specific furnishings like cushions, rugs, and curtains. They reflect a natural habitat and provide the illusion of a spacious interior. 

Matte finishes to fabrics can revamp a whole new look to the stretch. Glossy cushion covers and curtains can appear to make the room smaller than actual. Quite relievingly, cotton handwoven fabrics do not have that glitch. The weaving patterns will organically allow a matte finish, complementing a classy decorum. 

Sheers to the rescue

An effortless way to quirk up dull spaces is to install sheer cotton curtains. They are light in texture and appearance, giving out a breezy impression. Even for small windows, nestling these curtains convey an expansive area. During the day, shut curtains can still let in just the right amount of light you need. 

In the case of long balconies or uniquely designed windows, there is always the option to customize them. You do not have to settle for random thick dark ones just because those were the only ones available. Based on the length, width, and fabric selection, uniquely fashioned sheers can spruce up grim areas.

Less means more

You may have all the perfect furniture in your homes, yet they seem to suffocate – leaving no corners idle. This can be disheartening to agree upon but may make sense to your reason. Less furniture means more space and so more light. So, how would you style the house then? Like ‘cushion-walk’ (was worth a try)! 

Floor cushions are an easy replacement for those unwanted chairs. They have better grip, comfort, and flexibility to move around the house. A good pop of style too! 

Rugs are your other solution. They can be laid out anywhere in the house without worrying about the seats (or fighting for it). Bright rugs can be spread out in the living, even under tables if you must, to bring in some color to the expanse. 

Homes can get heavy with all the over drapings and cushioning done. They need to have a breathing space to let out fresh and cheerful vibes. Light fabrics such as cotton and linens have innate traits of an airy and comfy deliverance. Setting them up leads to brighter rooms and even portals for natural light to pass through. 

Chairs and sofa sets are often placed under the ‘mandatory list’ of home utilities. But one thing most people miss out on (and turns out it is a significant one) is the Floor Cushion. It serves multiple needs to a house and adapts to the decorum effortlessly. Imagine this, if you plan an intimate party or need more seats or wish to cozy up in your favorite corners, floor cushions can be that sole partner that helps you through all these encounters. 

Now, let’s get into a more exciting breakthrough. As floor cushions can decide the mood of a place, customizations for the same can be quite a relief for you. You get to decide the size, fabric, and color that suit your preferred setup. Still in two minds? Let us run you through the basics and pop up some ideas to enhance your homes better.

How to Customize Floor Cushions?

Floor Cushions can save you a lot of trouble while setting up quiet corners for personal time-off, indoor game nights, quick get-togethers, or just for a quirky twist to your sophisticated furniture. They can blend in every space, in and around the house. Moreover, they lighten the atmosphere triggering an ice-breaker conversation on any occasion. I’m telling you, it has all the right vibes!

If you’re wondering how it would complement a living room (where the sofa and chair cushions are already enough in number), we are here to tell you floor cushions can still look good in the area. They can be placed around the coffee table, for light exchanges. Positioning them in a corner of the living would convey it as the soft spot for resting, and also as a productive nook to get things done. In fact, for a young and lively gathering, the furniture can easily be replaced with just floor cushions.

It warms up the place to be positive, peaceful, and laidback all at once. Any guest would feel welcome where there are floor cushions. The correct term would be that it makes you ‘feel grounded’ (literally).

A Personal Touch

More than finding the perfect fit for your abodes, why not set up cushions to your liking? It is easier and quicker that way and gives you satisfaction without second-guessing.

You ideally start by deciding on why you’re exactly buying a floor cushion – is it for a general purpose or a specific cover-up in the nook? Based on this, you can now choose the proportions for the cushions serving your objective. All that is left is to select the right fabric prints and colors. Beige for a simple classy look, Polka dots for a fun variation, Ikat fabric patterns for a contemporary style, and so many more. The choices are endless and personalizing them presents an impressionable personality to the homes.

Cushion Covers can be tailor-made too. From plush looks to festive aura, weave your wishes into reality by opting for customized fabrics. Why search desperately for a ‘matching set’ when you can organize the set right from scratch? More often, the cushions are bought based on the curtains installed. Custom curtains and cushions solve this dilemma. Let’s look into a few tips on how you could classify your cover picks.

A Guide to Aesthetics

For Fashion:

If your priority is to enhance the style largely, then smaller cushions with a splash of bright color would be ideal. The room lights up with this addition and cannot go unnoticed. Plain designs for a straightforward ambiance, Stripes, or a mix-up of fancy prints for an amusing appeal are some ways to click with the style motive.

For Utility:

Your intention to use floor cushions could be numerous. Some common uses include resting your legs, casual seating, and an improved reading nook. Based on these necessities, a standard 4 x 4 size is one of the most efficient ones. You get the comfort of a lounge with enough expanse to enforce your intent. Floral prints and subtle shades fit flawlessly for a relaxing atmosphere. Bold colors can work out well if the additional decors seem to complement each other.

For Better Posture

Chairs and sofas may be the most comfortable options to choose for seating. But it does develop a lazy posture, with drooping necks and slouching spine. Your body requires to be flexible and Floor Cushions help you achieve that. Active metabolism, upright posture, and a mindful direction to the body are some of the many benefits that you gain.

For such needs, a thicker dimension to the cushions is most reliable. As for the colors, dark shades with an explicit approach is a viable option.

Custom-made Cushion Covers

Organizing cushion covers forms an influential layout for your homes. Eye-catchy cushions can instantly revamp the stretch, especially that of a living room. Customizing them allows you to pamper the fabrics in your special way rather than adapting to the ones already in place. 

Intricate weaves, distinctive colors, and long-lasting prints can all be easily sorted from the range offered to match your specific preferences. As each guest arrives, setting up the cushion covers may be the only thing you’d have to fix. Every fabric tells a story of its own. So, refreshing the covers keeps the air lively, readying a memorable event ahead. 

One usually misses out among the many things while dressing up a house or space. An important factor among these is to find a fulfilling union between colours, textures, and patterns. Home decor is a sneaky yet relatively simple game. A little splash here, flowy texture there, and you can end up with a personalized look that elevates your bare walls and dull furniture.

The secret here is to figure out if you have a soft spot for colour blocks or patterns. Add that to the marvel of the colour-wheel and designs. Stir it up, and you may have just begun brewing a beautiful look. 

We will help you navigate these little, yet essential decisions in your theme sooner than you can say “visual balance.” Let’s step in

Incorporating patterns

If used smartly, patterns can be fun, innovative additions that uplift the vibe of your home. If you have empty, vacant spots around the house, patterns can make startling changes to make it look intimate and friendly.

While incorporating patterns, you need to be looking for ways to make layers. Layer your patterns using different styles and scales. A patterned couch or bed-sheet can do good with another layer of patterns in their cushions or rugs.

Suppose you have neutral no-nonsense furniture, geometric patterns like Aztec designs, stripes, and checks and easily invite colours and depth to the room. Prints often look their best on curtains, pillows, cushions, and throws.

Pair your large patterns with similar but smaller patterns. Follow the larger scheme and include a compact, tinier, or lighter version of the same. Thick stripes on table runners do well with muted stripes in complementary colours in the form of table mats or pot-holders.

Got a textured/patterned wall? Try matching its primary shade with the curtains, bedspreads, or covers. This makes it look very organized, contemporary, and sleek.

Lastly, don’t let rules hold you back. If you feel like rainbows and brushstrokes, then combine them by all means!

Incorporating colour blocks 

colourblocks do everything to your home that drab, off-white home decor refuses to. It fits well with any theme you choose to welcome. They are generous with small spaces and contribute to making it look more spacious too.

Monochrome colours are a brave choice. Here, you pick a primary hue and match your home accessories with the closest shades and tints you find. A beige couch can help caramel brown curtains to come alive. Similarly, dull grey tiles in the washroom can be spruced up with black bath towels.

If you want a colour to shout attention, arrange your decor scheme in monochrome and add a loud splash of bright colour from either a cold or warm palette. The surprise element lies in its ability to stand out from the contextual crowd. Think: yellow in a room of browns, green in a place of whites and greys…and so on.

Trust the colour wheel. Visual balance, through the viewpoint of design, is indeed achieved when colours reach a harmonious equilibrium. Analogous colours help the best when trying to identify a suitable palette for the room.

Pick a theme (warm/cool/earthy/glam) and select one primary, eye-catching colour from the category. Look around for analogous colours that lie adjacent and pick what feels right. Trust your gut.

While popular palettes are all over the internet, it can seem intimidating. Our recommendation? Use mood boards for inspiration if you’d like but always pick the product that speaks to you best. If you feel your pinks go better with the blue than the peaches, then we say you are spot on! Don’t forget to have fun with your space.

It is astonishing that such a small piece of furnishing makes such a huge impact on our homes. A simple thing such as curtains often gets neglected and is hardly given any thought. Curtains make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of the room when they are curated perfectly. Complementing your home décor and the elements in your room make your home all the more beautiful as the whole. 

Analyze Room Elements

Paying attention to details about any theme that may be running in the room or the colors and shades of your interiors like the rugs, cushions, furniture, etc. are key focal points to take note of. As colors make a significant impact on the ambiance of the room, it is also important to note the color palettes that are already present in the room to turn things around and make it a feast for the eyes. Choosing the right color of curtains for your home transforms the entire look of the room depending on the shade of the wall.

Different Wall Types

Full White Walls

White walls are blank canvases that carry the potential of being a masterpiece. Narrowing down on your color tones for your curtains is easy when you have white walls. The way forward for white walls is to choose solid colors for curtains that complement your room. You can always go monochromatic by choosing different tones of the same shade by layering them. On the other hand, you can also design your interiors to reflect different shades to bring a sense of peace and serenity to the room as well. The advantage of having a white wall is that it is going to make the room look bigger than usual. Using dark tones for your curtains help you dial down the bright tones and contrast the room which is helpful to highlight any elements in the room.

Beige Tone Walls

Choosing softer shades of blues and greys for your curtains, work wonders on beige walls. And in case your furniture and interiors are also beige or neutral, you can use cushions that are turquoise or blue and match them with the curtains to add a pleasing look. White sheers paneled with browns drapes are another favorite to complement a monochromatic beige wall. For dual tones and contrasts, bluish-green tones are your go-to option. The blues and greens of your curtains add a beachy vibe and a calming effect to everyone who walks into your home. For lighter beige tones, using solid maroons with golden lining may be some options for you to explore.

Colorful Walls

There are a few general guiding principles that will help you choose the right color for your curtains. For walls with single tones, you can simply choose to layer them with similar shades or contrast it with complementary colors. Choosing the right colors for your interiors bring an aura to the room. Colors like soft turquoise bring a sense of harmony and peace to the mind. And Layering your bedroom walls and curtains with pale pink palettes bring a calming effect for a quiet relaxation.

Depending on the number of shades you want your room to gleam, you can decide on various complementary colors to welcome energy into the room. Using yellow curtains over turquoise walls, maroon curtains with mustard walls or brown curtains for walls painted in olive green are a few examples that you can try out. You can also choose to match your curtains with elements in the room like paintings, rugs, or cushions, etc. to highlight them. There are many combinations of color that one can experiment and get creative with to bring the right feeling into their homes.

Walls With Textures or Patterns

Opt for solid curtains to complement the wallpaper in your rooms that are filled with designs and patterns. Hanging solid curtains with some beautiful solid weaves for your window treatments will make your home a bliss. When deciding on the color of the curtain, you can draw inspiration from the base coat of the wallpaper design to keep the prints and patterns as the focus. You wouldn’t want to over-do your living room with designs on every furnishing as this would distract the attention and make the room look a bit clumsy. Keeping it simple and sticking to solids for your curtains is sure to bring a pleasing effect that calms the mind.

Dark Walls

Dark walls capsulate an ocean of opportunities for combining beauty and elegance together. Depending on the look you want to go for, you can choose to layer darker shades to blend in with the room, or contrast it with complementary shades of the wall. There are advantages to both, having dark curtains in a dark room make it a bit more closed-in for a feeling of coziness and comfort. Whereas, using lighter shades of grey or whites for your curtains will help draw the eyes towards the window treatment and focus their attention elsewhere. And if you are an avid color lover, choosing curtains in the shades of mustard, gold or tangerines are sure to uplift and enhance your space and reflect a sense of pure elegance.

There are numerous ways to style your home and give the windows the treatment they deserve. Choosing the right windows treatments for your home spruce up your style statement and bring a fresh new look. And of the different styles of window treatments that are available, the most popularly known types of window treatments are the Blinds and Fabric Curtains.

Window treatments are all around us, we have all been acquitted with several styles like curtains, blinds, blackout drapes at different places like homes, restaurants, offices, etc. However, we hardly spend any time in exploring these styles and understanding the differences. While we may feel that the only major difference is light control, privacy, etc, there is so much more to it than just that. Be it the cost of installing the window treatments, the way it is used or handled, or the ability to control the light that comes into the home. Different window treatments bring a different flavor by themselves.

Difference b/w Blinds and Fabric Curtains

When we look at the differences between the two types of curtains, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the cost they entail. In terms of affordability, blinds tend to cost a little less in the long run as the costs only comprise of the initial setup and installation. However, the costs tend to vary depending on the material used in the slats of the blinds. Slats that are made of wood would cost much higher compared to vinyl or plastic which are cheap but not environment-friendly. On the other hand, cotton curtains are fairly affordable and eco-friendly as well. In terms of the light control, fabric curtains provide a minute amount of light when closed, as opposed to blinds that shut out every bit depending on the material used for the slats. In terms of handling, learning how to use blinds might take time and may seem difficult initially. While fabric curtains on the other hand are universally used and hence are easier to handle.

Living room

It is a common sight to see curtains as window treatments in the living rooms of most Indian homes. Of course, there will be a stark difference in this for homes with a western twist or modern styling since both these window treatments have a distinct purpose. While the treatments may seem peculiar to the place you travel to or stay in, they are generally styled with a specific purpose in mind. Depending on the usage, cost, and visual appeals, most people opt for fabric curtains for their living rooms as opposed to blinds. While professionals in their work environment, office buildings, or board rooms would prefer using blinds for their window treatment. For a home setting, it is advisable to opt-in for fabric curtains as are more comfortable and soothing to the eyes when you gaze into the outside spaces from your windows.

Bedroom

Known to be the sacred spaces of every home, privacy plays an important role in the bedrooms of our homes. When it comes to privacy, blinds are best suitable as they completely block out the light once they are shut. However, since blinds use an impermeable material, unlike fabrics which use a porous material that allows some amount of light. Fabric Curtains become a favorite in a bedroom where you want to set a relaxing vibe that calms the mind. Also, fabric curtains provide a unique aura through its beautiful intricate designs and weaves that allow the sunlight to gleam through during the day. They also do a fair job of shielding the light when closed to take care of your privacy concerns as well.

Kids room

The most fun place to decorate is the kids’ room. Creating a space filled with color is an exhilarating experience that can be complemented with both curtains or blinds for window treatments. While blinds offer lesser creative options unless you invest some money to customize them, curtains give you an exhaustive list of opportunities to play around with fabric, colors, design, prints, etc to create the necessary vibe for your children to feel comfortable. Another aspect that needs to be mentioned is the ease of use. You would not want your kids to hurt themselves by playing with the blinds and possibly damage them as they are a bit delicate and could fall apart if not handled carefully. It is sensible to install fabric curtains to avoid causing harm to your children because of blinds as they are easier to handle and have little or no chance of causing any harm to your little ones. And not just that but curating fabric curtains with the right design patterns, and the right choice of colors is sure to add a fun vibe for your children to enjoy.

If you find yourself curling your toes inside warm blankets just before sunrise, then know for sure that the winter is here. When we say winter, we mean gloomy mornings, cold floors and colours that really don’t inspire the positivity you had a few months ago.

This is usually where we’d recommend a change of tones in home decor. But, at Thoppia, we believe in making the best out of what we have. A little inspiration and hint of colour from your summer wardrobe may just be what you are looking for – a lasting mood fix. 

What does incorporating tropical colours for winter really mean? Think warm. Colours, in any space, tends to evoke certain emotions in the brain. Warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows are known to make a room look cozier and more homely. Here are a few ways you can try this out:

Curtains and Blinds

Trust the ability of a fabric to brighten up your space. Curtains and blinds, if chosen well, can make the room look a whole lot more homely and comforting. Since they are a primary source of colour employed in a room or space, it helps to invest in a good set of curtains at all times.

There are a plethora of options today: sheer, solid curtains, patterned curtains, curtains with lining, cloth blinds and more. What helps best is to use a combination of two or more kinds of colours and/or textures to add dimension to your decor.

Winter days and nights often mean gloomy days and cold nights. A suggestion here to seek out options that offer style and functionality in one. Sheer curtains are great for a sunny, tropical vibe. It allows for ventilation and light. Solid curtains and cloth blinds, on the other hand, are insulating and keep snuggly.

Colours and patterns

To incorporate tropical colours means to strategically place your personality on the couches while at the same time shooing away any dampening winter mood. Popular tropical palettes include yellows and oranges, blues and greens, pastels, shades of just one colour or going crazy with many.

Warm tones are the keywords here. Anything that reminds you of bright summer mornings or the cool breeze of spring is the colour you should go for.

Patterns are tricky to choose from. Small patterns are best suited for small spaces as they make it appear more spacious. Patterns can also mean what you have going, in terms of textures. A well-balanced look comes to life even beyond just the upholstery.

Using small green plants and saplings around your room also contributes greatly to a welcoming tropical vibe.

This, however, doesn’t disregard the fun of big and bold prints. Tropical prints paired with pastel colours form a great balance. Don’t let convention hold you back!

Rugs and Throws

Here is a life hack that’ll keep your home decor on-trend, while at the same time keeping you from the cold. Rugs and throws ar ultimate winter saviours and hence, it only makes sense to have to lay in your space right in time for the winter shivers.

Throws look best when complemented with our couch colours and/or the overall theme of the room. Try to pair throws with cushion covers, curtains or rugs. You can do this by either picking similar fabric or choosing colours that closely match.

Mutes shades and rugs go really well. This doesn’t mean that they are in the shadows but are rather a silent hand to help balance your styling. The presence of muted shades also ensures a sense of permanence and groundedness. Nude, earthy tones with specks of colours do the job just as well.

We are careful and sometimes very particular about certain things in our homes. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to redesign our homes to reflect our personalities. While the task of redesigning the home may seem tedious, there are a few ways in which you can use fabric to reflect your style.

Fabric is an affordable smart tool to harness when you want to style your home interiors with the look you desire. It is a piece of art by itself that has been trialed and tested to bring much delight to many homes.  With a vast range of fabrics so easily available the way you use them to style your home is only limited to your creativity.

Design & Style

The first step to styling is to decide on the look that you are going for. Once you have a consensus, you can start narrowing down on the colors, designs, and patterns of the material. Just plains or solid colors are sure to leave a subtleness to the room without distracting your attention, while some design patterns like florals, prints, or Aztecs, are sure to attract some attention in the room.

Living Room Ideas

Fabrics can work wonders as decorative pieces. Some of the ways to use them in the living room could be to sew a nice cover for your bolster cushion and add them to your couch. And if you are an art lover, you can frame fabrics that have fine hand-block prints or weave patterns that fascinate you or reflect your personality.

Hanging some beautiful fabrics placed in embroidery hoops on your walls is sure to enhance the look of the room and speak volumes in terms of interior design. You could also frame pieces of fabric and display them as decorative items on your walls. And if you are someone who likes to spend time sewing your own home décor; magazine baskets, hanging pocket organizers and utility baskets are some fabric DIY projects you could explore. Making embroidery over some plain fabrics and framing them could be a fun way to display your hidden talent.

Dining & Kitchen

The Dining & Kitchen areas have great potential when it comes to fabric home decors. Be it a coaster, table runners, or table mats, you could select a piece of fabric and get sewing. Of course, you can always buy them straight off of a home furnishings store down the road or online. Or, you could choose to get creative in customizing the shapes and sizes.

Another creative use of fabric could be to line it over the food tray or sew a cover for your dining chair to restyle them into unique pieces of furniture. If you have an open kitchen, lining your kitchen cabinets with design fabric is sure to add contrast to your dinnerware and uplift the look of your kitchen.

Bedroom, Balcony & Outdoor Spaces

From the fabric of the curtains to the lampshades at the bedside, there are many elements in the bedroom that can showcase your style. If you are someone that fancies bolster or custom-sized cushions, you can use some beautiful fabric to stitch up covers for them. Covering a plain old photo frame on the study table with some fabric is sure to enhance its look. 

An outdoor setup could be a fun project to work on when you have the right tools and ideas. You could decorate your patio with plant hammocks made out of fabric, use fabric covered bulletin boards in your study room, or even add a hanging book storage unit to give your home a new makeover. Adding a bed skirt or using sheer fabrics to make a bedroom canopy is surely going to add an aura to the room.

We have understood that there are many ways you can use fabric to enhance the look of your home. We have shared a few ideas that could be the answer to your much-needed remodelling project. Or these pointers could be the starting point for a new makeover. The key to styling your home is to start without hesitation and change without restrictions. Let the creativity in you flow into your home. Happy Designing!

The Eco-friendly movement is not a new concept anymore. It is catching up with the world quite quickly, as many people are opting for organic alternatives for their lifestyle needs. The real deal about this movement is in making a conscious decision to live sustainably and choosing products that don’t take a toll on our planet, or its resources.

The movement to sustainable living isn’t a far-fetched dream, as many households are adapting to sustainable and eco-friendly living. While everyone desires to make their homes look more stylish and modern, many conscious manufacturers are meeting these needs by providing natural alternatives for people’s needs. Caring for the planet is all the more important now, than ever before because global warming and climate change are becoming the real problems of today.

You might wonder how you and your household can be a part of the solution here. And there’s good news for that, we can all change the course of history by welcoming a few adjustments to our lifestyle. One of the immediate and easy adjustments is to switch to natural fabrics at home. Some of these natural fabrics listed below are great alternatives to the synthetic fabrics that you generally buy.

Naturally Produced Fabrics

Linen

Linen, a popular fabric known to stay stiff for several hours once pressed is a favourite among many who like light, crisp, and stiff fabrics. The eco-friendly fabric is obtained by processing flax plants, which is a sustainable plant that doesn’t need much water for its growth. Unlike other fabrics, Linen has a very good moisture-absorbing property and hence comes in handy for clothing and home furnishings. Its property to absorb moisture and dry it away quickly makes it a worthy clothing material for the summers.

Jute

One of the most well-known organic fabrics that are easily available is Jute. Its sturdy nature makes it the multipurpose fabric that is used in many home furnishings like bags, table cloths, pouches, picnic cloths, sackcloth, etc. Jute is an excellent example of fabrics that can be grown without the use of any fertilizers or pesticides. A fascinating fact about it is that it can be harvested in six months with a great yield in any small piece of land. Jute is extremely sustainable and eco-friendly as it absorbs atmospheric carbon-di-oxide and releases oxygen at a much higher rate than most tall trees. It’s bio-degradable nature makes it an easily compostable and recyclable fabric of its kind. This eco-friendly natural fabric makes sustainable living an easy switch and makes us immediate agents of change.

Cotton

The most common fabric that is naturally grown and used a lot is cotton. Known to be the biggest contributor of fabrics for clothing lines and home furnishings, it is estimated to comprise 60% of the world’s clothing. What makes this natural fabric so special is its property to suit every skin in every season.

Cotton being hypoallergenic in nature makes it a fabric that’s free of rashes from pollutants and suitable for all age groups in all parts of the world. Also, there isn’t any season that restricts you from using cotton clothing or home furnishings. The comfort and breathability that cotton offers makes it a suitable fabric for every season all year long. The fabric’s soft, gentle, feel to the body makes it an all-time favourite among many around the world. Cotton is no doubt a winner in the world of natural fabrics and holds a special place in every heart.

Bamboo

Wouldn’t it be amazing to find a soft, smooth natural fabric that’s similar to silk? Well, that’s something that fits the bill for a fabric made out of bamboo. This eco-friendly fabric is easily available, uses less water, and doesn’t need any pesticides or fertilizers. Its antimicrobial properties make it a fabric that is most loved by people who have allergies or skin conditions. Its nature to provide protection against UV radiation makes it a favourite among many who have sensitive skin too. This highly durable fabric is eco-friendlier and more recyclable than others. Its natural ability to prevent odour is an added advantage for sweaty workout sessions and hot summer days. Overall, it is a superb substitute to synthetically made fabrics as it is entirely biodegradable.

While the synthetic fabric may be cost-effective and much cheaper than natural fabric. The benefits of choosing a natural fabric outweigh the costs of giving you a better lifestyle.

Benefits of Natural Fabrics

Most things that are manufactured commercially are not good for the body. Some products even cause a lot of irritation and damage to our bodies on using them. Chemically treated fabrics are known to harm the body, especially the ones with sensitive skin. However, unlike the synthetically manufactured fabric, naturally grown fibers used in fabrics are known to suit all skin types.

The benefit of choosing a naturally grown fabric material is that you become a champion of the environment and an agent of change. In choosing a natural alternative to synthetic fabrics, you welcome a healthy atmosphere. Unlike the synthetically grown fabrics, natural fabrics are biodegradable and cause much less harm in the manufacturing process. And even when you dispose of them after its rugged use, the material causes no harm to the environment as it is biodegradable.

By swapping out the synthetically manufactured fabric to something that’s naturally grown; You not only bring delight to the environment and your skin. But also contribute to the livelihood of many dedicated weavers and handloom workers. They are respected heroes of age-old traditions who are committed in keeping different art forms alive through their efforts. The impact you make as a consumer to swap out synthetic materials to natural ones is huge. And while you are at it, it is all the more important for you to make others known about these natural fabrics so that we all live life sustainably.

Everyone loves to stay at a home that is well organized to just laze around and sit. And there are all kinds of homes that we live in. Sometimes we may not get the best bargain and end up compromising on the space and find difficulty in organizing the furniture in the house. After a tired day of work, everybody sure wants to just relax and rest in a comfortable place. And imagine you could create that space of rest and relaxation at home without having to dread the way things are in the home. Most people wouldn’t appreciate a cramped and cluttered room that needs organizing and cleaning. Nonetheless, what can we do to change this? How do we manage the space in the house? And how do we go around getting the right furniture for the house – Are some things that we will be addressing here.

Debunking Mysteries to Save Space

Fasten your seatbelts and ride along as we debunk the mysteries of saving space and getting organized. Be advised that these tips and ideas might bring you an uncontrollable excitement and joy to take the plow and clear the plight. Let us dive in.

Colors and Mirror

Colors play a vital role in the visual appeal of the room. Be it a small or a big room, the colors that we use affect the light that comes into it. You can choose to use this light to your advantage to either brighten or dim the room. It is advisable to avoid using dark shades for the walls as they may not be of help in brightening up the room, however, they are great at damping the light in case you need a dim damp look. On the other hand, the use of lighter shades and pastels are sure to light up to every corner and brighten the room. And the advantage of a bright room is that it makes the room look a bit bigger.

Another famous trick up the sleeve is the use of mirrors. Placing a cluster of regular-sized mirrors to form a large one or using a large mirror itself makes the room seem big. And not just that, this little trick also brings a lot of light into the room as even a little amount of light gets reflected by the mirror throughout the room. Better yet, place one large mirror right opposite to a window and it will surely make an optical illusion of another one on the other side too, making the room look more airy and spacious.

Switch to Space Saving Furniture

Small living spaces constrain you to limited furniture and could be a turn-off when you want to have people over for meals and get-together parties. Swapping the traditional large sofas and tea tables for something more compact is sure to accommodate more people in the room.

Nesting side tables, floor cushions, and multi-purpose Ottomans that can be used as a tea table with tray, storage for sudden declutter, and a comfortable seat to sit are some options that are a sure yes when the space in the room isn’t your best friend. Using stools that go under the tea table is also a great way to make the room look more spacious.

Go Vertical on Shelves and Storage

It is hard to fit everything into a small room when you own a lot of stuff and don’t know where to put them. Though the task of parting with some stuff may be heart-breaking, here is a clever way to organize your stuff and hide them in plain sight. Cabinets at the ceiling height are a good option for these instances of clutter storage, it is all the more better when you camouflage them with the color of the wall paint, making it hard to notice.

Most people paint their walls in plain colors, which is good. However, you can get a bit creative with some artwork and vinyl to draw the attention of people to the walls and not the space in general. Which then adds to the overall appearance of the room.

Another way to use space wisely is to go vertical with storage cabinets or standing shelves. Often, people tend to restrict the shelves to a certain height. However, don’t make that mistake as going all the way to the top is sure to make some extra room for clutter or storage, which is again a clever way of using space.

Item-in, Item-out Mantra

In our adventure to tear-down and redesign the living room. There is a strict mantra that we must consider for it to be the same lovely room that you imagined and designed. The ‘Item-In Item-out’ mantra. This is probably the most important thing that will help you in the long run.

With our spending habits natural leaning towards making the most of the deals that we can’t turn down. Buying and hoarding stuff becomes a challenge. Though some of these items may add value and bring finesse to the room. It is better to always think on the lines of ‘item-in item-out’, which means that you intentionally think about replacing an object in the room before you buy another. This mantra goes a long way as it helps you avoid adding to the clutter that is already there.

And honestly, all of us love it when our homes look modern. Which is a compelling reason enough to buy that pretty lampshade, the wall decor, or a fancy showpiece that’ll look great on the side tables. However, when you make that decision to upgrade, think of what you are going to replace it with, and then go ahead with your purchase. Else, you are more likely to hoard stuff that you never needed in the first place and find difficulty in making room for it.

Happy Remodeling!

Make the most of the time that you have at hand because you never know when you will get it back. Take the time out to redesign and give your living space a new look. Let this excuse of self-isolation be a worthwhile use of your time and the added advantage of making your living room a home again. All the best with your remodeling efforts, and yes there is never a space that you can’t tame. So go all out and move things around to make the most of the space that you already have. Happy Remodelling!

Every season calls for a change. It is an excuse to make our surroundings and home look new again. There are many ways you could make the home look new. Simple things like rearranging the furniture, or changing covers of cushions, or even simply changing the curtains that are draped on the windows and doors are a great way to bring change to your home.

Drape to bring the spring

And when you think of curtains. What curtains to get this season might be a question you are stuck with. With the smell of freshness right around the corner and new flowers blooming all around us. It’s time to change up and drape some cotton sheers perhaps or get some nice cotton curtain going on the door frames. Well if you are thinking about it, you’d be surprised to know that there are multiple types of curtains and curtain fabrics to choose from. And If you are someone who is wondering how to go about choosing the right curtains for this season, just relax, because we’re here to help choose the right curtains to drape and welcome the season of Spring this year.

Elements to keep an eye on

Well, understanding the purpose behind choosing a particular type of curtain. Should help narrow down a few options here. And picking the right one that adds to the class and finesse to your home is something we’ll learn. But, before we venture straight into the type of curtains, we need to remember to consider some things. Like, the overall look of the room, the color, wallpapers if any, the amount of lighting you need in the room and etc.

Once you have an idea about the overall look and feel of the room. It is easier to boil down to a few options with colors as such. And among the many curtain types that are out there. Solid curtains are always a favorite and the safest option. However, choosing the right shade for the curtain is important too. A little lesson on color psychology will help you get the right vibes going around at home. So, let’s read and explore some. 

Color color, which color do I choose?

The color Red activates energy and appetite, and hence many would advise you to use red curtains in the kitchen and dining area to get the energy going. The color Red is meant to enhance the expression of the emotions. While orange is more comforting to the eye and plays a role in bringing in a rejuvenating spirit. Yellow on the other hand, brings a sense of relaxation and an aura of comfort to build friendships. So if you are someone who loves having guests over quite often, yellow is the go to color for the living room space to get chatty in your comfort zone.

The Blue and Green hues are known to bring some relaxing peaceful vibes to your tired self. And makes a good fit in the bedroom for a time of rest and relaxation in the night. Light brown on the other hand is known to increase your concentration level when it is complemented with bright interior accents. Purple curtains are meant to pop the bright interior elements in the room and make the room come alive and energised, while Pink promotes tenderness and intimacy in relationships. So choosing the right colors are sure to help get the right vibes going.

Curtain styles

Choosing the right colors might take some significant time. However, it is equally important to dwell in the type of curtain that you want as well. From Solids to sheers to black-out drapes, different curtains have different functions to perform and have different ways of weaving the curtain of your choice. Solids are by far the safest option as they don’t involve any designs or patterns. However, when considering solid curtains it is always advisable to choose a color that is darker than the walls to blend with the interiors or choose white or beige if you don’t want the curtains to be the focal point of the room.

In rooms that you want light to invade the space and make it airy, sheers are a great option to choose. Sheers unlike the solids provide both privacy as well a view of the other side. With its nature to provide optimum amount of light. Sheers welcome the right amount of light into the room to make it airy and bright during the day.

The Black-Out drapes on the other hand are used to block the light from entering the room. Also it does the job of keeping the room cozy as it blocks out the cold breeze from entering. However, Black-Out drapes come in a satin or silk fabric making the room look a bit more royal. But if you are someone looking for a cotton casual look and yet want a black-out curtain. Thoppia has options of customizing the cotton curtains with a lining to transform it into a black-out drape, giving you the casual comfortable look of 100% cotton while blocking the light. 

Well, there is always something for the artistic mind in you. You can always get creative to choose curtains that have some patterns or designs weaved or printed onto them. This adds a unique look to the room unlike the plain solids or sheers. Speaking of sheers, you can always layer your curtain with a combination of sheers and solid or blackout to keep the casual classy look going.

Fabric Weave

Different types of weaves give you a different look and feel of the Curtain’s material that you choose. For all the lovers of 100% cotton, there are various weaves that you can choose from at Thoppia to give the look you desire for your home. Chambray being one of the popular ones, is a plain weave of cotton fabric that’s made of dyed yarn and white filling yarn. And because of this beautiful plain weave, you are sure to get pleasing fabric that is easy on the eyes. 

While the white welts of the Chambray are visible on the cotton fabric, thoppia offers another cotton fabric called the Textura. Which is again a plain weave of the dyed yarn and some white filling yarn. However, the white filling is not as visible as it is in a Chambray fabric. The Textura gives you the color that lies between the Chambray and a solid. The solid curtains are a plain weave too. However, it is weaved with the same dyed yarn vertically and horizontally, which gives it a uniform look and color throughout. The way any fabric is weaved plays a significant role in the way it looks and feels. A uniform solid curtain will give you a tightly packed fabric that captures a solid color throughout while the Chambray and Textura will give a different feel which some adore. 

Well, it is surprising how much one can learn about curtains and fabric. We can go all day reading tons of books on it and still not find our cups filled with knowledge. However, to choose the best cotton fabric and furnishing. It is vital that you touch and feel the fabric. Thankfully, Thoppia has an option to send swatches your way. If you fancy a cotton curtain and want to customise it. Knowing what to get is half the battle won, the other half is to set it up once you get it.

Happy curtaining!

Running out of creative ideas to upgrade your furniture for a classy casual look? Well, here’s some suggestion that’ll not just give your home a new look and feel, but also make it very easy on your pocket. Transform your living spaces with floor cushions and pillows to get that classy and comfortable feel at home. With a few rugs, a coffee table and custom floor cushions. You can escape the traditional living room setup to unconventional these times moving your furniture around would be a daunting task isn’t it? Floor cushions come handy to rescue you in these situations, as they can be tossed and moved around with such ease. They are so easy to carry and move when you have switch places or need the large floor space to play any game.

Planning a lazy brunch at home is with some of your close friends is always a craving of the weekends. Catching up with each other over some wine, toast and sausages is sure a delight. And we’re sure that at these instances the dining area might not be the best casual setup to look forward to. Getting out the floor cushions for people to enjoy a nice brunch is definitely going to be a bliss to make memories count. So go ahead and get some floor cushion to enjoy a chill casual catch up brunch.

Every home has ardent readers who often adjust to different positions for comfort while reading. They can spend all day going through the pages of their favorite book sometimes. Some even change up and move to the floor from the bed or sofa depending on the most comfortable posture at that time. At instances like these floor pillows in the rooms of the house makes it easy for your passionate readers to transition to different spaces of comfort without having to disturb their flow and enjoy a pleasant time. So much so that the reader’s eyes are filled with the joy of finishing the book.

Be it just lazing around, watching some TV or reading a book. Floor cushions are a superb replacement to the chairs and study tables. It is a restful furnishing for you to lose track of time in the world of books and entertainment. Floor cushions make a great fit when you want to grab a cup of coffee and read your favorite book, watch a TV series or have a casual catch up with friends. You can simply relax and rest on the cushions in your comfortable space, while your coffee brews. With a comfortable seating space, you can say goodbye to the rusty chairs or your traditional furniture. And get cozy on the floor cushions, while you read away, watch movies, chill and have fun with family.