6 Steps to a Sustainable And Energy Efficient Home

In Search Of Green Living

<p>Eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. There are designers and brands who are thinking out of the box to create products that captivate the mind of the evolving and experiential Indian consumer. From upcycling tyres and old furniture to using natural fibres and concrete, there are décor brands that are reinventing what sustainable and eco-friendly means. They are also a good starting point for you in your endeavour to be environmentally conscious of the choices you make.</p><p>Here are five environmentally conscious décor brands that will help you on the journey of slow living and sustainability.</p><h2>1. Conkreate </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Earth-Day-Conkreate_1618915164603.jpg"><figcaption>© Conkreate</figcaption></figure><p>If you’re looking to add edginess to your little urban jungle, check out these planters by Haryana-based Conkreate. The company started by Ashrey Dhawan and Aanchal Walia, aims to show concrete in a new light—one where there is an impeccable balance between artistry, craftsmanship and engineering. Their range of planters is handcrafted with contemporary design for a modern beautiful space. With these eco-friendly planters, you can reshape your living area into a minimal yet elegant space. </p><h2>2. The Rug Republic</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Earth-Day-Rug-Republic_1618915211444.jpg"><figcaption>© The Rug Republic</figcaption></figure><p>Delhi-based The Rug Republic is doing its bit to fight environmental degradation by recycling plastics into carpets. By using yarn made from discarded water bottles, their artisans are weaving carpets and rugs to beautify your home. As part of their ‘Rethink, Rediscover, Renew’ philosophy, the brand is recycling bicycle tubes, PET yarns extracted from recycled water bottles, recycled silk yarns, and other multi-fibre textiles, to create unique and vibrant rugs and carpets. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. The Pitara Project</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLBd06EDpzn/"></oembed></figure><p>To showcase India’s rich woodworking techniques, The Pitara Project, works with artisans across India, using sustainable wood to craft serve ware and décor items. Their best-sellers include multipurpose wooden boards and trays. Each of their products tells a unique story about how they came to be created and where they come from. </p><h2>4. DaisyLife.in</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNFVQhlpX5a/"></oembed></figure><p>Nothing says nature more than the earthy tones of wicker and bamboo. These materials also add warmth to your home. From wall baskets and serve ware to toys and personal care products, DaisyLife has everything you will want for your home. The brand aims at using plant-based materials such as bamboo, cane, coconut-shells, jute, wood and wicker to create products that are simple, functional yet beautiful. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Baro Design</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNTyfuaJRFb/"></oembed></figure><p>Mumbai-based Baro Design specialises in handcrafted furniture and lighting. Spearheaded by Siddharth Sirohi, an award-winning designer who also co-founded the lifestyle store Baro, Baro Design plays with a modern palate while staying true to old wood and time-honoured craft techniques. Baro Design's furniture is made from reclaimed teak, for its age and quality as well as to keep our world sustainable. The wood is brought to life using layers of linseed oil and beeswax.</p><blockquote><p>Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. </p></blockquote>

You want to do something for the planet but not compromise on aesthetics? These brands are perfect for you.

On Earth Day, these 5 home décor brands will help you be environmentally conscious and sustainable. For more, read ZeeZest.com

5 Sustainable Décor Brands | Earth Day | Zee Zest

5 Decor Brands That Help You Build An Eco-Conscious Home

Sustainability

Home Décor

Home Improvement

10 IT Gadgets That Will Transform Your Kitchen

<p>Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence are the buzz words in the tech industry. Voice command-based personal home assistants such as Apple’s Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Google, Microsoft’s Cortana and even Samsung’s Bixby are the trailblazers in the space. But you will be surprised how these technologies are seeping into home products and gadgets you use daily—many of these are synced through the above-mentioned assistants to increase a device’s efficacy and we’re not talking just smartphones.</p><p>If you’re a tech-savvy Indian who wants to stay on top of the game when it comes to smart devices for the home. Here are six AI-based smart gadgets that you must have on your wishlist:</p><h2>1. Mi Smart Water Purifier</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mi-water-purifier_1617784228002.jpg"><figcaption><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(77,81,86);">©</span> Xiaomi</figcaption></figure><p>Chinese smartphone brand, Xiaomi, has made an entry in the white goods space in India and one of their best-selling products is the Mi Smart Water Purifier. The reverse osmosis and ultraviolet purification system uses 42 watts of power and has a storage capacity of seven liters. In a space cluttered with a variety of models, the distinguishing factor for Xiaomi’s purifier is the smart technology that allows you to track the TDS (total dissolved solids) level in water in real-time. Not just that, with the help of Mi Home App, you can also track the life of each of the three filter cartridges as well as other data points for effective purification, on your smartphone.</p><h2>2. Samsung The Frame TV</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Samsung-the-frame-tv_1617784201518.jpg"><figcaption><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(77,81,86);">©</span> Samsung</figcaption></figure><p>A television which can double up as artwork on your walls, what more could you ask for? Available in three sizes, Samsung’s The Frame television utilises QLED technology and comes installed with art mode, which allows the television to display some of the most prestigious works of art from across the world. But it is the smart AI technology that has us impressed. The Frame TV has Active Voice Amplifier that senses surround sound in real-time and auto-adjusts the volume and clarity. You can also display two streams on the screen with the MultiView function. Once linked to your smart phone, you can cast or mirror videos, music and images onto the television. And with voice assistants being the forerunners in-home AI devices, The Frame TV can also be connected to your preferred voice device—Google, Alexa, Bixby—for seamless integration. The sleek One Remote Control allows you to search all your favorite content from your set-top box to game consoles, apps, and even live TV.</p><h2>3. Amazon Fire Stick</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Amazon-firestick_1617784275839.jpg"><figcaption><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(77,81,86);">©</span> Amazon</figcaption></figure><p>A value-for-money product that has become a household name in urban India, Amazon Fire Stick has become a bestseller globally with more than 40 million active users. With smart TVs galore in the market, Fire Stick has gone a step ahead to integrate many other functionalities, the key integration being with Alexa. You can browse through specific content across apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Hotstar, Zee5, Voot, JioCinema and Apple TV+, among others, just with a voice command! You can also play games such as the infamous Candy Crush and Minion Run.</p><h2>4. Crabtree Home Automation </h2><p>Perhaps the most obvious step in an AI-enabled home would be basic home automation where your lights, fans security and electrical gadgets operate based on voice commands or the touch of one central button. Crabtree, a Havells brand, offers an extensive home automation setup that comprises sensors, customisable panels, wireless modules, and video door phones. Its smart range of sensors includes outdoor sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, air quality sensors, ceiling mount PIR sensors and more. Apart from comfort and convenience of the system, one of the most important benefits of home automation is energy efficiency with tools such as logic control that senses your presence and activates or deactivates devices.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>5. Dyson Pure Hot + Cold</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Dyson-hot-cold_1617784314779.jpg"><figcaption><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(77,81,86);">©</span> Dyson</figcaption></figure><p>Dyson has become a name to be reckoned with in the home gadgets and white goods segment. Their hot and cold air purifier is case in point—a bladeless heater and fan with the additional functionality of air purifier. Dyson claims that the unit can capture 99.95% of harmful pollutants in a room with the help of three built-in intelligent sensors that also informs you of the live air quality and temperature. Additionally, the Dyson Link app gives you real-time reports on indoor and outdoor air quality, as well as temperature, humidity and filter life. Dyson Pure Hot + Cold is Alexa enabled allowing you to control temperature settings with voice commands.</p><h2>6. iRobot Roomba i7+</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_i-Robot_1617784347515.jpg"><figcaption><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(77,81,86);">©</span> iRobot</figcaption></figure><p>In the early noughties when US manufacturer, iRobot, first introduced Roomba, the floor cleaning robot, it became an instant hit with a subsequent cult following. The little circular robot just scurries around the house vacuuming dust, dirt and fur leaving you awed and amused. As technology progressed, so did Roomba’s capabilities. Today, it can map your room and the furniture in it to circumnavigate the cleaning, an app will allow you to set timer to activate the device and the device will send you a notification when the job is done. It will even empty itself. If that’s not smart, then we don’t know what is!</p><blockquote><p>Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. </p></blockquote>

Clean water, clean air, clean floor—there is nothing a smart gadget can’t do.

These artificial intelligence-based household tech products will your house one step closer to being a smart home. Read ZeeZest.com

6 AI-based Gadgets For A Smart Home | Zee Zest

6 AI-based Gadgets For A Smarter Home

Technology

The Lazy Gardener's Vinayak Garg simplifies home gardening by taking on all the questions that you were too shy to ask.

Easy tips from the founder of Lazy Gardener, Vinayak Garg, on how to get started on your own home garden. For more read ZeeZest.com

How to start home garden | Zee Zest

7 Common Tips For A Flourishing Home Garden 

<p>India has had a tradition of Royalty in every far corner. With a history of kings and queens, and princes and princesses, going back a thousand years, their legacy has been carried forward for generations. Not only have they managed to preserve their heritage but have molded themselves to keep up with the modern times without losing the old-world charm.</p><p>Meet Archana Kumari Singh of the House of Badnore, whose elegant collection of jewels, accessories, artifacts, antiques, and other home décor items, have been all the rage with a young clientele, due to their Royal elegance coupled with a hint of modernity. Or, what she likes to call, "a Princess-Wears-Prada enthused design language."</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Archana-Kumari-Singh-banner-2_1619679273609.jpg"></figure><h2>Creating a contemporary home</h2><p>Former editor of Gems & Jewellery Magazine, then president at Frazer and Haws, and now the Founder of the House of Badnore, Archana Kumari Singh credits her other two career stints for the launch of the House of Badnore. "They shaped my sensibilities and honed my capabilities to give me the confidence to launch my own label."</p><p>Behind the idea of connecting the past with the present lies a simple thought, "the changed world of today with changed choices; where instead of waiting to be served anymore, princesses are exploring their dreams and passions with awareness in the modern world while still being connected to their roots." </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Archana-Kumari-Singh-1_1619679323680.jpg"></figure><h2>The starting point</h2><p>Raised in the erstwhile principality of Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh; Archana Kumari Singh is married to Thakur Ranjai Singh of Badnore  and resides in South Delhi, in a home that embraces royalty in every modern way possible.</p><p>Home, which she considers, "a reflection of an individual’s personality," says that while decorating one's abode, it's important to first find place for a central piece, be it a center table or a large artwork or a mirror; and once that's done, all else falls into thematic order.</p><p>"When we got our dramatic center table with four elephants holding up a vintage `<i>jhoola</i>’ plank, we planned the sofa, the chairs, the carpets, the wall mirror, lamps and almost all other bric-à-brac to co-ordinate with it. Since the table is large and striking, everything else around it needed to be appropriate – neither overpowering nor dwarfed against it. Nothing is matched yet all of it looks like it belongs where it has been placed," she explains.</p><p>Colours, of course, play an important role with the interiors. Leaving no room for comprise, she prefers darker and stronger shades in her bedroom, study, and lounge to make it more intimate and cozier, and "create a boudoir-feel." And for the living room or the foyer, softer shades work better for her.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Archana-Kumari-Singh-2_1619679339847.jpg"></figure><h2>Every piece tells a story</h2><p>Redefining class and style for her customers when it comes to home décor items, she offers at The House of Badnore, pieces that tell a story and are vintage with a past that can evoke nostalgia.</p><p>"Once while walking in Paris, we came across a pair of beautifully crafted silver roosters in an antique shop. I was instantly drawn to it as we always had silver birds and pheasants as decorations in our home. We were told that French nobility always placed these roosters on their dining table to bring abundance and luck. I carried them back despite their weight," she recalls.</p><p>Designed with immense thought and detailing in every nook and corner, an area that takes most of her time and is also her favourite is the lounge -- a family room. "It is casual, comfortable and has plenty of light. The dogs’ beds are also placed here so it’s their comfort zone as well. We read, write, and watch TV and lounge with close friends and family in this space."</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Archana-Kumari-Singh-3_1619679358440.jpg"></figure><h2>Old meets new at House of Badnore</h2><p>Speaking of the House of Badnore, she says, it is a reflection of her personality, and speaks a modern language with vintage elements. "We pick motifs or detail from the yesteryears with their unhurried pace of life and re-design it with clean, modern lines to fit into the present context. I feel vintage must be given a modern voice and recreated with modern metaphors to find relevance in today’s world. I personally am rooted in vintage décor and that is why plenty of elements from the past find an easy fit in all my creations. "</p><p>Not only does the craftsmanship and detailing attract Archana Kumari Singh to antiques, but she also likes to study the period that the pieces belong to and the kind of skills that were used to craft them. "I like to connect with the whole story line of the piece – who bought it or who had it made and why. It’s always the details of the past that add character to the product."</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Badnore as a legacy</h2><p>While things have changed and being a Royal in modern India is not the same anymore, she believes that it's important to re-invent the past to make it relevant in the modern world.</p><p>Carrying forward the legacy of Badnore in her own unique way and challenging it in a manner that retains the glory of the past, while also making the world her oyster, she says, "It is a colossal responsibility that cannot be treated flippantly."</p><p>"Badnore is our ancestral home in Rajasthan and while using the family name and its insignia as the logo, I have to be mindful that the creations bear the gravitas of the centuries' old principality."</p><p>"Enamel on silverware" is the specialty of all the House of Badnore home accessories. And, in the future she plans to add to the family, "a sustainable range of rugs that are woven with jute and recycled PET bottles and digitally printed with vintage motifs."</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Importance of classics & space</h2><p>Be it at her home or at the House of Badnore collection, classics are paramount, and she strongly recommends them. Leaving people awestruck with its style, a city that has managed to grab her attention with its architecture is Florence. "I was greatly inspired by every street, building, shop, and museum. There was so much flamboyance in the sculptures, monuments, buildings, and the designs all around. I could spend a lifetime there to soak in the details."</p><p>For someone who has always had access to large spaces, she believes, the limitation of the same in today's time is a factor that has changed home décor in India. "Most people prefer cleaner silhouettes and more Spartan and neutral colour palettes, easy interiors with not-so-fussy artifacts. Everything is about the ease of maintenance. The younger generation wants less baggage and the freedom of movement."  </p>

A Royal in modern India, princess Archana Kumari Singh of the House of Badnore marries the vintage and the modern with her home décor brand. 

Home décor insights by Archana Kumari Singh of the House of Badnore  , read zeezest.com


Interview With Archana Kumari Singh Of The House of Badnore | Zee Zest  

A Royal's Guide To Home Decor

Royal

Styling

Vintage 

Jewellery

Accessories

Be it furnishings or artefacts, Indian textiles can give your décor the oomph you were looking for.

Five things to keep in mind while incorporating Indian textiles and traditional prints in your home décor. For more read ZeeZest.com 

How To Reuse Old Sarees and Textiles for home décor | Zee Zest

5 Ways To Reuse Your Old Saree For Home Décor 

<p>Her Instagram feed (pun unintended) celebrates the joys of the hearth. But over the last few months, author, chef, blogger and food photographer, Swayampurna Mishra—better known as La Petite Chef—has also given us a closer look into her home (in progress). The family decided to take on the mammoth task of doing up their villa in Raipur from scratch—during the pandemic. And as all the pieces continue to come together, Mishra takes us through her entire journey—that perhaps will inspire you to take on a home improvement project of your own. <br> </p><h2>Why we decided to build our home from scratch </h2><p>The need should really come from within—to create a space that speaks to everyone in the family. For us, it was important to keep everyone’s taste in mind. Once we had bought our villa, we knew it was the perfect blank canvas for us to design our home on.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_master-room-la-petit_n_1619009600404.jpeg"><figcaption>Master Bedroom</figcaption></figure><h2>What you need to consider </h2><p>One should design a home keeping in mind the next ten years—just so you don’t have to majorly change things around again. If you have kids, or you work from home, ample concealed storage that’s tastefully done is vital. And of course, the budget needs to be finalised from the beginning, so that there's clarity for all.  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>How to keep things sustainable </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHS-x57he1n/"></oembed></figure><p>For me, sustainability was a big thing to focus on. We broke walls without any fear and turned them into 12-foot-long windows, French doors and a huge casement window for our kitchen. We turned the house into a large airy space with indirect sunlight bouncing off the room. Thanks to the awnings, there’s no direct harsh sunlight, yet the house feels lit from within. Our architect, Khushboo Kakkar of BASICS Studio, Raipur came up with the idea of terracotta pots in the filler slab to further keep the courtyard cool—and it’s a wonderful touch. We are also repurposing some of our old furniture and curtains. </p><h2>On selecting the right architect </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJP7t7zBjnL/"></oembed></figure><p>We had loved Kakkar's designs from her earlier projects and after a brief conversation and presentation, we knew we had found 'our person'. I think it’s got a lot to do with the vibe, camaraderie and understanding with each other. The chemistry with the architect (and the designs) has to be there to make a good team.</p><h2>On sourcing </h2><h3>Tiles</h3><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqTLMTBSSV/"></oembed></figure><p>Our terrazzo flooring for the entire ground floor was done on-site. But yes, choosing good quality tiles was slightly more difficult. I had ideas about what I wanted and I found that Graffiti Tiles of Ahmedabad was the perfect fit for our space. Apart from their collection of Italian marble, rustic and terracotta tiles, they even custom-made tiles for us.</p><h3>Furniture </h3><p>Furniture was one aspect we didn’t want to cut corners with at all—we knew we wanted solid, good quality modern furniture that would not feel outdated even after ten years. We went with many pieces from Gulmohar Lane, a stunning statement console from This & That India (that also won an EDIDA award in 2020) and a few other beauties from West Elm. The furniture in the bedrooms and walk-in dressing rooms was made by our designer. </p><h3>Furnishings and upholstery</h3><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_kids-room0la-petit_n_1619009626277.jpeg"><figcaption>Kids room</figcaption></figure><p>I believe furnishings and upholstery are the finishing touches to any home. It can actually make or break a wonderful design! Good quality comes at a price—so plan your budget accordingly. A lot of our furnishings are from Good Earth, The Calico Guild, Gulmohar Lane and Sarita Handa. The pure linen pieces were picked from Saphed while the bedding sets for the kids were custom-made by Linens & Shades. All our upholstery is from D’décor—we went with a mix of velvet and sheers for the bedrooms, but in the living spaces, we chose light, natural fabrics like pure linen, so that the sunlight can stream in and make the house look bright and beautiful.  </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h3>Artefacts</h3><p>I got many pieces from Claymen which I'm going to showcase in our foyer. I'm doing another accent wall with the cutest little clay heads. There are also a few vintage wooden pieces from The Purple Turtles, a stunning 6-foot-long statue from The House of Things, brass beauties from Good Earth together with some stunning, ceramic pieces that have been custom-made by various artists. We also got stunning lights for all the rooms—a double-height ceiling chandelier from Jainsons Emporio, pieces from Oorja (The Purple Turtles), the stunning Padma lamp by Dotto and a glamorous piece from The White Teak Company. We also got terrazzo wall lamps from Harshita Jhamtani Designs. </p><h3>Art </h3><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIkMvkDhP-j/"></oembed></figure><p>I was looking for just that one or two pieces of art that spoke to me. I am beyond thrilled to own a Thota Vaikuntam and an S.H. Raza for our living spaces. The master bedroom boasts of a minimal, yet evocative custom painting by Design by Metamorph.</p><h3>Garden furniture and accessories </h3><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CIDqG4th9xU/"></oembed></figure><p>We have three garden spaces—the main garden at the front of the house simply features two egg wicker chairs, a soapstone bench and a stunning leaf swing from Length Breadth Height, Ahmedabad. We got a few custom-made planters from Studio Palasa. The second garden space is the terrace balcony beyond the master bedroom and features chairs from Wicker World. The terrace is being turned into a peaceful space with a pergola from Shubhwood, a large 12-foot mural, Italian garden furniture and a super comfy swing from IDUS furniture. Some other places we got garden accessories from are Beruru, Artemis Cast Stone and Conkreate Studio. I'm also excited about a set of nine hand-painted ceramic wall plates custom-made by Cico Raipur.</p><h3>On putting together the kitchen </h3><p>My kitchen—the heart of my home—is being designed by Concept Kitchen, around the concept of light and open spaces and has elements like Microcrete walls, a cute breakfast nook, a statement window and brass pendant lights. It’s a voice-controlled kitchen and all the appliances are from Kaff Appliances. We have a separate pantry and laundry room apart from a utility in the back. In order to create a truly organised space, all the furniture is custom-made. </p>

Chef and author of My Indian Kitchen lets us in on her journey and go-to brands for putting together a home from its bare bones.

Chef and author of My Indian Kitchen shares her home makeover journey. Read ZeeZest.com 

Swayampurna Mishra’s home makeover guide | Zee Zest

Chef Swayampurna Mishra Shares Her Home Makeover Guide

Interior Design

Interview

Experts spell out the benefits of home gardening and share some tips on how you can get started.

Find out why home gardening is finding so many enthusiasts, the benefits of gardening and how you can start this new hobby. Read Zeezest.com

How to take up home gardening and the benefits | Zee Zest

Why Home Gardening Is A Trending Hobby And How You Can Take It Up Today

<p>If there's one thing the pandemic can be credited for, it would have to be getting everyone's creative juices flowing. One scroll through Instagram, and you're likely to see budding chefs, artists and the likes. And apart from cooking and art, if there's one hobby that gives us hope and keeps us busy toiling, it has got to be gardening. (I mean, are you even a millennial if you aren’t a plant-parent?) From naming their plants to referring to them as their first-borns, millenials are a plant-obsessed lot. And if you want to join the green bandwagon, Vinayak Garg, founder, Lazy Gardener puts all your doubts to rest by answering even your most basic plant FAQs. Vinayak Garg is often referred to as the Chief Gardener of LazyGardener, the Delhi-based company that he founded to provide easy gardening solutions to urban gardeners. He's also completed the Gurukul fellowship, run by H.H. Dalai Lama's foundation in 2008 which initiated his path into mindfulness.</p><h2>1. If I'm a plant newbie, which plants should I start gardening with? </h2><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">The options are plenty. You can start with snake plant, pothos, spider plant, aloe vera, dumb cane, syngonium, Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant and also the rubber plant tree.</span></p><h2>2. Which plants do you suggest for a city apartment?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Home-Gardening-Peace-Lily_1619440495219.jpg"></figure><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">You could go with air plants, sansevieria samurai, peperomia, pothos, anthurium, peace lily, calathea, ferns, philodendron birkins, philodendron Xanadu and baby rubber plant. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">AlsoRead0</span></p><h2>3. How often should I water my plants?</h2><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">If you are not sure when to water, check if the soil is dry using chopsticks or bare hands. Gradually, you'll understand when to water your plants. In winter, one has to water less frequently than in summer. In summer, some outdoor plants may also need to be watered twice a day.</span></p><h2>4. Which material should I choose for my pots?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Different-type-of-pots_1619440443902.jpg"></figure><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">Whether it's plastic, ceramic, terracotta or metal, every pot has different pros and cons—for you and your plants. </span><br><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">Plastic pots: They're cheaper and low maintenance. They have more drainage holes and are lightweight which makes them easily movable. They also come in different colours, shapes and sizes and are non-breakable. But, they heat up or cool down easily, which in some cases may damage plants. They're fine to use in shady areas. </span></p><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">Ceramic/terracotta: They look great visually (and are preferred by many décor enthusiasts), can be recycled and absorb soil alkalinity. The bottom-heavy ones are good for windy areas. But the porous ones tend to dry the soil out quickly which means your plant will need more watering. Also, these pots have one drainage hole, are breakable and more expensive than the others. </span><br><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">Metal: These are attractive and decorative too in addition to being durable. But, these are also expensive and can rust due to watering. They're also non-porous, so make sure you drill holes. </span></p><h2>5. How much sunlight do my plants need?</h2><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">Direct sunlight plants need approximately six to eight hours of sunlight, partial sunlight plants require four to six hours of sunlight and full shade plants need about three hours of sunlight.</span></p><h2>6. How can my plants be cared for if I'm travelling? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Plant-care-while-youare-away_1619440471079.jpg"></figure><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">When you travel, you can do some prep to save your plants. If you are a frequent traveller, choose plants that will thrive even when neglected. If you're away for a week, clean up your plants—remove dead leaves and flowers to save plant energy. Remove decaying leaves from the soil to prevent any insect attacks. Water them thoroughly. Don’t leave any water in the tray as it can lead to root rot.</span><br><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">You should also group them together a few days before leaving so that they're adjusted together and there's no sign of plant shock. Grouping them also helps sustain their humidity levels. Place them in partial shade. Also, ask a friend to care for them and water them while you're away.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">AlsoRead1</span></p><h2>7. What are your top tips for maintaining the health of my plants? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Home-Gardening-DumbCane1_1619440514643.jpg"></figure><ol><li><span style="background-color:white;color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Place the plants according to their light needs or at least rotate them outside weekly. </span></li><li><span style="background-color:white;color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Underwatering is better than overwatering. Water your plants when they are thirsty. Get to know them—leaves show the first sign if the plant is thirsty. </span></li><li><span style="background-color:white;color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Fertilise them regularly. The plant also needs food like us to grow. </span></li><li><span style="background-color:white;color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Wipe the leaves—misting helps them grow. Do it on a regular basis. Also, don't be afraid to repot. </span></li><li><span style="background-color:white;color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Talk to your plants and spend time with them—you'll see them thrive!</span></li></ol>

Gardening

Homes

Plants

<p>It’s a bonus that you don’t need to break any walls or make any structural changes! As we continue to stay indoors, now more than ever, it’s important to make the most of our space at home. And if you, like many metropolitan dwellers are space-crunched, we give you the lowdown on how to maximise your space. Three professionals—<span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;"> Janavi Javeri, interior stylist of Walls and Things,</span> Rohina Anand Khira, CEO, AA Living <span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">and Swayampurna Mishra, chef, author and founder, La Petite Chef—share t</span>heir favourite hacks on how you can sneakily make your home appear larger than it actually is. Simple and effective does the job, so try these hacks out. </p><h2>Say hello to neutrals </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Go-Neutral_1619718523458.jpg"></figure><p>The one rule of thumb for a smaller space is opting for neutrals and airy tones (whites, beige and soft greys) which will instantly bring light into a room and make it appear bigger. A creamy, eggshell hue is a good option for walls. You could go with a bright, white shade for the ceiling to further create the illusion of height. The light walls can be complemented with similarly-toned rugs and carpets to further open out the space. Make sure you steer clear of dark walls and furnishings that will make the space look smaller. </p><h2>Mirror, mirror on the wall</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mirror-in-room_1619718536872.jpg"></figure><p>Decorating with mirrors is an easy way to make any room appear larger and airier. Mirrors add instant depth by reflecting light and can make the space look double of what it actually is. Choosing a flat mirror with a minimal frame will enhance this effect further. Another great hack to increase the illusion of light and space is to invest in mirrored furniture such as a mirror-panelled wardrobe or chest of drawers. </p><h2>Bring in transparent elements </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Transparent-element_1619718550434.jpg"></figure><p>Styling your home with key transparent pieces will make the rooms appear less cluttered. Glass tables, storage units, tableware, as well as large glass vases allow light to pass through and help achieve the desired effect. </p><h2>Go smart with your storage </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Think-storage_1619718573905.jpg"></figure><p>Smart storage solutions are a must-have for urban homes with limited space. Multi-purpose items like beds with storage, ottomans that hold additional space, bar carts that can also hold decorative items and consoles that double up as work desks are great ways to maximise your space by using less pieces. </p><h2>Think vertical </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Think-Vertical_1619718584940.jpg"></figure><p>Make the most of the vertical space by adding built-in bookshelves and kitchen cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling. In this way, you can maximise your storage by delegating least frequently used items at the top. </p><h2>Work with your windows </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_high-curtains_1619718605110.jpg"></figure><p>A tip that many interior decorators swear by is hanging your curtain rods closer to the ceiling than the window. This creates an optical illusion and makes your ceiling look higher than what it is. Ideally, if you have a small space, the windows should be large, so that there's ample natural light streaming in.</p><h2>Commit to minimalism </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Go-minimal_1619718617113.jpg"></figure><p>Another golden décor rule to follow in a small space is to go minimal. Don't over-accessorise and keep the floor area free. So, instead of a standing lamp, you could opt for a fixed ceiling lamp. If you want to accessorise, go with one large statement piece as opposed to smaller ones to avoid excessive clutter. </p>

Mumbai or NY, if you are fed up of living in small houses, bookmark these clever tips to open out your home and make it look bigger than it is.

Adding neutral colours and mirrors, letting natural light in and using smart storage options will make your home less cramped. For more such stories, read Zeezest.com