Copper
This metal has been used in home décor for long — mostly as wires and piping — on account of its durability and propensity to conduct electricity. With the industrial décor trend maintaining its popularity, copper and its signature reddish-orange shine have become the latest favourite of designers. Use it in the bathroom as a backsplash or sink, in the kitchen as a kettle or counter-top, in the living area as a floor lamp or table accent, and in the dining room as a pendant lamp or planter. The simplest way to use copper? Hang a collection of pots and pans in the kitchen.
Expert tip: Always keep copper shining — only then does it add sparkle to any room.
Chinoiserie
This lush and decadent style was born in the late 18th-century Europe when exotic Asian imports married extravagant Baroque interiors. The result was furniture and décor that melded Asian and European elements, leading to interiors rich in luxurious lacquers, sumptuous hues, attractive lines and whimsical motifs. Chinoiserie is flamboyant, and not for the faint-hearted. Colour takes centre stage, with black, gold, red and fuchsia. Look for wall treatments that are colourful and have Oriental/Asian motifs. High-gloss finishes add a lustre, all their own. Distinctive motifs, such as pagodas, dragons, peacocks and cherry blossoms, complete the look.
Expert tip: Opt for the easy way out. Make Chinoiserie part of your home by adding blue-and-white pottery.
Corduroy
Time was when corduroy meant only clothes. No more. The fabric that looks as if it is made from multiple cords laid parallel has graduated from the construction of trousers, jackets and shirts. It now helps create a variety of looks, casual, formal, rustic or elegant, in homes across the world. Lighter and brighter colours such as pale yellow, cornflower blue and celery green create a fresh interior palette, and lend themselves well to family rooms. Darker shades such as charcoal, sandstone and chocolate create a more formal ambience. Look for varying wales (the width of the cord; the number of ridges per inch) to create different statements.
Expert tip: Corduroy slipcovers in bright colours can give an old sofa a new lease of life.
Chevron
If stripes are not your style, try a variation. The Chevron pattern first appeared on pottery and rock carvings in Crete and Greece as early as 1800 BC. Since then, the inverted V-shaped pattern has been a staple of many designers’ stables down the centuries. The convoluted stripes are now making a comeback. The best part about chevron is it lends itself to all kinds of design elements — wallpaper, accent rugs, wall art, throw pillows and bed linen. DIYers bitten by the Chevron bug can try their hand at creating Chevron wall art. All you need is paint, painter’s tape, a paintbrush and a sheet of paper.
Expert tip: Create an eye-catching accent wall by putting up a Chevron-patterned wallpaper in bold colours.
Chik
Across the world, the word chik refers to various things — it’s an urban-type settlement in Russia and a village in south Iran. In India, chik is a wooden/bamboo blind that’s ubiquitous in the summer. It shades off a balcony, adds style to a terrace and is a part of patios. The blinds can be varnished for outdoor use and customised as per requirement. A chik adds a natural look to any room, creating a feel of being one with nature.
Expert tip: Put away the drapes in the living room and invest in a chik. They’ll glam up your space and create a roomy feel.
