The sky may be dreary and grey during the monsoon, but your home needn’t be.
Begin with the most important thing before the rains — waterproofing. In case exterior (and interior) walls are showing signs of seepage, get them fixed. Don’t miss tile joints in bathrooms and kitchen.
The rainy season tends to bring out termites in droves. Check the house for signs of infestation. If you spot one, sign up for a professional treatment. Wooden floors tend to warp owing to the moisture-laden air. Give them a thorough cleaning, followed by a coat of wax, before the monsoon sets in.
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Don’t plan big jobs such as painting, laying floors, making of new furniture, or any other major repairs during this time.
Roll up rugs in polythene and put them away until the rains are gone. This will protect them from water and insects. The fact that you don’t have to clean muddy feet off them is a bonus.
Give your upholstery, rugs and soft furnishings a good sunning on a scorching day. This is a must-do before the monsoon sets in and helps prevent mustiness. - Keep mildew away by ensuring that all areas (especially bathrooms and kitchens) are clean and dry. Keep doors open to ensure all rooms dry out thoroughly.
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Add colour to your home. Dull colours can make a room damp and drab during the monsoon, so make friends with deep red, sea green, aqua blue, hot pink, sunny yellow, and tangerine orange.
Don’t forget metal ware — brass has always been big, but copper’s what everyone’s taken a shine to these days. The shiny surfaces lend gloss to any space.
Bring out bed linen in a variety of hues, designs and textures. Floral prints in bold colours create a spring-like feel despite the rainy weather.
Clean up windows to ensure a great view. Put away heavy curtains, and bring out the lace and sheers. Fancy tiebacks (those available in home stores or DIYs crafted from ribbons, strings of shells, beads and brooches) help let in the light.
l The monsoon is the perfect time to transform your balcony or terrace into a green haven. Pick up the right planters — clay, terracotta, concrete, ceramic or plastic — and seek the gardener’s advice before you go plant-shopping.
Don’t miss herbs such as basil, mint, coriander, lemongrass, curry leaf and aloe vera. It’s wonderful to pluck your own herbs as you cook a special meal for the family.
Analyse your lighting features. Opt for lighting that creates a warm atmosphere at night — soft yellow lights create a mellow ambience that goes with the monsoon feel.
l If you have a huge collection of books and papers, keep the room spotlessly clean to keep away silverfish, cockroaches and book lice. Controlling moisture and dust discourages the growth of fungus, mould and mildew.
l Store camphor in little cloth bags (it soaks moisture) and keep them in closets to avoid a musty smell. Neem leaves keep silverfish at bay.
l Create DIY scented sachets for your closets — fill small muslin/cloth bags with cloves, dried orange peels, dried flowers, herbs, and spritz with a dab of essential oil!
l Put up a couple of rain chains, a beautiful outdoor home accent, in your verandah or terrace. The water flowing through decorative cups and links is gorgeous as is the melodious sound they produce. If you can’t find them, make your own, courtesy the Internet.
l Create a pretty little corner in the verandah for a water body (an aquarium or fountain), a plant, a swing or a chair.