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Experiment with
those electric wonders called fairy lights, shimmer bulbs and
strands, in and around your house, this Diwali.
Anshu Pathak
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Using good
lighting can create detail and intriguing shadows, giving the
same room you see everyday a different look. Imagine a
dramatic change in the room's decor by changing a single light
bulb. Play with light, by making it soft or intense, bright or
moody. By simply making use of high and low light features in
a stylish and innovative way, you can completely transform the
look of the room this Diwali. Here are a few great decorating
tricks that are simple and inexpensive but are guaranteed to
satisfy your creative urge. |
Buy stings of
miniature lights in all colors. You can twine
them around bare branches and create a light scattering effect in
the middle of your garden. To add some colour, hang trails of
orange and red bulbs through the branches and hang miniature low
voltage lights from them in various shades of blue.
Take down your living room drapes. This would work best with those
who have rods in their homes to hang curtains. Swag strands of
tiny light bulbs (fairy lights) over the rods. You may even
arrange a cluster of bulbs at equal intervals. Add a sheer tissue
fabric to get that soft golden glow. Try twining the same on
climbing plants and see the magic at arms length.
Get a dozen bamboo poles. Hang small paper or metal lanterns from
each one containing a light bulb. This saves you the trouble of
laying cables. Then simply insert these poles into various potted
plants that can then be easily moved to wherever you want.
Strategic placing of these at intervals, to highlight exotic
plants in large attractive pots, can create a different look.
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Suspend a
series of colored bulbs in the corner of the room as an
expression of artistry of light. You can even create an
overhead arrangement fitted with clear twinkling bulbs.
Arrange strings of fairy lights over mirrors, windowsills and
pictures or just put them on a glass top table to add to the
sense of drama. |
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Welcome good
fortune and friends by lighting the way to your front door. You
can innovate by using earthen pots filled with bright bulbs or
votive candles placed in glass jars with lots of marigold flowers
thrown in. Clever use of candles is the most practical way to
supplement the overall level of lighting without the need of
channelizing electrical bulbs allover. Take a large aluminum
bucket or a low height earthen pot. Fill it with sand and insert a
large number of multihued candles for an instant glow in the
atmosphere. A collection of scented candles will add wafts of
perfume to your décor.
Probably, the most evocative way is to add light to water. Combine
rose petals with water and light. The result is miraculous.
Combine scented candles with soft music to delight your senses.
Light individual plants and antiques planted urns, if you have
any, with small clusters of lights. The best way to do this is by
positioning the light bulbs at a low level. |
