I have an abnormal morning routine to which I have been religious to for a couple of years now. I wake up at 4 am and get myself out of the house by 5 am for school. An hour just to get ready? Not really. So what do I do in that time frame? I shop online. I do very much love me some shopping, almost to a dangerously addictive level. But I am okay with it, as long as I have sudrz.com on the top of my bookmarks list. I came across this site a year ago when I realized that I needed a new pair of shoes. I wanted me a pair of Vans specifically and I landed on the mentioned website. I was new here, and from the very first impression, I was impressed with the interface and selection. So I made the jump.

Then I get a call at 12 pm. “Hello, this is Sudrz, when can we make the delivery?”

I huh-ed because I wasn’t sure. This confusing exchange of dialogue went on for a bit regardless of of how clear the reception was. I just couldn’t believed what I was hearing. See, my previous relationship with online shopping has been not that great. I ordered something, would get a call from them a couple of days after just to make sure that I had ordered it or nah, then have it delivered to me a week after, by which I would have already forgotten what I had ordered. Some would say that it would be like receiving a gift, but it ain’t a gift if you’re paying for it; it’s just sucky service! Sudrz? Far from it. Lightyears.

Long story short, those shoes arrived by 2pm. I have not been successful at relocating my jaw after this, but my wallet has been faithful to them, and the 200+ brands and 7000+ items they proudly house. It just is an honor for me to meet Ram Kumar Baniya, the man behind my favorite bookmark.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH A NOTION TO START AN ONLINE STORE?

Four years back, I was a frequent online shopper. Going to the shops just seems like a tedious chore to me and with the sites that were available then, I did not get my money’s worth. I would spend a thousand and a half or a couple on a tshirt and with in two days it would frey, or something order was far from the picture that was shown in the site. I was basically tired of the cheap stuff and poor service, so wished for a place that offered just branded items. Then, I thought that it’d be best to make one rather than just to wish for one.

So, on a trip to India, I met a friend of mine who had an e-commerce site and he encouraged me to bring it to Nepal, like a franchise. I did not like that idea that much, and from there, we thought of starting my own e-commerce site. And that’s how Sudrz came into being. HOW DID YOU GATHER THE TEAM? Well, it just fell into place. A partner and me were developing it, and after he left for Qatar I was working alone. Then the guys in the team knew I was working on this, so they just tagged along.

HOW DID THE NAME COME TO BE?

When we started out, we were brainstorming on what kind of an ecommerce site to be. Since the fashion and lifestyle sector was not very prominent online, we thought it’d be beneficial to have a go over there. That was just a part of the problem. Part II was to find a name, and boy did we look for one. Someone came up with stuff like “Jaam Kinam” and what not. I was looking for Spanish and French names and eventually, I came to Sanskrit. There’s a word called Sudrisya, which means ‘good looking’. The contraction of it is Sudrz, and that is our name now.

WHAT OBSTACLES DID YOU FACE WHILE YOU WERE STARTING?

To be honest, I have no background that favors a career in IT or ecommerce, I just wanted to do something like this. So having no knowledge about it, gathering a team was a must, and that too was a hard thing to do. Establishing the various departments and putting people in them took me some six months. Then along the way, I was educating myself, especially on the coding language of React. We wanted to make a single page application that was easy and fast, so we gave it to a brother of mine.

Then, seven days prior to the launch of the site, the whole language completely changed and became a whole lot messy. Fortunately, I met a guy from Ekbana Solutions who said he could make a site in seven day based on the language oo PHP. The problems didn’t end there for I did not know anything. But after tackling them one by one, I guess that we made it. We had a lot of resources, such as Amazon and Flipkart, and we adopted all the good features from them.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

With the rate of how the internet is growing and is making its way into the lives of the people, e-commerce is the future. More and more people are starting to make a business and go online with their brand name. So it definitely going to be huge. Who knows, maybe the future will hold a whole new way of shopping, but then again, by the way it’s going at the moment, e-commerce is promising.

WHAT SETS SUDRZ APART FROM THE REST?

Our primary concern with all of the products we deal with is the genuineness of it. If a customer complains about a product being a copy, or one of those “high copies”, we get it back from them with a issue full refund with an apology letter from the dealer, and then we stop working with that dealer. When we promise quality, we don’t want to deliver any less.

We have a high customer satisfaction rate to back this up. (As a loyal customer, I love this part the most about them.) Also, we are not just a platform for selling. We are a hub for brands and entrepreneurs to showcase themselves and their name. Along with international brands, we feature Nepali brands that are consistent with their high quality. And we do our best to make the deliveries on the day we get them.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Soon enough, we hope to launch a Marketplace in Sudrz. We aim this towards the ladies as they tend to not wear a dress they’ve already worn. So, this feature will allow them to sell it at a fair price. Then, we have a very exclusive part of the website where we will feature designer jewelries and clothes. We also want to start a Youtube channel to feature brands, tutorials, and DIYs. Maybe we’ll pick out people from various colleges to be our face for a month. We have various plans like that that we’re excited to initiate.

We don’t have plans to be the biggest site or anything like that, we just want to be good and consistent with it. We’ll be taking it nice and easy.

WORDS:NIRVEEK PPJ SHAH | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

It is true that magic creates wonder. However, in Nepal, it is not well established and we don’t see a lot of magicians but we had a talk with one who has been prominent in this industry in recent times. As they say, better late than never, magic as an art form is gaining popularity in Nepal as well. We had a chat with Mr. Suraj Mainali who goes by the moniker of Mayavi Suraj. In, this interview he talked about his personal journey, his future plans and of course magic. We were also lucky enough to witness some of his magic tricks and yes we were amazed.

WHEN DID YOU START GETTING INTERESTED IN MAGIC? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A MAGICIAN?

I was interested since childhood, rather I was amazed to be more precise like every child. But, I had never thought of being a magician. I used to read a lot of books that included ways to do tricks, not to be a magician, but my curiosity was always there to drive me. I lost interest for years in between but finally found my way again and started to identify as a professional magician since 2009.

WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU HAD TO FACE IN YOUR LIFE’S JOURNEY? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

I got involved with drugs from a very young age, I was 13 or 14 at the time. The friend group I was in were also into it which made it harder to just leave. I was never interested in school and it showed in the results. I didn’t like the class, the teachers or the other students. I had hope that once I finish my school, I would leave everything behind, but it wasn’t that easy for me and it never happened. Indeed, I was more into addiction during my high school days. I was failing all my tests, I was not attending any classes. Luckily, in the 7th attempt, I passed my 12 boards. This duration was large and finally, it was 2009 when I had a sense of realization. I had an accident during the Christmas Eve of 2009 and sustained a head injury. During this time, I was into a lot of medications and had to receive some psychiatric treatment and counselling. I tried sustaining without drugs for a week, and then it became 2 weeks and eventually a year. A guy who was into a serious addiction made it through a whole year without using and this was an achievement for me. During this interval, I met my neighbor who was a magician. With regular meetings I got close to him and got interested in his magic tricks. Like I said, I had never thought in serious terms about becoming a magician but a certain desire and interest got within me something inside me told me that I should learn this. I learned some of the tricks with him and this was a starting phase of my journey. Since, I knew someone personally as a magician; I was keen to get into this field.

When I first started, I used to visit cyber cafes to watch videos on magic. . Back then 10 years from now, internet access was not easy. I had no cell phone. Also, regularly visiting cyber cafes was a tough job to do at that time, so I used to visit once a week. After watching the videos, I used to visit to my teacher, one who used to guide me on those days. I really appreciate him for supporting me, even in times, when my family was not supportive.

WHAT DO YOU DO AS A PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN?

As a professional, I do shows, especially in the corporate platform. In my struggling days, I used to perform magic in birthday parties. In Nepal, have little idea about what magicians really do. With time, I started getting booked for different types of events like birthday parties, Schools and corporate events. At one point, I went to see some well-known magicians at that time; I visited their shows and found out that all the magicians did have the same pattern of performing the magic tricks. When it comes to magic, especially in Nepal, we are far behind. And at that time, I did realize that this trend needs to be improved and changed.

Now, I have also started joining Charity shows because I do believe that it’s not all about earning money. Also, I have started giving motivational classes relating with the theme of Magic. I do paid shows, but this does not seem to be enough for me. I visit Hospitals, especially the kid’s hospital and the cancer ward. I had lost my father from cancer a few years back and I know what the kids go through. I visit them personally and show my magic tricks. This is not for my monetary gains at all as I believe that I am donating my skills to them, in return for their smiles, as cheesy it may sound but it has a different satisfaction to it. For such pious acts, I am associated with numerous organizations and with them, I do organize many charity shows. To be more specific, I do charity shows once a month or so.

YOU ARE A WORLD RECORD HOLDER, TELL US HOW YOU RECEIVED THIS TITLE?

It was group participation, not a particular record. “Most number of magicians in one magic show” was an event conducted in the SAARC Magic Conference during 2016, April 24. And from Nepal, I was the only magician and I kind of got a holistic picture of the status of Magic art in Nepal. The world record event was held in Italy and the old record was of 150 or152 members and I collaborated with an Indian group composing the total members of 164 with the group name as Indian Brotherhood of Magician and we broke the record as Group Participants. I did even contact the Guinness World Record to verify as I was one of the winner of those group and they did verify that although it was a group I was a winner within that group and with all these assurance, I communicated this news in the media as one of the winner of Guinness World Record.

I HAVE STRUGGLED A LOT AND I AM
HAPPY THAT TO SOME EXTENT I HAVE
BEEN ABLE TO INTRODUCE MAGIC AS AN
ART FORM IN NEPAL ONE OF MY FUTURE
PLANS IS TO ESTABLISH A FOUNDATION
OF MAGIC GROUP AS THIS SHALL ENABLE
ALL THOSE INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED
IN MAGIC TO BE A PART AND ENHANCE
THEIR SKILLS AS WELL

HOW DOES THE PUBLIC OR ANYONE YOU SHOW YOUR MAGIC TO RESPOND? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT?

I intend not only to perform, but observe the people to whom I have been performing and showcasing my  magic tricks. Obviously, magic is all illusions and it is an art but what I find bad about is the Nepalese society is more into catching the Magic tricks rather than enjoying it. If I show the same trick to any foreigner, they are more appreciative, even if they know how I perform the trick. But in the context of Nepal, they are more curious in finding out exactly how i did it. Trying to be smarter and the dominating attitude is something that I really feel bad about. I find this same reaction every time and this lets me down.

WHAT KIND OF TRICKS DO YOU USUALLY PERFORM?

I do stage illusions, although it is not so popular in Nepal. If we see concerts, then people are eager to jump into by even paying an entrance worth 1000. And if I plan to do a grand magic show, then I rarely think that public will be interested as Magic has been merely established as an Art Form in Nepal. More recently, I am into Mind reading which is all about hacking people’s brain. As Magic is all about psychology playing with emotion. These days I am more into brain hacking, street magic and it all depends upon the spectator. But overall, I do perform every type of Magic and largely depends upon the audience.

AS A MAGICIAN YOU MUST HAVE HAD SOME TROUBLES WHILE DOING LIVE SHOWS. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR COOL DURING THAT TIME?

Yes, I do have such incidents. Being a magician, I need to perform with caution. And every magician intends to use a large portion of their brain with more preparedness including  all the back up plans and the back up plans for those as well. Because we need to be ready to showcase the skills and answer the queries of the spectator. So, almost all of the magicians are technically prepared to handle all the situations even when the tricks intend to fail. I remember one event, where my magic failed terribly. I was supposed to turn blue inked water back into the sparkling clean water again. But due to some unfortunate technical mistakes, I was not able to turn the color of the water. The audience was curious seeking my magic, but something went wrong. As a magician, we need to let that surprise factor get more enhanced during shows. As I could not turn that water into a clear format, I again turned into flowers by relating to the other trick. So, it is difficult to find the mistakes of the magicians.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

Till date, Iw. Besides that, I am in regular touch with Magicians of international arena and I have got some good offers as well. One of the foreign magician group of Las Vegas, is willing to collaborate for a TV series of Magic Show in Nepal. I have initiated this concept with Kantipur and AP1 and based on the business proposals. But only time will tell if this can happen.

WORDS:SHREYA SANGROULA | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI | LOCATION:CLUB DEJA VU

WORDS:SHREYA SANGROULA | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

Sigh…

And a day later, I saw another one with a camo colorway. The next day, a red one. Then a black one. It was within a week that these Anello backpacks were everywhere. In my school, in the alley, in the bus, and in my dreams, haunting with the mocking monotone of “We rule you. You are like everyone. We rule you. You are like everyone. We rule you. You are like everyone.”

I woke up in a pool of sweat. I looked in the mirror and saw my face morph into just a sheet of flat skin with no features. I was losing my identity. I was becoming like everyone.

After some time, I calmed down. I sat down, and I asked myself, is shampoo a body wash for dogs? Or is it the other way around? Do we even have body wash for dogs?

Also, what is so wrong about being like everyone?

Now, I’m someone who likes to have, or at least I like to think so, that I have a unique sense of style. But then again, the idea of being unique is hypocritical because it’s influenced by a lot of people on Instagram, Pinterest, and movies. It is influenced by things that already exist. That’s when the notion of being unique loses its meaning. In addition to that, being a student of literature, I have come to know that life itself is an imitation of events that have already take place. For instance, so many things we do in our daily lives, like the way we talk, are the unconscious act of replicating a scene we saw in a movie. That is kind of why we like to pretend out life is a movie, like there’s a camera following us and filing the trivial things that we do, so we make it as cinematic as we in pure pretence, regardless of it being just in our heads.

Coming back to topic, while I was doing a bit of research, I came across various blogs that give 10 or so points on why you should not follow fashion trends. They say stuff like trends don’t last, fashion is temporary, it is mass produced, and that the sun rises from the east. Well I have news for you Queen Ogbaje, Blogger and Freelance Writer for Huffington Post, I know all of that. Everyone knows that.

What I would like to draw the attention towards is the one point that every article has in common: It robs you from your identity. They argue how trendy clothes makes you look like everyone and you don’t have your own uniqueness. Then they often end with the point: wear things you’re comfortable in. Well, what if you’re comfortable in something that’s in trend? I mean, oversized hoodies are in trend right now and they’re mighty comfy. That’s a real fix ain’t it?

Let’s get away from this and divert to a memory of ours. You must remember having to put on a uniform when you went to school. Your shirt had to be a specific shade of white or blue, the trousers had to be pleated, the socks had to be grey, shoes black with laces, and your ties had to reach your belt and not past it. Everyone had to wear the same thing. The reason why schools have uniforms is because the students look smart in them. They look good in them. So, everyone was made to wear them. Same goes for the army and the whole purpose of high profile cocktail parties and red carpet events having a dress code; to ensure that you look. You don’t complain about looking like everyone then now, do you?

See, fashion houses are businesses. Furthermore, brands like H&M, Zara, Asos, Saint Laurent, and Kanye West are good businesses and they know what’s good for their business. The majority of the items in the collections they bring out are brought out because they look good on the general population and appeal to a lot. Then, people wear them, look good on them, more people see them, think they’ll look good wearing them, and eventually the number of people wearing them multiplies exponentially. That’s how the Stan Smiths came to be popular, a trend, and eventually a wardrobe staple. May I also add that such blogs that I mentioned recommend investing on staples, something everyone wears. So… yeah…

To wrap this up, just do whatever you want. Yes, people do judge you on the clothes you wear, but you have the liberty to do whatever you want. It’s okay if you follow the streetwear scene, the urban dandy look, or just the look-like-a-homeless-personfor-$1000 Yeezy trend, or none at all. It is completely okay. As long as you’re comfortable with what you wear and don’t mind the opinions of others, it is perfectly and completely okay. You do you, fam.

WORDS:NIRVEEK SHAH

D: We all come from different backgrounds so we weren’t familiar with each other right at first. In fact, when we first met it was through the relief campaign we were volunteering in together; it was for an organization called Ujyalo Foundation. We were just hanging out one evening and were talking about the underappreciated Nepali artists and art.
Conversations were flowing and we were coming up with the appropriate ways that could reflect these talents in some way or a way we could endorse them. Coincidentally, all three of us were shoe fanatics and that instigated the idea of incorporating shoes and Nepali culture together.
The concept just seemed to click. We started investing a lot of our time for the required research to go forward to transform that idea into a venture. We had to come up with the name as well so we decided on Dochaa which simply means shoes in Sherpa language.
If the comfort of the shoes and the authentic Nepali designs could be embedded together we could be able to contribute towards the art sector in Nepal. That’s the story of how Dochaa started.

TNM: LIKE ANY OTHER BUSINESS, DOCHAA MAY HAVE HAD TO FACE SOME CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY. WHAT WERE THEY AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

D: The production process can be a hassle, the market is very volatile and the limited variety of raw materials available is also very troublesome in case of the fabrics required for making shoes. Because of that we also had to halt the production for a little while, we started again when conditions were ideal. That was a big challenge. Also, we didn’t have any prior experience in this field, we were not related to this industry so we had to take a lot of time learning about what goes into doing what we are doing.

TNM: WHAT GOES INTO MAKING A PAIR OF DOCHAA SHOES? TELL US YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

D: First, we start with extensive research, while being sensitive towards what designs can go in the shoes because we need to be careful to not include designs that can be offensive in any way to place in the shoes. After examining that, we decide on a certain design, digitalize it, brainstorm and continuously improvise till we finalize the design.
We have been focusing more on the social media marketing, other than that we have not used other platforms for marketing. The basic idea is to help people understand that we have this brand and this represents something personal. Our brand reflects the core value of embodying our identities through the integration of Nepali culture.

TNM: WHAT WAS THE RESPONSE LIKE AFTER FIRST LAUNCHING DOCHAA IN THE MARKET? DID IT MATCH YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

D: The response has been overwhelming, to say the least. We were excited about how the public would react because we personally liked how the final product looked like. Till now the response has been positive. But we are still looking into aspects that we can improve on. This has been the first step for us and it has been a learning process. People were slightly skeptical about the price. I think it is also a mindset revolution that we are trying to bring by showing that Nepali products can be qualitative and can live up to a standard. We also want to create a brand value which can be relatable to other Nepali brands as well. It is not as simple as making a pair of shoes; it takes a lot of research, resources and patience to produce a pair of Dochaa Shoes. Nepali products have been famous in the international market as well but we want to meet that level in the fabric industry as well.

TNM: WHAT DOES DOCHAA REPRESENT?

D: If you tear apart a Dochaa it bleeds our culture, the work of artists that have remained unnoticed from different corners of our country. We want to create a brand value which can be relatable to other Nepali brands as well. It is not just buying a shoe, it takes a lot of research, resources and patience to produce a pair of Dochaa. Nepali products have been famous in the international market as well but we want to meet that level in the fabric industry as well. For a lot of people who are in different parts of Nepal, we, the whole Dochaa family, hope that we can represent the essence of all their cultures, arts, colors, and prints through Dochaa. Embodying our identity does not just mean referencing our history. Yes, it is there and will always be a subject of pride but we need to do it in the present as well. It may not go down in history but people who appreciate our culture will appreciate Dochaa and that is enough for us right now. These are small steps that help us grow as an economy.

WORDS:SHREYA SANGROULA | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

PLEASE TELL US HOW THIS ESTABLISHMENT CAME TO BE. WHAT DID YOU HAVE IN MIND?
When we started this, what we wanted to do was to accommodate for the continental food enthusiasts. We already had Vootoo, which is focused on Newari and Nepalese cuisines, and what we want to do with it is to expand and open more chains and take Mauri with it.

MAURI IS VERY INTERESTING NAME. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH IT?
When we opened this place, we knew we were going to do Continental dishes and be a pizzeria. We thought we’d keep an English name because we thought it would be fitting. We landed on the name Hive because we wanted people to come over here and flock together like bees. Then again, Hive was too generic and have a very club vibe to it rather than a restaurant. So we stayed on the same concept and named it Mauri because we want our clients and customers to come to us like bees.
VERY CLEVER!
We also have a mascot in mind.

THAT WOULD BE A COOL THING TO DO. AND WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS MAURI APART FROM THE OTHER CONTINENTAL RESTAURANTS IN THE NEPALESE MARKET TODAY?
Firstly it would be the menu. We have item that are not found elsewhere. We have a lot of slow cooked items, like our pork belly, so that they stay tender and succulent. Also, for our pizzas, we use mushroom sauce rather than tomato paste. Of course we have the usual tomato paste but the mushroom sauce is definitely a highlight. The second would be the location because not only is it easily accessible but also has a great view of the city.

SPEAKING OF MUSHROOMS, RESTAURANTS HAVE BEEN MUSHROOMING IN THE MARKET THESE DAYS. WHERE DO YOU THINK THIS TREND IS HEADING?
Being in the restaurant business, there is obviously competition for us. But rather than this, what we think that it is a very good thing. With more and more restaurants popping up, they’re providing more job opportunities for people, and it just benefits the overall economy of the country. When we opened this place, profit was a secondary motive. What we wanted to do was to accommodate the people and give something to the food enthusiasts. The more the others who are in this business think in this manner, the more it benefits the country.

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO BE CONSISTENT?
For any restaurant, or any establishment for that matter, Human Resource Management is the most important thing. We would not even imagine start out if we had not settled our HR. Now, we still are not in that phase to be fully open or even have a amount of experience, but we are getting there.

AND IN TERMS OF FOOD?
To begin with, we cook several items ourselves and put it on the menu only after we have perfected it and are satisfied with it. But we can’t stop there because we are not the only ones. The customers are our main concern so their feedback is vital to us. Many people have said that our dishes don’t have that Nepalese touch to it. So we have taken that into consideration, improved it, and now serve it.

PLEASE DO TELL US MORE ON THE FEEDBACKS YOU MENTIONED?
Our customers have been a fan of the Slow Cooked Pork, Lasagnas, and Pizzas, especially the mushroom sauce ones. However they do say that the menu is a bit limited. We will surely work on that. Apart from food, we have received a lot of positive remarks about the ambiance. They like how open it is. Then again, there are some who say that it’s a bit empty. So we’re in a dilemma on what to do.

WHAT IS IN STORE FOR MAURI IN THE FUTURE?
Like any good business, we surely want to expand and open chains. However, we have just started so these plans will not be immediate.
PEPPERONI PIZZA
With a thin crust and a good size, the Pepperoni Pizza is a no brainer choice. Pizzas are Mauri’s speciality and what sets them apart from the other pizzas in town is that the sauce doesn’t overpower the cheese, the cheese is not too sharp, and the pepperoni eases everything in the mouth. Many tend to leave the crust, but one cannot help themselves to neglect it. With the range of condiments they bring along with it, it’s hard to resist.
BIANCO PIZZA
We want to say that this is their flagship pizza, and we don’t think we would be wrong. With so many pizzerias opening up, in all honesty, the charm of has faded away. This is where the Bianco comes in with it’s unique and surprisingly tasty mushroom sauce. It is topped with basil which completely sets itself apart and refreshes the concept of a pizza. Mr. Singh commented that it doesn’t look that appealing to the eye, but one just has to taste it to know how it is. We don’t know what he means by “not appealing to the eye” because it really does look good in our opinion. We’ll just write it of as a component of his modesty.
TANGY WINGS
Wings are a favorite every where. Mauri steps it up a notch by bathing it in a super tangy sauce. We imagine it would be the perfect companion to a cold beer and some footy on the tele. Even if you are not about that, it is sure to send your lips smacking and hands snapping into a thumbs up.

WORDS:NIRVEEK SHAH | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

TNM: When did you come up with the idea of Metalwood and what was the process behind the idea?

MW: It’s been more than a year since we started Metalwood, we all had different backgrounds but we were working in the same field which is why we had had a lot of run-ins with each other. That’s why we thought of creating a team and working together. We had similar interests and different capabilities, so it made sense. We were a bit confused about what to name our company, we knew that we would be working with various metals and woods, the orders had been coming in from various clients so we needed a name. In that context, we just put the things we work with together and came up with the name Metalwood. We focus on raw beauty of the metals and we don’t mix it with kind. What we look for is neat and tidy designs. However, we have to always acknowledge the wishes of our clients as well and we always make sure that the end result is satisfying for them and us. Our clients will have the firsthand knowledge of what is happening because they are present through the process so it is much more personal to them than buying a readymade piece of furniture. We are a client based company and also involve our clients in the designing process so we can input their ideas as well. Yes, it will take more time than buying a certain furniture but the end result is personalized.

TNM: What is the creative process of Metalwood?

MW: It is the standard process than we follow that most companies do as well. We meet up with the client and go to the site. We hear to their demands and follow up by checking our resources and time and then we start. We make sure to communicate with our clients from time to time and keep them updated till the process is completed.

TNM: Tell us more about the design of your office?

MW: This space is designed as a showroom cum office style. So, when the clients meet up with us, the catalogues won’t be the only things that we have to show. We have this office designed in a contemporary way so it is easier for everyone to communicate with each other, we don’t have cubicles and doors as such inside this space. We have designed it as simple and minimalistic as possible.

TNM: What are your future plans or strategies?

MW: Growth and expansion is definitely in our plan for the future. Also we have been planning on renovating shipping containers and transforming them into showrooms, restaurants, and also for accommodation purposes as well. The trend of turning containers into these kinds of spaces is a huge trend all over the world and since it is very cost effective, it would be beneficial for our market as well. Expanding to create a bigger workshop won’t be easy. Since, we have to do a lot of supervision, the workshop and the office needs to be easily accessible but the problem of land can create difficulty if we had to locate the workshop elsewhere from the office. There would be timing problems and management problems because of the commute. However, we are in search of an easily reachable land nearby for the expansion.

TNM: What is the scope of interior designing and furnishing? How has the scope changed through the years?

MW: The scope of designing has always been there, but now it has increased manifold. People have their own visions for what they want their house, or offices to look like in terms of furnishing which gives us plenty of work. The demand has increased substantially with the years and we are trying our best to fulfill that demand through precision and expertise. But the capacity and timing are aspects to be managed.

TNM: How is Metalwood different than other interior designing companies?

MW: Our USP would be our belief in simplicity in the products we design and make. We have minimalistic and rustic designs with no fancy carvings and designs structured into lights and structures of the simplest of artificial substances. The name Metalwood clearly depicts what we do with all the finished products as well as the photographs we take of our space. We are so much into minimalistic designs that we don’t even have carvings on out products. We didn’t have enough space initially, we had half of what we have now but we had the land surrounding the space then. We made a metal structure and put together the space we have now.

TNM: Were there any obstacles as such initially or in the present and how are you dealing with the challenges?

MW: First of all, we always have a hard time finding people with the skills that we require. We do supervise our workers but it takes a lot of time doing that. On top of that we don’t have any Nepali masons that we can hire on a short notice and finding the appropriate masons is difficult. We do have space now but still it is still not enough.

WORDS:SHREYA SANGROULA | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

It’s not been long since we’ve seen a mushrooming of high-rise buildings in 
the capital. However, after the Great Earthquake of ‘15, these gentle giants have been abandoned due to fear. The housing market has shifted after a brief rise in apartment living to more open spaces. Amongst the few mavericks still opting for the high rises is Niranjan Kunwar, and he graciously invited us to his abode.

Perched on the 11th floor of the Bajra and Shangrila Residency, the one bedroom apartment has been designed and furnished to incorporate a lot of character into a cozy space. Furnished and designed under the watchful eyes of Diwas Raja KC and Niranjan himself, the tiny apartment reflects the characteristics of the reserved yet charismatic resident.

IT’S OBVIOUS THAT THE SPACE IS NOT A LAVISH ONE. BUT, UNLIKE THE CONVENTIONAL NEPALESE OUTLOOK THAT GRAVITATES TOWARD BIGGER ESTATES, I WANTED SOMETHING THAT WAS PRIVATE AND CLOSE TO

HOW DID YOU COME BY THIS SPACE?

It’s obvious that the space is not a lavish one. But, unlike the conventional Nepalese outlook that gravitates toward bigger estates,
I wanted something that was private and close to me. Thanks to a fortunate turn of events, my family came across some inheritance and this place opened up too. It fit into the budget and as soon as I walked in, I fell in love with the view. The fact that it was located in Dhobighat humored my attachment with Patan, so for me, it seemed like a very good investment. This is coming from a guy who thought he’d never live in a high-rise apartment after the earthquake.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS OF MAKING THIS PLACE COME TO LIFE?

Although this is my space, a lot of credit has to go to my good friend Diwas. The man has a really good eye for design. I professionally hired him and he came up with ideas about the colors and decors and what not. One major change we made to this place was to break down the wall that separated the dining room from the kitchen. When we broke it down, more light came in and it just made the place livelier. With the addition of a bookrack, the room doubled as a study and I think that’s really smart when it comes to small spaces like mine.

YOU HAVE A REALLY GOOD COLLECTION OF DECOR ITEMS. ANY WORDS ON THEM?


I was in the US for a long time and when I got back, I lived in a small rented place. I love living modestly, but what really tormented me was that I couldn’t bring all my stuff back home. Even the things that I had brought had no proper place. All my books and things my friends had gifted me were on the floor. I always wanted to get a place of my own where my things could find their rightful place; and now both of us do. That’s why I have prints on the walls, pictures of my trips are up, and souvenirs are all on display.

THE FURNISHING HERE HAS A LOT OF CHARACTER TOO, DID YOU GET THEM HERE OR…?


I have come to realize that, in Nepal, if you are willing to put in time and effort, you can get things custom made for pretty cheap. Most of my furniture are custom made and are unique. Anyone these days can look up designs, so you just have to find a carpenter who’s easy to work with.

Also, there is a place called Thimi Ceramic and they make really good cutlery items. They export to Europe and keep the pieces that don’t meet their strict standards here in their stock. I got all my bowls and plates from them and I think it just adds more character into my space than a uniform set would.

Curious design enthusiasts may take a peek with us to know how to create a tranquil interior surrounding for yourself this year.

GET THESE STYLES

REFLECTIONS COMBINED WITH SOLID MARBLES

• Add visual interest to the space by using reflective surfaces of glass, mirror and metal. If you want to decorate your house with this trend, make sure you combine the metals and sparkles with floaty silks and transparent fabrics.

• The flexible furniture arrangement, modern appearance and overall comfort, modular furniture will offer far more than convenience and high-functionality.
• This style can be mixed with warm materials like exotic woods to visually and physically texturize the space. The concept is about infusing warmer, softer materials into urban environments – harder lines juxtaposed with softer lines.

CREATE FUSIONS WITH WARM CLASSICS, MINERALS & RETRO LIGHTING

• Natural stones with soft grains like agate and marble are used as focal points.
• The old-fashioned lighting solution has been procrastinated to make its way this year. The nostalgic light bulb can be a decorative element on its own, but when combined with glass retro-pendant lights it can really make a statement.

• There will be an increased popularity in the layering and mixing of patterns, which will be featured through the use of stripes, geometrics, abstract floral, and ethnic prints.

• Clean, classic lines are being mixed with fusion influences such as urban and modern contemporary.

SUNSET HUES COMBINED WITH BLUSH GREY, EARTHY COLORS, AND PRECIOUS METALS

• Mixing Metals has been an opulent trend and is here to stay this New Year as well.

• Mixing metals such as copper and rose gold with cool ones like silver is pretty much the most trending combination today.

• “Transitional flooring” such as hexagonal tiles and hardwood are the most trending flooring combination.

Chairs when centered on simplicity, serenity and seamlessness interiors have a funny way of transforming an ordinary room into something spectacular. Being one of the major accent objects amongst the furniture’s, it’s evolved to become more tailored and intuitive over the years. But at times it can be a bit confusing to decide which of these would look great for a particular space. Be it Modern, Classic or Contemporary, Chairs! Will they ever go out of style? We doubt it.  So, to help you make the right choices, we have prepared a guide that exemplifies a brief summary and the usage for the application of some varieties of chairs in various interior settings.

EGG CHAIR

The classic Egg Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen was made in 1958. This design has ever since been moderated and utilized in various ways as it’s high curved back and rounded bottom gives it great volume and works well in open modern spaces with high ceilings, like a loft or a library.

SWAN CHAIR

The Swan Chair is the Egg Chair’s cousin which was conceived simultaneously around the same time in 1958. The Swan Chair was the most influential of its time for its seamless curvature. This particular design of chair with its vintage swagger, wide arms and a low back sits perfectly as a marvelous side or lounge chair.

LOUNGE CHAIR

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 with a plywood frame and leather cushioning but now comes in the color, leather grade and base style of your choice. This museum piece is typically coupled with the ottoman and would look fantastic on a shaggy area rug in a super sleek living room surrounded by fun vintage accents.

DIAMOND CHAIR

Also made in the 1950’s, Harry Bertoia was the experimental genius behind creating the Diamond Chair. Weightless and sturdy, this customizable sculptural piece remains a classic and compliments any space from a lush garden patio (with or without the cushion) to the smallest reading nook by a window.

FLORENCE CHAIR

Florence Chair was a 1954 creation. These were clean lined and boxy hence became modern classics because of the versatility they offer. We would highlight this large chair using a colorful or printed area rug with organic shaped side tables for added interest.

EIFFEL BASE SHELL CHAIR

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948, it has only become more popular since its inception and used readily today as a side chair. This classic chair can be set in a dining room or used to offer a resting place for the kicking off of shoes in a casual foyer.

BALL CHAIR

Though designed in 1963, this retro modern Ball Chair still manages to looks like something out of the future! Eero Aarnio created the prototype for what would be the most unconventional chair of its time. Today this design caters the home furnishing industries as one of the pop asscent designs all over the globe. The chair works well in any open living space or lounge space to create a playfully relaxing atmosphere.

BUBBLE CHAIR

The Bubble Chair again is almost the cousin of the Ball Chair. Except this new and improved chair was reduced and suspended to lessen the bulk of the Ball. This design looks marvelous in a modern space with simple classic and retro modern art and accessories, along with tons of natural light!

TULIP CHAIR

This sexy Tulip chair is famous for the curvaceous impression. It is a pure expression of modernism and is as popular today as it ever was. The Tulip makes a great side, dining and desk chair and would look great in a modern or traditional space with minimal modern furnishings and a table that is subtle enough to let this chair do all the talking.

DINING CHAIRS

• DESIGN

1. Modern style concerns itself with a perfect blending of form and function, with minimal embellishments and a beautiful minimalism. A perfect example for it would be a Parson chair (a simple chair with clean lines that would fit nicely into just about any area of the home).

2. Contemporary design, covering any and all minimalistic styles, which are currently new and thriving. They can reach into the upper levels of luxury, depending on build quality and style.

SEAT MATERIAL

3. Comfort is always a factor, as is the visual sense. The seat material of a dining chair defines how it feels when in use, and how it looks when being displayed. Upholstered seats are the most comfortable option, with a soft texture and cushioned bottom. Upholstered seats can be found on any and every type of frame, either matching or contrasting with the rest of the chair.

Leather seat dining chairs are incredibly popular for good reason: they offer the comfort of a typical upholstered chair, with the rich sheen and luxurious quality that only leather can imbue.

FRAME MATERIAL

5. Wood frame chairs often come unadorned with upholstery. Instead, they may sport a molded wood seat, for a more direct, minimal look, while still offering comfort and style. Dining chairs with wood frames are by far the most popular models you’ll find when shopping. The most traditional build material is also the most varying, offering a wide range of styles and shapes.

6. Metal / Brass frames are popularly used in moderncontemporary interior decor themes. It can be found holding any variety of seat for the dining room.

Color is one of the most important aspects while designing an interior space. There is a clear relationship between colors and emotions, whether you’re a fan of bold reds, soothing blues, sunny yellows or regal purples, understanding the relationship between color and mood can help you strategically select hues for your interior. It is a powerful design tool which can make an environment feel more calm, cheerful, comfortable or dramatic. While picking colors might not be that big of a deal, it is important to understand that colors play a vital role depicting one’s mood to determining one’s personality.

Colors affect people in many ways based on age, gender, ethnic background and climate. That is why it is so important to choose colors wisely when it comes to decorating. Choosing the right color combination is one of the most important steps. Colors have the power to alter the shape and size of furniture and fixtures, as well as the shape and size of the room itself. Selecting colors is not difficult if you equip yourself with some basic information about colors and its effects.

Keep in mind that each color has a psychological value. Think about how certain colors make you feel; they can influence any emotions from tranquility to rage. So, in relation to this phenomenon: here, we would like to share a little about colors and how they influence your mood.

RED

Red is strong, and very basic. It symbolizes power and passion. It can be used to warm up spaces and make them feel more intimate. It is generally associated with excitement, romance, courage, strength, warmth, & energy.

YELLOW

Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. In chromotherapy, yellow is believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body. Hence, it is an ideal choice for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, where it helps in uplifting and energizing one’s mood. In halls, entries and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming. The right yellow will lift your spirits and self-esteem. It is the colour of confidence and optimism.

PURPLE

Purple is associated with luxury and creativity. As a secondary color it gives a feeling of depth. Lighter shades of purple, such as lavander or lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does but without the risk of feeling chilly.

BLUE

There’s a reason why blue is such a popular color for interiors. It is considered calming, relaxing and serene. Blue is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. To encourage relaxation in social areas such as family rooms, living rooms or large kitchens, consider warmer blues such as bright blues or turquoise.To use blue as a main color of a room go for softer shades or balance it with shades from the neutral pallete.

GREEN

Green also has a calming effect as it is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. It is also considered the most restful color for the eye. In the kitchen, green cools things down, whereas in the family room it encourges unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. Some of the instant reaction the color green would be of harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace.

ORANGE

Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange is stimulating. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort food, warmth, shelter and sensuality. Orange offers a jolt of energy and innovation which evokes excitement and enthusiasm. It’s best used as an accent because too much can leave people feeling overwhelmed.

NEUTRALS (Black, Grey, White and Brown):

All the shades in the neutral pallete fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility which it holds to add color to liven things up as well as to substract accent shades to calm things down.

• Black reflects glamour, security, emotional safety and efficiency. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence and it works particularly well with white. Black creates a perception of weight and seriousness.
• White is purity and, like black, uncompromising; it is clean, hygienic, and sterile. The concept of sterility can also be negative. Visually, white gives a heightened perception of space.
• Grey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties. It is, however, quite suppressive. These neutral colors are best used to balance accent colors.
• Brown has associations with the earth and the natural world. It is a solid, reliable colour and most people find it quietly supportive – more positively than the ever-popular black

It’s a known fact that color affects us physiologically, therefore we cannot underestimate the powerful effect of a color or combination of colors for those who use the space. The trick is to blend the colors you like into a pleasing combination to suit your mood. To create a truly harmonious color scheme use colors from the same color family. The key is to use colors in varying proportions and identifying which is your primary color, secondary and accent colors.

Wardrobes are something that you just can’t avoid. A good wardrobe design, designed to your needs will bring order and functionality to your room. Whether your space is large or small, square or oddly shaped; “Closets” can be custom-made in all shapes and sizes. These closet layouts can help you make the most of your space. So here are some must-know storage and organization secrets that you should consider before customizing a wardrobe for yourself.

MAXIMIZE SMALL SPACE

Wardrobes are something that you just can’t avoid. A good wardrobe design, designed to your needs will bring order and functionality to your room. Whether your space is large or small, square or oddly shaped; “Closets” can be custom-made in all shapes and sizes. These closet layouts can help you make the most of your space. So here are some must-know storage and organization secrets that you should consider before customizing a wardrobe for yourself.

CLOSET COMPARTMENTS

You might think the more shelves, the better; but this is not always true. The shelves themselves take up inches of precious storage space, and too many of them can make it difficult to stack or remove items. It’s best to design shelves that will fit the various items you have to store.

Hanging Bars is an easy way to keep clothing organized, especially if you have a lot of dress shirts, trousers and suits.
Ventilated shelves promote airflow around folded clothes, which cuts down on the possibility of mold, mildew, and pests. Bulky items like sweaters and purses can go on the open shelves. Shelves should be about 12 inches deep, roughly the depth of a stack of clothes. You don’t want a lot of wasted space in front or behind.
Cubby Storage comes in handy to keep your shoes organized and perfectly displayed.
Add drawers to collect smaller items. If you don’t have drawers, use a basket or two. Position drawers below eye level so it’s easy to peer in. Drawers give the closet a polished, built-in look, plus handy closet door storage for folded clothes.
See-through wire drawers make finding clothes or other items in your closet quick and easy. This kind of metal pull-out storage system has drawers with various depths to fit into different sized spaces, and provides a more organized form of storage than simple cubbies would provide. Laundry section or a Hide-away storage can be a helpful in terms to store the dirty clothes away from the fresh ones. Also it can be used as a quick hide-away storage to dump anything loitering around on the floor and keeps it nicely tucked away.

Accessories drawers are one of the popular ways to store watches and glasses in a protected and organized manner. They have specialized compartments to
keep items from sliding around. A soft, felted interior is used to help prevent scratches.
There’s nothing like a pull-out pant rack to keep things pressed, unwrinkled and easily displayed. It’s simple to see which jeans and pants are clean and which ones are ready to pick from when all are neatly displayed.
By including a fold-out ironing board in your closet design, it’s easy to incorporate ironing into getting dressed.

So, whether it is small, medium or a master wardrobe, by considering these few pointers, you’re sure to end up with an intuitive space that works well with your needs.

” SHIFTING TOWARDS SOPHISTICATED EARTHY TONES AND NATURAL FINISHES “

Taking a cue from Mother Nature: Grey’s – Browns – Off-white’s it is!
 Pairing great style with smart function while creating a subtle environment, along with providing design and space flexibility using today’s most popular neutrals should be the basic focus while creating these luxurious looking Kitchen spaces.

Bringing a sense of quality and style into one’s life style has become “un- ignorable” in the past few years. So 
has renovating and upgrading trends risen dramatically. This greatly involves the upgrade of home kitchen designs. This is why we hope, this gives you the inspiration you need to bring back the classic allure and get the luxury kitchen plans that you’ve always wanted.

As you can see, some of these sophisticated – modern kitchen designs are closer to perfect than ever. These would give you an idea on how to maximize your storage capacity for a 100% functional space and to evoke a timeless look.

Cabinet Preferences: A large design element in homes is the style of the cabinetry. Sleeker and stylized cabinets can make a huge impact in creating a home that has a high end look. One
 of the key ways to customize a home and add upgraded style is by adding a custom built-in. Whether it’s a dramatic media unit, built-in night stands, or a custom wall design that creates that first great impression when you walk in a home, these upgrades are worth putting money for. They add both value to your home and added functionality, which is priceless. Cabinet finishes when used in fresh earthy hues can add a subtle radiance. Referring to some decor-inspired details such as frosted glass cabinets, door inserts, chrome fixtures and some silver toned hardware which would add refined glamour to the kitchen.

Island : Keep in mind that adding an island can fundamentally change
 the look and feel of your kitchen design completely. Kitchen-islands vary greatly based on the size, shape and budget of your kitchen project. Hence, take your time and get a lot of kitchen island ideas before you “fire away”

on making decisions.
 Start by determining the square footage of your kitchen space by taking careful measurements
to conclude if you have enough square footage available. Ideally, there should be at least 3 and
 up to 6 feet between your island and the surrounding cabinetry. Coordinate the color and material of the island top and the island cabinets according to 
the kitchen cabinets and counter tops accordingly. Chairs & Stools: Though shape, design and elements may vary according to different places, a kitchen island with seating has to be
a perfect combination
of functionality and versatility. Having a bar stool on an island in the kitchen is pretty much
 a must. They maintain
 a timeless design, also that it is a very functional thing to have, plus it gives you the opportunity to incorporate bar stools in your design and they’re one of those elements that elevate the style in 
a room becoming a focal point in the overall décor. Organic woods and live- edge furnishings have been trending as well
as metallics in lighting fixtures, frames, and accessories.

Modern Appliances: Adding appliances to your kitchen plays half the role while considering the entire theme –
 space management
and functionality of the kitchen. Be wise to make the decision to plan what appliances you want
 to be installed in the kitchen before you install the cabinets.There are many modern appliances out in the market these days that will make your kitchen impress in terms of functionality and convenience, as well as aesthetics. For instance, refrigerators with the freezer on bottom, wall mound ovens, appliances such as dishwashers
and microwaves and wine refrigerators are all making strong inroads into modern kitchen design. Smart appliances are also getting widely popular. All these add to the extra bit of having a futuristic upgrade to your kitchen. While selecting the appliances, do keep in mind to coordinate the color scheme with your kitchen.

Well if you ask me; I’d say, “Its’ almost a crime to leave your walls bare and your beautiful pictures stacked away on some virtual space”. It just takes some precious memories,
a hammer and a nail and a little technical detail on how and where to hang your art work to create a perfect designer inspired look for your home. So just plunge in and get started.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Frames complement the photographs and create the mood and the atmosphere of the display. Have all your frames and artworks framed in a same way while displaying it together. Thin, slick frames are better for grids or rows (this invokes feelings of newness and modernity). Also keep in mind the proportion while spacing the frames from one another. Keeping it simple is the key.

Whereas, if you have singular
ornate frames or some elaborately engraved wooden frames, give
it some breathing room by not hanging lots near it (this invokes an elegant, vintage style of display). Be innovative with the framing as it will be the most important feature of your display.

THE RIGHT HEIGHT

So, on an average it turns out that measuring 57-58 inches from ground level to the centre of the picture always works just perfect (obviously, the hook will be higher, this should be applied for the centrepiece of the wall). Having this as your base, do a little math to space the other frames around the centre piece if you wish to create a collage of frames.

THE TECHNICALITIES

Though this may seem complicated to read, it is quite simple when you do it. The thing to always remember is that the center of all your pictures are hanging at the same 57” and you are just figuring out where the hook goes above it.

1. Measure and lightly mark 57” on the wall
2. Measure the height of the artwork and divide that number by 2. (30′′ / 2 = 15′′)
3. Measure the distance between the top of the picture wire (when stretched) and the top of the frame. (i.e. 4′′)
4. Subtract the second number (distance of wire to top of frame) from the first number (half of the artwork size). This will tell you how far above 57” your hook should go. (15′′ – 4′′ = 11′′). Take the number you just figured out and add 57′′, and then mark that measurement on the wall (in pencil). (i.e. 57′′ + 11′′ = 68′′). Wire comes to
2” below the top. These method works for several different types of artwork or picture groupings. Think of a group as one picture.

THE BALANCING ACT OF SPACING

Keep in mind that the trick is to mind the sizes of the photos, the layout, frame design and background when it comes to setting up a captivating family photo display in any room.

Here are some options for you with detailed dimensions on it. Hopefully this provides you with an idea on how to display your frames creatively and how to manage them tactfully.

NOTE:

Try doing this So you don’t end up puncturing nail holes on your wall just about everywhere:

• Trace each frame onto chart papers, cut them out, mark the tightened wire height or hook position, then stick them to the wall with painter’s tape. This will give you an idea of the coverage of the wall as well as where exactly to drill holes for the frames to be hung. How simple is that?
• You can also arrange the display on the floor first before hanging.

EXTERIOR LIVING

The winter chills are slowly subsiding, replacing the gloomy cold days with bright blue skies, and sunny days. It would be a shame to waste these beautiful days staying indoors.

However big or small a yard in
any home, we tend to spend much of our time relaxing in the warm freshness of the spring bliss. It just doesn’t seem fair unless you treat yourself with your daily activities such as eating, entertaining, or lounging outdoors. Now having a nice setting to do these things is an added benefit, and if you have plans of upgrading your space this is the right time to transform your backyard or lawn into a wonder- land escape. Whether you want to lounge poolside, plant an organic garden or host an evening soiree, the world is your oyster.
Here are a few ideas and tips which you can use to jump start your backyard sanctuary creativity and create an everlasting retreat.

Textiles & Accessories

Think going beyond the normal textiles and opt for unique prints / art works in vibrant colors (tangerine, fuchsia) and modern prints like stripes, and eye-popping floral prints (tropical punch) combined with plain mute/neutral colors to accessories any outdoor add-ons such as accessories, cushions, throws, murals etc. Mixing up organic shape and texture is also considered as a popular trend in the high-end and luxury interiors.

Decorating your space can be a vast area to explore and hence there can be many areas in the house to have a classy corner with some sleek polished leather furniture and accessories complementing it to create an elegant environment. For example, reading corners are very popular. Lots of people choose to have such a space because they enjoy having a comfortable and cozy space where they can sit, read a good book, maybe even listen to some soothing music.

HAVE A SEAT!

If you like reading, chances are, you have a collection of good reads stacked up on a shelf or a personal library. Try bringing an artsy blend of element to the reader’s corner in your house. Create an inviting space/ corner fit for a quite round of reading with a plush leather chair accessorized with an ottoman, a reading lamp and a little side console. That’s all you need to add that extra flavor for the love of reading. If not for anything else, this investment is worth the money for the aesthetic it brings to your space.

COMFORT BEING THE KEY

When it comes to comfort, leather furniture takes the cake. It’s versatile, comfortable and durable! So whether you adore that antiqued, aged look or a sleek and modern look, you’re sure to find leather pieces that will fit your life and your style. Leather-upholstered chairs trimmed in rich wood with some designer craftsmanship are best suited for solo reading corner décor.

THE NEED TO RELAX

A well-placed leather bench, ottoman or stool along with your chair can enhance the aesthetics of your space to a great deal. Other than just being a visual treat, it serves to comfort and relax to its best. Imagine kicking back on a plush sofa comfortably, resting your feet up on the ottoman. Wouldn’t that be a great way to spend your time with your book, or better yet a glass of whisky and a cigar? Also, you can also have a space- saving, multi-purpose ottoman, which can be used as storage, extra seating or as a coffee table.

Bold Design Elements

• Create the focal point of a room, to invite order and comfort
• Leather accent chair with edgy detailing – nail head trim screams lavish.
• Ottoman originally intended to be a footrest could also be partnered with a tray making it a modern coffee or side table.
• Lighting should be ideal for reading – consider it a must-have. Create the perfect lighting environment with a well-designed floor lamp placed aside your reading chair. Other than just serving the purpose of a visual treat, this will help in creating depth and tones to vary the light that illuminates the room.
• Combine functions: Try using dark-stained wooden side consoles to accessorize and complement your leather chair
• If you have a dark corner in mind to set up your reading area then experiment with some mood lighting to generate a more mysterious feel.
• Opt for a bookrack that has the minimalist of design to it, and which allows the actual books to stand out.

DRESSING UP YOUR PREFAB BUNKIE’S

After the devastating earthquake hit the nation, many people began resorting to temporary structures for shelter. But because the calamity couldn’t be foreseen, people did not have the luxury of residing in proper shelters and had to suffice with any sort of roof over their heads.

Hopefully, the worst has passed and we are out of the woods. Nevertheless, having a backup plan never hurt anyone. So, to those who are looking forward to temporary, light structures, considering a pre-fabricated getaway would be the perfect backup plan to own a rather adorable Bunkie.

Although many people associate these homes to “Shelters”, the prefabs are seen as a burgeoning trend due to the exhilarating interior designs and its modernist architecture of all time.

OPEN FLOOR-PLAN ADAPTABILITY

Fold-down Beds and Fold-Out Furniture’s are recommended so that the structure can be easily converted between day and night use. Also include a still-minimal site footprint that creates a decent recreational deck area for comfortable indoor/ outdoor flow and living. This helps to wisely maximize the amount of functionality in the small area.

THE EXTERIOR APPEARANCE

These pre-fabricated structures are reflective of the conceptual goal, making it look more like an extruded home. It provides a neat effect that sets it apart visually from a conventional house. Hence, the demand for the prefabs has risen, as they have proved to be weather resilient and visually appealing. The durability of these prefab homes is also a recurrent attraction.

More importantly, the concrete footings form a stable are of non-invasive ‘foundation’, allowing the unit to situate on a wide range of ground conditions.

These might just be temporary structures or a backyard retreat for now, but if thought of in a larger scale, these innovations can lower the ricks and pave the way for a better architectural future for disaster prone countries with high seismic activities.

Over all, these structures leverages both architecture and furniture design by making a bold statement in form and function! It sure will look comfortable and be surprisingly spacious.

Probably the most “sacred” room of the entire crib, the Home Library combines relaxation with personal growth and completes the genuine atmosphere of a residence. Also, for many, a home library is a dream. Likewise, having a dedicated space in your home to squirrel into and read an afternoon away is nothing, but a great luxury.

Bookshelves don’t have to be boring!

Whether your style is modern or traditional, depending on the features of each home, a library can be extended horizontally or vertically. Some of these photos present seamlessly infinite walls, along with some basic interior space management effects – converting it into a stylish home library.

A book already in itself is little more than just a piece of decoration. Here are a few ways to make your bookshelves appear more aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

• Store these beautifully crafted pieces in a place where they can be seen and admired.
• You might want to consider a safe area of the house to display your books.
• Make sure to store your treasured first editions and rare books in the area where temperature and humidity is controlled. They are investments that need to be carefully protected.

So before “Once upon a time!” creeps in: Just imagine the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of books with a beautiful ambience in the comfort of your own home, & make the best use of space to store your priceless collections.

Like anything else when it comes to home decor, you always need to consider visual balance.

• By varying shelf height and reserving a few shelves for vases, bowls or other decorative, you can avoid an overly-cluttered appearance. Also, grouping the books by size or color helps to make the shelves look less chaotic.
• Stack your books horizontally at each alternating point instead of only placing them vertically. The results feel weirdly calming and serene. You get bonus points if you can color code the sides.
• Pay Attention to Scale. Ensuring you have a variation in height, shape and volume will ensure you end up with a bookshelf that packs plenty of interest. To avoid over-doing it, try to stick to one style.

So as we have all noticed, the bedside table all too often gets buried under books you’ve been meaning to read, remnants of midnight snacks and boring alarm clocks. However, with just a few styling tricks, that little table can be instantly transformed into an elegant focal point that reflects your design aesthetic. We hope you get some styling inspiration from these non-conventional tables to nightstand essentials.