Apr 30, 2025 | Lifestyle, Blog
Going green isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also great for your pocket!
In today’s fast-paced life, especially for people living in Indian apartments, making small yet smart choices at home can create a big difference. Sustainable home ideas don’t mean you have to build a mud house or grow a jungle on your balcony. In 2025, it’s all about balancing comfort, savings and the environment.
So let’s talk about easy, practical and desi-friendly green living tips that every Indian family can follow.
Say Hello to Balcony Gardens
You don’t need a farm. Just a few pots of tulsi, mint (pudina), curry leaves (kadi patta) and even chillies or tomatoes on your balcony or kitchen window can make your Indian apartment greener and healthier.
Bonus: You save money on buying herbs and veggies!
Compost at Home
Small, smell-proof compost bins, available in the market, are perfect to make your compost at home without taking up too much space. Turn your kitchen peels into black gold, the best compost for your sustainable home ideas like a balcony garden.
Use Water Smartly
Install aerators in taps and reuse RO wastewater to mop the floor! These small green living tips can save hundreds of litres of water every month in Indian apartments.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Next time you buy a fridge, AC, or washing machine, look for the BEE Star Rating. A 5-star appliance might cost a bit more, but the power savings over the years will surprise you. This is one of the simplest eco-friendly lifestyle switches you can make.
Choose Natural & Local Decor
Ditch plastic showpieces and go for jute, bamboo, clay, or wooden items. These are not only stylish but also better for the environment; and they support local artisans too!
Tip: Handmade Assamese bell metalware, terracotta lamps, or jute rugs look beautiful and are part of a mindful eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reuse, Recycle & Refuse
Before buying new furniture, can you repaint or repurpose what you have? There will be so many other things around the house that might be looking worn out, but a little upcycling can give that thing a whole new purpose. These sustainable home ideas are budget-friendly and full of creativity.
In 2025, an eco-friendly lifestyle is no longer just a “nice to have”, it’s becoming a must. And the good news is, it’s not tough or expensive. In fact, it can bring your family together, save money, and make your home more peaceful and beautiful.
Every small change counts and every Indian apartment can be a part of this big green movement.
So let’s start right at home. Because green living tips are the smartest way to live today.
Apr 25, 2025 | Blog, Home Hacks
Some homes just feel good the moment you walk in. They are airy, bright and balanced. Even if the space isn’t too big, something about the ambience makes it feel fresh. Often, it’s the smart use of light and reflections. And yes, mirrors have a lot to do with it.
They’re not just for checking outfits before heading out. When used thoughtfully, mirrors can transform corners, widen narrow rooms and even add a bit of warmth to dull spaces. And the best part is that it doesn’t need a designer’s budget. Just a little creativity and some market hunting.
1. The Big Mirror
One large mirror leaning against the wall can completely change the look of a room. It reflects natural light, makes the space look open and adds a touch of elegance without doing much.
This works best in the living room, especially near a window or beside a sofa.
2. Entryways with a Mirror
Most Indian homes have compact entryways or corridors that don’t get much attention. Adding a mirror here can make the space look brighter and more open. Throw in a little shelf with a warm lamp under it and it can totally be a game changer.
3. Bedroom Cupboard Mirror
Most wardrobes already have mirrors in Indian homes and honestly, it’s a great choice. They save space, reflect light and make morning routines smoother. Adding soft lighting or a clean frame around it makes the bedroom feel a bit more put together.
4. Dining Area with a Touch of Glass
This is one of those underused ideas that can make a huge difference. It bounces light from the ceiling or pendant lamps and adds a cozy warmth during family dinners. Even everyday meals feel like a small occasion.
5. A Bathroom Glow-Up
Small Indian bathrooms often don’t get enough natural light. A round mirror or one with a gold or wooden frame, can do wonders here. For those who like a modern twist, LED-lit mirrors are now super affordable online. This isn’t just for the aesthetics, but it is also super useful.
DIY Mirror Walls
Instead of buying expensive decor, try a mix of small mirrors in different shapes. Vintage frames, carved wood, or even metal-rimmed ones from local bazaars work beautifully together.
Why It Works So Well in Indian Homes
- Makes small spaces look larger
- Reflects both natural and artificial light
- Matches all styles – minimalist, ethnic, boho, or modern
- Works with Indian architecture: narrow hallways, cozy corners, smaller windows
- Adds elegance without being loud or over-the-top
Final Thought
No need for massive makeovers. Just one smart addition can bring in light, open space and even add a bit of calm.
Sometimes, all a home needs is a little reflection.
Apr 21, 2025 | Blog, Vastu
Non Vastu-compliant homes are often believed to be inauspicious and lacking prosperity. While this may sound concerning, the truth is that your home doesn’t need to be perfect according to Vastu Shastra. Small, thoughtful changes can go a long way in realigning energy and restoring harmony.
Widely followed in India and increasingly recognized around the world, Vastu Shastra aims to create living spaces that support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It’s a holistic approach that blends architectural design with ancient wisdom to help a home become a nurturing and supportive space, and not just a physical structure.
Why Vastu Alignment Matters?
1. Flow of Positive Energy
Vastu ensures the smooth flow of positivity in your home while uplifting your mood, sharpening mental clarity, and promoting a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
2. Health and Well-Being
Proper alignment with natural elements like air, water, and light creates a healthy and vibrant living environment. Rooms placed thoughtfully can promote better sleep, productivity, immunity, and overall vitality.
3. Prosperity
A Vastu-aligned home is believed to attract wealth and opportunities. For example, placing valuables in the southeast direction is believed to enhance financial stability and growth.
4. Better Relationships
Vastu enhances emotional bonds by optimizing the layout for harmony and connection. A master bedroom in the southwest corner, for instance, supports stability and strong family ties.
5. Spiritual Growth
Puja rooms placed in the northeast help in establishing a strong spiritual energy. These zones are perfect for meditation, prayers, and introspective practices.
6. Reduction of Negativity
Vastu remedies help neutralize negative influences, such as improperly located toilets, mirrors or sharp corners, before they affect your daily life.
7. Holistic Living
At its core, Vastu Shastra bridges the gap between architecture and wellness. It emphasizes the connection between humans and their environment, fostering a space where people can thrive.
Simple Vastu Remedies for Non-Compliant Homes
If your home doesn’t completely align with Vastu principles, here are easy-to-implement vastu remedies that don’t require renovations, but create a big impact:
1. Main Entrance Remedies
If your main door faces an inauspicious direction, it can disrupt the flow of positive energy right from the entry point.
Fix: To balance and purify the energy, place sacred symbols like the Swastik, Om, or Trishul above the main entrance. Hanging torans made of mango leaves or marigold flowers also helps deflect negativity and bring a sense of warmth and welcome.
2. Kitchen in the Wrong Direction
When the kitchen isn’t located in the southeast, which is associated with the fire element, it can throw off energetic balance.
Fix: You can place an image of Lord Agni (the Fire God) in the southeast corner of the kitchen to symbolically invite the fire element. Using red or orange accents in the décor can also help activate and support fire energy in the space.
3. Toilet in the Northeast
The Northeast zone is considered sacred. Toilets in this zone can lead to an imbalance in spiritual energy.
Fix: A simple and effective vastu remedy is to keep a bowl of Himalayan salt in the area, as it naturally absorbs negative energy. Repainting the bathroom in light, soothing colors and placing green plants nearby can further enhance the vibe and neutralize any imbalances.
4. Improper Bedroom Placement
When the bedroom is not located in the recommended southwest direction, it may affect stability and restfulness.
Fix: Try to sleep with your head facing south, which is believed to enhance grounding and mental peace. Adding a solid wooden headboard can bring a sense of security and anchoring energy to your sleeping area.
5. Non-Vastu-Friendly Colours or Decor
Harsh or clashing colours and improperly placed mirrors can disrupt the calmness of your interiors.
Fix: Consider introducing earth tones like beige, soft yellow, or light brown to bring balance and warmth into your home. Be mindful of mirror placements, especially avoid having them reflect your bed, as it can disturb restful sleep and amplify unwanted energy.
6. Misplaced Puja Room
If your puja room isn’t in the northeast corner, which is ideal for spiritual practices, it might not feel as serene.
Fix: This vastu remedy suggests to arrange idols or photos to face east or northeast, even if the room itself isn’t in the perfect location. Using brass or copper plates for offerings can help raise the spiritual frequency of the space and bring in divine energy.
7. Heavy or Negative Zones
Some corners of your home may feel dull, heavy or energetically stagnant.
Fix: To uplift the energy, try using Himalayan salt lamps or diffusing essential oils like sandalwood, lavender or lemongrass. Sound therapy tools such as bells or the blowing of a conch shell (Shankh) are also effective in breaking up stagnant vibes and infusing the space with positivity.
8. Lack of Greenery
A home without plants often feels incomplete and lacks the vibrant energy of nature.
Fix: You can install green and auspicious plants like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Money Plant and Lucky Bamboo. These are not only considered auspicious but also bring a sense of vitality into your home. Just remember to avoid keeping thorny plants like cacti indoors, as they are considered to emit harsh energy.
Why These Simple Fixes Work?
Even the smallest Vastu adjustments work because they help realign the five essential elements — Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space. These elements govern our physical, emotional and spiritual energy. When they’re out of sync, we may feel blocked or overwhelmed. But when balanced, they promote peace, prosperity and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Living in a non-Vastu-compliant home doesn’t mean you’re doomed to negativity. Vastu remedy is about bringing the intention and alignment back to your home. With a few mindful changes, like adjusting color schemes, repositioning objects or bringing in certain elements, you can turn your home into a sanctuary that supports your goals, relationships and spiritual growth.
Sometimes, big transformations come from small, consistent changes.
Apr 12, 2025 | Home Décor, Blog
The importance of following home decor trends goes deeper than just staying fashionable. It touches various aspects of modern living and can positively impact the environment and convenience of your home. Home decor plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and functionality of a space. A well-planned home provides both comfort and inspiration, reflecting your personality and way of life. It makes your surroundings both functional and emotionally appealing, enabling you to unwind and rejuvenate.
How Home Decor Affects Your Mood
- Emotional and Mental Well-being
- The choice of colors, textures and lighting in a space can influence emotions. For instance, warm tones and soft lighting promote relaxation, while vibrant colors can energize and uplift.
- Organized and aesthetically pleasing spaces can help reduce stress by creating a sense of order and calm.
- Functionality and Creativity
- Thoughtfully designed and arranged spaces improve functionality, making daily tasks easier and more efficient, while ensuring ease of movement and logical flow.
- Having different areas for different activities helps in maintaining focus on tasks. For instance, separate zones for working, brainstorming and relaxation.
(Fun fact: Even a small corner can be transformed into the perfect mood zone.)
- Social Dynamics
- Decor pieces like artwork, heirlooms, or travel souvenirs serve as conversation starters, building rapport and enriching social exchanges.
- Home decor can set the vibe for different types of gatherings. For example, a formal dining room with elegant finish encourages a refined atmosphere, while a colorful and relaxed living room sets the mood for interactions.
- Cultural and Personal Identity
- Spaces curated with culturally significant items, such as weaves, art, pottery or souvenirs, create a narrative about roots and traditions.
- Homes are extensions of personal journeys, with decors often telling stories of achievements and experiences – sometimes through sparkling awards, sometimes through a gallery of cherished photos.
Top Home Decor Trends for 2025
- Revival of 1980s Design Elements – Neon accents, metallic finishes and pastel tones.
- Wellness-Centric Spaces – Meditation corners and home gyms.Organic Modernism – Natural materials like wood, stone and clay with minimalist aesthetics.
- Organic Modernism – Natural materials like wood, stone and clay with minimalist aesthetics.
- Fashion-Influenced Interiors – Statement pieces, bold patterns and designer-inspired decor.
- Scalloped Designs – Curved furniture, rugs and decorative accents.
- Earth Tones & Rich Colors – Deep greens, burgundy, navy and warm neutrals.
- Personalized & Lived-In Spaces – Vintage finds, unique decor and layered textures.
Incorporating These Trends in a Budget-Friendly Way
- DIY Decor Projects – Upcycling furniture and hand-painting accent pieces.
- Affordable Alternatives – Finding similar designs at budget-friendly stores or thrift shops.
- Small Changes, Big Impact – Updating wall colors, using removable wallpaper and swapping out accessories
- Mixing High & Low – Investing in key pieces while using budget options for accents.
Conclusion
Trying new decor is fun! Think of your space as a canvas where you can express yourself, experiment and create something wonderful. While it’s not necessary to follow every trend, selectively incorporating elements that align with your needs and preferences allows you to strike a balance between timelessness and modernity. A well-organized and clutter-free environment enhances functionality, making day-to-day living more enjoyable. By intentionally curating your home decor, you can transform it into a haven that offers comfort, creativity, connection and the joy of living.
Mar 31, 2025 | Real Estate
Choosing to buy or rent a home is a big decision that has a major influence on one’s lifestyle and financial security. Making this choice necessitates carefully weighing both options to see which best suits a person’s needs and objectives.
Knowing the Fundamentals
Buying a home means investing in real estate, which is often funded by a home loan. This route culminates in homeownership, where the person bears the responsibility for maintenance, insurance, property taxes, and loan EMI payments. Renting, on the other hand, entails paying a landlord for the privilege of using a property without owning it. In addition to making monthly payments and possibly paying for utilities, renters are usually free from maintenance, insurance and property taxes.
Economic Factors
Initial Expenses:
A down payment (typically ranging from 3% to 20% of the property’s price), registration fees and other related costs are all part of the significant upfront investment required to buy a home. On the other hand, renting typically entails a security deposit in addition to the first month’s rent, which leads to much lower upfront expenses.
Monthly Outlays:
Ongoing costs for homeowners include insurance premiums, maintenance expenditures, property taxes and loan EMP payments. Renters have few other financial responsibilities and are only accountable for the rent and utilities each month.
Long-Term Effect on Finances:
Being a homeowner has the potential to increase equity and property value, which over time can add to one’s personal wealth. It’s crucial to remember that average rental yields in India are among the lowest in the world, at about 2.9%. So, it may not be a great idea to buy an apartment for the purpose of renting it out to someone else.
Aspects of Lifestyle
Adaptability:
More mobility is offered by renting, which is advantageous for people who want to avoid committing to a long-term residence or who are expecting a career change. This adaptability makes moving simpler without having to deal with the hassles of real estate sales.
Consistency & Stability:
Long-term relationships and neighborhood involvement are fostered by the sense of permanence and community involvement that comes with home ownership. For families, owning a home can offer stability and emotional fulfillment, especially for the kids growing up in a stable owned home.
Plans for the Future:
When deciding whether buying or renting is the better option, long-term goals like relocating or settling in a specific area are very important. Purchasing may be more beneficial for those who intend to remain in one location for a long time.
Customization:
Renters’ ability to customize their homes is often restricted by laws governing property modifications. Homeowners can improve their living space by remodeling and altering their property to fit their tastes.
Economic and Market Factors
Trends in the Real Estate Market:
Potential return on investment may be impacted by changes in property values due to market conditions for homeowners. Home prices in India are predicted to increase gradually, mostly due to demand from affluent people. However, the average buyer may find it more difficult to afford property ownership as a result of this trend.
Interest rates:
The affordability of purchasing a home is influenced by home loan interest rates; lower rates may make the purchase more alluring, while higher rates may put off prospective purchasers. When thinking about becoming a homeowner, it is crucial to keep an eye on interest rate trends.
Dynamics of the Rental Market:
The affordability and stability of renting can be affected by changes in rental prices, which are contingent on supply, demand and economic conditions. The cost-effectiveness of renting can be impacted by the fact that rental prices in urban areas have been increasing, occasionally surpassing consumer inflation.
Tools for Making Decisions
Cost Calculators:
By taking into account variables like purchase price, rent, mortgage rates and anticipated length of stay, online tools can assist in comparing the financial effects of buying versus renting. Depending on each user’s unique financial circumstances, these calculators can offer tailored insights.
Scenario 1: Buying a 3 BHK Apartment in Guwahati
- Costs = ₹50,00,000. You pay a down payment of ₹10,00,000 and take a loan of ₹40,00,000 at a 7% annual interest rate for 20 years.
- Maintenance is ₹2,000 per month, and property taxes around ₹12,000 per year.
- EMI = ₹31,000 per month approx.
- Total Cost over 20 years:
- EMI Payments: ₹31,000 × 240 months = ₹74,40,000.
- Maintenance: ₹2,000 × 240 = ₹4,80,000 (considering a stagnant maintenance cost)
- Property Taxes: ₹12,000 × 20 = ₹2,40,000.
- Down Payment: ₹10,00,000.
- Total Cost: ₹74,40,000 + ₹4,80,000 + ₹2,40,000 + ₹10,00,000 = ₹91,60,000.
Scenario 2: Renting a similar 3 BHK Apartment in Guwahati
- Costs = Monthly rent is ₹25,000,
- Annual rent increment of 5%.
- Annual Rent = ₹3,00,000
- Rent over 20 years with an increment of 5% comes to ₹99,00,000 approximately.
So, if we compare long term gains, buying an apartment is beneficial financially considering, it is an asset that may likely appreciate and can be leveraged for loan against property, plus it can be sold in times of distress as well. However, this does not factor in the returns you could earn by investing the savings from renting in another financial instrument for 20 years.
Experts in Consultation:
Personalized insights based on unique situations and market conditions can be obtained by consulting financial advisors and real estate specialists. Navigating the intricacies of financial planning and the housing market can be aided by expert advice.
In conclusion
There are many factors to consider when deciding between buying and renting a home, including lifestyle, financial and personal factors. Although homeownership has the potential to increase stability and equity, it also entails several significant costs and responsibilities. Although renting offers flexibility and fewer maintenance responsibilities, it does not allow for the accumulation of equity. In the end, the choice should be in line with one’s long-term objectives, lifestyle choices and financial status. Professional advice and a thorough evaluation can help you make the decision that best fits your situation.