Front Doors ~ more than an entrance to a home. It’s a style statement that sets the stage and expectations for what lies inside. Yes, it’s a reflection of a home. You spot a stylish single front door, and you can’t wait to step in and see the rest of the home. The main doors at the entrance are like the cover of a book. But, the adage does not hold good for a home. You can judge the style and interiors of a home by its entryway where the best is often on display. I spent a good part of my growing up years at my grandparents’ in two southern towns of Tamil Nadu: Madurai and Kumbakonam. The architecture of the ancient houses in Tanjore district has left a lasting impression on me. Several hot summer afternoons spent playing hide and seek in the thinnais (the front porch), mitham…
So often you step into homes and wonder if it is someone’s home, or an exhibit of the interior designer’s craft — to be showcased for guests, prospective clients, and magazines. They lack the warmth, personal touch, and comfort. I wonder, “Who gets to make the final call when it comes to the comfort of furniture – the designer or the house’s occupants?” Who decides if the sofa should be white because it matches the rest of the theme and would look great in pictures? What if it’s a pain for to maintain with a continuous flow of guests and dust in the area? What if the vintage furniture is really comfortable to sink my rear into to chat or watch TV? Isn’t it my home after all? But, I see homes after homes lost in this race of trying to be a showpiece. So, you know instantly when spot a…