Home Tour: Pratiksha's A House By The Bay

I am so thrilled to bring you a delightful home tour on MDC today! I have been blogging for 9 years now. As part of this journey, I have spent numerous hours on Pinterest, Instagram and reading decor blogs.  The one thing that I have learnt  through this process is how much talent and creativity is out there. The best way to experience this is via home tours. I have have been fortunate enough to feature some beautiful homes on MDC. It has been a wonderful privilege to peek into the homes of some incredible women who have created their perfect oasis.

In my opinion, we all live pretty ordinary lives.... where we go about our daily routine with a sameness that can seem mundane.  However, through our passion and creativity we create homes that reflect our personality, it becomes a haven for our loved ones..... and somehow our ordinary becomes extraordinary. For me, my home is my magical cocoon, an escape from the humdrum of daily life. Yes, I do tend to romanticize a lot :) but then again..... don't you feel the same away about your home?

Today, the home featured here, is one that I feel has effortless charm! Its pretty, its bright and airy and the home shouts "happy"  Pratiksha Tandon's "A House by the Bay"  is warm and inviting and completely drool worthy :)! So go ahead and take a peek ....as every corner of her house makes me smile :)

Here is Pratiksha's home and style described in her own words " I am an Architect and an Interior designer by profession currently living in the Bay area. My design aesthetic has evolved over the years, from living in different parts of north India then traveling to the East coast and now finally the West. Having lived in apartments throughout I realized the value of having limited functional pieces of furniture which are versatile in their use. I personally like bright, clutter free spaces. I believe one can make any space beautiful by using things one already owns without indulging in expensive decor pieces and with a little bit of creativity and an eye for good composition. In addition to that, I love layering different colors, textures, prints and fabrics in my styling.

Well said Pratiksha! A well layered home without too much clutter is the way to go..... and you have achieved it beautifully.

Thank you for sharing your world with us. Do follow Pratiksha on Instagram for some wonderful inspiration!

Images; Copyright A House By The Bay

A Home Tour : Savita's Haven

Home styling and home design, when it is well done, is self expression in its truest form! It's telling your life story through the world of decor and design! Most of you reading this post are home decor enthusiasts! What is the one thing that appeals to you when you see a pretty home? For me, the most appealing thing is to see a home packed with personality! Today's home tour is a home that I connected with instantly!

There is a lot that you can tell about a space or a home by looking at it! I was fortunate enough to visit this home myself and see it through my camera lens. I have gotten to know Savita, the owner of this fabulous home, she and I have become friends! Like her home, she is full of warmth and character :)  Savita lives here with her husband and her ten year old son! 

The homeowner is rightfully the best person to talk about her home.....so take it away Savita!

"I am an art historian and art educator by training.  After having worked in various capacities as a graphic designer, art curriculum writer and curator, the last few years have almost exclusively been devoted to teaching – both adults and children on art and art appreciation. I love this phase of my life and it has by far been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things that I have done.

I hesitate to pigeon hole very specifically what my design aesthetic is but I think I lean toward an eclectic and global style without following any particular trend. In my house you will find Indian Colonial furniture juxtaposed with mid-century lamps, Middle Eastern kilims, and African masks alongside my collection of Dancing Ganeshas in bronze and brass. There are lots of books, paintings, etchings and lithographs by known as well as upcoming artists interspersed with my son’s hand crafted ceramics. Special (to me) things like my son’s first pair of shoes that are bronzed and sitting on an end table or a souvenir picked up from a trip with lovely memories – that, to me, is what makes my space personal, individual and a retreat for me and my family.

In design, I believe very strongly in editing. One of my favorite quotes is from the famous French designer Coco Chanel. ”Before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory." You don’t have to display all your treasures at the same time. Like each one of us, they too need to take a break and breathe. Currently, my home has a lot of greens because I am ready for Spring after a long Seattle winter! I want to have the verdant feeling outdoors as well as indoors.

What makes me smile is that when people visit my home, they say that it is warm, inviting, cozy and they can spend hours in the space. To me, that embodies everything that a home should be."

Thank you Savita!

Savita' eye catching art collection...

Every homeowner has a special corner in their home! This is Savita's study and her haven!

Thank you Savita for inviting the readers of My Dream Canvas into your lovely home!

Images: Taken by me at Savita's home and are subject to copyright!

Treasure Hunting For You :)

Good Morning all! My apologies for missing in action! Its been a busy few weeks at the MDC Casa! I am having a wonderful time looking for antique treasures for your home. I previewed a small collection called the Antique Bazaar 2016 via the online store and on our Facebook page. I am pleased as a punch with the fantastic response. My handpicked finds have found lovely homes! While my intentions are good, there are many things that are hard to part with! I am tempted to keep them all for myself. Alas, my home would then turn into a museum or worse a cluttered mess!! Sigh! 
Anyway....I am enjoying this journey of treasure hunting so wish me luck as I trudge along..... 

 Today, I am loving this "Laid Back Look" on the red patina blog. It oozes a casual yet sophisticated vibe with a bit of boho thrown in!

Images: via Red Patina and subject to copyright

Personalised MDC Coasters :)

Photography, tea, travel, decor and design have been a part of MDC ever since its inception nearly seven years ago! I take a gazillion pictures when the light is good at home. Unfortunately, winters in Seattle means incessant rain and lack of sunshine! I run around like a mad woman when "Mr Sunshine" makes an appearance :) 
I love capturing a mood, a light, a moment and enjoy seeing it framed on my wall! The past few weeks I have been thinking of incorporating more of my work at My Dream Canvas around my home. As you might already know, I love tea and I have a thing for collecting coasters :) I have them in all shapes, sizes and materials. I am guilty of being a hoarder when it comes to coasters:) It struck me recently that I could create my own coasters using my photographs :) Here are a few images of my shiny new coasters. It represents everything I love. My love for tea and tea cups and my passion for travel ( the red rug is from a trip to Mexico ) Printing My Dream Canvas on the coaster was an after thought and I am so glad I decided to  do it! 

 So, what do you think? I am now debating about creating a collection of coasters for The Shop At My Dream Canvas! I would love some feedback and suggestions. 

Happy Holidays my friends!!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright

Waterlogue Magic At Home

I wish, I could paint......... sing and dance!! Well, truthfully.....I can't do any of it :) However, I can take numerous pictures and hang them all over my house :) Most of the artwork in my home has been transported here from my parents home!. Then, there are some that I have purchased on my trips.

I have a  blank wall in my bedroom which has been neglected for years. I plan to use my photographs....especially the vignettes from My Dream Canvas and give them this delightful look using the Waterlogue app. What do you think? These are my images presented with a twist :) 

I love using Waterlogue! Have you tried it? Now, I need to find the perfect frames for these images........yay :)

The "Tea series" continues next week and a Giveaway is coming up soon....

Images: My Dream Canvas Painted using Waterlogue

The Story Behind The Trunk Full Of Memories!

I believe that a great way to personalize your home is to weave your memories into your decor. I shared a image of my trunk last week and today I am here to tell its story :)

I have always wanted my home to speak of my personal style. When I saw Chandan Dubey's vintage styled trunks I instantly knew that I wanted one with my personal stamp on it :) Chandan was extremely patient with me as I bombarded her with photographs and images of numerous things that I wanted to display in the trunk. She has given this project a lot of thought and created something unique and special for me. Chandan found this old trunk and restored it beautifully. It has an old world charm and a patina that I was looking for when I imagined what the trunk would look like in my head :)

A beautiful way to tell a story is to create a "heritage display."  My aim was to display my treasures as well as have the space to store pictures and letters that were meaningful to me! The trunk now serves that purpose beautifully :) The trunk has images of letters written to me, family pictures, a favorite piece of jewelry, a few heirlooms..... my Grandmother's sari border and a poem written by my paternal Grandmother and so much more....

The silver powder puff is the logo of My Dream Canvas and a treasured gift from My Nani ( my maternal Grandmother) 
I had to have a picture of it on the trunk :) 

The cover of the trunk has picture of both my Grandmothers. My Nani ( maternal Grandmother) was my best friend during my growing up years. I shared a lot with her. She gave me unconditional love ( like all grandparents do). Nani was my biggest ally and I miss her immensely. I miss her softness and her quiet strength......she was truly an incredible woman!

My Dadi (paternal Grandmother) passed away when I was quite young! I remember her as a strong and beautiful woman. She was extremely modern and very liberal for her time. As I look back and remember her...... she seems almost mysterious and rather glamorous :)  She was a writer and a poet and has many books to her name!

The two ladies had very different personalities. Yet, I believe that they had a few things in common They were both very well educated and forward thinking. My trunk is primarily dedicated to the memory of these two amazing women! I have grown up being surrounded by strong and capable women, including my mom. I only hope I can end up being a wee bit like them!

The border along the trunk is from my Nani's sari. Its amazing how Chandan managed to transfer it onto the wood from an image I emailed her!

Lately, I have been sharing a lot of personal stories and memories on the blog. What can I say, my home is a reflection of who I am and where I come from. Its hard to separate the design and decor aspect of my house from my personal story. My roots and my legacy are both deeply embedded in my decor!

I hope you have enjoyed the story of my trunk ? A big thank you to Chandan Dubey, without her immense talent and creativity, this would not have been possible!

Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to Copyright!

A Stylish Bedside Table

Spotted this on Pinterest today and had to share it with you all. This is such an interesting and unique way to style the bedside table. Vintage photographs, books and wooden boxes.....sigh all the things that are close to my heart. It looks so appealing and seems to tell a  lovely story!

So what do you think of this tabletop display?

Image: via

Styling Your Coffee Table

I am still unpacking from my trip. Its an exhausting process putting away stuff! I open a closet and end up rearranging everything...sigh! The unpacking exercise is now leading to de -cluttering and a trip to Goodwill is long overdue.

Now for the fun part, as I unpack my finds from Turkey and India, I can't help but redecorate :) I was pretty good and did not shop a lot, however, I could not resist this copper tray! I have placed it on my coffee table and quite like the effect. This got me thinking and............I am motivated to share some ideas with you on how to style your coffee table at home. I would love to hear your suggestions as well. So stay tuned....... as I bring you a few ideas on how to beautify your coffee table and end tables! Hopefully, the entire process will be fun and inspiring :)

Are you in? To begin, can you list a few items that sit on your coffee table.....the ones you cannot do without?

Image: My home this evening!

Dreamy Bedroom

Its been sizzling in my part of the world! The temperatures are soaring.I have to admit that in this part of the Pacific Northwest we are a bit fragile:) Anything over 80F is considered way too hot :) Homes in this area are not geared up for a heat wave. Most homes don't have air conditioning and just about everyone is complaining !! The weather Gods have promised us cooler temperatures by the end of the week!  I can hardly wait!

This bedroom has such a dreamy feel to it. I spotted it on Pinterest and had to share it with you !

Hope you are having a good week?

Image: via

Decor Restlessness :)

Happy Monday everyone!

I am a restless person when it comes to decor. If something is bothering me, I won't settle down till I fix it :) My home has evolved over the years and most of it feels comfortable.  I try not to mess with it :) However, for a while now, I have wanted something suitable as a coffee table for my living room. Its not a large space. Since I hate clutter, it took me a while to even think of placing a table in the room.  My parents bought me this Afghan rug last year and its my pride and joy. I did not want it hidden under a large bulky piece of furniture.

Today I am smiling as it all comes together. I have placed a small glass round table that displays the rug under it perfectly. The room looks light and airy which is a look I am constantly trying to achieve :) Striking a good balance between dressing up a room vs making it look like a museum is very important don't you think?

For all you decor enthusiasts out there, what are you striving to achieve in your home or are you there? Do share your thoughts!


Images: My Dream Canvas via Instagram.

Travel Keepsake Kits : The Perfect Summer DIY

I am really not great at DIY projects thought I would love to be :) However, this fantastic DIY that I found on Martha Stewart's website is just my kind of thing!  I am totally motivated to try this out myself.

I love the concept of these travel keepsake kits. After every vacation I think of printing a few photographs and preserving them in an album or scrapbook. However, it never happens!! I never get around to sorting the images......I guess I take too many pictures :) These wooden keepsake boxes seem to be the perfect way to store photographs, ticket stubs, maps, and mementos. What an absolutely brilliant, stylish yet practical way to store your memoirs.

To know more about how to make your own fun keepsake boxes click here. You will find details on where you can buy the box, the paint and the stencils!! I think this would be a fun project for the summer!

Images: via

For The Love of Vintage Fabrics Part 2

Today, I am sharing my first contribution on the Vintage Fabrics series MDC. My aim here was for you to share your love for vintage textiles with me on My Dream Canvas. The fabric need not be ancient, it need not be expensive but it should be meaningful to you. You can read more about the series in my earlier post here!

I am happy to share a beautifully styled vignette by Reshma of Love and Care. She sent me these lovely images of a corner in her home. She has used a sari which belonged to her Grandmother as a curtain. Her Grandmother wore it often and gave it to Reshma some years ago. For Reshma the sari fluttering in the breeze brings back cherished memories.

I really believe that this is such a lovely way to preserve a memory or a cherished gift. I hope you are inspired to share your story with me :) Thank you Reshma for sharing your home and your story with the readers at My Dream Canvas.

 

 

 

Images: Copyright Reshma Sharma at Love and Care.

The Perfect Accessories To Create Your Haven!

The room that I have been talking about for a while is finally ready :) There are a few other things that need to be done but for now I have my little haven! This room is actually an extension of my bedroom. However, it is more like a room in itself. For years this room was given the step treatment :) Finally it is getting its due.

I cleared out all the mess from this room. I need to get a nicer study table, but  for now I am using my old one. It is not fancy but it will have to do for now. I  wanted to do up this room without spending any money. It is amazing what you can find in your own house when you start looking. I highly recommend it. It is more cost effective and prevents you from rushing out to the nearest store to buy more things that you may not need. Everything in this room has been decorated with things that I already owned.

This room follows no trend but follows my heart. I have decorated this room with some of the most precious things in my life.  Things like a picture of my Grandmother taken by my Grandfather many...... many years ago! My Grandfather had his own darkroom in his house and developed this print himself. My maternal Grandmother (Nani) and I were room mates for many years in my parents home. She was more of a friend and a confidante than a Grandmother and a very big part of childhood. My Nani was an incredible woman and I miss her everyday!

My big red Suzani hangs on the back wall of the room. The Suzani reflects my love for vintage fabrics and my passion for travel. So does the globe which I bought at a flea market in Georgia.

Here are some pictures of the room after the makeover.........

The magnets on the board below are from the different countries I visited. They used to be on my fridge. However my little one likes to play with them and she managed to break quite a few. I have managed to salvage a few and now they hang on the wall in this room.

The postcards below are part a beautiful childhood memory. Postcards that my Dad sent me almost everyday for a year when I was five :) The postcards on the back have cute drawings and a few lines that he wrote to me. My mom and I were in India and he was living abroad for a year. I have kept them all these years and now some of them have gone up on the wall in this room.

I can never resist pretty tea light holders and vintage maps. This is what I have on the center table in the room. The maps are under the glass table top. I have quite a few of them!!

I hope you have enjoyed the virtual tour of my little haven. I believe that decorating need not be stressful. It should ideally be simple and joyful. I hope I have inspired you to create your little haven!  Remember, it is not about the amount of money that needs to be invested into a room or about following the latest design trend.  It is quite simply about who you are! Look within you to figure out what makes you happy. Spend time at home digging out the things that mean the most to you. These are the perfect accessories you need to create you own little haven :)


Images: My Dream Canvas and subject to copyright


Joining the Open House at No Minimalist Here.

Joining the party at Somewhat Simple.

Joining Transformation Thursday at Shabby Chic Cottage.

Joining Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage.