In pursuit of kitsch Tired of minimalism? Yearning for the zany? Mithila Mehta shows you how to give your home a funky, kitsch look

In pursuit of kitsch

Tired of minimalism? Yearning for the zany? Mithila Mehta shows you how to give your home a funky, kitsch look

A large film poster hangs carefully over the chest of drawers. Beside it, a lamp made of graffiti-sprayed soft drink cans stands tall. Two large pillows, silkscreened with the images of iconic rock stars lie comfortably on the sofa. A large centre table, fashioned from a street vendor's wooden handcart, completes the scene.
    Home decors inspired by elements of kitsch and popular culture are fast gaining widespread popularity. Explains interior designer Apeksha Malhotra, "The term kitsch previously carried negative associations with mass produced objects or so-called cheap art. However, kitsch is now being celebrated in all its colour and vitality!" Elements of popular culture are making their way into homes like never before. Seemingly mundane elements of popular culture are being glorified and used for decoration purposes-whether a dabbawala's tiffin or an old sewing machine.
>> Advantage pop The beauty of a pop art-driven decor is that it is wildly interesting and effortlessly gives your living space a very distinctive face. "There is immense scope to be original and free yourself from the fuss of conventional decor rules. If you're looking for a home that's colourful, vibrant and exciting, adding elements of kitsch or pop culture are just the thing," shares interior decorator Megha Golatkar. The flexibility of kitsch extends to the fact that it accommodates any budget.
    Prateek Malpani, student at Mudra
Institute of Communiations Ahmedabad, has created a decor inspired by popular social networking site Pinterest. He explains, "It's the idea of creating something unusual from popular cultural references. Take a part of your daily life that excites you, and turn it into a theme. Your decor should reflect your passion and interests."
    If you're looking to create a living space that makes a statement of sorts, kitsch can work marvellously. Shares client servicing account manager Abhijeet Singh, "Being a Jim Morrison fan, I had a giant pop-art inspired painting of the singer painted straight onto my wall. It was a huge talking point, everyone who saw it marvelled at how it completely transformed my living space."
>> Bring in the kitsch So you've decided to go the kitsch waybut aren't quite sure how to pull it off. When it comes to incorporating kitsch elements into your home, there are no strict rules. "Don't go overboard, lest your home look overly cluttered. At the same time, have fun with your surroundings. Take risks and be unconventional," advices Malhotra.
    The simplest option is to frame up movie posters or album covers that you love. Souvenirs from holidays, placed interestingly on a mantelpiece, work well as well. Countless artifacts inspired by popular culture are available in shops -right from lamps to cushion covers, carpets, coasters and curtains prints. Statement furniture pieces are also an option. The more adventurous could consider wall painting.
    Essentially, the trick lies in thinking differently. "Simple objects, such as rolled up magazines and colourful old bangles could be used effectively and interestingly in your kitsch home decor," advices MBA student Khadija Ekhlas, whose colourful room boasts of wall hangings fashioned from old pairs of jeans.
    For a touch of old world kitsch, copy writer Richa Shukla suggests making a visit to Chor Bazaar (or similar flea markets). Look out for treasures amidst the dust and rust! "I picked up fabulous metallic signboards with the Coco Cola logo, an old PCO phone booth, a taxi meter and a metallic anchor with the words of the Beatles song 'Yellow Submarine' engraved," she says. If you're looking to give your home a fun, free spirited look, kitsch is the way to go!