tips from interiors experts, it can be as simple as experimenting with the lighting

Do over your home this Diwali. With tips from interiors experts, it can be as simple as experimenting with the lighting

CANDLES ALL THE WAY
Interior designer Bubble Batra’s house is filled with ornate woodwork, which is her forte. However, she says, she likes to keep it simple during Diwali, relying mostly on tea lights. The quick-fix tips from Batra include rearranging furniture and placing Ganesha idols across your house. “Instead of brass idols, go for porcelain idols for an abstract touch. You could also use silk carpets as wall hangings for a period look,” she says.
BRING OUT THE PEARLY WHITES

Mumbai architect Shilpa Daga recommends new theme-based decor every year. This year, she’s going with a simple pearl theme. “String the pearls into any number of chains, but ensure that the chains don’t overpower the space you have,” she says. “A Diwali must-have is the toran [wall hanging for the door]. Also, a fun way to get your loved ones together is to host diya painting parties. This way, people feel that they’ve done something for their homes,” says Daga.
IT’S A BED OF ROSES
Florist Jasleen Kochhar, founder of Bougainvilla Design, likes to take a break from the ‘marigold’ design scheme of the season, preferring white, gold and rose. “Using mogra for your puja room is a good idea, it has such a divine fragrance,” she says.
If you don’t have the patience to oil your diyas, Kochhar suggests using more pillared or textured candles as a quick fix inside the house. She opts for red, orange and purple coloured versions. “Throw some big cushions around the sitting area for a cosy look,” she adds. Don’t fret if you don’t have ornate bowls for your flowers and floating candles. Even a fruit bowl will do! Buy your diyas from charities and NGOs. And for fresh flowers, there’s no place better than the Dadar market.