February 24, 2005

Living in the upper portion of a town house, the owner of the house has decorated the place in a unique manner. Vibrant colours and antique furniture have been mixed well, writes Erum Haque

Simple, well-organized and homely, Dr Tanvir’s town house apartment is all that and more. The doctor is a single working parent and has maintained a place which focuses on the design element.

Upon entering the apartment one realizes that the owner loves vibrant colours. Though the walls have been painted in the usual cream colour, the brightness comes from the furniture, upholstery and the decoration pieces.

The house was primarily a one-unit bungalow but since she lives alone, she gave the ground floor on rent and shifted to the first floor, which has three bedrooms. She had to create a drawing and dining room from the space available. Away from the bustling city, the quietness of the place suits the ambience. Dr Tanvir has used vibrant hues, antique furniture and dimmed light that mainly emanates from lamps kept in different corners.

The entrance leads to a plain room that opens up in a narrow passageway. Its front wall has a black wrought iron and glass table. Against one of the side walls is an antique table, a fascinating piece of wooden furniture embellished with green glass and blue and white tiles.

Family photographs are displayed on the table. Near the opposite wall, on a small table a salt lamp and a huge rosary are placed strategically. Greek theatre masks embellish the wall. Beside it is a glass door leading to the stairs towards the ground floor.

The passageway opens to a sitting room done up in effulgent maroon, black and orange colours. According to Dr Tanvir, she has used bright colours because as she mostly works in the slum areas she needs something to alleviate her mind and raise her spirits after a hard day’s work.

Though there is limited space, the place has been decorated in a manner that is cosy and heartening. The maroon sofa set is more than 50-years old. The room has a glass panel overlooking the stairs, and in order to maintain privacy has been covered with chiks with a maroon coloured border.

The living space is further brightened up by the presence of indoor plants, which have been placed in different corners. A black wrought iron trolley stands in one corner with long shoots displayed in a glass vase on it and a lamp placed under the trolley. A maroon and black centre spread covering the floor further enhances the look of the room. Antique pots can be seen in another corner.

The bedroom is the most interesting part of the house as it has been completely decorated with antique furniture. A four-post wooden bed, that is rarely seen these days, covers the area. It forms a complete set with the side tables, a dresser, settee and a full-length mirror which is adorned with specks of green glass that complements well with the sea green carpet and the upholstery that matches the colour scheme of the room. The only pieces of modern furniture in the room are a writing table and a rocking chair with a small stool.

Coming out of the bedroom one enters the TV lounge. Here the marble floor has been left bare and indoor plants and paper lamps can be seen. The only pieces of furniture are a settee and a traditional jhoola. This space opens on to the dining area and it is the most capacious in the house.

A long, richly enamelled sheesham dining table is placed in the dining space, which is also very old. The table overlooks a window that gives a view of the terrace.

Though the apartment is modestly done, it is quaint in many ways. The owner’s home is an extraordinary place that speaks volumes when it comes to liveliness, comfort and a unique look.

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