scpotpourri

I was a minimalist for over a decade. Picked it up while in the US. Found it novel, refreshing and classy after loads of color, detail and ornamentation I was exposed to mostly in India, but also in the US, though to a lesser degree, had me hungry for change.

I was drawn to minimalism. Earthy, simplistic palette, streamlined contours, and no heavy curved carvings. Appealed to my senses. My interiors were a pleasure to design and execute in the projects I worked on in college or the homes I lived in. I was attracted to it. Clean and uncluttered.

I did cheat a little…. added a striking contrast in color to the palette. It did magic to the room. Lifted it up a few notches, added a sophistication that set it apart in its own class. Greys-with-neon-green or eggplant and beige-with-bright-orange. Mustard was a favorite addition to the pastel palette.

Residences, office spaces and restaurants came alive with this blend of colors. But was true to all else in minimalism. Furniture was without ornamentation, heavy or light. Easily incorporated modern and some contemporary designs. Linen in contrast livened up the interior. Indoor plants that ‘fitted’ the ‘definition’ brought an organic touch to the room. Spaces had a certain air to them. It was a delight to live or work in them.

I brought this stream in design to my wardrobe. Spring was a right time to shop for clothes in minimalist patterns and colors. A striking contrast accessory was found in summer inventory. I was smitten with my look, most of the time, though I was out of place in the Fall, disappearing in the flood of color all around. 

It was easy to shop along these lines in the US. On returning to India, it was somewhat difficult though not impossible. Global retail stores came to my rescue. Certain sections of ethnic and fusion wear came out in pastel shades. So that was a blessing.

For over a decade, I dressed, lived and designed as a minimalist. My designs received compliments of being elegant and classy, though only a limited few appreciated it. It was truly exclusive. 

Now I find I’m spreading out into soft, light, and airy designs like the addition of tiny motifs and florals. It’s not just cool and sophisticated anymore. It’s alive in a pleasant way, welcoming one and all. I’ve kept the striking contrast shade in the palette and also lifting it up with a few shades darker on the pastels. Still going with streamlined contours and no heavy ornamentation. Planning a renovation of my home in this updated style and looking forward to it.

A little difficult with my wardrobe unless I start designing my own clothes and having them tailored like I did in the India of my youth. Till I do that, I’ll have to bend my rules some and make do with what’s available on shelves.

On the cusp of a major change in design, I feel I’ve lived a minimalist long enough to make this extension to style. A decade in bright, warm Indian colors and patterns has softened my commitment to minimalism and made way for this change. Here’s to how it’ll turn out.