How to interior design a small living room?

Living Room

It has been a big day as this morning we had an interview with Vaishali Kawalkar the founder of Sovereign Architects. She is a successful interior designer in pune with a career that bloomed in fast steps. In this interview, she shares with us the secrets of making a compact and living room feel roomy. She also gives us a few tips on how to create a spacious feel in a small living room.

Q.  Good Morning Ma’am, how should one decorate the interiors of a small living room?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Good Morning. It is a very challenging task while designing the interiors of a small living room. A space challenged living room must be well planned and well provisioned. The key elements which will successfully help you design the interiors of a small living room include the placement of savvy furniture, innovative storage options and a simple and beautiful color theme.

Q. What are your suggestions regarding the choice of furniture?

Vaishali Kawalkar: I would suggest that think big. Resist the impulse to choose only small sized furniture for a small living room. Big furniture can make a small room look grander. You can create a visual interest and make your living room have an appealing look by varying the proportions of your furniture. This also allows the small room to be more functional. It is ideal to place a sofa which is sufficiently large enough to serve the purpose of entertaining and also for taking a nap. Each piece of furniture in your small living room should have more than one purpose. A corner banquette can also be built with hidden storage beneath the seats. You can create a sense of harmony and a feeling of openness by balancing a couch with smaller and more auxiliary pieces like a glass-topped coffee table or slipper chairs. You can also add space saving shelves like floating shelves, wall cabinets, modular shelves which not only serve the purpose of storage but they also serve as beautiful pieces of interior decors which can accentuate the looks of your small living room.

Q. Will you share with us the secrets of making a small living room look bigger than it actually is?

Vaishali Kawalkar: You can make your small living room feel much larger with smart organization, multipurpose furniture and bold colors. We usually select many materials in precisely the same tone, same light natural shade including the curtains, rug, the upholstery, polished plaster on the walls. Also the scheme will not feel dull because all of these different materials are of different textures and patterns. This really helps to create a visual perception of a larger and roomy space. The polisher plaster for the walls also reflects the light and spreads an aura of radiance into the room which makes the room feel larger than what it really is. The similar colored doors and cabinets also reflect the light very well.

Q. Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve to enhance the looks of a small living room?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Yes, Curtains. A curtain gives a wonderful treatment to your windows. You can choose different colored, texture, and pattern of curtains to decorate the windows. You can change the curtains according to your mood or the seasons. Choose the right curtains and do not overpower the room. Mixing different textures of curtains will make your room look inspirational.

Q. How to organize a small spaced living room?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Keeping the small room neat and clean is very important. You can keep it clutter free by keeping the things in a more organized manner. For instance, baskets add warmth to a space and they can also be used as wonderful storage option. You can stack toys, magazines and even throws. They also serve the purpose of hidden storage for less appealing items like remotes.

Maximize the looks and minimize clutter to make your small living room look wonderful.

When Architecture Started ???

Parthenon

Architecture is the process and product of planning, designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures.  It can also be classified as the offering or rendering services with regards to the designing and construction of built environments and buildings. It also included the designing activity of the architect which ranges from the macro level of urban design and landscape architecture to the micro-level which includes construction details and design of furniture.

The various historical civilizations of the world are often identified with their existent architectural achievements. Architectural works are predominantly in the form of buildings which symbolize the culture and work of art of any community or region.

Evolution of Architecture :

Architecture has been around since the period of evolution. In fact architecture is in nature, in the ways trees construct themselves, how birds build their nests, how animals construct their dwellings, etc. According to reliable sources, the first traces of architecture were found in the form of simple dwellings about 30,000 years ago. These dwellings were built with stones, bones, tree branches and reeds which were bound in mud. In 8000 BC, dwelling were built using mud bricks which hardened by the heat of the sun.

The first reliable traces of architecture were found about 30,000 years ago in the form of simple dwellings. These dwellings consisted of things like stones in circular formations, animal bones, tree branches and reeds bound by mud. In 8000 BC, dwellings were built with mud bricks that hardened in the sun.

Architecture has evolved and through the advent of inventions and innovations there has been a constant change with regards to designing and structure.

Primitive mankind built dwellings with circles of stones which were weighed down the edges by skin tents. Far back in the 5000 BCs, Early Native Americans used various materials to build mounds and towns. In the same period the Middle East witnessed the development of cities which were built of brick and stone. The first city constructed was Akkad which was followed by other cities like Babel, Calneh, Gawra, Asmar, Fara, Lagash, Ur, Ninevah and Erech.

Around 3000 BC Stonehenge which was a wooden structure was rebuilt in stone. In 2789 BC, the first pyramid which was a step pyramid was built by Imhotep who was an architect for the Pharaoh Djoser. Variations in the structure of pyramid could be seen in the fourth dynasty under the reign of Pharaoh Snefru in the 26th century B.C wherein the smooth-sided pyramid was constructed. One of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China was built around 25 BC.

The first classic work on the art of architecture De Architectura was written by the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio in the 1st century BC.

It can be seen that building first evolved out of dynamics of needs which include worship, security, shelter, etc and means to sustain them with the help of available building materials and skills.

Emergent Modern Architecture :

With the advancement in technology and increase in scientific knowledge and the increase of new materials architecture began to concentrate purely on the aesthetics and also supported the human aspects at the expense of technical aspects of building design. Since the beginning of the 20th century the field of architecture has become multi-disciplinary which includes structural systems, services, energy and technology.

The start of the 21st century has witnessed the movements of New Urbanism and New Classical Architecture which adopts a sustainable approach towards the construction of buildings and other structures.

The various architect in pune have adopted this emerging system of architecture in order to build sustainable and environment friendly structures. 

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Interview of Vaishali Kawalkar : When was Gothic Architecture Introduced ?

Gothic Architecture

Q.  Tell us the origins of Gothic Architecture.

Civilizations come and go. This, is the transient feature of life. What defines them is what they leave behind for posterity to see, admire and learn.

Something similar took place half the globe across from India, in the continent of Europe, close to 2000 years back. With the Roman Empire in retreat, Europe was over-run by Germanic tribes such as the Goths, Visigoths,  Angles, Saxons, Lombards and Vandals. The last lent their name to a particular brand of barbarous rout which they left behind in most places they conquered. Less of conquering and more of looting and destruction was what was witnessed.

These tribes defined their own style of construction which though derided initially by the likes of Christopher Wren as barbarous, rude and an offence to the eyes, was never-the-less accepted by most from then to the present as masterpieces of architecture. Despite their vandalizing traits, they borrowed heavily from the Romans whom they replaced in most places combined with ther own local influences.

Q.  What are the most distinctive features of Gothic Architectures?

 The first thing any Gothic structure does is arrest your attention! Huge in any way you see it, these could be seen from miles away with spires touching the sky! And that too on an impossibly thin base! As you get close, you observe other distinctive features like arches, sloping roofs at impossible angles, spires etc.

Given these features, Church built in Gothic style still create a powerful impression on the approaching worshipper, demonstrating both the might of God and the might of the institution that it represents.

Q.  Where is it that this style of architecture is found in numbers?

It first appeared in France in the 12th century and lasted till the 16th. The term Gothic came into being during the later part of the Renaissance. Mostly found all over Europe, it manifested itself in the best and most magnificent of great churches and cathedrals and in a number of civic buildings with its distinctive spires, height and great arches, ribbed vault and the flying buttress imparting a feeling of pride, grandiousness and opulence.

As it progressed, it found its influence in palaces, town halls and castles as well. The last being its most enduring legacy. They generally formed the landmark building in most European towns, rising high above all the other structures and often surmounted by one or more towers and spires.

These structures were the skyscrapers of those days with some being the tallest man-made structures in Europe till then.

Q.  Is there a utility aspect to the way these structures built or was the purpose purely ornamental?

The Gothic style, emphasized verticality and ventilation achieved by the development of certain architectural features, which together provided an engineering solution. The structural parts of the building ceased to be its solid walls which became stone skeletons comprising clustered columns, pointed ribbed vaults and flying buttresses.

Innovations such as the use of pointed arch which channel the weight onto the bearing piers or columns at a steep angle were used extensively. While, structurally it gave a greater flexibility to architectural form, it also gave Gothic architecture a very distinct character far removed from the prevailing Roman influence.

Another striking feature were the windows which developed from simple openings to immensely rich and decorative sculptural designs. The windows were very often filled with stained glass murals which added a dimension of colour to the light within the building, as well as providing a medium for figurative and narrative art.

Q.  Where is Gothic architecture to be seen today, especially in India?

The period of Renaissance saw the decline of the Gothic style which was revived in the middle of the 18th century in England and spread thru into the 20th century.

The English carried this forward to their colonies world-wide, a prime example of this in India being the glanderous railway station in Mumbai called Victoria Teminus, later named “The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus”. 

Q.  Any luck for Pune as regards Gothic architecture?

Two structures come to my mind as regards Pune.

Lal Deval, a Jewish Synagogue resembling a church in classic English Gothic style. Built by philanthropist David Sassoon in 1867, it is placed in a conspicuously manner on Moledina Road.

The main building of the University of Pune too is in classic Italian Gothic style. Built in 1871, it has a 100-feet high tower and stylized terraced gardens besides many porches and arches. A lot of ornamentation has gone into making this structure truly grand.

Q.  Where does this lead to?

Architect in Pune like Sovereign Architects do want to create grandiose structure in Gothic style provided there is a demand for the same.

Gothic architecture was in vogue when land and material were available cheap and in abundance, both of which don’t hold true anymore. That said, there are certain things this form of architecture has taught us, like the use of height, columns, glass etc which we try to the extent possible to incorporate into our creations and seem to be succeeding.

Q.  Any last words on Gothic Architecture and Sovereign Architects?

The creators of this style of Architecture where-ever in Europe have our deepest regards. They were Masters and that too in times when there were none to teach them. One has to learn by experience despite which they went ahead and created humongous master pieces which are still standing tall and will do so for a long time to come.

We, have a lot to learn from them and we shall learn from them.

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What architectural style is my home?

Home Architecture

In India architecture is evolving in different ways and there are different styles of home coming up in the market. With the advent of gated communities living in an independent villa has become a possible dream. There are many architects who are coming up with various styles of home which will definitely redefine your lifestyle. It will be quite confusing for an individual to actually decide upon the architectural style of their house. They need to first understand the different architectural styles of home and accordingly decide and design their home.

Sovereign Architects are reputed architect in pune who help their clients to have a thorough knowledge of the different home styles. The tips which they provide through this glossary will give a person a complete knowledge about the popular home styles in India.

Bungalow Style Home

When you have an expansive land and you want to have an exclusive and independent large house this is the perfect idea. Bungalows consist of large spaces, exposed beams, wide porticos, a large and spacious floor plan, natural furniture and old fashioned chimneys. They have scope of landscaping and the interiors are designed with wonderful decors to make it look classy.

Contemporary Style Home

Contemporary home styles are different from modern architecture. Contemporary styled homes are those built using materials which are sustainable and lay special emphasis on energy efficient and recycled materials. These homes are suitable for the environment friendly person.

Prairie Style Home

This home style is most often spotted in the suburbs. They usually constitute villa homes which are built without any art or embellishment. The key elements of this home style are simple floor plan simple and consist of built-in-furniture. If you are planning to build a house in the suburbs away from the city then this home style can suit your requirements.

Colonial Style Home

These home structures are popular in hill stations and are reminiscent to the colonial architectural style. They are symmetrically built and have evenly space shuttered windows, columns and chimneys. If you want to build on a hill top or in a hill station this structure is ideal and it is specifically designed for such places.

French Provincial Style Home

This is also about symmetrical proportions and steep roofs. They are a beautiful architecture which incorporates expansive garden hedges and landscaping and look absolutely romantic.

Spanish Style Home

In India, the Spanish home style is becoming very popular in many cities. This type of home styles consist of clay roof tiles, white walls, pergolas, murals, arches and arcaded porches. You can also add a Moorish garden and you will have the impression of being in Spain. These are really impressive architectural homes.

Modern Style Home

The predominant features of this style are innovative geometric lines, asymmetrical structures and open living spaces. They are uniquely styled and preference is given for functions rather than its form. If you want to go in for modern structures then modern style homes are best as they combine utility and space.

Dutch Colonial Style Home

This is another popular style which was used to build the early American homes. They are also known as a barn house. These structures are built with a broad gambrel roof, flared eaves and dormers and are perfect for resorts and hill stations.

Cottage Style Home

Creating a beautiful haven nestled amidst wilderness and woods is a wonderful idea. These beautiful houses are cottages which never go out of fashion. Cottages are mostly built with a gravel path, bright interiors and a curved entryway. The front porch consists of a wonderful garden patch with flowers and flowing creepers around. The curb appeals of the cottages are its permanent features that will never fade away. If you want to build a home in the chirping woods then this style of home will be appropriate.

So what is your home style? Vaishali Kawalkar Founder of Sovereign Architect with her team of experienced architects and interior designers will help you create the ideal style of home according to the place and space which will redefine your living style. 

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Please feel free to post your comments below.
About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the head of Sovereign Architects.

Q&A with Vaishali Kawalkar : 'How architecture has changed the world' ???

Architecture affects the world

In this exclusive interview we speak to Vaishali Kawalkar Founder of Sovereign Architects, the finest architects in Pune. She is a passionate architect with an aim to bring in innovation in the field of architecture she founded this design organization in 2001. Her professional qualification and expertise in the field of Interior Designing, Architecture and Landscape Designing and offering Turnkey Project Management Services is noteworthy as helped her evolve into a pragmatic and an accomplished architect. She is a visionary who believes that architecture should be an integral part of the environment. According to her, Architecture can change the world into a better and wonderful place.

We are sharing with you excerpts of the interview:

Question: Good Morning Ma’am, it is indeed a wonderful opportunity to interview an accomplished young achiever.

Vaishali Kawalkar: Pleasure is mine and indeed it is as an honour to be considered as a young achiever.

Question: Why did you choose this profession?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Right from childhood I have always aspired to create beautiful buildings and I would always enjoy drawing them. This aspiration in my later years turned into a passion.

Question: How has architecture changed the world?

Vaishali Kawalkar: As an architect many a times I have wondered “How architecture has changed the world? Is it possible for architecture to really change the world and bring in a new dimension?”

I still remember the first time that I questioned myself about this. This is quite an interesting question which makes one ponder. 

Question: What is the basis of today’s architectural splendor?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Today’s cities are marvels of engineering which comprises of architecture splendor.  The soaring skyscrapers, office buildings, massive structures each defying gravity and touching lofty heights. These innovations in architecture can find its basis in ancient monuments and structures. There are many architectural breakthroughs that changed the world.

Question: Can you quote a few examples to validate it?

Vaishali Kawalkar: History has been a witness to this change. The greatest achievement of ancient times in architecture is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is considered to be the oldest seven wonders of the Ancient world which still stands intact having the credit of being the tallest structure for almost four millennia.

Another innovative masterpiece of architecture was the Assyrian Jerwan Aqueduct built during 703 and 688 BC which used waterproof concrete. This was a source of inspiration for people to build massive structures in water.

 In the past 2000 years the rounded arches which was invented by the Mesopotamians and later popularized by Romans has evolved from time to time into many different and innovative shapes. The modern architects have also incorporated these arches to beautify buildings, parks, monuments, office space, etc.

Glass windows which are in vogue making your rooms trendy and classic were first used around 100 AD by the Ancient Romans in Alexandria.

Can anyone forget the still existent Great Wall of China the initial construction started in 7^th century B.C and is over 13,000 miles long?  It is an amazing and largest civil construction project ever conceived.

The white marble splendor of Taj Mahal and the ancient temples and churches can also be considered as structures that represent the combination of religion, art, culture and designing. These monuments were elaborately designed taking into account every minute details of the elements of architectural designing bringing in a lot of visual interest and aesthetic style till date.

Question: What is the reason behind the creation of these architecture wonders?

Vaishali Kawalkar: These architecture wonders was created to serve a specific purpose like fortifying their territories against invasion, providing housing, recreation, water facility, drainage, etc.

The sky scrapers and the lofty cathedrals denote that the sky is the limit. The Lincoln cathedral was constructed in 1300 and the first skyscraper was constructed in Chicago in 1884. The innovation of the skyscraper was height combined with lots of load bearing floors, ease of construction were specifically designed to increase urban density. This is now become a trend world over and you would not have witnessed urban revolution if any of these factors had not happened.

Question: What has been the contribution of your firm?

Vaishali Kawalkar: The human race has been able to transform the environment into an effective one which could actually impact the lives and communities. There has been a growing trend in the recent past world over about the creation of more sustainable designs which are more responsive to the environment like the creation of an Eco Metropolis in China, Bio Reactor building in Germany, etc.

Everyday architecture is being re-invented and re-imagined wherein more technologies and materials are being explored that could transform the world completely. We at Sovereign Architects have this unique vision to bring in a positive change in the world by creating some wonderful architecture structures like bungalows, apartments, office buildings, landscaping, etc. We believe that designs can change the world and our team of expert architects help in building a better tomorrow. We aspire to create more innovative and inspiring structures which can bring in people and communities together.

Q&A with Vaishali Kawalkar -- How does Architecture Affects the Environment ???

Architecture & Environment

In this exclusive interview we speak to Vaishali Kawalkar Founder of Sovereign Architects, the finest architects in Pune. She is a passionate architect with an aim to bring in innovation in the field of architecture she founded this design organization in 2001. Her professional qualification and expertise in the field of Interior Designing, Architecture and Landscape Designing and offering Turnkey Project Management Services is noteworthy. Her aim is to develop inspirational designing techniques. She along with her fully equipped team of professionals including Draftsmen, Interior Designers, Associate Landscape Architects continuously endeavour to maintain a high standard of design from an Aesthetic and Utility point of view.

Question: As the founder of Sovereign Architects what do you think is the fundamental purpose of architecture?

Vaishali Kawalkar: It is a very simple yet complicated question. According to me, architecture is the creation of a physical environment where people live. This can be obviously a very simple answer, but if we need to know the complexities we need to dig further. It includes a range of questions like: What do we mean by built environment? What are the factors which constitute the quality of life? How can architects determine what is relevant, helpful or positive for different individuals and collectives? I thus believe that architecture serves the society holistically and positively and thereby helps in improving the quality of life.

Q: What is the role of environment in architecture?

Vaishali Kawalkar: Architecture and Environment are natural companions each complementing the other. It is not possible to design good building without understanding their relationship to the natural surroundings or the environment. Similarly it is not possible to understand the environment without knowing how the intervention of human can affect it both positively and negatively.

Q: How does architecture affect the environment?

Vaishali Kawalkar: As discussed in the previous question, architecture and environment coexist. Architecture does impact the environment both positively and negatively. Physical structures have profound effects on the environment. Thus the need of the hour is designing humane and appropriate structures which not only induce a positive mental state of the human behavior but it should also be considered as an important component and also a means of preserving and conserving our environment. With the natural sources being limited, it is necessary to incorporate innovative eco-friendly design elements into the various building projects. But, to overcome the negative impacts of architecture one can implement ‘Green Architecture’. This is a holistic approach which recognizes and encourages the designing of a building which reduces the impact of building upon the environment and its various resources like land, air, water. We at Sovereign architects implement an innovative technique of designing which tries to improve the aesthetic beauty of a building without disturbing the natural surroundings. Our goal is to create the greatest harmony of resources and improve efficiency while creating the most durable buildings with the least impact on the environment.

Sovereign Architects strive to complete this new approach of designing and constructing a home, apartment, bungalow or other buildings by using special features which are more environmentally friendly. We include the latest energy efficient technology in construction to create a high performance economical, energy saving, durable, environmentally friendly and resource sustainable building. A sustainable building will have minimal adverse effects of the environment, in the immediate natural surrounding and on a wider scale globally too. An integrated attitude to architecture needs to be adopted which is a combination of energy efficient materials, construction methods, efficient building systems and design issues. It is required to be adopted at every stage of the construction of the project right from its inception to the end.

We respect and lift the spirit of the earth and the person to realize the completeness of well being. 

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How does architecture reflect society...

Taj Mahal

Long after we are all dead and gone, there shall remain one thing which shall define us. Our architecture.

Look in any direction whether within or outside your immediate vicinity. What is it that binds you to our past? Architecture.

What we are today as a people has a direct bearing on our past which gets reflected by its architecture.

If you are in the vicinity of any building of archeological importance, do visit it to understand the social mores and how it affected architecture. In Pune, the perfect place to start would be to visit one of Shivaji’s forts. Most are not easily accessible and this was done intentionally. Being of strategic importance to a smaller army which pitted against a much larger adversaries and won, it does give us an idea of what architecture meant to people at that point in time.

Another place worth visiting though not in the immediate vicinity of Pune are the rock caves of Ajanta and Ellora. These give us an idea of what religion and renunciation meant about two millennias back. It also make it aware that our predecessors managed to make things we would find difficult to make today- despite humongous advances in technology in every field of architecture and building.

In some case like Mohanjo-Daro and Nalanda, it in fact showed that despite its age, they were quite advanced in time and does reflect a level of ingenuity which due to the advent of standardization and mechanization is slowly dying out. It is sad to note that despite huge strides in this field, on an individual level, we are in fact becoming only less innovative and happy being copy cats. With the easy availability of materials for construction and ideas on mediums like the internet, all our buildings be they homes, schools, factories etc look alike with hardly any scope for any change. Standardization does have its own advantages like speedy completion and cost reduction. But the flip side is that we become lazy and less likely to experiment. The only motivation sometimes is to make money and more money and create an increasing number of indistinguishable buildings.

Not all seems to be lost in this headlong rush to standardize. There are quite a few  like Soverign Architects in Pune which have made it their signature style to be as distinct as possible in the given constraints like space, time, budgets and legislations. You go to them and they with their resources in terms of men and material tell you all the options available and where you so feel, can give you a complete home, inside-out, top to bottom!

Pune, with its enticing weather, dew-drop quality water and educated populace becomes you to make it your home. Architects in Pune, most of whom are from the vicinity await the opportunity to serve you.

Live life King size in a Democracy! It seriously cannot get any better than this.

Happy home making!

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Please feel free to post your comments below.

About Author :- Vaishali Kawalkar is the Founder of Sovereign Architects.