Madras Square,ECR,Chennai

The cafe at east cost Madras Square has a very charming atmosphere in summer during evenings. Place is done up in bistro casual style. .

The spacious quality of the building is accentuated by free flowing design. Outside space has free flowing area so maximum natural light is introduced.

Walk down through this you can see an atmosphere filled with greens, which makes your feel closer to nature. 

Scene of Cultural Identity

The painting and decoration of flora has the effect of bringing us inside

The painting and decoration of flora has the effect of bringing us inside

Each corner reflects Indian craftsmanship

Each corner reflects Indian craftsmanship

   

Traditional chair is skillfully covered with fabric

Traditional chair is skillfully covered with fabric

Cozy corner of Madras Square is filled with extra ordinary fusion of Indian Style with floral wall papers with traditional decor.  

 There is a cool quality to the interior, the roof is made of wood and brick tile. 

Do drop in to this cafe in Chennai to enjoy the comfort and relish on some good food.

{ All images by Veena Murali are copyrighted }

 ( Re posting and copying to another site  from this blog is not permitted.  Please send queries to veenamurali@gmail.com).

Antique Hunt, Kumarakom, Kerala

On my recent trip to Kerala I captured few photos from a shop in Kumarakom which is near my house.  This store is named " Antique Shop " where you would love to go through a huge collection of vintage Indian artifacts. 

  I suggest you take a look at this shop on your next trip to Kumarakom. You will end up seeing many interesting artifacts, furniture, sculptures, pillars and many more. If you are a vintage lover then this is the place.

If you are looking for treasures for a bargain then you can move away. :-) 

Shop

Entrance Garden

The store has been built using goods (most of the wood work) collected from old houses and mansions. Interesting, Isn't it  ?? 

In addition of restoring old antique furniture, they also do traditional typical Kerala house roofing and wooden walls as per Architectural calculations.
(See 3 ,4 and 5 Pictures). 

Most of the furniture and artifacts are in old state and need some serious restoration. 

Door 

Pillars Beauty

I have been eyeing this crockery unit piece and  trying to convince myself that my house wouldn't be able to fit this in to. Maybe need a bigger house :-)

Restoration is done in the store workshop itself. As I said most of the furniture's came out after restoration. The excellent craftsmanship is enough reason for you not to bargain a price for such awesome restored products. 

Olden Style Portuguese light

Victorian Lamp

Arabian, Mugal lights

  Vintage lamps and the lights reminded me olden styles.

Hope all of you liked the wonderful store. Loads of crafts from India, mostly from South are selling here. Grab your favorite piece next time ! 

Antique Shop
Arupara,(Kumarakom road),
Kottayam, Kerala.

 You can follow the shop on FB :- https://www.facebook.com/Antique-Dealers-1474049702810863

antiquedealers11@gmail.com 
9895897695 , 9895397695 ( Ummer and Navas ).

{ All images by Veena Murali are copyrighted. }

 ( Re posting and copying to another site  from this blog is not permitted. Images can be purchased. Please send queries to veenamurali@gmail.com).

MAISHA

Let me introduce you to an accessory brand that creates drawstring traditional bags which most of you would be able to relate to and appreciate as we have seen these being used by our moms, aunts, grandmoms.

The brand "Maisha" is a creation by the designer Shilpa Jayanth, who graduated from Stella Maris college. She worked with an NGO as a designer for drawstring bags and clothes sourced from under privileged section of the society and was eager to leverage this experience and start her own line.

Maisha specializes in premium fabric drawstring bags, made exclusively for Weddings, Diwali and other special occasions.

The small and colorful potlis (Draw String Bags) that your Grandmum carried around just became "haute couture", don't we agree?

Shilpa started Maisha in 2012 and her work provides touch of rich color, tradition. Fabric styles are predominantly  in silks, cottons, brocades and the color ranges from bright to subtle, all in one place.

Maisha's first bulk order was to a leading retail chain based in Chennai. Off late there have been a string of overseas enquiries and orders who seem to love these vibrant goodies and think of them as useful yet traditional and fashionable Indian giveaways.

Maisha has stuck to the belief that style and tradition can indeed be weaved into one piece. 

To grab your traditional style bags, you can get in touch :

maishafamily@gmail.com  
and https://www.facebook.com/maishafamily

( Images  by "Everything In Nature".Please do not use without permission)

Kerala Calling : Padmanabhapuram Palace

Gods Own Country is a major tourist place in the world history.

Years back I have been to Padmanabhapuram palace because of my interest for experiencing ancient construction. But it was little difficult to understand the  plans , elevations and sections of the building :-). 

Padmanabhapuram temple is located in the region of ancient Travancore(Trivandrum), extended from Marthandom ( Tamil Nadu State). Thid is a piece of one of the ancient wonders  built  with wood (timber in abundance) and stones.

The roof structure is constructed in timber, covered with clay tiles. 

Stone arts

Navarathri Mandapam

King lamp: The sculpture of the horse, hung on a chain, stand still in every direction you want to turn it – unlike common oil lamps, that twist and turn 

on their chains. 

                             An old chair placed in the sit out

Paintings in the  palace would  make us  admire the talent behind the creations.

.

Ottupura where food is offered to guests – when the rulers felt happy enough. This dining hall which could accommodate 2000+ people at a given time.

The wood carvings on the roof and beams emphasize the craftsmanship.

long corridors

 jaali works

The king held discussions with his ministers and took important decisions at this place,called Mantrashala.

 A kilivathil is a tiny window, the shutters of which are  beautifully decorated.

Sloped tiled roofs,  jaali works, long mysterious corridors, courtyards, amazing woodwork, play of light and shadow,  comfortable interior spaces, arts, painting  etc, are timeless architectural marvels portraying our rich tradition.

A trip to this palace is truly going to be a rewarding experience. After my trip I  carried home a bunch of memories to be cherished!

If you do want to use any of my photographs, send me an email at veenamurali@gmail.com