I love this Bombay-inspired room. This décor style melds casual elements with sophisticated touches that produce a killer combination. It's an inexpensive style to achieve and is a great choice if you don't know how to decorate around family heirloom furniture that might otherwise be out of place.
If you have one or more pieces of antique furniture that you want to keep in the family but don't necessarily want to build a décor around, the Bombay style may be your answer. The gorgeous vanity in our photograph is representative of an antique sideboard and melds beautifully into the more relaxed, contemporary side of the Bombay style. The British Colonial roots of this décor style allow for the infusion of unusual elements with great visual success, which leaves lots of room for creativity to abound.
The various elements
OK. So you're thinking you might want to try this approach in which you could include Granny's antique wardrobe that you've never found a proper place for in your contemporary-style decor. From here you'll want to bring in the various basics elements of the Bombay style. Let's review.
Antiques
Other antique pieces like the area rug and side chair in our photograph can also be brought into the space to create visual harmony between the two styles. For example, you may have an antique trunk, drum table or tapestry that might work well in a space like this along with Granny's sideboard. The sophisticated side of this style brings a bit of elegance to what could turn into a beach-style décor if not for the infusion of some antique items.
Shutters
Wooden shutters, plantation shutters or painted louvred doors are an important part of this décor fashion. Luckily you don't have to go out and purchase custom-made wooden shutters to make this work. As was done in this lovely room, simple, ready-made louvred doors are painted in a light, summery colour and slightly distressed to make them appear aged. If you have window shutters or louvred doors that don't necessarily fit any of your windows you can still hang them on the wall as artwork, use them as a headboard for a single bed or as a free-standing room divider. Bring in the shutter elements in some fashion if at all possible. You may find odd shutters at garage sales or flee markets that normally you would pass by. Pick them up for your new space.
Palette
The colour palette in your new room should be light and breezy. Soft blue, gray, green and yellow can all work to your advantage. The trick is to have the colour appear sun-faded as in our feature photograph. Muted tones with a low-sheen finish will work well.
Floors
This room has lovely wide-plank flooring in the main area but a painted and distressed floor, dark stained oak floor or even terra-cotta style tiles could work as well. If you have to work with the flooring that you have and you're unsure of how it will look, you can always disguise a large area of the floor with inexpensive grass-weave mats which will co-ordinate well with the other wicker accents.
Wicker
Woven natural elements like the large woven urn and magazine rack are often inexpensive accessories that are readily available in most décor shops. Add a few of these items into the mix to maintain the casual, relaxed side of the room. Try to use items that are visually substantial as in our photograph. Small wicker baskets from the dollar store might be insufficient but a few larger wicker waste bins or laundry basket-style items will do the trick. If you have some items on hand that don't quite "work," try painting them in a distressed finish using one of your wall-paint colours. Other wicker touches like lampshades, floor cushions with woven grass covers and small furniture items are good options as well.
If you aren't successful finding shutters to fit your windows you can use woven blinds as seen in our feature room. The blinds will bring in the casual element but are structured enough to fit this décor style.
Miscellaneous accessories
The botanical prints in this room fit this décor style. Along with botanical elements you'll want to inject some large leafy plants such as rubber trees or palms.
The Bombay ceiling fan is another nice touch if it's fitting for your particular needs. They are readily available at most lighting centres or online. The large fan blades are meant to rotate in a slow, almost lazy fashion. Just enough spin to circulate the air. Just enough style to make a statement. You may be able to retrofit your current ceiling fan by changing the blades. Talk to your lighting specialist to see if this is possible or see if you might be able to secure simple wicker palm fans to your current blades (covering the current blades from below). Places like Wicker World carry lots of options for your accessory needs along with woven rugs and blinds. If you try this idea remember to use the slowest speed possible when operating the ceiling fan. You don't want the fans to fly off or get caught in the works of the fixture. If your ceiling fan also includes lighting, be sure that the wicker fans don't come in contact with the bulbs. This idea is an affordable alternative to purchasing a new ceiling fan and can be changed back to the original style if desired.
Bombay style offers just the right mix of an easy-living casual side with the infusion of elegant components that will make your space comfy and classic.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
