What a lovely mansion, I thought. Being in the line of interior designing I just can't help observing the decor of any place I happen to visit. The thing that struck me most in the house were the artificial plants. Every nook and corner had artificial plants and flowers when there was every scope of having fresh ones inside. The only explanation I could offer myself for it was that this was the `In' thing!

First of all artificial plants or flowers can never substitute for fresh ones. Still it is understandable if one sees one or two in those skyscrapers of Mumbai where lack of sunlight does not permit one to have the real ones.One very often sees people falling prey to this concept of the `In' thing. One must pause and think whether it's relevant in the given circumstances. Does it harmonise with its surroundings? Just because a so and so possesses a particular thing need we too must have it?

Another thing I have noticed in some very modern homes is the way the windows are treated. The ceilings these days are neither very high nor the rooms so large to have very elaborate curtains with scallops, valances, swags and tails. In our climatic conditions the dust and grime collects in it. Matters are made worse when these scallops are fitted to the pelmet. If the curtains have bold prints then they make the room look further cluttered. In fact these sort of elaborate window treatments should be left for hotels or very formal guest houses.

There are many simpler ways of treating ones windows that will make them stand out differently from the rest. One can use just stitch loops to slide them, or the fabric can be simply thrown across the curtain pole. This way one can have more sets of curtains without having to stitch them, except the raw edges. In fact one can be very innovative in treating the windows.

Another thing that makes a decor look drab is too much of symmetry. There should be harmonious balance of things placed in a room. This makes the room much more interesting than having identical things on the left as well as right side of the room. Every nook and corner should be able to hold ones attention and create interest. Dare to be different and you will enjoy your home much more.