Old World Charm

Despite being half a century in age, the royal 1940s and 50s form is having its golden moment. Finding prized places in city homes, royalty has found its way back in.

“After being dismissed in the background for a few years, the vintage furniture now forms highlights any given room,” says interior designer Annu Bains, as she sits across a console that with a distressed finish and hand painted flowers make for a vintage setting. Forming a part of her latest collection, Bains tells us anything that flaunts the old world charm is in vogue – be it European or Spanish style, Moroccan theme or Arabian nights.

Walk to Uma Gift Mart in Panchkula, and you won’t be able tor resist the vintage feel to the place with its painted dressers and cupboards, grand clocks and trunks. Other city stores like DCA in Sector 26 flaunt floral quilts and kitchen ware. In Sector 17, the store 1469 brings the rustic charm of Punjab. “The feeling of nostalgia dominates the scene,” points out Sunita Gupta, a resident of Sector 28, as she shows us around her drawing room that looks majestic with a Victorian fireplace. Traditional and classic styling, she says.

Fine antiques, family heirlooms and custom-made pieces throw a royal look at Abhas Goyal’s residence in Sector 18. “Classics never go out of fashion,” says this engineer who’s working with Tech Mohindra.

Not necessarily expensive on the pocket, “the only mandate is that it should give a slightly worn look,” points out Anita Bhatia, an interior designer based in Panchkula, who feels that rich antique fabrics for upholstery, slip-covers, throws, cushions and curtains complete the look. “Or you can just display period accessories and collections on open shelves, or in glass-fronted display cabinets. From pretty ornaments, porcelain figurines to classy ceramics and pottery, anything will do,” adds Bhatia

At Harkirat Singh Aluhwalia’s recently built farm house, traditional jewellery framed up onto the wall does the trick. “Each of these pieces tell a tale of grandeur and past glory,” he smiles. From the coffee table to the dining chair and from the intricately carved ivory chair to the easy chair, “everything that reminds us of the old world charm has been pulled in,” he tips.

So, if your granny hasn’t yet donated her rosewood sideboard to a charity organisation, beg, steal or borrow!