Home decor inspirations from Galle, Sri Lanka
Nestled in the southern part of Sri Lanka, Galle represents relics of the mighty Portuguese settlement in the country. The pulse point of the city lies within the walls of the Galle Fort. The cobbled streets lead you past the magnificent Portuguese-style houses, still humming tunes from the past.
Now, one would wonder, what home decor inspirations can an ancient fort and a forgotten settlement offer?
GLAD YOU ASKED!
Tropical leaf arrangements
Flowers are passé when you have slender leaf arrangements that are twice as nice. Most hotels, restaurants and, even, houses in Galle seemed to use a little sparkle of green, where it mattered the most. Think split leaf philodendrum, fan palm or even aralia leaf neatly posted on your desks in simple glass vases and you’d know what I mean.
Interesting doorway patterns
Doors are usually forgotten in the excitement of beautifying windows. But, not in Galle! Some vintage doorways were so magnificent that they left a mark on my heart. The next time, I redo my interiors, I’ll have one eye fixed on the doors. Adding frames, hanging bells or even using colour elements on the doors or around them can compel some head-turning changes.
A white-on-white look
Not just in fashion, a white-on-white look is a total winner even when it comes to styling homes (and hotels). Pristine and pure, white paints the heart of Galle. While, the look is sometimes tricky to pull-off with the risk of it falling flat, a marriage of textures or contrasting colour elements can be useful.
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Long drop ceiling fans
Now this one’s an ode to the olden days. Most our homes do not have the space required to pull this off, but if your’s does, do consider a long drop ceiling fan. And, while you are at it, consider vintage designs with giant blades or even the ones with palm leaf-shaped blades. Every time you switch on your fan, let some coolness and style descend on you.
Bougainvillea is magical
Every now and then, a splash of colour greets the eye in Galle. I am not talking about rainbows, it’s the harmonic union of bougainvillea plants that we often overlook as too familiar in India. Guess we realise the potential of what we already know when we see it in another context. Next time when you are hunting for flower pots for your balcony, bring home some of of these pink/orange beauties and see your space bloom.
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