Ankita Rai has always been mad about home décor and interior design. However, it was motherhood that encouraged her to showcase her decorating skills on social. “I started documenting my passion two years back, when I created my son’s nursery,” says the self-taught home stylist whose residence has been featured by decor brands and design publications alike.
Based in Lucknow, the sprawling 35-year-old bungalow has been home to Ankita since she married 12 years ago. “I did all the styling myself and my husband supported me wherever he could. Usually, I visualise the whole setup and note down what I need. I then divide it in to what I can do myself and needs to be outsourced. Until the whole look is finalised, I don’t buy stuff,” she explains.
When asked to define her home interiors style, Ankita says, it’s a continuously evolving one. She enjoys DIY projects, more so when it's with her toddler. They recently decorated a candle together. Last year, she made the most of her time indoors. “The lockdown was an opportunity to do small home makeovers,” she says. The results show on her Instagram grid that’s filled with vibrant ideas for just about every nook and corner of the home.
(Ankita Rai is a homemaker and home stylist who lives in Lucknow with her husband, their toddler and her in-laws. Find her on Instagram @ankita.s.rai)
Drawn to sustainable, earthy design, Ankita chose cane as the primary material for the living room furniture. "I love the warmth it brings into the space," she says. The home is peppered with tablescapes and gallery walls, often featuring DIY décor by the home stylist herself.
Image: Ankita Rai
"I got this wall painted to create fun set-ups and break the monotony every now and then. This seating arrangement was perfect as a reading nook for some me-time," she says.
Image: Ankita Rai
A plant mom to hundreds of green babies, Ankita loves the outdoors. (Right) "During the lockdown, I created this sit-out under my madhumalti (Rangoon creeper) to enjoy the breeze and sip my morning teas," she says. (Centre) The gallery wall along the stairway is anchored around a nautical theme, inspired by Ankita's husband who is in the merchant navy.
Image: Ankita Rai
Ankita's favourite space is her bedroom. The poster bed, which takes centrestage here, is a childhood dream come true. The entrance is marked by customised, embroidered art, set against a Mediterranean blue wall.
Image: Ankita Rai
The kid's room is decorated in neutral tones of grey and white with cheery pops of yellow.
Yahoo Lifestyle India wants to help brighten up some of the gloom surrounding COVID. As we spend more time at home, and put more effort into cleaning, fixing, rearranging and organising our home space, we ask our readers to share pictures of their beautiful home with us, in a new series called #MyHomeMyStyle.
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