Diwali 2023: Cleaning Hacks And DIY Decor Tips For Diwali

To make sure your guests have a great time, it's important to have a clean and inviting living space.

Cleaning Hacks And DIY Decor Tips For Diwali

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Diwali is that special time of the year when we await to transform our homes into warm, inviting spaces that beautifully capture the essence of festivity. To make sure your guests have a great time, it's important to have a clean and inviting living space. A tidy environment adds to the warm and festive atmosphere of your holiday gatherings. 

A Sparkling Clean Festival Home: Top Cleaning Hacks

In this regard, Ayesha Prasad Narain, who is the AGM- Marketing, at Kärcher India  shared some useful cleaning tips.

• Declutter for Festive Vibes: The holidays are all about spreading joy, and one way to do that is by regularly cleaning up your living spaces. When you clear out things you don't need, you make space for holiday decorations and the holiday spirit to thrive.

• Keep Surfaces Shining: A festive atmosphere is all about the little details. To keep your holiday decorations looking their best, make sure to wipe surfaces daily using good cleaning tools. The sparkle of your decor sets the stage for a joyful celebration.

• Use Decorative Storage: Make your storage look nice with festive baskets and bins for holiday ornaments and decorations. These not only keep things organized but also add a touch of elegance to your home, making it feel more festive.

• Care for Festive Fabrics: Use special cleaning cloths to keep your holiday-themed linens and decorations looking great. These clothes are gentle on delicate fabrics and help you maintain the festive look of your home.
• Vacuum for the Holidays: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and vacuum them regularly, especially when you have guests over. A clean floor not only looks good but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for the holiday season.

DIY Decor Tips For Diwali

Aashita Chadha, who is the Co-Founder and Chief Officer of Culture & Strategy at The KariGhars, presents an array of engaging and uniquely creative DIY decor concepts to infuse a breath of fresh air into your Diwali preparations, offering a novel perspective on the upcoming celebrations!

• Illuminate with Homemade Candles

Candles are the quintessential Diwali decor element, and making your own adds a touch of creativity. Try crafting candles using colourful wax, and fragrant essential oils. The process is both therapeutic and rewarding, and your homemade candles will radiate a warm, welcoming glow.

• Rangoli Reimagined

While Rangoli is deeply rooted in tradition, it also invites innovation. Why not explore the possibilities of a contemporary interpretation by crafting a captivating 3D rangoli? Use a medley of vibrant silk flowers and arrange its petals to form intricate patterns that instantly bring a festive charm. What sets this modern twist apart is not only its aesthetic appeal but also its practicality – it's a mess-free decor element that can be preserved as a long-lasting work of art.

• Upcycled Diyas and Lanterns

No Diwali is truly complete without the warm glow of diyas and the enchantment of lanterns. For a distinctive flair, consider repurposing old glass jars or wooden blocks into exquisite tea light holders. Elevate these creations with vibrant hues or adorn them with the sparkle of glitter and beads, imparting a personalized touch to your festive decor.

• Hand-Painted Diwali Torans

Enhance your doorways with hand-painted torans for a festive touch. Unleash your creativity with acrylic colours and brushes, crafting traditional motifs or personalized designs on a piece of fabric. This DIY decor not only elevates your entrance but also doubles it as a captivating art piece.

• Vibrant Wall Hangings

Revitalize your living spaces with vibrant fabric wall hangings. Crafted from repurposed old sarees, curtains, or bed linens, these DIY decor pieces offer an eco-friendly twist! One can further elevate them with mirror embellishments, embroidery, or fabric paints to fashion a stunning focal point that breathes life into any room.

• Hand-Stamped Table Linens

Infuse an artistic charm into your dining table by embracing hand-stamped tablecloths and napkins. Whether you carve your stamp designs or opt for ready-made ones, a touch of fabric paint will transform them into exquisite, one-of-a-kind patterns. Your attention to detail will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests.

• Crafted Lampshades

Elevate the ambiance of your home by personalizing your lampshades. Transforming plain lampshades with fabric, yarn, or paper, and applying decoupage or collage techniques can help infuse your living space by adding an element of elegance and a unique touch to your living space.

• Blooming Floral Chandeliers

Consider suspending floral chandeliers, an excellent choice that imbues the living area with an ethereal ambiance. Whether you opt for fresh or artificial blooms, this approach allows for boundless creative expression as you design a ceiling centerpiece that is both exceptional and mesmerizing.

• Hand-Decorated Pooja Thalis

The Diwali pooja holds a sacred place in our traditions. To enrich this spiritual space, consider crafting your pooja thalis. Infuse devotion with a personalized touch by embellishing them with vibrant colours, beads, and mirrors, allowing creativity to play a role in this cherished tradition.

In addiition, Amit Jangid, who is the Founder of Breathing Walls, an Interior Design Studio added the folowing:

• Hint of refinement with marigold garlands:

Marigolds are a popular decoration for Diwali because they represent purity. You can make curtains or garlands to hang over your windows and doorways by stringing marigold flowers together. Their vivid shades of orange and yellow will give your décor a hint of refinement.

• Create dreamy mood by floating candles:

A calm and dreamy mood is created by floating candles in ornamental basins or containers. You may easily make your own floating candles at home. To improve the experience, you can add colours and scents to the candles after shaping them using a variety of molds. Arrange them in water-filled bowls with blossom petals to create a lovely and peaceful centerpiece. These floating works of art are ideal for your home's water feature, balcony, or tabletops. They will bring serenity and beauty into your room.

• Make mason jar lanterns:

Mason jars have led to their popularity for DIY crafts. They can be transformed into gorgeous lanterns for Diwali. First, collect several different-sized mason jars that are completely dry and clean. Choose your theme or design. It could be traditional and modern. Put glitter and sequins on the mason jars or use glass paint to create elaborate designs. Then put LED candles or tea lights inside the jars. When these lanterns are lit, the beautiful patterns they cast on the walls will create a lovely environment.

Lastly, Uttamaditya who is a Life & Space Designer suggested a collection of exclusive and meticulously crafted DIY ideas

• Stained Glass Candle Holders:

Why settle for ordinary when you can create extraordinary stained glass candle holders? Crafted by meticulously cutting colored glass into small pieces and assembling them into intricate patterns, these holders cast mesmerizing plays of light and color when lit. Each one becomes a unique work of art that radiates elegance and charm.

• Hand-Painted Mandala Wall Art:

Design and paint your own large mandala on a canvas or directly on a wall. Use metallic paints for a touch of luxury. A mandala represents unity and balance, making it a perfect addition to your Diwali decor. This project embodies precision and sophistication.

• Paper Quilling Diwali Art:

Paper quilling is an intricate art form that allows you to create Diwali-themed art that resembles fine lacework. Craft detailed diyas, Rangoli patterns, or even diya-shaped paper quilling designs for a delicate and detailed touch. This art requires a keen eye for detail and patience.

• Marquetry Wood Inlays:

For those with a penchant for woodworking, master the art of marquetry. Inlay fine wood veneers into a wooden tray, table, or box to create stunning geometric patterns. This technique adds a touch of sophistication and intricacy to your decor that is hard to replicate.

• Hand-Embossed Metal Decor:

For lovers of metalwork, explore the art of hand-embossing. Craft intricate designs on metal sheets, such as aluminum or copper. These can be turned into decorative panels, wall art, or even votive candle holders. The precision and artistry required for this project are truly remarkable.

• Precise Origami Lanterns:

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, takes on a new level of intricacy in these lanterns. Master the art of precise folding to create intricate, origami lanterns. Place LED tea lights inside for a gentle and mesmerizing glow that is bound to impress.

• Antique Frame Mirror:

Upcycling old items is not only environmentally conscious but can result in unique decor. Transform an antique wooden frame into a beautiful mirror by adding a mirrored backing. The aged look of the frame adds character and intricacy to your decor.

• Metal Leaf Decor:

Embrace opulence with metal leafing. Apply gold or silver leaf to various objects, such as vases, frames, or sculptures. The result is a lavish and striking display that showcases your appreciation for fine craftsmanship and artistry.

• Silk Thread and Bead Curtains:

Elegance and luxury are embodied in silk thread and bead curtains. Design your own, threading various beads and silk threads to create delicate, shimmering curtains. These curtains add a sense of opulence to your space, showcasing your attention to detail and flair for beauty.

Bold Prints And Patterns: Making A Statement With Festive Fabrics

Smita Joshi, who is the Vice President of Home Textiles and Design Expert, at Nesterra said, "Embracing bold prints and patterns is an excellent way to infuse a festive atmosphere into any space, whether it's a living room, bedroom, or the setting of a celebration. To maximize their impact, it is essential to have a minimalist approach in the arrangement of furniture and soft furnishings, allowing the bold prints to command attention at the forefront."

"Given that the style of a space is a deeply personal choice, selecting prints, patterns, and designs that resonate with one's personality becomes essential. Incorporating bold prints and patterns into curtains and upholstery is a particularly effective way of revamping a space. When choosing curtains, opt for patterns that are both captivating and complementary to the overall decor. For instance, if neutral colors dominate the space, introducing curtains with bold geometric prints can add vibrant pops of color. Alternatively, for a more traditional decor, selecting curtains adorned with intricate floral patterns can enhance the aesthetic, ensuring that the hues harmonize seamlessly," she con tinued to say.

"When it comes to upholstery, the trend has shifted from solid colors to embrace intricate designs, drawing inspiration from India's rich heritage of designer upholstery. When selecting upholstery, consider the size of the furniture piece and the room's lighting conditions. A smaller-scale pattern may be suitable for a compact sofa to prevent overwhelming the space, while a light-colored pattern can counteract the darkness in a dimly lit room," she concluded.